During the time Kamisato Ayato and his two companions were riding the dragons, Ryen and the others were standing on the Sky Island map of the first Bed Wars match, making final arrangements.
As the most anticipated entertainment event in the MC World, the demand for Bed Wars was higher than all other projects combined. Naturally, those participating were the most elite warriors from each nation. However, this was merely an opening exhibition match; it didn't need a high level of competitiveness. To put it simply, like the World Cup in Ryen's original world, the first match was a performance intended for maximum spectacle. Once the opening match concluded, each nation would officially begin its domestic qualifiers to select one hundred soldiers to represent them in the final five-nation championship.
Even as an exhibition match, it retained the nature of a five-nation group battle. All in all, it promised to be a visual feast. The arena for the opening match was the Sky Island map: the very first Bed Wars map. After so much refinement, this map was the largest and most complex to date. Consequently, the match would feature a vast array of maneuvers and strategies, ensuring plenty of entertainment. As for the finals... the map remained a secret.
Compared to the crowd, who were buzzing with excitement, Ryen felt somewhat listless. The more excited Venti and the others grew, the more bored he became. There was no other reason: after a period of negotiation, everyone had rejected Ryen's participation in any national team. It was understandable: even though everyone had played Bed Wars frequently and understood it well, their knowledge was like a drop in the ocean compared to Ryen's. Ryen knew more "dirty" tricks and advanced maneuvers than everyone else combined. It was Ryen who had casually tipped off Childe on how to sneakily back-cap Venti's base earlier. Ryen joining a team would simply break the balance.
If it were just a casual game among friends, it wouldn't matter; at worst, Ryen could have led a team of his wives to take on everyone else. But this was an official event with over ten thousand spectators waiting. It was better not to ruin the experience for everyone.
The participants were warming up, but since this was an exhibition match, not many leaders would be taking to the field personally beyond the hundred specialized soldiers chosen for their understanding of the world's mechanics.
Mondstadt: Led by Jean, Eula, Diluc, and Venti.Liyue: Led by Zhongli, Xiao, Beidou, and Cloud Retainer.Inazuma: Led by Ayaka, Kujou Sara, Ei, and the Shogun.
Yes, the Shogun had been successfully revived using a Totem of Undying. Although it seemed absurd, from a strictly logical standpoint, it made sense. In Teyvat's understanding, the Shogun was a soul sharing Ei's body: two souls in one vessel. But the MC World didn't care for such complexities. A soul with no physical body? Perfect! That met the criteria for revival! Forget the details; revive first and ask questions later! Consequently, Inazuma had mysteriously gained yet another top-tier Archon-level combatant. Even now, Makoto found the whole situation ridiculous, though she had praised Ei for a long time. Who knew that such a series of accidental events would result in Inazuma gaining a massive new force? It was a stroke of incredible luck.
Sumeru's participation was also straightforward. Although they had only recently been introduced to this world, the training for their soldiers had been completed. Compared to the soldiers of the other four nations, their understanding of Bed Wars was definitely inferior, so they were mostly participating for the experience. Their team was led by Alhaitham, Tighnari, Cyno, and Dehya.
As for Snezhnaya, they had no choice but to field the Tsaritsa, Rosalyne, Childe, and Scaramouche.
Currently, the teams seemed fairly balanced. However, since this was only the opening match, the final championship would certainly see everyone from the five nations participate. Ningguang and the others would be no exception. Snezhnaya, with its limited population, would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. The Tsaritsa was already considering asking Aether and Lumine for backup. Aether's Abyss Order had only just begun training, making them unable to join the current match: they could only watch from the sidelines.
Overall, Ryen felt the current format was fair and just. As for the finals... well, no competition in the world is absolutely fair.
Ryen's mind wandered as Zhongli and the others organized their troops and made final arrangements. Although it was a friendly exhibition match, victory was still a powerful motivator. Winning now would provide a boost of confidence for the future.
Eventually, Ganyu and the others finished calibrating the final broadcasting equipment. At a single command, the images from this location would be displayed throughout the stadium, watched by over ten thousand people. Ganyu walked to Ryen's side and gave him a gentle poke. Ryen snapped out of his daze and offered a light smile, preparing to begin the pre-match briefing.
Suddenly, three massive dragons approached from the distance, arriving in an instant. The group paused, turning in unison to look.
"Big Brother?" Ayaka looked in surprise at Ayato as he jumped off the dragon's back.
Ayato didn't speak to Ayaka immediately. He offered a slight nod and walked quickly to Makoto. "Lady Makoto, the new Inazuma army has been stationed and sent to Millelith Base No. 1 for training. Yoimiya and Kazuha have also been brought along; they can stay here permanently. With their strength, they can help alleviate much of the pressure."
