**Chapter 95: Reinvention**
Bandits simply couldn't stand up to the players.
In under ten minutes, all bandits below level 20 were pushed out of the [Shadow Sky].
However, players wisely avoided stepping beyond its bounds. Exiting the [Shadow Sky] would expose them to spells cast by the Bandit Mage—a risk far too great for little reward.
After the bandits were driven off, the players received an in-game message signaling the completion of the [Expel the Bandits from the Sky] quest.
The reward of 1,500 experience points—equivalent to about 15% of their first-level experience bar—along with 50 psionic coins, was a welcome bonus.
Grateful, the players turned back to Su Yu, giving him appreciative looks.
Without his strategic guidance, they wouldn't have found such an efficient quest with these rich rewards!
As Su Yu observed the satisfied faces around him, he thoughtfully touched his chin.
They'd gained the upper hand once more. But was there a way to *improve* on this success even further?
Or, perhaps... should he try an old trick again?
No, the princess was far too clever for that. If he encouraged the players to drag out the battle, she'd quickly suspect something amiss.
"Then again… I could use *that* approach instead."
An idea struck him, and his eyes lit up. It was bold, but it would end the fight swiftly, maximizing the battle's benefits for everyone.
He quickly sent a message in the guild leaders' chat:
"Attention, everyone! I need you to have your strongest players charge the enemy, but don't revive them after they fall. Instead, have them follow me in soul form. Aim for 50–80 players, mostly mages and archers—no healers."
This time, there were no questioning responses. Each guild leader understood the plan and began relaying orders.
Only the red-eyed black dragon, one of Su Yu's confidants, questioned him. "What's your plan?"
Su Yu replied with a smile emoji: "You'll see soon enough."
After closing the chat with the leaders, he reached out to guild members directly. "Sky Dragon, Qian Cup, I need you two to charge at the bandits and fall in battle. Then follow me in spirit form."
Sky Dragon and Qian Cup sounded hesitant. "Why?"
"You'll understand soon enough. Sky Dragon, is your [Heart Cone Arrow] ability ready to use?" he asked.
"No, it's still on cooldown for 11 hours," she replied, somewhat disappointed. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have used it on that poor streamer earlier."
"Don't worry about it," Su Yu reassured her. "Your gear alone is useful enough for this."
Just then, Wing Shenlong, who had recently joined alongside Sky Dragon, spoke up. "Should I join in as well? I've got decent equipment."
Su Yu replied, "No need. This time, we're avoiding healers altogether. You're a good fit, Wing Shenlong. Are you familiar with the guild's internal affairs?"
"Absolutely. In the previous holographic game, *Demon Domain*, our 'Yu-Gi-Oh' guild ranked in the top ten across all servers. I was the vice president. Red Eyes handled the elite raids, while I managed guild operations," Wing Shenlong replied confidently.
Su Yu nodded. "Excellent! Once we wrap up this battle, let's discuss the guild's long-term plans in detail."
Sky Dragon sounded a bit miffed. "Hey, don't leave me out!"
Su Yu chuckled. "Don't worry. There's a hidden quest for a panda pet—I was saving it to tell you later."
"Wait, did you say… *panda*?!" Sky Dragon's voice was now brimming with excitement.
Su Yu grinned. "Interested?"
While Su Yu spun tales of panda pets for Sky Dragon, he knew this was a golden opportunity. In his previous life, divine pets had become common late in the game. Yet Sky Dragon always carried a humble panda pet, indicating just how much she adored pandas.
At the mention of "pandas," Sky Dragon was instantly captivated, hanging on Su Yu's every word.
Meanwhile, more and more souls of fallen players gathered behind him, and though he couldn't see them, Su Yu felt a distinct chill in the air.
Players in spirit form could still communicate, and soon enough, Su Yu received a message.
**Snow Leopard (Soul):** "Alright, senior, we've gathered 80 players—mostly archers and mages. Ready when you are."
**Su Yu:** "Perfect."
---
Now that everything was set, Su Yu turned to Princess Ailijie, who was nearby, and gave her a serious look.
"Your Highness, there's something important I need to discuss," he began.
The princess looked at him, a slight smile gracing her lips. She seemed in high spirits—their victory was all but assured, and her personal guard had suffered minimal losses. It was a favorable outcome all around.
With a gracious nod, she gestured for him to continue.
Su Yu's tone was resolute. "We have an old saying: 'Catch the thief first to capture the king.' If we can take down the leader of these bandits, their forces will crumble."
He glanced up at the top of the canyon, where a towering figure stood—John the Baptist, a level 70 Berserker and right-hand man to Lantilus.
The princess nodded thoughtfully. "I understand the strategy, but Morningstar is unable to participate in battle. Without her, there's no way to confront the enemy's leader. Do you have a solution?"
Su Yu's eyes gleamed. "I believe you carry a treasure, Your Highness—one that could turn the tide of battle. If you entrust it to me, I'll find a way to take down their leader!"
In large-scale scenario battles like this, Su Yu knew from experience that the core NPCs often carried items to aid players, either by empowering allies or weakening foes. If players were outmatched, these items would come into play to help even the odds.
This time, Princess Ailijie was holding back, not yet using it.
Su Yu just needed to persuade her.
---
"Here, take it."
The princess promptly handed him a golden badge radiating with holy energy.
In her eyes, Su Yu had already proven himself; his foresight and recruitment of otherworldly adventurers were critical to this victory. Without a second thought, she gave him the badge, rendering all his prepared explanations unnecessary.
Su Yu accepted it gratefully. "I won't let you down, Your Highness. I'll take down their leader!"
**[All-Being Equality Badge (Consumable)]**
- **Uses Left:** 1
- **Effect:** Averages the levels of all targets within a 40-meter radius, distributing them equally among everyone. Duration: 3 minutes.
- **Note:** Usable only in the [Giant Wood Canyon Encounter].
"A pity," Su Yu sighed quietly, glancing at the stratosphere where Sivan and Madeleine battled above the clouds.
If only he could somehow bring down those legendary figures, this badge would certainly yield high-tier legendary equipment!
Unfortunately, Su Yu lacked the means to reach them in the skies, so the badge would be reserved for [John the Baptist].
---
As Su Yu finalized his plan, he knew there was one last step to fully capitalize on the opportunity: create a new quest for the players.
Shortly after, every player received a notification:
**Ding! Player 'Nemesis ' has sent you the quest [Kill the Bandit Leader]. Would you like to accept?**
The response was unanimous.
**Ding! Congratulations on triggering the scene campaign side quest: [Kill the Bandit Leader].**
**Quest Objective:** Defeat the bandit leader, [John the Baptist lv70].
And with that, Su Yu's final plan was set in motion.
*(End of chapter)*