Chapter 324 Chapter323-Dare You to Duel Me!
"Is that assassin the Vice Guild Leader of Wolf Guild, Wolf Howl?"
"Yes, rumors have it that he was fortunately chosen by a member of an ancient assassin organization, inheriting their lethal techniques."
"No wonder he's so formidable; we can't track any trace of him!"
"His mode of attack is so uncanny. The average assassin player couldn't possibly reach that level of skill."
"To be honest, if our guild were to face such an adversary in a Guild Battle, we'd probably struggle too!"
"We'd need a large-scale scouting skill or full firepower to possibly counter him!"
"And that would mean deploying it before the actual combat begins, otherwise, wouldn't we also be hitting our teammates?"
...
Members of other guilds watching from the sides of the valley chattered among themselves.
In the battlefield of the valley, as more and more guild members fell, Dirge's fury grew.
Seeing Tide Guild continually pushed back, Dirge took a risky step — she challenged the Guild Leader of Wolf Guild, Wolf Prime, to a duel.
"Wolf Prime, the deeds of your Wolf Guild are truly despicable! Today, as a representative of Tide Guild, I, Dirge, challenge you to a duel to determine the outcome of this battle!"
As Dirge's words echoed, an eerie silence descended upon the battlefield.
For any player, a duel was a solemn and serious matter.
Issuing such a challenge signified a readiness to give one's all, even if it meant facing potential death in the game.
Dirge's action stunned and alarmed her Tide Guild teammates.
"Dirge, have you lost your mind? Dueling Wolf Prime? He's the Guild Leader of Wolf Guild!" A Tide Guild member exclaimed, trying to dissuade her. nOVe)lb.In
"Dirge, this is too risky! We stand a better chance if we all take them on together!" another teammate suggested anxiously.
However, Dirge gave her teammates a profound look and firmly shook her head.
Despite their objections and concerns, thinking her decision was akin to a moth flying into a flame, Dirge remained unwavering.
Despite Dirge being several levels lower than Wolf Prime, with equipment that also paled in comparison, she adamantly held her ground.
She was willing to risk her life to grasp a sliver of hope for Tide Guild's comeback, or at the very least, to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
"I must hold on until Galewind arrives," was the singular thought dominating Dirge's mind.
She never doubted John's capabilities, firmly believing that the tide of battle would turn in their favor as soon as he arrived.
"Wolf Prime, if you have any honor, face me in a duel! I have no tolerance for those like you, who rely on their strength to bully the weak!" she shouted, fire in her eyes. "Accept my challenge and see how I make you eat dirt!"
With a massive axe in hand, her sharp, icy voice echoed throughout the battlefield.
From a distance, Wolf Prime scoffed, "Why should I accept your challenge? You're already on the brink of defeat. What backup are you talking about? I saw no sign of them!"
"Once we break through your guild's core, this Guild Battle will be ours!" he proclaimed confidently.
Gritting her teeth, Dirge pulled an object from her pouch and crushed it fiercely. "Whether you accept my challenge or not isn't up to you!"
[System Alert: Tide Guild's Guild Leader, Dirge, has activated the special item "Guild Solo Token". This item can only be used in Guild Battles and forces the opposing guild leader into a duel. Until the duel ends, all participants are automatically set to a non-combat state, preventing any further fights!]
...
The cold, mechanical voice of the system echoed, reaching every participant's ears.
The crowd exchanged puzzled looks, taken aback in silence.
None had anticipated the existence of such an odd item - one that could transform a full-blown Guild Battle into a leader-on-leader duel.
Even the surrounding members of other guilds gazed in stunned disbelief.
Many began to wonder internally about the avenues to obtain such a miraculous item, capable of altering the tempo of a Guild Battle.
Under the system's forcible intervention, the Tide Guild's base began to morph.
The damaged buildings were sealed off, rendered untouchable.
Players engaged in combat were set to a non-combat state; any attempt to strike an opponent would lead to severe system penalties.
Reluctantly, both sides lowered their weapons.
Before the core building, a grand arena spontaneously emerged.
Both Dirge and Wolf Prime found themselves teleported atop it.
With a sullen expression, Wolf Prime shouldered his colossal axe, remarking sarcastically, "I never imagined you'd have such a peculiar item in your possession. But are you sure about this duel?"
Gripping her axe tightly, determination shone in Dirge's eyes.