Makoto smiled and looked warmly at the still-shocked Yoimiya and Kazuha. "Well done. But why the late arrival?"
"We encountered many sea beasts on the ocean, but there were no major casualties," Ayato explained.
Nearby, Ningguang frowned slightly. "Sea beasts? Could it be that Liyue Harbor's expansion is compressing their habitat, causing unrest? Hmm... this might affect merchant shipping in the future. Keqing, Yelan: have the naval forces deal with it later. At the very least, ensure our sea routes to Mondstadt, Inazuma, and Sumeru remain secure."
Yelan gave a silent nod.
"As long as you are safe," Makoto said with a sigh of relief. Seeing that Ayato had more to say, she gave a gentle wave of her hand. "If it isn't urgent, let's discuss it later. The Lantern Rite Bed Wars exhibition match is about to begin."
Lantern Rite Bed Wars? Ayato had heard the term from Fengyan and the Inazuma soldiers earlier. Thinking of the atmosphere in the stadium, it seemed this was a major event. Since he had no urgent matters to report, he simply nodded and stepped aside. He looked at Ayaka and offered an approving nod. It seemed his sister was one of the team captains.
The small interlude ended quickly. Ryen retracted his gaze and announced loudly: "The opening match of the Lantern Rite Bed Wars Five-Nation Championship is about to begin. Are you ready?"
An earth-shattering cheer erupted. Ryen smiled and nodded. "Ganyu, start the broadcast."
In the next moment, the various cameras that had been set up were switched on simultaneously. The feed was instantly transmitted back to the stadium outside the Mondstadt Base. Even here on the Sky Island map, the cheers from the stadium could be heard clearly. The roar of ten thousand people made this the largest sporting event in Teyvat's history. Realizing that their every move was being watched by over ten thousand eyes, the soldiers stood tall, their chests puffed with pride.
"Everyone to your positions. Please prepare. The exhibition match is about to begin. All participants, please check your inventories. Except for Totems of Undying, you are prohibited from carrying any materials or equipment. Violators will be disqualified, and their nation's score will be reset to zero."
Ryen stood on a high platform with a microphone, his voice reaching every corner of the map. This was one of the benefits of the Furniture mod. While it offered no combat utility, the variety of products covered almost everything one could imagine. The broadcasting equipment for this event was all sourced from the Furniture mod, adding a touch of modern flair to the world.
After a moment, once the five armies had finished their final checks, Ryen continued: "The rules of the Bed Wars exhibition match are as follows: each team possesses two islands: a main island and a sub-island. When the match begins, all participants will spawn on the main island. Except for Totems of Undying, no weapons, armor, or materials may be brought in. The sub-island generates resources; participants can travel there to gather materials. Each sub-island has a Priest where participants can trade for enchanted books. Powerful equipment and resources are stored beneath the bed on each team's main island. After destroying an opponent's bed, you can claim these powerful items. Victory or defeat is determined solely by the existence of the bed. If a main island's bed is destroyed, that nation is defeated. Beyond that, there are no rules. I repeat: there are no rules. Any action that does not violate the fundamental rule regarding external equipment is permitted. Is that understood?"
Over five hundred voices roared in unison. The surrounding speakers began playing high-energy music, giving the event a much more professional feel. Ryen nodded in satisfaction and announced loudly: "I will serve as the referee for this match. One hundred high-definition cameras will be monitoring at all times. Any violation will result in the disqualification of that nation's score. Mondstadt: Blue Base. Liyue: Yellow Base. Inazuma: Purple Base. Sumeru: Green Base. Snezhnaya: White Base. Captains, please confirm your positions."
Beside him, Ningguang and the others looked at Ryen with eyes full of adoration. Seeing Ryen become so serious at a time like this made their hearts race. Jean, Zhongli, Ei, Alhaitham, and the Tsaritsa stepped forward, taking the scarves representing their national colors and tying them around their wrists. They exchanged looks; even Zhongli felt a long-absent surge of competitive spirit.
Seeing this, Ryen nodded with satisfaction. "Once again: friendship first, competition second..."
The crowd looked at Ryen skeptically. That didn't sound like something he would say.
Pausing, Ryen grinned and spread his arms wide. "I'll say it again! 'Friendship first' is total nonsense! A match is a battle of life and death! There can only be one winner! Fight! Use every ounce of your wit to scheme against and defeat your opponents! Every plot and strategy is a stepping stone to your victory. With Totems of Undying, there will be no casualties in this match! So, fight with everything you have! Fight until the end! I declare the Lantern Rite Bed Wars Five-Nation Championship officially open!"
Brilliant fireworks erupted from all sides of the Sky Island. Even in the broad daylight, they lit up the entire sky.