> "Flags are more than cloth—they're a declaration of will." —Ancient Faction Proverb
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[Location: Floating Citadel – Entry Nexus Gate, Day 1 of War of Banners]
The sky split open with war horns echoing across dimensions. Thirteen massive citadels hovered like drifting continents, each surrounded by shimmering storm barriers. The War of Banners had officially begun.
In the center of one citadel's sky-bridge, a dozen guilds stood at the ready, all hoping to plant their flag on the Core Pillar—a luminous obelisk capable of rewriting authority in the Nexus System.
Aric arrived at the battlefield on a floating platform, flanked by two elite summons:
Kaelis, Broken Chronoknight (EX-Talent) – his blade shimmered with time fractures
Eira, Spirit Tactician (SSS-Talent) – floating command tablets orbited her form
His banner—Infinite Dominion—glowed with vibrant silver-blue light as the system acknowledged their first participation.
> System Broadcast: "Guild [Infinite Dominion] enters the Banner Field. Combatants: 27. Primary Rank: E+"
The crowd laughed.
An E+ ranked guild among juggernauts? But only Aric knew what his guild truly held—summons that rivaled named bosses, and strategic clones operating off-grid.
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[War Mechanics Unlocked – Phase 1: Capture Points]
Each citadel hosted three key points:
1. Outer Arena – PvP zone
2. Core Nexus – Claimable Pillar
3. Artifact Vault – Random loot, trap-guarded
Capturing zones granted points hourly. Points = Guild EXP + Upgrade Materials + Fame + Buffs
Aric whispered, "Eira, begin expansion protocol."
> "Clone 04: Deploying Scout Squad to Artifact Vault." "Clone 07: Sabotage op against Heaven's Chain relay beacon initiated." "Kaelis: Advancing to Core Nexus with Guardian Squad."
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[Unexpected Assault – Secret Alliance Revealed]
Before Kaelis could reach the Nexus, three banners appeared simultaneously—Heaven's Chain, Fangroot Dominion, and Radiant Vow.
They were collaborating?
> "Unite to crush the anomaly," one of their commanders roared. "That E+ guild is a false rank!"
Dozens of elite players and beasts launched coordinated attacks.
> System Alert: "Your guild is now targeted by [Tri-Guild Aggression Pact]. Escape disabled. No teleporting."
Aric smirked.
> "So the big kids want to play dirty? Fine. Let's unleash hell."
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[Summoning Override – Infinite Chain Link Protocol]
Aric activated a hidden mechanic: Infinite Chain Link Protocol, a system trait bound to his EX Talent + City-level Authority.
> Protocol Initiated: Temporarily unlock +5 summon slots for 30 minutes "Warning: This may destabilize your region's mana field."
Suddenly, five more elite summons emerged:
Gravelmaw, Abyss Leviathan Clone
Lira, Celestial Marksman
Writhe, Void Phoenix
Sanctara, Healing Domain Sovereign
Hexa-03, Artificial Archmagus
The battlefield flipped. Lightning shattered the clouds as spells, void waves, and time distortions exploded outward.
> "Fall back!" a Heaven's Chain vanguard yelled.
But it was too late. Eira's command nodes activated a Mirror Barrage, targeting retreat paths with illusionary damage that felt real until the mind snapped.
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[System Notice – First Citadel Secured]
> "Victory: Infinite Dominion has secured [Citadel of Windlight]!" "+12,500 Banner Points awarded." "Guild Rank Up: D- achieved."
Aric exhaled slowly. They had their foothold.
And the war had just begun.
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[Post-War Rewards Tease]
> Unlock Preview: Legendary Relic – Sigil of Eternal Sovereignty Type: Banner-Core Item Effects:
Allows construction of a Mobile Guild Fortress
Generates passive loyalty in neutral territory
Unlocks 'Call to Banner' skill – summons all members to one location
Aric stared at the blinking reward prompt.
> "This war is no longer about proving our strength." "It's about rewriting the hierarchy of worlds."
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End of Chapter 15