The "Guild Solo Token" was an unexpected find she never thought she'd have to use, especially so soon.
"Enough talk. It's just the two of us now, both with similar classes. Let's battle it out to the bitter end."
Wolf Prime, seeing through Dirge's intentions, sneered, "Delaying the inevitable is pointless. It's easier if you just surrender. At worst, your guild level drops by one. It's a bearable consequence."
Raising an eyebrow, Dirge retorted angrily, "Bullshit! How can you even spout such shameless words? If you're so confident, why don't you lower your guild's level and see?"
Wolf Prime's expression turned even darker, his voice dripping with icy mockery, "Since you're so obstinate, don't blame me for not showing mercy. I'll teach you how to be a proper lady today."
With a slight flourish of her axe, Dirge lunged at Wolf Prime, leaving behind a biting remark, "I certainly don't need lessons from the likes of you!"
Both Dirge and Wolf Prime, as berserkers, shared similar class traits: formidable offensive capabilities and an unyielding battle spirit.
Their clash was immediate and intense.
Dirge wielded her axe with the ferocity of a wild beast, lunging relentlessly at Wolf Prime, who responded with equal aggression, countering with his own colossal axe.
Each of their collisions carried the momentum of a tempest.
Outside the arena, members from both guilds converged, cheering fervently for their respective guild leaders.
Several figures sprinted madly from beyond the valley, joining the throng.
These were members who had perished in the Guild Battle, now resurrected.
They had raced from Silverglow and, upon seeing the ongoing duel, appeared somewhat baffled.
After receiving explanations from their comrades, these panting players gradually joined the cheering masses.
Yet, for all the roaring support that resembled the cacophony of roaring seas and howling winds, nothing could drown out the thunderous clash atop the platform.
Employing her berserker class skills, Dirge continuously shifted her attacking strategies and angles, searching for Wolf Prime's vulnerabilities.
However, Wolf Prime seemed to anticipate Dirge's every move, countering her assaults perfectly.
The intensity of their contest grew, their figures standing resolute, akin to steadfast boulders amidst a raging storm.
Throughout the battle, Dirge clenched her teeth, fully aware of the stakes.
She had to triumph over Wolf Prime, or the entire Tide Guild would be decimated by the Wolf Guild. A trace of mocking amusement glinted in Wolf Prime's eyes.
He looked at Dirge, the corner of his mouth curling slightly upward.
"Dirge, you're brave, but you're also foolish," he said with a tone of chilling derision.
Dirge gripped her axe tightly, her expression resolute and unwavering.
"The honor and dignity of the Tide Guild are not for you to trample upon," she declared.
Wolf Prime sneered, launching a fierce attack. His movements were lightning-fast, each swing of his axe conjuring a whirlwind.
Undeterred, Dirge swung back with ferocity, every chop infused with sheer power and determination.
All eyes were drawn to their fierce combat, with other sounds of the battlefield fading, leaving only their labored breaths and clashing weapons to resonate.
Sparks flew as their massive axes collided in mid-air.
Injuries accumulated on Dirge, but she didn't flinch. The determination and resolve in her eyes only intensified.
"You're not strong enough, Dirge," Wolf Prime said coldly. Observing her wounds, his sneer contained a hint of mockery, "All your efforts are destined to be in vain."
At that moment, Dirge couldn't afford a response.
Biting down hard, she channeled all her energy into the axe she wielded.
She knew, even if she couldn't best him, she had to stall for time, wait for John's arrival to restore the Tide Guild's honor and pride.
In her field of view, Wolf Prime's silhouette momentarily shimmered, vanishing in an instant.
On high alert, Dirge's reflexes kicked in just as Wolf Prime's imposing figure reappeared on her left.
His massive axe came crashing down towards her head.
"No matter how strong you are, I won't give up!"
With a fierce roar and a prepared stance, Dirge met Wolf Prime's assault with her own axe.
Wolf Prime, sneering, didn't miss a beat as he countered.
The moment their axes clashed, an overwhelming force burst forth, echoing throughout the battlefield.
The next instant, a powerful recoil hurled them both off their feet, sending them sprawling to opposite ends of the arena.
Dirge quickly got up, seizing the moment to regain her stamina while keeping her eyes locked onto Wolf Prime, allowing no room for error.
She was acutely aware of her opponent's prowess, knowing she had to stay completely focused to prolong this duel.