The entire fight seemed to play out in the same fluid motions and perfect harmony as the previous one, Bonnie tearing through the archer’s neck and Nick grabbing aggro with his purple shield, but something was slightly off this time. The enemy’s movements were faster, making the entire scene feel like a video reenactment that had been sped up by 20 percent, but Lucas’s team was still moving at the same pace. He could already imagine exactly how it would go during the Level 3 trial: the Healer would avoid being killed by Bonnie, his Naga companion’s arrows would be blocked by the Fighters using shields, and Nick would draw too much aggro.

He had no doubts about his team’s abilities, but he didn’t want to push it either. Another failed attempt meant wasted income and damage to morale. So, in order to save himself in both regards, he simply motioned for the others to gather around so that they could strategize their next series of movements. There were numerous ideas bouncing around in his head, but he had really only solidified his plan up until this point; and, now that his team knew exactly what was at stake and why they were doing these things, he wanted to get their opinion. Even more importantly, however, he wanted to consult with Xun Guan, someone whom he had honestly expected to have already been present.

Well, at least she doesn’t need a chair, Lucas thought as he studied the Naga’s tail and how it propped her up. Or do they have chairs specially designed for them back in the Mere land?

“So, what’s our next step, boss?” Bonnie asked. She was still wearing her cloak, although she had drawn the cowl back, giving her the impression of a floating head bobbing up and down as she spoke.

“Well, next up, I was thinking about doing some reconnaissance on other territories and potentially finding a weak one that I can use to generate more player quests,” Lucas explained. “The more people we can draw to this land the better, and the only way to do that is to generate better quests.”

“Idiot,” Viola muttered under her breath. Then in a much louder voice, she clearly added, “Don’t you ever play MMOs? How can you not know what draws people to games?”

Lucas looked over at her. “What? Is getting more quests and loot for the players not the best way to go about this?”

“Ugh!” Viola grumbled. “I swear, you are so unfocused when it comes to being the bad guy. How is it that you came up with the idea to steal me, the great Princess of Waldberg, and then your next idea is just to rinse and repeat? Where’s your ambition? Why didn’t you research? Go turn on some old-school cartoons and realize that the villains NEVER do the same scheme over and over again, even if it almost works.”