Chapter 352: The Show Begins
“Welcome to the Golden City. For some of you, it must be your first time here.”
Xu Xiaoya chuckled.
Those noobs with levels below 25 couldn’t come to the Golden City before.
Now that the Golden City had vanished, they wouldn’t normally get a chance to waltz in.
But now, they were all invited by Xu Xiaoya.
Logging into the game, entering the Otherworld, the so-called gear served only as a nice little crutch.
In essence, it projected a part of their soul into this Otherworld.
It was kinda like those divine projections or avatars. Or rather, it was quite likely that the Golden Kingdom created this skill by imitating a God’s projection ability.
Let’s face it, the Golden Kingdom had imitated divine powers more than once, and the abilities they crafted afterward were sometimes better than the originals.
At least they broadened the scope of usage immensely.
Now, with Xu Xiaoya being the game admin and the only royal of the Golden Kingdom, using this ability was a walk in the park.
The crowd in the banquet hall gawked at their game characters and panels, staring at the towering buildings of the Golden City, completely stunned.
After a bit of a ruckus, they all bowed to Xu Xiaoya in unison: “Your Highness, your abilities are otherworldly, we are in awe!”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Xu Xiaoya waved her hand casually, “So, let’s resolve any little disputes here. Anyone who feels unsatisfied can challenge. This princess will guarantee everyone’s safety.”
In other words, you can fight to your heart’s content—no holds barred.
Just like that PK arena they had back in the Golden City.
It had been a while since she saw an arena match—she missed it a bit.
Xu Xiaoyue understood perfectly; it was obvious that some little loli was stirring the pot!
She shot a fierce glare at her.
Little Yuliya pretended not to see and turned her head away.
Stirring the pot was one thing, but establishing authority was serious business.
It was tough for Little Moon, being new and all, to earn respect instantly.
So, what’s the plan?
The simplest way was to fight; just beat everyone into submission.
The group of noobs exchanged glances, nothing more to discuss.
Since the princess guaranteed safety, it was indeed the best course of action.
Once confirmed, at Xu Xiaoya’s signal, Little Moon and Xu Qingyan stepped forward.
Xu Xiaoya snapped her fingers, creating a barrier that contained the two in a spacious area.
“Let’s clarify the rules: no consumables, buffs, or healing items. Everything else is fair game. Any objections?”
“No! Your Highness!”
“All good.”
Xu Xiaoya nodded, “Then, let’s get started!”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Xu Xiaoyue charged at her opponent, pulling out her big stick… I mean, staff!
Xu Qingyan retrieved his longsword.
He was a pretty traditional swordsman. As the legitimate heir of the Xu family, he was doing well in the game too, sitting at level 33 and over thirty on the leaderboard.
Watching Xu Xiaoyue’s movements, he confidently stepped forward.
Xu Qingyan knew Xu Xiaoyue’s fighting style, having seen it a few times back in the Golden City.
From his perspective, the biggest headache when fighting Xu Xiaoyue was that once she got in close, her staff strikes and spellcasting intermingled seamlessly, making her effective attack speed incredibly fast.
Once you were engaged with her in close combat, it was hard for others to keep up with her rhythm. If they stuttered, openings appeared in defense, and then—BAM!—you were done for.
For example, if they both unleashed their full-forged strikes at the same time, they’d each get pushed back a step.
Next, they’d typically regroup, preparing for the next strike.
But as you were regrouping, she’d hurl a fireball your way, leaving you no time to complain.
So, to beat Xu Xiaoyue, you’d have to engage her in close combat relentlessly.
In close quarters, you’d be able to tell if she predicted your spells, allowing you to dodge in advance.
Plus, most spells had AoE effects, which might end up hurting her as well.
As long as you avoided her magical advantage and kept it hand-to-hand, how could a mage like her compete with a swordsman?
Look at Kailona, a top-tier player of the same level—she got wiped out by Xu Xiaoyue because she failed to solidify her game plan and didn’t fully commit to close quarters.
But Xu Qingyan wouldn’t make that mistake!
As the challenge began, both of them charged in without hesitation.
The onlookers were practically bubbling with excitement.
Xu Xiaoya, arms crossed, said to Xu Cheng’an, “Ah, the youth! So much spirit—I see the reflection of my younger self!”
“Ha… ha… Your Highness speaks truly.”
He honestly didn’t know how to respond, so he just agreed.
Even though he knew the princess was strong, was it really okay for a 1.3-meter-tall loli to say things like that?
Once within combat range, the pair collided for the first time—a sword met a staff.
Xu Qingyan eased up a bit on his last blow while rotating left, pressing forward.
At this four-arm distance, Xu Xiaoyue would have the upper hand, so he needed to close in!
The closer he got, the longer her staff seemed, making it harder for her to pull off spells.
But Xu Qingyan’s maneuver clearly caught Little Moon off guard.
Her lips parted slightly in surprise.
And that was exactly what Xu Qingyan wanted!
Everything was going according to plan, everything under control!
He withdrew his sword, launching a full assault.
And then… Little Moon reached for the top and whipped out a dagger.
Then, to Xu Qingyan’s utter confusion, she went on the offensive!
Just a few swift strikes left a couple of injuries on his arms and, with a final staff flourish, sent him flying.
In the end, Little Moon still couldn’t wrap her head around it.
Why, oh why, did a perfectly good swordsman have to get so close?
Getting that close, could he even swing his sword?
(The year has passed—work has begun! Let’s exchange some gifts!)
