PLANET ERA—ORBIT
Regnier's ship hung in geostationary position above the planet.
His troops had landed on Era to help Lotus reestablish Eclipse's control, and the operation was already well underway.
Most of the major cities had already fallen. As in the first war between the Federation and the Eternals, most of the players who were lvl 10 or below were quickly slaughtered. Only a few Coalition fanatics still resisted, but their efforts would be quickly stomped out.
Regnier was sitting on a magnificent throne with the skull of a star dragon lying at its feet when one of his subordinates, a massive veteran Orc named Golnok, entered and approached him.
Golnok said, "Master, the humans have been repelled. The planet is under our control. What are your orders?"
Regnier said, "Organize our retreat in orbit. Proceed to divest all control of regions to the Eternal named Lotus."
Golnok was disappointed. "Master, I am one of your most faithful servants. I have followed you for most of my life as a soldier. I beg you, reconsider this order! Our recent actions have bewildered the men. The humiliating retreat from Cronos I… the invasion of a meaningless planet… and now a retreat when we have just now captured the planet, at the cost of thousands of our brothers' lives. Please, Master, can you explain these plans?"
Regnier narrowed his eyes. "You dare defy me?"
Golnok bowed lower. "Master, please forgive me! You know that I will follow you to the hell of Khorne if I have to. I ask not for myself, but for the sake of the troops and their morale. Please clarify your ambitions for them."
Regnier was silent for a moment, then answered. "My actions are in service to another. I have sworn allegiance to an Eternal named Apophis. However… I will show you why you should follow us to the edge of the universe, if that is what Apophis demands of me. Did you install our observation satellites before we left Cronos I?"
"Yes, Master."
Regnier smiled thinly. "Start the broadcast. Command our fleet warlords to observe."
***
CRONOS I—NORTHERN CONTINENT—NOKFUL
At Apophis's scorn at her current beauty, Zelda blushed with shame. How dare he speak so disrespectfully when her escorts could hear it!
Zelda's feelings towards Apophis were close to hatred, but his character and arrogance always put her off guard.
Having been born into wealth, Zelda had always been a millionaire of high status. Never before had a man dared show her defiance! Throughout her entire childhood, Zelda had gotten everything he desired through money or charm.
Apophis was like nobody she'd ever met, and she didn't know how to react.
Her escort was also quite nervous. After all, this guy had managed to slaughter five hundred elite Hyrule players several months ago. Who knew what he was capable of now?!
Many small guilds and solo players were also watching the scene. Without any direct stake in the conflict, it was an exciting situation for them! Fights between MMORPG stars were very rare, since nobody wanted the loss of prestige that always resulted from losing.
In the minds of most onlookers, Apophis stood no chance. After all, his guild was tiny, and he was facing one of the game's most elite players, Zelda of the Hyrule SuperGuild! The players watching in fascination did so out of malicious glee.
Pro-Streamer himself was elated! He'd longed for the opportunity to see the outsider Apophis in action for quite some time. This was a giant opportunity to build his audience.
But before Apophis could say anything else, a stealthy Warrior attacked him from behind!
Strangely, the Warrior passed through Apophis like a ghost or a hologram.
Apophis threw a casual, un-buffed punch in return… which violently tore out the player's spine!
The would-be assassin collapsed instantly, his body disappearing in a flash of light.
Everyone was stupefied!
Apophis had treated this elite player like a pathetic insect. Moreover, what kind of skill allowed someone to be incorporeal to attacks but still be able to attack in return?!
Then Apophis activated ~Dark Cosmic Meditation (lvl:3)~.
Swirling dark energy accumulated around Apophis, giving him the appearance of a demon god. In a moment, only his bright red eyes were visible through the mist.
The tables had turned, and most of the Hyrule players realized they were dealing with a threat they were completely unprepared for.
Even Zelda's professional instincts urged her to run away quickly! But if she did, her reputation would be ruined forever.
So, a fight to the death it would be!
Being a Warrior herself, Zelda drew her magnificent blue sword in one hand and wielded a huge shield in the other.
Then she ordered her entire escort of ten thousand players to attack Apophis at once!
