After a period of negotiation, all players finally finished forming teams, creating entirely new factions.
Valerius looked over the lineups and nodded in approval.
These people really knew how to think.
First, Belobog joined forces with the Astral Express, the Stellaron Hunters, and even Phantylia, forming a brand-new Belobog Alliance.
The Xianzhou stood on its own. While not dominant in numbers, their overall strength was impressive.
Then came the Penacony–IPC–Space Station alliance—a powerhouse team packed with all kinds of talent.
Even Argenti had somehow been pulled into that group.
As for Teyvat, things were fairly standard—except Sumeru and Fontaine had allied.
Interestingly, the Fatui had split their forces: Arlecchino stayed with Liyue, while Tartaglia went to Fontaine.
"Diversifying investments, huh?"
Valerius found it amusing.
The Fatui really knew not to put all their eggs in one basket.
Then he looked toward the Zenless Zone Zero side and couldn't help but laugh.
An entire world—one single team.
But it made sense. They didn't have enough people to split anyway.
Even if they had a few extra members, they still held an advantage in faction battles.
Three days later.
[Herta: Excellent. This time, victory will be ours.]
[Seele: Bring it on. Belobog fears nothing.]
Seele was brimming with confidence.
With the Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters backing them, they had serious firepower.
They even had Phantylia—an Emanator.
[Topaz: Heh, we'll see about that.]
[Yae Miko: Three days of boredom… when does the game start?]
[Raiden Ei: Indeed. This time, I will win.]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: Your Excellency, we need to know the game first before assigning participants.]
For a moment, Kokomi seriously considered switching factions.
The Shogun… didn't seem particularly reliable.
[Raiden Ei: What game could possibly not suit me?]
[Yae Miko: Whatever helps you sleep at night.]
[Valerius: Oh? You're all that confident?]
[March 7th: Of course! Bring it on!]
[Valerius: Alright then.]
He checked the system.
Maintenance complete.
Game mode—available.
"Let's ease you into it."
Since this was the first faction-mode match, he wanted something suitable.
And it had to be a full faction battle—no wasted participation slots.
He browsed through the game list…
Then his eyes lit up.
"Hot-Blooded series?"
"No way… is this the one I'm thinking of?"
He quickly opened it and read through the rules.
Moments later—
Decision made.
"This is it."
"System, start faction battle."
[Acknowledged.]
[All players, please note—Faction Battle has begun. Prepare yourselves.]
A massive stadium appeared.
Countless players stood on the field.
"Faction battle right off the bat?!"
"This is huge!"
"Time to go all out!"
Zzzzz—
The speakers screeched.
Valerius walked to the center with a microphone.
"Welcome to the first Faction Battle—The Blood-Pumping Sports Festival!"
"…Sports festival?"
"How is it 'blood-pumping'? Fighting?"
"Nice, I'm fired up!"
"Silence!"
He raised a hand, calming the crowd.
"This game has special rules. Listen carefully."
"The festival consists of multiple sports events. You must assign players to each event."
"Important: a player cannot participate in more than one event."
"For example, if you run, you cannot also compete in swimming."
Many nodded.
Team allocation was key.
"Each event awards gold, silver, and bronze—worth 3, 2, and 1 points respectively."
"At the end, the faction with the highest total score wins."
"Now, the rules:"
"1: Each event has male and female divisions. You must send one of each."
"2: Players will receive temporary traits based on their strengths—such as increased speed or strength."
"3: Events include: Hot-Blooded Obstacle Marathon, Hammer Throw, Water Combat, Pole Vault, Basketball, and Soccer."
"4: Abilities you've previously obtained—can be used."
The crowd exploded.
"Wait, what?! Then how do we even compete?!"
"I'm dead…"
"I knew this would happen…"
Himeko had expected something like this.
She just didn't think it would come so soon.
Luckily, she had her mech.
Though… would using it count as cheating?
"I have a question."
Kafka raised her hand.
"If I use my ability to kill two people… what happens?"
Her Makima-style ability could kill anyone whose name she called.
If allowed, she could wipe out entire teams.
"You can try," Valerius shrugged. "But don't forget—the one you call also dies."
"…Right."
Kafka paused.
That's right—it was a one-for-one trade.
If she kept using it, her own team would run out of players.
"Guess I'll save it for key targets."
"Heh." Yunli hoisted her hammer. "Go ahead and try. Let's see if you can kill me."
Kafka's eye twitched.
…Yeah, that one probably wouldn't work.
Meanwhile, in Liyue's camp—
Xianyun whispered something into Shenhe's ear.
"Will it work, Master?"
"Trust me. My technique will take effect."
"…Alright."
Shenhe nodded and walked over to Kafka.
Then—grabbed her.
"…What are you doing?"
"Your ability has been sealed."
"…Excuse me?"
Kafka blinked.
"Master said she enhanced my hands. So if I grab you, I can seal you."
Kafka: "..."
She wanted to cry.
That's not how it works!!
There was no enhancement at all!
This was pure—
"I think it works, so it works."
The Belobog Alliance collectively darkened.
The game hadn't even started, and one of their key abilities was "sealed."
How were they supposed to play now?!
Meanwhile, on Liyue's side—
Xianyun stroked her chin with satisfaction.
"Quite the plan, wouldn't you say?"
"Truly brilliant, Adeptus."
Ningguang nodded in approval.
It was a perfect exploitation of Shenhe's personality.
Shenhe might not truly believe she could seal Kafka—
But as long as Xianyun told her she could…
She'd believe it.
And as long as Shenhe believed it—
Kafka was effectively sealed.
The power of "if I think it works, it works."
For someone like Shenhe—
It was terrifyingly effective.
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