As Sebastian stood on the platform, his image instantly appeared on the hovering screen above.
"Who is this guy?"
WindSovereign's brow furrowed as he stared inquisitively at Sebastian, adorned in a magus robe. The others exchanged perplexed glances.
"Guild leader, he must have recently joined North Wind," one player speculated.
Previously, their attention had been fixated on Mia, not noticing the inconspicuous Sebastian at the back.
Only when he emerged did they realize that North Wind had acquired a new recruit.
This was unexpected news for WindSovereign.
Given North Wind's stringent membership criteria, the player on the platform named "ShepherdWind" must possess exceptional prowess.
"Guild leader, what should we do now?" someone inquired.
Their initial strategy had been tailored for the original five members of North Wind, and this new player disrupted their plans.
WindSovereign gazed at Sebastian. "If he's the first to step up, he's likely just fodder. Disregard him and stick to the original plan."
"If he's a magus, then I'll take him on," declared a player dressed in black light armor.
"Very well. Proceed with caution," WindSovereign nodded.
[Players, please confirm the start of the solo.]
A prompt echoed across the platform.
Facing Sebastian stood a player named "Chaser," his demeanor intensely focused. Once both had confirmed, the duel officially began.
Chaser raised his right hand, and with a flash of light, a green longbow materialized.
His piercing gaze fixed intently on his opponent.
Across from him, Sebastian calmly produced a wooden wand.
When the wand appeared, a momentary look of confusion crossed Chaser's face.
And he wasn't the only one — onlookers around the platform were equally dumbfounded, their eyes widening as they watched the screen in disbelief.
A wooden wand? Wasn't that part of the starter pack equipment?
"Ha! MelodiousDance, does North Wind treat its new members this poorly? Can't even provide decent equipment?" laughed WindSovereign, recognizing the novice item, his laughter infectious as others joined in.
They were all taken aback.
In a duel between elite players, no one had expected a starter piece of equipment to be brandished.
It seemed laughably inadequate.
Mia's expression was a mix of embarrassment and confusion, at a loss for a retort.
Because even she hadn't anticipated that a formidable lv17 player would sport a common-quality novice equipment.
Behind her, Lin Luo and Jason exchanged glances, both seeing the shock mirrored in the other's eyes.
They had seen this wand just the previous night.
They had initially assumed Sebastian had simply picked a random item, deeming the monsters beneath him.
But now, things seemed to be taking an odd turn.
"Is North Wind conceding? Offering a free kill right from the get-go?" WindSovereign's taunting persisted, his laughter bordering on manic.
He was certain of victory in this match.
After all, how formidable could someone with just a beginner's equipment be?
He even began to question North Wind's judgment in recruiting such a player into their team.
Facing the jeers and mockery, Mia remained silent, her striking eyes focused intently on Sebastian, waiting for his next move.
On the platform, Chaser, seeing the wooden wand, couldn't help but chuckle, "Kid, are you here for a comedy show?"
Sebastian's demeanor remained undisturbed, offering no reply.
Truth be told, he didn't possess any remarkable equipment.
But it didn't matter; this wand would suffice.
Slowly, he lifted the wand, commencing his incantation. "God of ancient flames, heed my call. Grant me the power to obliterate, I…"
Across from him, Chaser's gaze sharpened.
Swiftly, he angled his longbow, right hand resting on the bowstring, pulling it taut.
A luminous arrow gradually materialized in the center of the stage.
Whoosh.
The next moment, the arrow whistled forth, slicing through the air with fierce momentum.
As an archer, Chaser was primarily positioned to counter Mia, a magus.
However, Sebastian's sudden appearance as a magus changed the dynamics.
With no choice, Chaser took the first move.
Though a magus's skills possessed immense burst potential, the drawback lay in the casting time.
In contrast, an archer's assault was among the swiftest of all classes, capable of striking while the opponent was still chanting.
Case in point, as the arrow sped through the void, Sebastian's spell was just past its midpoint.
At such moments, if not interrupted, one was bound to be hit.
Yet, Sebastian displayed no intent to halt his chant, proceeding as if he was alone in the world.
"Could he truly be a novice?" Chaser wondered, his brow furrowing as he studied his opponent.
Anyone with a shred of knowledge would know that forcefully continuing a chant would inevitably lead to an interruption.
Yet, Sebastian appeared oblivious, showing no signs of evasion.
The rapidly approaching arrow was now inches from Sebastian's face, its razor-sharp tip brimming with immense force.
If it struck, the damage would be devastating.
Roar—
At that moment, a wolf's howl erupted, resonating throughout the entire arena.
In front of Sebastian, a snow-white figure burst forth from the void.
With an outstretched massive paw, it swatted at the oncoming arrow.
Boom—
The paw connected unerringly with the arrow, shattering it instantaneously into myriad specks of light.
Then, a majestic snow wolf materialized in the center, its eyes blazing with ferocity, exuding a frosty aura, standing with an imposing presence.
Chaser's face contorted in astonishment, deeply shaken. He has a pet?
Outside the arena, the expressions of WindSovereign and the others darkened at the spectacle.
"How is it possible? How can he possess such a powerful pet?" He exclaimed, his gaze fixated on the robust snow wolf.
The game, [Original Realm], had been active for just over a month.
Most players hadn't even leveled themselves up, let alone own a formidable pet.
Moreover, acquiring a pet wasn't an easy task, and nurturing one required significant effort and resources.
Crucially, one had to level up alongside their pet.
Most players were preoccupied with their progression, unlikely to expend time cultivating a pet.
Yet, the snow wolf in the arena was clearly matured... a combat-ready pet!
A deep dread welled within WindSovereign as he intently watched the figure on the screen.
Now he finally understood why North Wind had chosen such a member.
Possessing such a powerful pet, even if one's individual strength wasn't impressive, was more than sufficient.
On North Wind's side, Mia was slightly taken aback.
She was aware that Sebastian had a pet, but she hadn't anticipated its rapid growth rate.
It had been less than a day, and the creature had already matured!