Ceasar didn't seem at all surprised to see Apophis, though he seemed somewhat taken aback at the presence of the strange little girl behind him.
"What a particularly interesting development," said Ceasar, smirking. "Unfortunately, I'm now superior to you in level, Apophis! Seems like a good opportunity for me to take my revenge. What do you think about that?"
Apophis answered, "Nothing would please me more than to beat you again! Unfortunately, I'm afraid I can't spare the time. I'm here for Tyo, and nothing else."
Ceasar didn't usually care about the opinions of other players, nor about his reputation in general. Usually, if he wanted to fight someone, he just did so without bothering to ask for a duel. It had been many years since he'd worried about what anyone else thought about him.
Yet, Ceasar realized that he deeply respected Apophis, this person who worked relentlessly for the power to destroy those who opposed him. It reminded Ceasar of his younger years, before he let himself be controlled by money. Though he could have simply attacked Apophis, he didn't want to degrade the friendly rivalry between the two of them.
So, rather than forcing the opportunity to prove his own superiority, Ceasar said, "I accept a delay to our duel… but on one condition! You'll join me in the main Renovatio Imperii army corps during the assault on Tyo."
System: The player "Ceasar" invited you to join the guild "Renovatio Imperii."
Apophis hesitated. "Once the fortifications fall, I must again be free to do as I please. I'm not interested in becoming a soldier for your guild."
Ceasar smiled calmly. "Of course! No commitment beyond the initial assault."
This would not only let Ceasar keep an eye on Apophis—and figure out why Apophis had changed his mind and come here after all—but this would also prove to the other guilds that Renovatio Imperii had much more prestige and firepower than them.
And, of course, Ceasar would also have the chance to convince Apophis to stay in the guild permanently!
Apophis knew that Ceasar was asking him for all these reasons, and he found all this strategizing quite amusing. "I accept," said Apophis.
System: You have joined the guild "Renovatio Imperii."
As far as Apophis was concerned, even if it wounded his pride to join a guild for even a short time, the battlefield would be so chaotic that he'd be grateful for the protection of a SuperGuild! At the very least, having so many other targets surrounding him would distract the enemy from bothering him too much.
The other players of Renovatio Imperii were terribly jealous of Apophis, this outsider who had attracted the attention of an international star like Ceasar.
There was nothing they could do about it, of course.
***
SEVERAL KILOMETERS AWAY
"Heeey! This is Pro-Streamer, your favorite streamer! According to our sources, the guilds have finally agreed to a direct assault on Tyo in just one hour! It's gonna be epic, and I'll be streaming the entire battle! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!"
It was a shock to everyone: the army of over fifty million players surrounding the huge city was about to begin its assault! After several days of anxious waiting for the attack to begin, everyone watching was overjoyed that there would finally be some action.
The ground began to shake!
All the players were heading to the battlefield; everyone was ecstatic! And on everyone's mind was not only the thrill of the coming battle, but all the loot and EXP that would come showering upon them for it!
***
In the city of Tyo, the emergency sirens blared.
A wind of panic agitated the whole population, for all Tyottings were aware of the barbarity of the Eternals. They would expect no mercy from their attackers.
The soldiers and the militia quickly joined the fortifications installed all around the city as the President of the Republic delivered an improvised speech over a loudspeaker.
"Dear citizens of Tyo, it has been a week since the war with the Eternals began. We have lost many of our loved ones, but today the invaders intend to finish their genocide. Your neighbors, your loved ones, are counting on you to defend their city—your city—this last bastion of hope for our people.
"I know it is difficult, this thing that I ask you to do. Is there anyone among us who is not hungry, not afraid? But hope is not lost. Our protector, the United Federation of Planets, has sent a great fleet to help us take back our planet! Now, fight for your freedom and survival! Long live the Republic! Long live Tyo!"
Despite the horror awaiting them, a cheer rose from all around the city of Tyo.
The few Tyottings occupying those city walls were their people's last hope.
Would they be enough?