Dream Avenue regathered within the base. Liam scanned the guild and found many exhausted faces. A look at the numbers revealed that they still had 239 members left, outnumbering Force of Nature's 192.
But neither side had a decisive advantage. Now that both guilds returned to their bases it was difficult to find an opening.
If one side decided to attack the other the defenders could turn their base into a fortress by spending their points, making a siege almost impossible.
Usually, the format would provide siege engines in such scenarios, but this time C didn't include them in the construction menu.
Maybe the AI judged that the relic was enough of an incentive to fight over.
And indeed, 300 points were not a low amount although Liam was probably the only one who could judge accurately.
Liam's friends watched him ponder. Eventually Cyclone couldn't refrain from asking:
"And what now? Should we just sit here and wait?"
"Earthquake is known as a battle hungry warrior. Perhaps his rashness could prompt him to attack us.", said Radiant Shield, causing Silver Blade to shake her head.
"I feel like the rumours are too one-sided. If Earthquake was that crazy, he wouldn't have ordered a retreat just now."
"Maybe it was someone else. Someone sent by Callida.", commented Balm.
Listening to the discussion, Liam gently shook his head. He looked at the map where the relic slowly moved towards them. He was contemplating how to use the relic to draw the enemy out of the base.
While everyone recovered their stamina, many enjoying Serena's food, and the scouts slowly returned to the base, a loud shout suddenly broke the peaceful atmosphere:
"Cyclone and Balm! Our guild leader challenges you to a decisive battle! Let us meet at the centre of the map in thirty minutes! No traps, no ambushes, no scrolls! A pure battle!"
Cyclone and Balm were startled, dashing onto the wall and looking at the messenger in the distance.
They found Golden Fang, his appearance striking as if he didn't flee in embarrassment a while ago. But under the eyes of the two guild leaders, he shivered inwardly despite his outward appearance.
"Why should we believe you?", asked Balm with narrowed eyes.
"I can guarantee it upon our guild's reputation. Isn't Fortune recording? If we go back on our word, we would be the disgrace of Crunaboul!"
Golden Fang's voice sounded with conviction. Looking at him anyone could see that at least in his heart the guild's reputation indeed held an important place.
Cyclone pondered for a moment, answering slowly:
"We will discuss it."
"Of course. If you don't come, we will return to our base and this war will end after the time runs out. But if you do come, both of us can earn more points!"
Cyclone and Balm looked at each other before nodding towards Golden Fang and returning to their friends.
Since the conversation couldn't be hidden, a tumultuous discussion immediately erupted. The guild's higher ups used the chat for convenience.
[Cyclone: Expert, what do you think?]
[Bleary Mirage: What do you think?]
[Cyclone: I... want to accept. Even if we lose, the points are valuable.]
[Balm: You got a point.]
[Silent Acacia: Isn't this kind of cheating, making such a compromise?]
[Bleary Mirage: Why? C wants guilds to fight each other. In fact, if we for example agree to let the enemy take the relic for money, both guilds will get punished by C.]
[Silver Blade: I'm glad such safety measures exist.]
[Cyclone: Yeah. I can think of certain people who might try to abuse such a cheat.]
[Final Fend: Maybe they are doing so right now.]
[Braag: Guys, we digress.]
[Cyclone: You're right. So, what about the challenge?]
[Bleary Mirage: I suggest letting everyone vote. Such a decision can be important for the guild. It will shape our style as a whole.]
[Fortune: Personally, I would love to fight. Makes for a good video and it will bolster our popularity online.]
Cyclone continued reading as her friends gave their opinions, most of them in Favor of fighting. She also leaned towards it but as always, she greatly respected Liam's opinion.
Listening to the surroundings Cyclone could perceive a strong trend. She was certain that the guild members would love to accept the challenge as well.
Since this was the case, there was no harm in performing a vote. Cyclone inwardly praised her own intelligence while messaging Balm, relaying her thoughts.
The two guild leaders agreed quickly. They separated from the crowd, climbing the wall. Noticing this, the guild members gradually grew quiet.
