Chapter 359: The Virtual World's Holy Grail War

Amid the confused looks from Duan Fei and the others, Merlin began to explain the background of this Holy Grail War.

“I’ve made contact with the city’s administrator. I’ve been granted permission to import and export our Magic Items, and also to summon you Descenders to complete missions. If this agreement goes through, we’ll be formally integrated into the city network and gain all sorts of support and conveniences.”

Sensing that a major piece of world-building was about to be revealed, Duan Fei immediately asked, “Could you elaborate on the part about making contact?”

“I can. After all, once your administrator knew you were coming, he said it was fine for you to know. His name is Yu Bo. He said you would understand as soon as I told you that.”

Duan Fei nodded in understanding.

‘Thank you, unofficial member of the Salted Fish Inn.’

After confirming that Duan Fei truly had a connection to Yu Bo, Merlin’s estimation of him rose another level.

‘It’s been a while, and his strength seems to have advanced by leaps and bounds. That kind of potential can’t be underestimated.’

‘His social skills are excellent, too. He has connections in all sorts of places. He’s someone worth investing in.’

After deciding to give Duan Fei’s group a few extra perks later, Merlin continued, “Making contact wasn’t easy. We stumbled upon the city’s location by chance and quickly got in touch with the administrator. His power was a real eye-opener. After that, we had to undergo a strict inspection to determine our qualifications, capabilities, and whether we were ‘contaminated’ before we were allowed to enter the city through a specific channel. And if any problems arise, that channel will be shut down immediately. So, we need people to maintain the channel and inspect the goods.”

“Maintaining the channel is extremely profitable. The amount of resources the city needs is absurdly large—a fluctuation of even one or two percentage points can cause structural shifts. That’s the power we at Merlin Company want more than anything. However, another company found out about this and has demanded the right to compete for control of the channel.”

Hearing this, Duan Fei was starting to get the picture. “So, in other words, we need to sign a contract with your company, compete against another company, and fight a corporate Holy Grail War. Is that right?”

“Yes. In addition, you’ll have two company representatives. Their Magic Power will be supplied by the company, and if they die, it means you’ve failed. The war will take place in a special location we’ve selected. This location is a singularity, which you can think of as a Virtual World. Inside, you can use any means necessary. After all, it’s all virtual.”

“Including killing the opposing Mages?” asked Jinghong, who had participated in a Holy Grail War before.

“Including killing the Mages.” Merlin nodded. “But don’t worry, no one will actually die. At most, their Spirit will be dazed for a while. This is to allow all of you to display your full strength. Now, let me explain the victory conditions for this Holy Grail War.”

Unlike a typical Holy Grail War, the primary means of competition this time was selling merchandise.

In the singularity, Merlin Company and its rival—Knight Order, LLC—would appear as two startup companies. Their influence on the local market would be zero.

Moreover, Merlin understood the nature of Descenders, so this instance had been designed so that two in-game hours equaled one day, and there was no night cycle.

After a certain period, once one company’s products achieved a certain market share, that side would be declared the winner.

Before the war started, Merlin had already learned about the opposing side through Yu Bo. After all, the identities of their Descenders weren’t a secret.

“It seems the Descenders on the other side are acquaintances of yours: Madhouse. Yu Bo says that Madhouse’s participation is compliant with the regulations, and he hopes you won’t lose. If you are defeated, our channel will belong to Madhouse.”

“I see.”

Duan Fei knew Madhouse was a large organization, but he hadn’t expected them to be this powerful.

After all, the admin team had a quasi-official status. The fact that Madhouse, with no official backing, could challenge them was a testament to their power. That strength couldn’t be underestimated.

And they had plenty of legendary items, a few of which were quite dangerous.

“Do you know who their participants are?”

“They had a different roster at first, but they changed their members at the last minute after they found out you were coming. The Magician is leading their team now.”

“They’re really persistent, aren’t they? Can I see the roster?”

“Of course. But I must remind you that they can see your roster as well. It’s part of the rules.”

The Lone Ranger, standing to the side, tutted in annoyance.

‘If they can see the roster, then my good relationship with Duan Fei and the others will be exposed,’ he thought. ‘They’ll follow the trail, and they’ll probably figure out I’m a member of the Salted Fish Inn.’

‘And then all my screw-ups could be pinned on the other members. That’s the last thing I want.’

In that sense, the Lone Ranger had all the makings of a tsundere.

Knowing what the Lone Ranger was thinking, Duan Fei said, “Don’t worry. We’ll just tell everyone I hired you. It’s not like you getting hired is a rare occurrence.”

“True. In that case, can I kill you at the end? I want to rake in some extra rewards.”

“Young man, that’s a dangerous thought. I think we need to add a new rule to the guild bylaws: ‘Members are not allowed to kill the guild leader for fun.'”

“Then can we add one that says the guild leader can’t threaten the members?”

“We’re talking about members killing the guild leader. Why are you changing the subject?”

Giving the Lone Ranger an annoyed glare, Duan Fei went back to reading the roster.

The other side was also sending five people: the Magician, an Acrobat, a Strongman, the clown, and Nemo.

Seeing the fifth name, Duan Fei couldn’t help but sigh. “Nemo actually joined Madhouse? Man, he’s really gone down the wrong path.”

The clown’s appearance also gave Duan Fei a sense of destiny, since he still had the guy’s kerosene lamp.

He tried using his messenger, but it didn’t work. This instance apparently blocked outside communication, preventing everyone from contacting people outside the game.

After getting a few more basic details, Duan Fei asked, “So when do we start?”

“It’s already started,” Merlin said with a laugh. “You’re already in the Virtual World.”

With a snap of his fingers, the previously quiet building suddenly erupted into a flurry of activity. Droves of personnel flooded in and began working, providing support for the five players.

Merlin clapped Duan Fei on the shoulder and whispered, “My granddaughter, Yue Hua, doesn’t know this is all my doing. She just thinks she’s taking part in a rather unique Holy Grail War. When this is over, she’ll receive some extra reputation. It’s a little something for my own benefit. So, don’t let it slip.”

“You’re abusing your position for personal gain! This… you’ll have to…”

“…pay extra. Don’t worry, I’ll give you some extra perks when this is all over. That’s all, I’m off.”

Merlin opened the door opposite them and left.

Just as he departed, the same door opened again, and the two company representatives walked in.