Chapter 522: Chapter 522: Start of the Battle
The story got to this point, and the group finally understood the half-human, half-horse creatures’ aim.
Currently, they need outsiders like themselves to guide the divine statue’s power to destroy the altar.
There are two difficulties, though. First, they can’t bring themselves to harm their elder Khan, or perhaps there are other reasons involved.
Secondly, the statue applies the so-called bloodline suppression to them or they are simply too scared to treat their generations-worshipped statue in such a way.
Given that they cannot leave, there seems to only be the path that the half-centaurs suggested is left.
“President, can we make another choice?” the newcomer Mu Zi asked.
Li Yao nodded and replied, “Of course, we could choose to stay on the side of Ancient Tree, but something tells me that path is wrong. Even if we achieve the Ancient Tree’s goal, I doubt our victory will be credited as the first winner. However, if you have a persuasive reason, you can voice it out as well.”
Newcomer Mu Zi waved his hand and said, “No, no, I was just asking.”
“This is an open-ended game, and each decision we make can affect our development. So, you should think carefully before making a decision. This isn’t limited to the situation at hand. The same goes for future tasks. Keep your eyes open because getting fooled by the NPC would be a complete embarrassment,” Li Yao reminded.
In his past life, Li Yao had seen many players deceived by NPCs, and those experiences ended terribly. Even if they were able to recover, they paid a heavy price.
Li Yao didn’t want his guild members to suffer the same tragedies, so he decided to take preemptive measures.
The ones who make it into the core team are smart, so naturally, they understand Li Yao’s intention without needing him to repeat his reminders excessively.
The experience of being tricked by the Ancient Tree made them realize that NPCs could indeed deceive players.
“Tell the Young Khan that we can accept this mission,” Li Yao nodded and said.
The Chiliarch was visibly elated, but hesitated before saying, “Although you’ve proven your strength by killing the traitor and the High Priest, most of our people have yet to see your power. The Young Khan has ascended to his position, but many still question his authority. So, we need you to display your power.”
Li Yao nodded, saying, “That’s understandable. The Young Khan is relatively young, and his power isn’t overwhelmingly dominant. It is common for the old ones not to accept him. We can accept the test, but could the Chiliarch tell us what kind of test it is going to be?”
The Chiliarch gratefully bowed deeply to Li Yao before saying, “I’m at a loss for words to express my gratitude. From today onwards, Prairie Fire will be my brother.”
Li Yao also returned the bow, just as sincerely.
In fact, if Li Yao succeeds in obtaining the First Kill, they will be recorded in the glorious exploits and history of the main sideline dungeons.
However, if he doesn’t get the First Kill, his efforts here would only be temporary. After the dungeon end, if the Chiliarch is still around, he would not even recognize them anymore.
Of course, setting aside the absolute confidence that Li Yao possessed, even if he didn’t, Li Yao always went all out when making a play.
“So, follow me,” the Chiliarch once again led Li Yao and the others to a vast combat arena, where the high-ranking half-centaurs had already assembled.
There were also many half-centaur warriors who had surrounded the combat arena, unmistakably having anticipated that Li Yao and his team couldn’t escape.
“Regardless of whether this matter succeeds or not, I’d like to express the Split Hoof Tribe’s profound gratitude here,” Young Khan said, bowing to Li Yao.
Li Yao also returned the bow, and the Starfire Team members followed suit.
The atmosphere between the two groups was now harmonious, and the previous barrier had disappeared.
One of the older half-centaurs stepped forward and said, “We don’t want you to think we don’t trust your strength. It’s just that our elder Khan is mighty, so we need to understand your abilities. So, some friendly sparring might improve our understanding.”
“We understand, let’s start.”
These words sounded pretentious, but Li Yao was too lazy to be cordial with these insincere old foxes. He indicated that they should begin.
The members of the Starfire Team understood that this was just like the small monsters before a boss fight.
If they couldn’t get through this trial, they could forget about seeing the boss.
The Young Khan nodded and said, “To show our sincerity and respect for our distinguished guests, whoever wins a battle will get a piece of war loot as a reward.”
“Then we won’t hold back,” Li Yao said, certainly not going to reject such a good offer.
“Please, don’t. Now, let’s begin the first fight,” the Young Khan said. “The first one on the battlefield is one of our chiliarchs. You can choose a warrior who would either defeat him in a minute or survive for fifteen minutes without being killed by him. If you can do that, you will be considered victorious.”
As the Young Khan finished speaking, a half-centaur carrying a long-handled weapon quickly ran into the middle of the trial ground.
“That’s a three-star Silver Hero, almost a junior boss,” Shadow Dance exclaimed.
“Let me do this,”
“President, let me go. I promise to kill him in less than a minute.”
“I should be the one to go, I can do it in forty seconds.”
The members of the Starfire Team were eager to play, not only to prove themselves but also because they spotted a large rack next to them.
It held plenty of equipment and skill books. As long as they defeated their opponents, they could choose one as their reward.
“Your team seems to have high moral, aren’t you selecting a team member to go?” The Chiliarch asked curiously after noticing Li Yao stood still near them.
“There’s no doubt about their capabilities,” said Li Yao with a firm tone. Even if they might fail, they must not show any fear and should display the utmost confidence: “They’ll handle it themselves. If they need me for such trivial tasks, they’d be useless.”
True enough, the centaurs seemed more settled after hearing Li Yao’s words. In fact, they didn’t expect to win on their side.
Jie said, “Alright, stop arguing. Who goes depends on team arrangements and the requirements of the trial. Everyone will get a chance. This time, we need strong output and kiting ability. Mu Zi, you’re up for this round. Kill the opponent within thirty seconds, otherwise, even if you pass the trial, you don’t have the right to the war loot. Remember, this is a team dungeon. The allocation of loot depends on the team, not by personal performance in the trials.”
The members of the Starfire Team quickly came to their senses. Mu Zi, who had initially been excited, was let down. Killing a three-star Silver Hero within thirty seconds seems too outrageous.
“Mu Zi, take it easy. Of course, the loot has to be handed over,” Your Happiness Is A Disease said.
“Yes, Mu Zi, don’t push yourself. Simply get through the trial,” I Want to be Alone also chimed in.
The other members also joined in the teasing.
“Why are you laughing, huh? I’ll do it in thirty seconds, and the loot will definitely be mine,” newcomer Mu Zi defended himself after seeing his teammates making fun of him.
It must be understood that boss loot was far too scarce. The 20-level purple equipment was super top-grade, so how could there be a reason not to give it your all…?