Chapter 107 Fiery Night
[The ranking you have all been waiting for is ready!]
[1. The Kings]
[2. Vensalor]
[3. The Shadow Warriors]
[4. Elite Hunters]
[5. Mystic Order]
[6. The Arcane]
[7. The Dragon Slayers]
[...]
[Your party is ranked 2nd out of 10, with a total of 368 survivors.]
[This challenge will proceed to the next stage. The Pocket Dimension will then be converted into a Raid Dungeon, with fearsome boss monsters that must be defeated in order for the dungeon to be cleared.]
[We wish everyone the best of luck! Have a great day!]
"Oh yeah…" Max shouted in excitement, giving a narrative about the update. "Finally, the next round of this challenge is here! A massive raid dungeon with ten parties of Hunters - that's sure to be an exciting and tense massive battle!"
***
Anonymous Dragonfly: "It turns out Robert was spot on with his predictions, and we are fortunate to have him. He is remarkably wise for his age and well-placed to make a positive impact. Had the participants gone on squabbling and vying for power, the situation could have become even more dire. God bless you, Robert!"
Anonymous Rat: "Despite their planned course of action, the challengers may not be enough to overcome the monsters in the final round. Thus, Olivia's advice should be heeded and additional strategies should be taken into consideration to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenge ahead."
Anonymous Crocodile: "Are we being pranked again by CEHA? Before they said there would be no escape for the participants, but now they have revealed a different truth. I don't believe the threat in the pocket dimension will be too severe; I'm willing to bet on it."
Anonymous Racoon: "How can you be so sure of yourself? It can't be easy to be trapped in a situation like this, relying solely on their own resources and ability to cooperate with one another. I just hope that this challenge will prove to be a successful one for them."
***
Robert rose from his seat among the nine other people gathered in the largest igloo of the emergency ice stronghold. He had a grave expression, yet he spoke slowly and calmly.
"As the host who initiated this alliance," Robert addressed the ten leaders of the parties gathered. "I would like to offer my assistance in moderating our discussion this evening," he began.
"As I said before, we are facing an enormous challenge, one that will require all of us to come together and use all of our resources in order to minimize casualties on our side."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "Me and several party leaders have already made some preparations for what we might face tomorrow, but there is one last task we must complete - to choose a representative, a leader for this alliance."
Robert surveyed the room, noting the expressions on everyone's faces. "It is essential that we select a leader who can make rapid and accurate decisions in an emergency," he declared.
"So, let us come together this evening and choose someone who can supply us with the right solutions and decisions, even when faced with a deadlock."
Robert paused, surveying the room, then said, "I'd like each of you to express your opinion." He then resumed his seat.
Someone raised a hand, a Dwarf. At Robert's invitation, he stood up. "I'm from The Dragon Slayers and I recommend Nathan to lead this alliance. A friend of mine is in his team, and he has proven to be adept at uniting different races in harmony."
Another hand then arose, this one belonging to a male forest elf. "We forest elves are accustomed to living in the woods, and we possess the know-how to fight in large numbers effectively. I believe we are competent enough to lead the alliance."
"Let me talk," declared another one.
It was Nina. Her blonde, shoulder-length curls hair bounced as she raised her hand. She wore a gray executive suit, a pair of glasses, and a determined look on her face. At 18 years old, she was ready to make her voice heard.
She surveyed the room as she stood, her voice strong and self-assured. "I'm sure you all know who I am," she declared. "But, let me reintroduce myself for those who may not be familiar."
"I'm Nina, leader of the Elite Hunters. Despite only having 25 members, I managed to lead my party to fourth place in the rankings. I'm very experienced in battle strategy, and I'm confident I have what it takes to lead our alliance to victory." With that, she smiled and resumed her seat.
All eyes in the room were fixed on Nina as Gydarra rose from his seat, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Come now, human bitch!" He said firmly.
"Don't you think that a party of such small size, yet with such a high ranking, deserves to be the leader?" He continued.
"Certainly, I believe that Master Nathan, sitting here beside me, is the rightful leader. He was able to lead a party of only five people and make it to the second rank - a feat that no one else in this place can claim to have achieved!" Gydarra added.
Nina rose, her expression earnest, and addressed Gydarra. "I'm not trying to belittle your master's accomplishments." She reassured him.
"I'm just pointing out that my party has more members than either yours or Nathan's. And I'm equipped with the experience and resources needed to lead the alliance. I'm confident I can be a successful leader, and I'm sure Nathan can understand that."
She paused and shifted her gaze to Nathan. "Not to mention, I'm sure his high ranking was achieved by taking advantage of a weaker party," then she turned back to Gydarra, "And he only took over the Shadow Warriors because your young lady had a crush on him."
"I knew from the start that your insolent mouth needed to be taught a lesson." Gydarra seethed with anger at Nina's words, stepping menacingly forward with a drawn sword in his hand.
"Now, prove yourself and fight me if you dare say such low things about my Master and young miss!" He thrust his sword forward toward Nina, and the peaceful dialogue that had been intended to create an amicable atmosphere suddenly and drastically transformed into an intense confrontation!
***
Anonymous Crocodile: "This event never fails to astound me! I'm absolutely fascinated to see where this leaders' meeting is going to take us."
Anonymous Rat: "I can't wait to see Gydarra give Nina a well-deserved lesson. She's too full of herself, if you ask me."
Anonymous Pig: "Ha ha! Gydarra has really changed, from a wild beast to a loyal pooch that listens to its master!"