Chapter 1096: Challenge
A frown appeared on Peaceful Chaos' face when he saw Izroth emerge next to Azalea. What was he doing in the Kifa Karsts? More importantly, what was his relationship with the trespasser and why had they set foot into Blue Oasis territory?
Whatever the case, Peaceful Chaos did not have a good impression of Izroth. It was due to this man before him that Blue Oasis had to pick up the pieces and fill the void left by Niflheim's departure. He was also the main reason why they missed a huge opportunity to be the first official guild in RML.
One had to know that becoming the first official guild came along with its own benefits and rewards. However, the most important aspects of acquiring the prestige of being the first official guild in RML were fame and recognition.
The more a top guild spread its name in RML, the higher the chances were of skilled players coming into its fold. Furthermore, their sponsorships and funds would increase because those with capital would want to create a connection with them for the future road ahead.
But, Izroth had caused all of that to go up into smoke. In truth, Peaceful Chaos had not forgiven Izroth for his unreasonable and selfish actions back during the Great Sea Palace raid. Unfortunately, Izroth was no longer just some unknown nobody. Therefore, Blue Oasis was forced to swallow their humiliation, which left a bad taste in their mouth.
"Who would have thought that such a good opportunity would appear before me? We may not be able to take action against Izroth, but that girl is a different story. Since they are trespassing in our guild's territory, we can't be blamed for what happens. Of course, if he wishes to interfere, then no one can find fault with us." Peaceful Chaos thought to himself as The narrowed his eyes.
"What's this? If it isn't Palace Master Izroth. Do you know this spy who has been sneaking around the territory of our Blue Oasis?" Peaceful Chaos inquired.
"My apologies, teacher. I was careless and failed to realize in time that they set up stealth detection talismans in the vicinity." Azalea said apologetically.
'Revealing Eye Talismans? Why would they set those up in a place like this?'
Although players referred to them as stealth detection talismans, their real name was the Revealing Eye Talisman. They were expensive talismans that could be set up anywhere and would reveal all stealth targets in a certain range. Afterward, it would immediately alert the talisman's owner to the stealth target's presence.
However, even if this place was Blue Oasis' territory, setting up Revealing Eye Talismans in the area as a mere defensive measure was too much.
There was also the fact that a high-ranking member of Blue Oasis was on the scene. While Kifa Karsts was a good location for the elite members of the top guilds to gather resources and gain experience, it was far from ideal for one of their core players. This is the reason why guilds like Sleeping Gardenia and even Defiant did not station any core players in Kifa Karsts. After all, the best way for them to gain experience and earn equipment was through dungeons or raids.
Peaceful Chaos' presence was even more suspicious, considering that an event was going on. Instead of spending every waking moment trying to earn contribution points like other core players of the top guilds, he was in an out-of-the-way place like Kifa Karsts.
"They must be protecting or hiding something.'
Izroth found it too much of a coincidence that Blue Oasis had set up defensive measures in the same place where Azalea detected the strongest concentration of Empyrean's mana. Not to mention, it was also the area where the infected mana was the most potent and prevalent. Of course, Izroth did not believe that Peaceful Chaos and the members of Blue Oasis present were capable of subduing Empyrean, let alone stopping him from escaping. Nevertheless, there was still a chance that they knew something about what happened in this place. And, one way or another, Izroth planned on getting some answers.
"Spy? Your imagination is quite vivid. Last I checked, you nor Blue Oasis do not officially own this territory. Any player in RML is free to explore it as they please. Or, should I declare that I own all of Amaharpe and anyone from Blue Oasis who enters is a spy?" Izroth stated calmly.
"That's a rather unreasonable outlook, Palace Master Izroth. However, if you wish to use the logic, then that would be the case. That being said, it would only be the case if all the top guilds agreed to such. Though I find it unlikely they would ever do something so ridiculous." Peaceful Chaos replied as he held back his outrage at Izroth's statement.
He then explained, "Since you might be unaware, let me enlighten you. In Kifa Karsts, Blue Oasis, along with the other top guilds, have reached an agreement on how to divide the territory. Right now, you are in Blue Oasis territory. Violating the rules set by the top guilds, I'm afraid even Palace Master Izroth will not get away without paying a price."
"Oh? But, I don't think there is anyone who can afford to make me pay such a price." Izroth responded in a carefree manner.
"We all have to pay for our actions eventually." Peaceful Chaos commented.
"On that, I can agree," Izroth added.
On the surface, it looked as if the two had found common ground; however, they were on completely opposite sides where they stood.
"Regardless, ignorance is no excuse for breaking the rules. That being said, I am not a petty man. Since that girl is with Palace Master Izroth, all the two of you have to do is apologize on her behalf and go on your way." Peaceful Chaos said casually.
Some of the players from Blue Oasis were taken aback at how easily Peaceful Chaos was willing to let things go. He was well known for being the most unbending and unyielding of the Blue Oasis Captains. The fact that he was willing to let them go with a simple apology, they felt as though Izroth and his companion were getting off too easily.
However, those with more insight into the matter could not help but admire Peaceful Chaos. If he managed to get Izroth to apologize to Blue Oasis, it would help them regain some of the faces they lost for everything that occurred during the Great Sea Palace raid. But, if Izroth refused to apologize despite his brazen actions, it would make them seem arrogant and unwilling to admit their faults. At that point, he would be scorned by all the top guilds for ignoring their authority and looking down on them.
Of course, Izroth immediately saw through Peaceful Chaos' words. He knew that, in all honesty, Peaceful Chaos' goal was not to get him to apologize. Nor was it to set him up to be scorned by all the top guilds. Rather, his purpose was much more barbaric and simple- minded than it appeared. And, Izroth planned to use this to his advantage.
'What a childish attempt. But, alright, shall I play along and give you what you want?'
"How dare-!" Azalea started; however, Izroth held his hand out in front of her and gave a meaningful look that caused Azalea to halt her outrage.
Izroth returned his gaze to Peaceful Chaos and said, "If you have another method to settle matters, I am open to reason. However, I nor my people will ever have to apologize when nothing wrong was done."
When Peaceful Chaos heard those words, he was inwardly gleeful as he tried hard to hold back his excitement. This was the exact moment that he wanted to create!
"Since Palace Master Izroth does not want to settle things with words, then how about we take another approach? I suggest a duel. If you win, we will let bygones be bygones. However, if you lose, then you must openly admit to your wrongdoings against our Blue Oasis." Peaceful Chaos stated.
Azalea could barely contain her anger upon hearing Peaceful Chaos speak. Wrongdoings? How ridiculous! He just wanted to use her teacher's name and fame to increase his and Blue Oasis'
reputation!
"Alright. However, I have one more thing to add. If I win, then you and all the members of Blue Oasis will never be allowed to set foot into my Mystical Realm Palace again." Izroth said
nonchalantly.
After those words left Izroth's mouth, a moment of hesitation set in for Peaceful Chaos. The other members of Blue Oasis were also wary.
Losing access to the Mystical Realm Palace was the same as tying their guild's hands and feet. But, letting go of such a great chance to restore their guild's reputation was too much.
"I accept your conditions...!" Peaceful Chaos said through his teeth.
"Captain...!" One of the Blue Oasis players nearby gasped.
"Silence...! I have at least this much authority!" Peaceful Chaos scowled.