Reign of the Hunters

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But what does it have to do with you?” 

“Well, it depends on the choice you make.” a chair materialized with the wave of the man’s hand.
And he took a seat on the simple yet exquisitely made chair. 

“Name your price.” Ye Ci knew that there was no free lunch in the world, and she also knew that the NPC wanted something from her in exchange for his help. 

But surprise was the emotion that the man showed when he heard her response, before he eventually erupted into laughter.
He nodded at Ye Ci and clapped his hands, “Interesting.
Very interesting! You Elves have grown more interesting that the one called Dau’er after so many years!” 

?You know of King Dau’er?” Ye Ci was shocked. Could this be a side quest of Dau’er’s questline? 

“Well, I know the name.” the man responded casually, “I’ve never liked remembering the names of opponents that I’ve vanquished.” 

An opponent that he had vanquished? Ye Ci was shocked once again.
The Elven King Dau’er was an ancient hero of the Elves, and their greatest warrior.
His legacy was something that not a single Elf could match, but the man claimed to have defeated the Elven King. 

Ye Ci could still remember the history recorded in the books that she had read in the National Library. Dau’er was never defeated on the battlefield.
His only defeat was… 

She finally knew who the man was. 

He told her that she knew his name, and that he could help with her troubles.
He also named Dau’er as someone who he had vanquished.
There was only one being who met such a criteria. 

Ye Ci tried her best to force herself to remain calm.
She took in a deep breath and said to the man, “Wow, I sure am lucky.
How many in this world have had the honor of seeing your true appearance, Naga?” 

“And that’s why I said you Elves have grown more interesting.” 

“I will not accept your help no matter what trouble I’m in.” While she was not part of the conflict between the NPCs, Ye Ci was very close to completing Dau’er’s quest.
She did not want to see her efforts going to waste. 

“Oh really?” it was as if Naga had expected her response, “Are you sure that you do not want my help?” 

“There is no free lunch in this world, especially when it comes from you.
And I don’t think the price is something I can afford.” Ye Ci shook her head. Well, it seems that it’s our loss today.
We’ll have to get back at them next time. 

“Will your decision remain the same no matter what happens?” the smile remained on Naga’s face. 

“Yes.
I will not betray my faith.” Ye Ci responded with the most standard option provided by the game. 

Naga nodded at her, “Very well.
But allow me to confirm it with you one last time.” Naga waved his hand, and the battlefield between Upwards Ho! and Golden Era appeared before Ye Ci. 

Players from Golden Era were locked in combat with players from Upwards Ho!, Wolf Pack, Tang Dynasty, and Conquering the Heavens.
Spells and projectiles crisscrossed between the two bodies of players.
Casualties were a common occurrence, but the fallen would often immediately be replaced with more players surging forth to join the battle. 

This was the first time Ye Ci was viewing a battle as a spectator, and she felt anger.
She was angry at herself for dying, and she was angry that she could not join her comrades in battle. 

Naga’s voice entered her ears as she observed the ongoing battle with her fists clenched tightly, “Ah, after so many years, the people of this land are still addicted to the thrills of war.
Look at that, what you see before you is just like what happened thousands of years ago.
Death.
Death is everywhere!” 

Ye Ci’s face paled when she heard a loud roar coming from afar. It’s the summoned beast!

A gigantic scorpion appeared at the rear of Golden Era’s formations.
Its size was so large that the players around it appeared tiny as ants in comparison. 

“Ahh… They’ve summoned little Latal.
It seems that your comrades are doomed.” Naga whispered into Ye Ci’s ears.
She did not even realize that Naga had already walked up to her.

Ye Ci had a choice to make: To sacrifice the hard work of Upwards Ho! players, or her own benefit.