Spirit Game

"Rain Weathers, I would like to formally invite you to join the Aegis Alliance."

Rain swallowed hard without even chewing. He choked and drank water immediately. He was curious about what Alice wanted to tell him but never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be asked to join Aegis Alliance or any Alliance for that matter!

Let's be real here, his territory wasn't exactly coveted material.

Only reputable and well-established territories were asked to join alliances, after all. While he . . . he had just started. And what's more, his territory was in the Barren Wasteland!

There was nothing to be had in his territory. He didn't even have any tradable goods there.

"Uhm . . . I'm honored and flattered . . .

but why?" Rain asked, a question mark practically floating over his head.

As much as others portrayed him as naïve and overly optimistic, Rain was cautious too. There must be something else underneath the offer.

Cedrick smiled and got straight to the point, "We want you as part of our team because of your troops."

"My . . . troops?"

Cedrick nodded, "Specifically the one whose class is a Lightbringer. I believe she has the potential to become a Fantastic Troop in the future."

Rain's mouth dropped. "A Fantastic Troop?!"

He knew about it. It was a known fact that if you wanted an empire, a Fantastic Troop was a must-have. Top empires had at least one or two.

They were scarce, so scarce that everyone coveted them, even waging war with other players to obtain just even one.

However . . . "But if I join the alliance, will you take Chi away from me?"

"No, of course not. It's our law in the alliance that no troops should be taken forcefully from their lords. However, in exchange for resources, protection, and connections, our alliance requires you to send your troops to help us with wars and other matters."

"And we're going to bind it with a blood contract, right?" Rain asked. That's how alliances formed, with blood contracts.

They weren't inhabitants of this world, so their words meant nothing. To maintain compliance with the agreed terms, blood contracts were formed between players.

"That's right."

Rain's smile disappeared. "Will Chi and my troops be in constant danger? And what happens if she doesn't evolve into a Fantastic Troop?"

Cedrick shrugged. "It's fine if she doesn't."

"Isn't it a gamble for you then? You will gain nothing from me. What's more, my territory is rather far from yours and doesn't exactly have resources either."

"We have taken that into consideration and are willing to take you in despite those setbacks," Cedrick's smile never left his face as he spoke. "In return, we would like your troops to help with wars and defenses if called upon."

"Also, in the future, if ever your troop does evolve into a Fantastic Troop, joining our alliance will make others think twice about attacking your territory to acquire her."

Rain didn't say anything right away and thought about it. It might sound enticing to join an alliance. Protection, resources, and aid would come, and he wouldn't have to worry about attacks and food supply.

However, joining the alliance would mean submitting to rules and obligations, and worse, he would have no control if they decided to sacrifice his troops for their cause. Behind the benefits lurked significant disadvantages.

This was unlike his alliances with the Seadwellers and the port town, which were based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Lord Izumi had sworn an oath by the universe, and his pride wouldn't allow him to break his word and do underhanded tricks. Drugar and the port town couldn't muster the strength to pose any real threat. But the Aegis Union? They commanded over 20 territories with countless players and troops capable of waging war on towns, or even an entire kingdom!

"I'm honored for the invitation, but . . . my answer is no."

Cedrick's smile faltered while Alice's composure cracked.

"Rain, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Do you know what you're saying?" Alice interjected.

Cedrick stopped her by raising a hand. "It's fine. You don't have to give an answer right away. Think about it overnight."

Rain shook his head. "I appreciate your offer, but my decision won't change. I know that it might sound arrogant, and idiotic for someone as weak as me to refuse, but . . . right now, I'm satisfied with my setup.

Though life is hard, we can manage."

"Still, what about the future?" Alice continued.

Rain smiled. "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Right now, nothing beats the tranquility I have. Joining your alliance would mean endless battles and constantly fending off attacks. Your enemies would become mine, and I can't risk bringing that danger to my village."

Alice and Cedrick couldn't refute what Rain said because it was the truth. The mainland was full of resources that everyone, player and inhabitant alike, were coveting.

Just being a bystander and having a peaceful life in the mainland was impossible. Sooner or later, someone was going to come to take away all that belongs to you.

War was inevitable. If you didn't have the strength to defend your territory, then you were going to die. The only solution was to join up with others and form groups to fend off large attackers.

At that moment, Rain felt grateful for his position in the Barren Wasteland. The harsh conditions, and no resources deterred other players, providing a unique form of safety from their attacks. While the wasteland's inhabitants, like Hobgoblins and unknown threats to the north, posed their own challenges, it was a manageable risk compared to the constant warfare of more desirable territories.

"Are you sure about that? Don't be rash in your decision, Rain," Alice warned.

"I'm not," Rain said, beaming. "Thank you for the offer, but my decision is final." He stood and bowed. "Thank you for the meal. If you will excuse me, I'll be going ahead."

Rain left the group without another word. Cedrick and Alice didn't stop him as well.

Cedrick was silent while Alice was angry.

"That Rain. I thought before that he was an idiot, but I was wrong. He's beyond help! He doesn't realize that he's lucky enough to be offered to join us." Only on m v|le|mp|yr

"It's fine, Alice," Cedrick said, his voice calm as he took a sip of tea. "He'll come around once he realizes how dangerous the Spirit Realm can really be."

Alice pursed her lips.

"No matter what, we need to keep a close eye on him. If ever his troop do become a Fantastic Troop, we must have him on our side at all costs," Cedrick said.

"Yeah, but . . . what if he doesn't want to join?"

Cedrick eyed her meaningfully. "He seems to like you, that Rain."

Alice wasn't surprised nor was she flattered. "Ah, so."

"What I mean to say is, you're a woman. You can easily manipulate him if you wanted to."

Alice paused. "You want me to . . . get close to him?"

"Just a preparation. If ever his troop evolve into a Fantastic Troop, we need him on our side more than ever."

Alice wasn't shocked by Cedrick's plan. After all, her beauty was the sole reason he had taken her under his wing. She had long since lost count of the players and enemies she had deceived to achieve her mission, to achieve Cedrick's goals. It was another form of warfare, a battle fought with charm and cunning instead of brute force.

She needed Cedrick's protection while he needed her beauty to fulfill his plans. The man was ambitious, and he wouldn't stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

"But what if he still said no after that?"

Cedrick's eyes turned sharper, and a menacing aura enveloped him.

"Then we'll wage war on his territory and get his troops by force if necessary."