Most of the Chat Group members were invited with the exception of a few that are busy with their own lives.
In the Ray Familia manor, everyone gathered. But not just the Chat Group members. Also few of Ray's daughters are involved with the Familia. Namely Sirin, the Familia Captain.
"Now that everyone is gathered. Mind explaining why are we declaring a War Game with the Ishtar Familia?" Sirin tapped her fingers on her shoulder impatiently while staring at Ray with a scowl.
As for Sirin's bad mood, that can be attributed to her still swollen butt cheeks after being spanked by him not too long ago. Definitely not the three blond lolis that surrounded him. If her stare could kill, she would had definitely kill Ray few thousands times over.
Besides Sirin is Tanya with an equally curious expression although had a slight understanding of Ray's reason. Another is Sakura who is oblivious but is supportive of Ray because she trusts him to have a good reason to declare a War Game.
Meanwhile in the background are the Chat Group members assembled by the mission invitation and gathered to listen to the details of the mission.
As for Ray, he is still calmly petting the obedient and sleepy looking Yue snuggled up between his right arm and chest peacefully napping while Eva curiously looking at everyone and Shinobu still sulking over no meal and snack.
"Well…" Ray started. "The main reason would be Ishtar being the main culprit behind the protest. They are trying to gain a monopoly over Tanya's magic guns."
Tanya immediately nodded as the reason felt right with how aggressive Ishtar Familia was to seize any attempt that could make them stronger to fight against the Freya Familia.
Naturally, the wondrous magic rifles that can cross the boundary of Levels make it very attractive not to land on Ishta's sight.
Inwardly, Ray laments that it's always the Love Goddess trying to stir up trouble with him.
First was Freya, in which he broke her mind and molded her into his slave. Although he was replaced with another Freya so as not to break the balance of Orario as losing Freya Familia suddenly will flip everything upside down.
But now, it's Ishtar's turn finding trouble with him.
Based on his precognition, if he didn't nip the problem from the root. Ishtar would declare a War Game regardless to seize Tanya and by extension, the whole Familia since each of its members are powerful Adventurer which is very tempting.
But to dare covet Tanya is one thing. To dare covet his daughters too? Courting death!
Hearing his explanation, Sirin dismissed her jealousy and became more serious to address the matter.
"Okay, I understand that there's a valid reason to declare a War Game. But still, Ishtar Familia is a major Familia. They had hundreds of members and a Rank A Familia. In comparison, even if our Familia have 3 official Rank 5 Adventurers, we are still a Rank D Familia because even if we have members with higher ranks, our numbers are less than a dozen." Sirin shook her head helplessly.
Even if they have superior Levels, with three Rank 5. Their numbers are very small and easily overwhelmed with superior numbers like the Ishtar Familia.
But instead of being concerned, Ray laughed with a smirk and asked Sirin.
"Are you afraid?"
Sirin naturally exploded in anger.
"Who said I am? If not for the stupid rules, Bella alone can wipe out the entire Ishtar Familia!" Sirin snapped and Ray.
Naturally, the rules she mentioned is a rule Ray had made very long ago when Sirik first started her journey in Orario. The rule was she cannot display abilities that can arouse suspicions of the gods about her otherworldly origin.
"Heh. Rules are temporary my dear daughter. Since I made the rule, I can also break it. So, why are you worried about it?" Ray shrugged and continued smirking as he pointed to his back, at the Chat Group members.
"Naturally I wouldn't let you fight a disadvantageous battle. They are here to assist you." Ray revealed the reason for assembling the Chat Group members.
That would solve the problems of lacking quantity. But both Sirin and Tanya would mention another glaring problem. That is, none of them are part of the Familia. At least the powerful ones like Ainz and Rimuru since none of them have any real reason to dive into the dungeon. While weaker members like Subaru or Kazuma would have the initiative to dive into the dungeon to grow stronger.
But, the problem was resolved with a snap of his fingers. Everyone is now an official member.
After all, with his power. How hard would it really be to fabricate the paperworks?
Effortless.
Anyway, with all the problems resolved. The discussion shifts over to the actual War Game.
As its name suggests. It's a war but also a game. It's a mock war that still allows lethal usage of attacks but not to the extent you have to kill every single enemy. But killing is allowed although it's not encouraged.
The details had yet to be discussed as that would require Ray to participate in a discussion with other gods and Ishtar to decide. But, knowing Ishtar. She would definitely choose a method like siege or something similar where she could use her superior number of members to her advantage. However, that is exactly what Ray wanted as he prefers a straightforward battle.
Does he need to fear Ishtar's numerical advantage?
No.
In fact, he didn't even need to interfere much as Sirin and Sakura alone can shatter that advantage.
Sirin's specialty is AOE and massive DPS. She alone could contend with the whole Ishtar Familia if the elite members were to be put aside. With her Space Manipulation, she could enter and leave the enemy ranks at will and lay waste to their numbers with her ability at ease.
As for Sakura. Or rather, Dark Sakura. She is the bane of any group battle, able to manipulate her opponent to turn against their ally and using curses to sow discord and confusion.
Sakura herself is too kind for her own good to hurt another person. But when push comes to shove, she is equally powerful enough to hold her ground.
With enough convincing from Ray, Sirin eventually relented and agreed to the War Game. That's the first step.
The next would be the Chat Group members. Naturally, with their powers. It's easy for the gods to discover their true nature. Hence, there are rules needed to be laid down. Not to mention, half of them are too strong if they release their full power. It would be devastating. Especially Ainz and Rimuru.
After hearing Ray's intention to limit their power, none actually objected.
"Umu, as you said. Our true power would be too devastating. Naturally, we should limit ourselves." Ainz said as he compared himself to the strongest Adventurer, Ottar.
To kill Ottar, Ainz only needs a mere Grasp Heart. That would be too anticlimactic. So, Ainz agreed to limit himself to Tier 5 and below while also using his Dark Knight Momon alter-ego which further limits his magic.
While Rimuru also similarly agreed to limit his power to certain extent not to appear too powerful. Around the level of a Level 6 Adventurer at most.
Next on the list would actually be Hajime but he unfortunately didn't participate since he was busy conquering dungeons in his world to participate.
However, few of the members also bring along their companions to add up the numbers like Ainz who had no choice but to bring along the overprotective Albedo who wouldn't let him go without her protection. Then there's Shalltear who tag along because she didn't want Albedo to get advantage over Ainz while they both are out of her sight.
In short, there are a few dozen additions to the participants. Majority from Rimuru side.
The troublesome bunch which followed Rimuru over was Veldora, the Storm Dragon and Milim Nava who initially joined to visit her sisters but with no surprise joined the War Game because it sounded fun.
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