Watching the five Spatial Rifts appear in the sky, the commanders of the various legions issued new orders.
The regional channel was drowned out by the players' exuberant cries.
"Damn, this feels amazing. The Bully really gets what we want."
"Defend? Defend my ass. Now it's our turn to kick down their doors!"
"I've memorized all five of these factions. They were so arrogant before—just wait. Soon, you'll be crying even louder."
At that moment, even A Lan, who had been watching from the sidelines, broke into a smile.
At their darkest hour, Star Network had sent him a golden bullet comment.
It had offered him two paths.
The first option: accept defeat.
Star Network explained in the comment that the Gold Coin Merchant Association's desire to build influence through an undefeated record was unrealistic.
In the Monster World, as long as they possessed resources coveted by foreign races, they would inevitably face challenges from more powerful civilizations.
That day would come sooner or later.
Trying to avoid every risk by relying on an "invincible reputation" was strategically unrealistic.
Accept defeat, then rebuild.
That process was what would truly help the Gold Coin Merchant Association grow its influence.
Through repeated rebuilding, the foreign races would realize that the Gold Coin Merchant Association could be knocked down for a time, but never destroyed.
Once that image took root in the minds of the various factions, they would grow accustomed to seeing the Association rebuild after every fall.
They would also understand that plundering the Gold Coin Merchant Association was ultimately futile, and might even bring retaliation from the Player Race down on their heads.
Once the foreign races grew used to seeing them rebuild,
every time the Gold Coin Merchant Association fell, they would wonder when it would return.
Instead of