***

The next day.

News about the pre-event for Guild of Champions spread to everyone. Notification panels appeared in front of every guild leader, prompting them to immediately inform all of their guild members.

That morning, Ashley gathered all guild members in the front courtyard. Thousands of people stood wearing their proud uniforms, lined up neatly and facing Ashley, who stood on the podium.

"Guild of Champions will begin soon. That is another name for the Guild War event!" Ashley declared firmly.

"This is a major event that determines a guild's standing. If we want to succeed, we must win this event!"

A wave of excitement spread after Ashley announced the event. Many of them felt optimistic and confident that LionArk would make a strong impact once the event began.

Ashley stood on the podium with Ethan beside her. Meanwhile, the officers stood facing the thousands of guild members in front of the podium.

"This event will start next month. Selected individuals will be sent as representatives of the LionArk team," Ashley said.

"What are the requirements?" several people asked curiously.

Ashley briefly glanced at Ethan. Ethan nodded. Before announcing this, Ethan had already discussed the basic participation requirements for the LionArk team with Ashley and several officers.

Ethan and Ashley set high standards for them. This was meant to support the team's strength and capability during the event.

"The LionArk team will be led by Ethan. The requirements to join the event are reaching a level above 65, having equipment and weapons of at least Epic tier, possessing at least Epic-tier spirit crystals, three S-tier soul servants, and a pet above level 30."

Ashley explained it clearly. Some of them had managed to reach levels above 65, but very few met the other standards such as equipment, spirit crystals, soul servants, and pets.

The noise grew louder, and several officers had to calm everyone down. To them, the standards felt far too high, and they were worried they would not be able to meet Ashley's expectations.

"You have one month to prepare. You are free to form parties and carry out Raid Tower activities independently," Ashley said.

That news eased them once again. The only way they could meet the requirements to join the LionArk team was by doing Raid Tower runs.

Optimism returned to their hearts. They felt confident they could meet the standards before the event began.

Ethan stepped forward to speak, replacing Ashley. Instantly, everyone fell silent, focusing on what Ethan was about to say.

"Guild of Champions is the only way we have to improve our guild ranking. Right now, we are ranked tenth."

"If we win this event, it is not impossible for us to rise into the top five in the next assessment!" Ethan declared firmly.

"Are all of you willing to give everything for our beloved guild?!" Ethan shouted.

"We are ready!" they shouted back in unison.

"Do the best you can. Become part of my team!" Ethan said firmly.

Cheers echoed with passion among the thousands of LionArk members. Ethan smiled faintly, pleased to see their enthusiastic response.

Ashley took the microphone again and told them to begin their preparations. The meeting was dismissed, and many LionArk members went to the city to purchase equipment with their own money.

Ethan and Ashley walked down the steps and arrived at the courtyard ground. Hanss approached Ethan.

"Do we need to form an expedition team?" Hanss asked.

"No need. Ashley has allowed independent Raid Tower runs. Many of them will head there," Ethan replied.

Hanss nodded in understanding. He expressed that he was also interested in joining Ethan's team later, but he had not yet met the requirements, especially in terms of equipment and soul servants.

Ethan raised his hand and gently patted Hanss on the shoulder to reassure him.

The hype surrounding Guild of Champions would surely be felt by the entire guild, and many members would start shopping for necessities.

During the first and second weeks after the pre-event information, shops would surely be crowded with players.

However, as the third and final week approached, things would gradually quiet down.

"There is still one month to prepare everything. You don't need to worry," Ethan said.

"I'll do my best," Hanss replied.

Ethan nodded. He and Ashley went back into the headquarters building and arrived on the third floor. They entered their respective offices, with Sherly following Ethan.

"With the situation like this, how will you respond to those security assistance requests?" Sherly asked.

"I don't know. All LionArk members are focused on the event," Ethan replied.

"Hold off on those requests until the third week. I'm sure some members will start giving up on meeting the required standards," Ethan explained.

"All right. I understand."

Sherly walked to her desk and began working, sending messages to alliance member cities that had requested security assistance.

On the other hand, Ethan opened his message menu and saw many messages sent to him, from Ayaka, Gregor, Kevin, and Noah.

The four of them were guild leaders from the permanent members of the Eastern Alliance. They were asking about LionArk's response to the Guild of Champions pre-event.

Ethan had his own plan for this event. Although participant teams could consist of a guild alliance, the rewards would be smaller because they were divided among the three participating guilds.

For example, if the reward was 100,000 contribution points, then with a three-guild alliance team, each guild would receive around 32,500 contribution points.

This was different from a single guild, where the reward was absolute and not shared with anyone.

In the current situation, Ethan believed that participating as a single guild was the most suitable option for LionArk.

That was only a plan that had not yet been realized, nor discussed with the other alliance members.

For now, Ethan would act carefully regarding this matter. He clearly did not want to offend any guild or abandon them outright.

Ethan replied to their messages, asking all permanent alliance guild leaders to be present at LionArk Headquarters the day after tomorrow.

They needed to discuss the event in more detail before bringing it up to all non-permanent members of the Eastern Alliance.

"Sherly," Ethan called.

"Yes, Sir Ethan?"

"The permanent alliance guild leaders will come to LionArk the day after tomorrow. Please prepare everything," Ethan said.

Sherly smiled and nodded. "Of course. I will prepare everything."

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