Not long after the chaos caused by Master Zein, two figures with auras that resonated with his appeared on the scene.
The first was a woman with striking red hair, dressed in vibrant purple. Upon her arrival, she completely ignored Master Zein and made a beeline for the muscular man, rushing to his aid. A bottle materialized from thin air, which she poured into the mouths of both the muscular man and his companion, the bowman.
Essim watched from a distance, admiration swelling in his heart. This woman was a Player like him, her aura radiating power that rivaled even Master Zein's.
[Status]
Name: Rica Vol
Race: Human from Planet Tydac
Power Core: Player
Level: Master
"Bro... that woman is incredibly strong," Essim muttered, awe evident in his voice. Even Aisha, standing beside him, felt a sense of wonder. What would it be like to wield such power?
As Rica tended to the injured, another figure appeared—a tall old man clad in flowing robes, his hair neatly tied back and his long mustache impeccably groomed. With a casual wave of his hand, a holy light enveloped Yol, the young man with the white halo, erasing all his injuries and allowing him to open his eyes once more.
"Since you've arrived, let's discuss this at the Mayor's Office," the old man said, his tone brokering no argument.
"I must inform you that, due to the actions of your subordinates, the Northern Fortress has been destroyed," Master Zein added.
At these words, the red-haired woman and the mustachioed elder exchanged narrowed glances, a flicker of concern crossing their faces.
Without further ado, the three of them vanished, leaving the rest of the world to return to its normal pace.
As if nothing had happened, life resumed around them.
"Did you hear Master Zein? The Northern Fortress is destroyed," someone murmured nearby.
"Yes... I'm worried it's only a matter of time before those Beast Tamers reach the Main Fortress."
"Can it be that easy? Let's take on a mission together," another replied.
Essim and Aisha snapped out of their reverie at the ongoing discussions and quickly made their way to the war office.
The war office was vast, with numerous counters staffed by clerks. Along the sides, mission boards displayed a myriad of postings. Various beings, each with unique powers, buzzed about, recruiting members, discussing strategies, or simply relaxing in a designated area.
"Aisha, over here!" Essim called, spotting a board that seemed to list available missions.
"Feel free to browse," a female clerk said, welcoming everyone who entered to take on a mission.
Essim and Aisha turned their attention to the board covered in writing. Though they couldn't decipher the script, their system panels suddenly displayed information in a format they could understand.
[Cui Race Missions: Combat]
Patrol at Fortress #8 for 8 hours. 10 Contribution Points.
Engage in the main battlefield for 5 hours. +70 Contribution Points.
Guard and defend at Fortress #3 for 10 hours. +50 Contribution Points.
Participate in the assault plan. +200 Contribution Points....
[Cui Race Missions: Achievement]
Eliminate a tier-1 Torvu race member. +1 Contribution Point.
Eliminate a tier-2 Torvu race member. +10 Contribution Points.
Eliminate a tier-3 Torvu race member. +100 Contribution Points....
"Brother, which combat mission should we take?" Aisha asked, her brow furrowing in concentration. She struggled to make a decision, unsure of the current war situation.
"Let's take the mission to enter the battlefield for +70 Contribution Points," Essim replied confidently.
"But brother, isn't that a bit reckless? Going straight into the battlefield?" Aisha cautioned, sensing her brother's impulsiveness.
"Don't worry! We can always escape using the golden talisman," Essim insisted, his conviction unwavering.
"Brother, we did the same thing before. Are you really sure about this?" Aisha's tone was more serious this time, a hint of concern lacing her words.
Seeing her hesitation, Essim felt a twinge of confusion. It wasn't like his sister to be so hesitant. Yet, having faced a painful defeat in the past, he decided to heed her advice this time.
"Alright, alright. You're right, Aisha. So where to next?" Essim relented, choosing to follow her lead.
Aisha smiled, her confidence returning. "First, we should explore the city of the Heaven News Sect. With your talent, I'm sure we'll uncover some valuable opportunities."
Essim's face lit up as he processed her suggestion. He realized he had been too focused on the system, allowing it to cloud his judgment.
"Brother, remember... the system is not a luxury like in novels," Aisha continued, her voice steady and reassuring. "Everyone has it; it's just a means for us humans to harness power.
"What we need to focus on now is seizing every opportunity that comes our way."
As she spoke, Aisha hoped her brother wouldn't become too rigid, treating the system like a mere robotic manual.
"Haha! My sister is as smart as ever. Forgive your slow brother," Essim chuckled, grateful for her insights. He recalled their days back on Earth; only Aisha had stood by him during difficult times, always offering her unwavering support.
After some more discussion, Essim finally decided on the patrol mission offering 10 Contribution Points.
Immediately, the female clerk handed them a kind of bank card, inscribed with all the mission details.
"Excuse me, miss, where can I exchange these points?" Essim asked the clerk.
"Please head to the exchange section over there, sir," she replied, gesturing toward a bustling area in the center of the room. Several people emerged from the exchange desk, their expressions brimming with joy.
"Thank you," Essim said, and he and Aisha walked toward the exchange section while observing the diverse crowd around them.
The Players around them were typically distinguished by the primary weapons they wielded. Most carried swords and magical staffs, while it was also common to see individuals with shields strapped to their backs.
As they observed, Essim and Aisha noted that ordinary people lacking prominent equipment were often cultivators—essentially, they were human. In the war office, it was not unusual to see beings in human form; among them were the Star Beasts.
Yet the most striking figures were the Faithwardens. Their auras were unmistakably different from those of most people, radiating a sense of power that set them apart.
After a few moments of observation, Essim and Aisha noticed that some Faithwardens also possessed dark auras, sharply contrasting with the radiant aura of the young man with the white halo they had seen earlier.
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