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However, it wasn't just Singo; various guilds also noticed the anomaly in Dragon Valley.

【Royal Authority】 is now the most prestigious elite guild, with over eighty members and strict standards. Most of its members are professional players. They have even built a simple castle within Baator City as their guild base, naming it "Royal Hall."

The guild leader is a famous wealthy professional player known as "Overlord," a tall and strong Oath of Conquest Paladin.

At this moment, the core members of the guild were gathered in the Royal Hall.

Overlord sat at the main seat and asked, "So, if the intel is accurate, we're facing a war?"

The vice president, "Windcloud," responded, "That's right. According to our spies in Northwind Fortress, the enemy should be an allied force of the northern nations. Three prestigious ducal families are participating, and they've reportedly assembled an army of nearly 30,000 troops, gathering in the Storm Highlands area."

"Blue Wave Sword Rain" said, "Can we win? If we can't beat them, can we switch sides and join the other team?"

Windcloud shook his head, "I don't recommend switching sides. Our guild's foundation is already set in Baator City. We've monopolized the city's alcohol production and wall construction industries. If we change factions now, we'll have to start all our operations from scratch, returning to the same starting line as others. We'd lose all our advantages, and we can't afford that cost."

Overlord asked, "What's the assessment of our own strength?"

Windcloud pondered for a moment before saying, "Hard to say. On paper, the strengths should be roughly equal. Although we might not have an advantage in numbers, these draconic creatures are probably far stronger than ordinary human soldiers."

He paused.

"But there are too many uncertain influencing factors, such as the enemy's spellcasters, and... our faction leader."

"You mean that red dragon?"

"Yes. So far, we've only seen his avatars and statues. Ordinary people can't enter the lair in Dragon Valley, so it's hard to assess his role in the war."

Overlord made a decision, "Then we'll do our best to fight. If we fight well, we'll surely earn contribution points. If we lose, it's no big deal. If they break through, we'll just switch sides and become guides for them. After all, our race is human; even if the northern coalition occupies the city, we can still be local bosses in Baator City."

Windcloud agreed, "I think so too."

Overlord turned to the elite warrior player "Big Sword" and asked, "How many contribution points do you have now? When can you get the Crimson Scaled Conqueror?"

Big Sword said loudly, "I have 9,300 now; I should be able to exchange for it tomorrow. But I'll need to buy some wyvern taming items from Singo."

Overlord nodded, "Very good. I'm planning to use the Mysterious Invitation tomorrow. Let's prepare our money and contributions, and make one trip to buy everything we need."

The player with the ID "Bucket Runner," an older civil engineer, weakly said from the side, "Since we're going to war, shouldn't we get some special weapons..."

"Indeed we shou—"

Overlord was about to answer when a loud roar came from the sky. Unlike the hoarse screeches of wyverns, this sound was deep and powerful, full of majesty, making people involuntarily want to kneel and submit.

Windcloud asked in confusion, "What's happening?"

A guild member guarding the door hurriedly opened it and shouted loudly, "Come quickly!"

"The faction leader has arrived!"

Overlord quickly said, "Let's go and take a look."

All the 【Royal Authority】 members in the hall followed Overlord to the hillside area of Baator City.

"Roar——"

Another long roar echoed.

Not only were many players gathered in the hillside area, but the tiefling residents also came together. The tiefling guards led by Medrolash were also present.

A massive figure appeared in the sky, casting many people into shadow.

Then, that red figure descended from the sky with a boom, landing atop the highest rock in the hillside area.

Dust flew up, and even the ground trembled slightly.

Everyone looked up in amazement. When the dust settled, they could see the newcomer's true appearance—it was a terrifying red dragon. Its massive body was strong and powerful, covered in armor-like red scales, and its backward-swept large horns resembled a crown.

Cassius stood on the rock, spreading his wings spanning tens of meters, casting a shadow over the people of Baator City below.

He looked down from above, golden pupils flashing with a majestic light, and an invisible aura emanated instantly.

Everyone immediately felt a deep-seated fear of this powerful creature, involuntarily lowering their heads. This allowed them to truly experience what is called "Dragon Fear."

Only then did Cassius slowly speak, his thunderous voice booming: "My subjects, war is about to begin."

His voice spread throughout Baator City.

"The allied forces of the northern nations are gathering. They will advance to the Storm Highlands. They intend to destroy my city, slaughter my minions, and plunder my wealth."

"However, my power will prove to them that all this is mere wishful thinking, and everything they have will turn to ashes under the flames."

"Subjects, make all necessary preparations. Prove your loyalty to me with blood and fire. The trial of slaughter is about to begin, and we will undoubtedly crush the weak armies of the northern nations."

"For the Ember Nest!"

"For Baator City!"

"For the great red dragon!"

"For... revenge!"

Medrolash was the first to raise his sword and shout, followed by the tiefling guards raising their spears and shouting as well.

Then more people joined in, and the shouts formed waves of fervor. The people of Baator City shouted excitedly, vowing to crush the invading armies.

The players also joined in the enthusiastic atmosphere, but their shouts included personal touches like "For dragon girls!" "For experience!" "For succubi!" Fortunately, the tieflings were already used to it and pretended not to hear.

Overlord looked up at the red dragon's massive wings that overshadowed everyone and couldn't help but sigh, "What challenge rating does that have? Even if our guild attacks together, we probably wouldn't last a few minutes."

Windcloud murmured, "I don't know, but I know one thing."

"This war... we probably won't lose."

The players' interfaces refreshed with new information.

【Main Quest: The Beginning of War】

[Under the leadership of "Flame Dragon" Cassius, the Ember Nest continues to expand. The endless greed of the red dragon has alarmed the three northern duchies of Lackman, Bosque, and Nort. They have formed a joint army of over 30,000 troops, preparing to march into the Storm Highlands to eliminate this evil force in one fell swoop.

You are free to choose your faction in the war, fighting for victory for your side. For each enemy you kill, you will receive 150 faction contribution points. The quest will begin in approximately 30 days. Please make all necessary preparations to face the upcoming war.]

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