Devastation gripped the once-bustling sector as Ember and the serpent’s clash reached its final showdown. While Ember remained unscathed, the serpent bore a multitude of gaping wounds across its vast form, each oozing fresh blood that mingled with the blackened soot, creating a noxious blend that corroded everything it touched.
Amidst the chaos, Zara reached the designated rendezvous point ahead of the others. Thousands of onlookers, whether from the crowded streets or the towering buildings, fixated their gazes on the champions emerging from the wreckage of Sector O.
Unperturbed by the throngs of spectators, Zara swiftly navigated toward a colossal structure emanating an intense aura. Constructed from a rare material with a silvery sheen, the building seemed to warp the very air around it, leaving most champions with the eerie sensation that it could be swallowed by a portal at any moment.
Situated at the heart of the neutral zone, the structure, known as the gathering point, served as both the commercial hub of the city and the departure point for champions seeking to further their ascent.
Barely a minute after Zara's arrival, other champions began to emerge from various streets in a steady stream. Among them was Slim, still naked, panting as he hurried forward.
“Why is it that every time I'm with you guys, I have to run for my life?” Slim grumbled over the party channel as he darted into an alleyway.
After a swift change into fresh attire, the necromancer approached the towering edifice.
“So, who's here? Don't tell me I'm the first,” he remarked, scanning the area for familiar faces.
“You wish,” Zara retorted with a scoff. “Look to your left, bonehead.”
Slim followed her instruction and spotted the brawler leaning against a pillar. With quick strides, he made his way over, but before he could take his fifth step, another voice reverberated in his mind.
“We're here too. I can see you,” Llorva declared, emerging from a nearby alleyway.
“Looks like we all made it out,” Scott's voice cut through the tension, causing Zara to startle as if he had appeared out of thin air.
She turned swiftly, suppressing a scream. Scott had indeed manifested seemingly from nowhere.
Slim couldn't help but chuckle at Zara's reaction. “What are you talking about, buddy? Orion hasn't—”
Before Slim could finish, a soft chuckle interrupted him. “Don't worry about me. I'm here too,” Orion's voice echoed in their minds. “I'm at the entrance. Come in,” he added.
The grand doors of the building swung open, revealing a familiar face beckoning them inside with a smile and a wave.
Zara frowned slightly. When did he get here? She wondered. After all, Orion had been tasked with dealing with the archers. It seemed odd that he would be here before them, his demeanor suggesting he had been waiting for a while.
Another explosion shook Sector O, followed by a harrowing scream. Only a select few champions, with unique abilities and keen senses, could witness the ongoing battle, but none dared to approach.
“We shouldn't stay here long,” Orion's mental voice broke the silence. “Another announcement is bound to come soon. We don't want to be here when it does.”
The group nodded in agreement, hastening their steps towards the mage. While most champions observed the chaos from a safe distance, those with a sense of urgency began to gather, slowly making their way to the gathering point.
Inside, the room was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Despite its small size, it exuded a serene atmosphere, adorned with elegant furniture and captivating artwork.
“Quite cozy, isn't it?” Orion remarked with a smile, adjusting his glasses as he admired an abstract painting.
The room, though devoid of windows or visible entrances, was filled with a refreshing breeze, gently rustling the leaves of the potted plants.
Scott glanced around briefly before settling into a padded chair, visibly relieved to be away from the turmoil outside.
Welcome to the Gathering Point! As a reward, you will receive enough Experience Points to qualify for the next level! Distributing required Experience Points…
They exchanged puzzled looks, each of them surprised by the unexpected reward—an increase in level that was both unilateral and substantial.
Experience Points distribution completed! Congratulations! You’ve leveled up!
Scott shifted his attention to his companions, but Hastur’s gaze remained dormant. Hmm… There are restrictions on this room as well, he mused. But why would they offer such a reward? He had spent enough time in the tower to understand that nothing was given freely.
Warning! Your party does not meet the minimum required number of members to enter the next stage! Would you like to proceed to the next stage by merging with another party? Warning! If you choose not to temporarily merge with another party, you will be forced to leave the Gathering Point!
The notification appeared before Zara, the appointed leader of their party. She lifted her gaze, awaiting the input and opinions of her companions.
Slim spoke up first, his arms folded as he leaned against the wall. “Finding someone willing to join us will be a challenge, especially after what happened earlier. We can't be sure who might try to manipulate their way into our group.”
“I agree,” Llorva added. “It's wise to advance to the next stage. Fi-Fi shares the same view,” she affirmed.
Zara nodded, shifting her focus to Orion. The mage, engrossed in examining a silky grass plant, offered his perspective without turning. “Statistically speaking, returning to the neutral zone would be unwise. Considering the circumstances, it's only a matter of time before they dispatch pursuers. Proceeding to the next stage seems the most strategic course of action.” With a sudden turn, he flashed Zara a dazzling smile. “Nevertheless, I have no objections if you choose otherwise. It promises to be an intriguing journey regardless,” he declared before returning his attention to the plant.
Zara then directed her gaze to Scott, the sole member of their six-man party who had taken a seat. “What are your thoughts, Scott?”
“I'm in agreement with what everyone said. There's no merit in going back there,” he replied softly.
“Then it's settled,” Zara murmured before selecting [Yes]. Immediately, a new system notification materialized before the champions.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
You've chosen to press onward! Your party will merge with another to meet the minimum requirements for the next stage. Searching for a suitable party… A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview! Name: Oni’Kah. Members: 4. Race: Orc (4). Ranks: 88. 59. 40. 48.
