(Author's note: The previous chapter 20 has been scrapped entirely.  This is a brand new arc.  Let me know what you think, thanks.)

Chapter 20: War

Empress and Helia were returning from the ruined cities when a notification appeared in front of their faces.

Southfront City has declared war on Northfront City!

Empress laughed loudly.

“What?” Helia asked, confused, “Why are you laughing?”

“It’s perfect!” Empress smiled, “I was worried about what to do to level up, but now a war is happening!”

“Why would Southfront start a war?” Helia wondered, knitting her eyebrows.

“Resources,” Empress said simply, “The winner of the war gets massive benefits to their city.”

Empress shrugged, “Besides. Players from the different cities hate each other. It was bound to happen eventually.”

Helia’s eyes twinkled curiously.

“What happens if we lose?”

“Then we become a part of Southfront until a server reset happens.”

“Has any side managed to capture all four cities?”

“Not that I know of. I’m sure the rewards would be incredible though.”

Empress motioned towards Helia, “Go get Scarlet registered, I’ll be at the plaza.”

Helia nodded, steering Scarlet away.

Empress teleported forward, quickly making her way to the city’s center. Thousands of players were there, yelling back and forth.

“The Saints of Mercury are recruiting members! Come join us to take down Southfront!”

“Recruiting members for Northfront’s Fifth Battalion, join us for great rewards!”

Empress shook her head, smiling. As she cast her gaze around the plaza, a hand tapped her on the shoulder.  She glanced backwards, seeing a familiar face.

“Hey Empress,” a white-haired girl stood, waving amiably.

“Yuki!” Empress grinned, “No hard feelings, right?”

“Of course not,” Yuki smiled back, “I wish you wouldn’t have choked me though.”

She grimaced, touching her neck.

“Sorry,” Empress blushed, “I panicked.”

Yuki waved her had dismissively.

“Going to join an organization?” Yuki asked curiously.

“It’d probably be a good idea,” Empress admitted, “I only know one group though, and I have no interest in joining them.”

“Want to join my org temporarily? We could use your assistance against Southfront.”

Empress hesitated, “Are you sure you need my help?”

“Of course!” Yuki nodded, “You’d be one of our strongest assets.”

“I’d have to ask my sidekick what she thinks.”

“Sure thing,” Yuki smiled.

A dozen minutes later, Helia returned with Scarlet.

“Welcome back Helia,” Empress told the red-haired girl, “What do you think about joining Yuki’s organization during the war?”

Helia frowned, glancing over snow-haired girl.

After a minute, she nodded, “It seems like a smart plan, boss. We’ll have strength in numbers.”

Yuki reached out and shook Empress’s hand.

“The war won’t officially start for twenty-four hours. In the meantime, let me take you to our headquarters and introduce you to our other members.”

Yuki’s headquarters was a massive skyscraper. The girls hopped in the elevator and rode it to the highest floor.  When the door opened, a couple faces immediately darted in their direction.

“Welcome back Yuki. Who are they?”

The question was asked by a woman in a red dress. She exuded an aura of charm and seduction.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Flora, this is Empress and her sidekick Helia,” Yuki smiled, introducing the pair.

“Isn’t Empress the one who crushed you in the tournament?” another voice asked.

Yuki frowned, “Knock it off.”

A young man draped in black lounged on top of a couch. An amused expression was on his face.

“Whatever sis,” he laughed.

He hopped off the couch, walking towards Empress.

The man reached out a hand. Empress shook it.

"The name's Kuro. I'm Yuki's brother."

"Nice to meet you."

Yuki clapped her hands together, “Great. Now that everyone has been introduced, let’s get planning, shall we?”

Yuki spread a map out on the table, showing the locations of Northfront and Southfront cities.

“First things first.” she said looking at Empress and Helia, “Are you guys familiar with the rules?”

The pair shook their heads.

“Okay. It’s pretty simple. For the duration of the war, everyone only has one life. If you die, it’s over. The side that wipes out the enemy wins.”

“Is that the only way to win?” Empress asked curiously.

“No,” Yuki shook her head, “There are also capture points scattered throughout the cities. If you capture all of the opposing points, you win.”

Empress frowned, “Won’t the side with the most high-level players hold the advantage?”

“Ordinarily, yes,” Yuki admitted, “However, for the duration of the war, everyone will be scaled to the same level. It’ll be a contest of pure wit and skill.”

Empress smiled, “Sounds like my type of battle.”

“What’s the plan then?” she asked Yuki.

“Our organization has been voted the responsibility to capture point F,” she said, circling a spot on Southfront’s map.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult. It’s the point deepest in enemy territory.”

Empress sighed inwardly, “Of course it’s the most difficult point.”

Yuki reached into her inventory and pulled out a packet of golden, metal bands. 

“We have to wear these on our wrist or else we can’t participate. They’re identifiers. The enemy will be wearing red ones.”

Empress and Helia each grabbed a band, fastening it to their wrists.

At that moment Kuro spoke up, “Since we’re going to work together, we need to know the full extent of each other’s powers. No being shy.”

Yuki spoke up, “You already know my power. I have snow manipulation mastery.”

She nodded towards Kuro.

“I have darkness manipulation mastery and enhanced reflexes,” he grunted.

Flora spoked up next, “I have pheromone mastery.”

Helia and Empress exchanged glances.

“I have barrier mastery and minor teleportation. Helia has wound transferal.”

Yuki nodded in appreciation.

“Helia and Flora will be our support. Kuro and I will be the main offensive. I can trust you on defense, right Empress?”

Empress nodded.

At that moment Helia spoke up, “Empress beat you, right? Shouldn’t she be on offense then?”

Yuki shook her head.

“My brother and I work best together. Empress is the only person among us who has a strong defensive skill.”

Helia nodded, understanding. Empress patted Helia’s leg appreciatively.

Yuki spoke up.

“Let’s head to the training room in the basement. It’ll give us a chance to coordinate our powers together.”

The group nodded their agreement and headed to the elevator.