Cyclone directed a gratified smile at everyone as she began speaking:
"Everyone, you heard about the challenge. After some discussion we decided that this matter is too important, so we will let all of you vote."
Immediately murmurs spread through the crowd. Voting wasn't unheard of but usually guild leaders liked to control such decisions. After all, which CEO would allow their workers to vote on important decisions?
Contrary to Cyclone's and Balm's expectations some people even showed disagreement to the decision, preferring a steadfast guild leader.
But the two women didn't take it to heart. They didn't want to be like Star Gazer, who was used to leading his guild like a company. When they decided to found Dream Avenue together, they were already destined not to go down this path.
Balm waited until the commotion quieted before taking over from Cyclone:
"We have two options. If we face the challenge, we have to trust Force of Nature's words and fight to the end. We would earn more valuable points but the same is true for Force of Nature.
If we stay here, we will earn less points but won't face the risk of an ambush. You guys decided."
The guild members looked at each other while a few prominent members made their voices heard.
"What is there to fear, with Hotpot here? Go Hotpot! Go Dream Avenue!"
In the middle of the crowd Glorious Hotpot and a few others cheered happily, earning them some exasperated glances.
"I think we should go. We don't have anything to lose."
"Yes. Golden Fang said it himself. With Fortune recording they wouldn't pull any tricks."
"Force of Nature's reputation is quite good. I don't think they would ambush us."
As Cyclone listened, she could gauge that many of her guild members knew Force of Nature quite well, indeed trusting in their reputation.
Deep down Cyclone felt similarly but as a guild leader she had to show some caution. She gave the guild members some time to exchange ideas before staring the voting.
To no one's surprise it ended with an overwhelming number in support of accepting the challenge.
Cyclone was happy, barely able to suppress a loud laugh. During the vote she could feel how everyone got closer. No one showed disinterest. Every member got invested in the guild's development, strengthening their sense of belonging.
Maybe even the few spies would change their minds and wholeheartedly work for the guild, becoming part of the iron core.
Noticing Cyclone's thoughts wander, Balm poked her sides, bringing her back to reality. Cyclone didn't show any embarrassment, calmly walking back towards her friends together with Balm.
The guild made some last-minute preparations, adjusting their minds, and waiting for their cooldowns to reach zero before setting off.
After a while they reached a spacious plain which made up the centre of the battlefield. Force of Nature was already waiting for them. Their powerful warriors, partially hidden in the fog, emitted an incredibly oppressive air like a mythological beast.
Noticing the enemy's approach, Earthquake took a step forward, shouting loudly:
"Cyclone! I'm surprised you accepted my challenge after refusing the last time. You've earned back my respect."
Cy showed a puzzled expression as Dream Avenue came to a stop some distance away:
"What are you talking about? What previous challenge?"
"Hmpf! I challenged you after you took the first spot on the ranking list, but you never answered. Don't tell me you weren't aware."
"I..."
"Whatever...", interrupted Earthquake impatiently. "... you lost your first place. Now my sights are set on Phoenix Feather."
Cyclone shook her head in confusion, inwardly thanking Phoenix Feather for distracting that crazy guy. She had no idea where his obsession with first place came from.
The same was true for Phoenix Feather, however. Cyclone also never understood why she was so eager to be first. The famous mage must've been levelling since leaving the dungeon in order to overtake her and her friends.
On Force of Nature's side Callida, holding an imposing silver spear, rolled her eyes looking at Earthquake in amusement. She stepped forward, addressing Dream Avenue:
"Let's not dwell on this. We don't have unlimited time.
I propose both guilds send out scouts to clear the fog. Do you agree?"
"Sure."
With Balms agreement both guilds didn't hesitate. Thieves separated from both sides, dispersing the fog in the surroundings.
Bloody Edge didn't dare to walk too close to Force of Nature. He kept up his vigilance, prepared for all possibilities.
But until the thieves returned Force of Nature didn't make any strange moves, reassuring Dream Avenue.