Note: Your party information will be shared with other prospective parties. Both parties must accept an invitation from each other before the merger can proceed. Do you wish to— Your party has been rejected!
Slim spat out a curse, his gaze fixed on the system information. “Those motherfuckers,” he muttered, his face darkened by frustration. “They didn't even give it a second thought.”
Meanwhile, Orion burst into laughter. “Can't blame 'em, really,” he chuckled. “Those guys aren't exactly known for playing well with others. We should count ourselves lucky they turned us down.” His grin widened. “Feels like we're swiping left and right on Tinder or something,” he added, his laughter subsiding as he turned his attention back to the plant.
Slim frowned, a question gnawing at him. What's Tinder? he wondered. Unable to suppress his curiosity, he turned to Scott. “Hey, buddy, what's Tinder?”
Scott sighed softly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “I knew there was no way you’d ignore that,” he said. “It's... well, it's like an item that shows you potential matches based on your preferences. You know, like if you're into singing, it'll try to match you with other singers. You just keep swiping until you find someone who fits what you're looking for.” He shot a pointed glance at Orion, who chuckled at his disjointed explanation.
Slim rubbed his jaw, mulling over Scott's words. “So, why'd someone invent something like that?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Scott nodded toward Orion. “You can ask him, he’s the one who brought it up. I never really used it… at least not that much,” he added with a shrug.
Orion's laughter bubbled up once more, but before he could respond, another system notification interrupted him.
A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview! Name: Jerry, Tom, Isiah, and Patrick. Members: 4. Race: Humans (4) Ranks: 55. 52. 50. 48.
Do you wish to merge with this party? Yes! No!
Orion exploded into laughter once more, and even Scott giggled softly. Zara, Slim, and Llorva joined in, though none could pinpoint exactly what amused them. They couldn’t stop themselves from speculating what type of personalities made up the group if they couldn’t decide on something as basic as a name.
Llorva was the first to stifle her laughter, and she hesitated, “Um, we're not seriously considering joining them, are we?”
Your party has been rejected!
The system notification flashed on the screen mere moments after Llorva voiced her concerns.
“It appears we're the ones struggling to find a party,” Zara remarked with a wry smile. She took a vacant seat, with Slim and Llorva following suit, the elf positioning herself closer to Scott. Only Orion remained standing, his attention now fixated on an oil painting.
“So, what's our plan if no one selects us?” Slim suddenly inquired.
“Let's not jinx ourselves,” Zara interjected. “There's nothing inherently wrong with us. Any group would be fortunate to have us, right?” she added, casting a smile towards her companions. However, her smile faltered as she contemplated further. Scott was not someone most people would envision forming any physical connections with. His half-human heritage, coupled with the prevailing skepticism between different races, would undoubtedly complicate their selection process. And then there was Slim, an undead—a fact that most champions would find off-putting.
“Why the change in expression, my leader?” Slim questioned, his tone tinged with offense.
“Why wouldn't it change?” Zara hissed. “We might be here for a while, thanks to you and Scott.” With a resigned sigh, she braced herself for a potentially prolonged wait.
Meanwhile, Slim rose from his seat, his face contorted with anger. “Are you implying we're unattractive?” he bellowed, turning to Scott. “Hey, buddy, are you hearing this? She's insulting us.” The necromancer delved into his inventory, retrieving a pristine magazine. Flipping to a specific page, he eagerly pointed to an article, boasting, “Take a look. I was voted the second-best dressed among emerging musicians across thirty sanctuaries, and eight percent of female champions consider me the most handsome newcomer, and for some reason, I was considered the best ‘Top’ by them too, whatever that means. I understand if you find Scott unappealing,” Slim paused, turning to Scott, "No offense, mate. But don't you dare call me ugly.”
Zara rubbed her temples, vigorously shaking her head. “Fine, you're not ugly.”
“Exactly,” Slim chuckled triumphantly. However, Zara quickly interjected, “But you are a proper dumbass.”
“Yes, I’m a… hold on a moment,” Slim paused, frowning. Reflecting on Zara's initial comment, a sheepish grin spread across his face. Awkwardly stashing the magazine back into his inventory, he mumbled, “Well, it's not like it's our fault I'm undead or that Scott's half-human. We don't want to be associated with people who'd discriminate against us anyway.”
“I can't argue with that,” Zara said, sighing as she recalled Slim’s previous outburst.
Meanwhile, the necromancer sheepishly returned to seat while awkwardly scratching the back of his skull. Scott, on the other hand, didn’t bother to suppress his laughter whatsoever.
A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview! Name: Claw. Members: 4. Race: Avians (2), Human (1). Vampire (1). Ranks: 65. 89. 30. 15.
Do you wish to merge with this party? Yes! No!
Your party has been accepted!
The group exchanged glances, but it was Zara who wore the most bewildered yet excited expression. Finding a match so unexpectedly had caught her off guard.
“What do you guys think?” she mentally queried.
Slim wasted no time in responding. “What do you mean, 'what do we think'? Accept the invite before they have second thoughts or notice they accepted by mistake.”
Without hesitation, Zara tapped the screen, and a new system notification promptly appeared.
You have matched with Claw! Your group will be transported to the next stage immediately! Good Luck!
The champions' expressions soured instantly at the unexpected gesture. It marked the first time the system had ever wished them luck before the commencement of a trial or stage. Before anyone could voice their thoughts, a portal swallowed the champions, and the room reverted to its empty state.