"And thus, we congratulate the number one team! As long as Hotpot exists, our Falva Star can hold their heads high among the intergalactic gaming community!"
Cynthia muted the TV. Amused murmur spread among the gathered crowd. It was still the same day. After defeating GalanTen the friends spent some time celebrating with their friends and even had an enjoyable conversation with SpireX. There was mutual respect among the players. Only Henragon was unable to redeem his image in Hotpot's eyes.
After everything calmed down the friends didn't do anything special. They spent the rest of the day rather leisurely, forming some plans going forward. Eventually they were kicked out of Crunaboul.
As soon as the friends returned to the real world, they were almost overwhelmed with congratulatory messages. Their family, friends, and sponsors were all extremely enthusiastic. A few members of Dream Avenue showed up, causing the gaming house to be somewhat cramped. Luckily there was no big crowd of fans this time.
Now it was already late. The sun had disappeared behind the horizon and the city was illuminated by thousands of sources of artificial light. Liam and his friends sat together with their guild members, having a mini celebration.
"Haha, I never thought this little match would create such waves!", exclaimed Felix. His smile was bright as if it had been himself who fought today.
"Yes, even the government released a congratulatory message!", agreed Mel.
"The Ministry of Virtual Reality doesn't surprise me that much. But because of their message, the planetary government was unable to sit still as well. You grandpa must be fuming!", commented Cynthia. She looked at Silva and Felix, who didn't know quite how to react.
It was no secret that the two siblings were the grandchildren of the current governor Owen Colville. However, not everyone knew that their relationship wasn't exactly great. Some of the guild members were surprised but they were sensible enough not to comment.
Governor Colville was indeed in a bad mood. He had also seen the news. The congratulatory message was not written by him but by his staff. He didn't feel like congratulating Hotpot.
Owen Colville took a deep sigh and looked towards his wife Lina who was sprawled on a leather armchair:
"Honey. Can you hand me the tablet?"
"Hmpf. Sure. I'm going to bed."
Lina stood up, grabbed the tablet lying on the dark wooden table in front of her and tossed it towards her husband. Afterwards she left with a cold face.
"Honey…"
Owen shook his head. His wife was in a terrible mood. Understandably. Malik Colville, the father of Silva and Felix, was the result of Owen's affair. Therefore, Lina always disliked them, even more so than Owen himself. He couldn't fault her for that. Lina had always been doting on Brayan, her only grandson, her real flesh and blood. But now Brayan had been sent away by the family while Silva and Felix were celebrated as heroes. Lina was pissed.
Unable to calm his wife Owen placed his attention on the tablet. He opened a chat with his son Owen Jr. They talked about the arrangements for Brayan in the central solar system. Since they didn't have the backing of the entire Colville family, they were somewhat limited. However, their connections were not bad, and they were able to secure a good job for Brayan.
If the young man played his cards correctly, being sent to the army might even turn into an opportunity. If only there wouldn't be the travel time. Brayan would still be on the way for about one and a half months. Time during which his access to the game was limited at times. Galaxy was forced to lay low while Dream Avenue was striding ahead, another sting to the heart.
But their family wouldn't be defeated so easily. It was important to use every minute wisely.
Unbeknownst to many, Galaxy was currently going through a reshuffling. They were firing people left and right. Especially those who performed poorly during the last guild war against Dream Avenue. A lot of money was spent to hire all kinds of top players. If they refused to leave their current guilds, it only meant that the offer was not enticing enough.
Furthermore, the family had also trained some players in secret, just as every rich organization was doing. It was important to always keep some trump cards. But now it was time for a few of these secretly trained players to join the guild.
Once Brayan reached the central solar system it would be time for Galaxy to make a comeback! The fight for the next family head was not yet decided! Brayan still had a chance!
Just as Owen was forming plans, a notification popped up at the top of the screen. He was surprised. This was the secure government channel. He tapped on the notification, scanned his face, and soon a special app opened.
"An announcement from the Ministry of Virtual Reality?"
Owen narrowed his eyes. The sudden surge of new, powerful players throughout all servers had left many people suspicious. No one was stupid. Many families and companies also revealed some hidden trump cards, unwilling to fall behind, creating an even stronger momentum. Now it seemed that Minister Lucas Kidd was unable to keep the news hidden any longer.
"An intergalactic tournament!"
Despite thinking he was already prepared, Owen was still hit with surprise when he read the message. It couldn't be helped. An intergalactic tournament was unprecedented! There was no game, no sport, which would have enough support among the various races to create such a big tournament. Only Fate of Crunaboul could do so!
"An uproar is about to erupt. Will the frozen relationships to the alien races be rekindled? Will they improve or turn worse?"
***
Although the planetary governor had been informed about the tournament, the announcement would only be made public in a few days. Right now, the public remained unaware. Well, at least the general public.
Liam and his friends already knew what was about to happen. Thus, after spending the evening celebrating with their guild members, they entered the game the next day and held a big meeting.
Dream Avenue as well as the sub-guild were nearly assembled in their entirety.
"What's going on?"
"I fear something big is about to happen."
"Is it about yesterday?"
"Perhaps we will be training?"
While everyone was wondering, Cyclone and Balm soon appeared. They didn't let their guild members guess much, straight away announcing their intention to strengthen the guild. However, they didn't mention the tournament yet.
Even now Dream Avenue might not be entirely without spies. Especially in the sub-guild, which was easier to enter. Although Cyclone and Balm were confident that the members with important positions were loyal, they didn't want the information to leak just yet.
The guild members were surprised and excitement spread quickly. Such large-scale guild activities were always well received. Wasn't this why most people joined a guild?
Cyclone soon revealed the plan. Over the next week the guild would pursue two major objectives. They would hunt down various world bosses, whose information was generously provided by Bleary Mirage, and they would increase their efforts in completing guild quests so the guild could advance to tier 3, gaining the right to accept more members.
Countless eyes lit up. The members of the sub-guild were especially eager. If Dream Avenue got upgraded, they would be the first to join the main guild. It was quite detestable that they were not able to complete the guild quests for the main guild. Well, hunting world bosses was not that bad as well.
Apart from upgrading the guild rank, Cyclone and Balm had a few other goals. Increasing the average guild level, improving the equipment, and gathering materials for Liam to forge legendary weapons. Of course, Cyclone secretly hoped that the world bosses would drop legendary equipment before Liam could forge his weapon. But it was out of her hand. She could only pray to the goddess of luck every day.
The assembly slowly came to an end. The guild management around Sun's Knight was handing out tasks. Not all members were needed to defeat a world boss. At least a third would be assigned to completing guild quests, gathering points for the rank up. Of course, they would alternate jobs. After all, everyone was supposed to gain levels and equipment.
"Any questions left? No? Great. Then we can set off! Division world boss, follow me!"
Cyclone excitedly pumped her fist to the air. The guild members were stunned for a moment. Somehow, they didn't expect to start right away. But then the anticipation quickly took over among the members assigned to fighting the world boss.
"Hey! What is this? Why is the young one going now but I am left behind?"
"Haha, old man, perhaps they thought you need your rest! But don't worry! I will bring you a souvenir!"
Braag and Final Fend bantered as the latter left in high spirits. Soon, a large group of Dream Avenue players could be seen strolling down the streets of Greypine Town. The news couldn't be hidden. But this time it was intentional. Cyclone, Balm and the others were looking forward to other guilds trying to interfere with them. It was time for their guild members to train their PvP skills.