The storm of the Rift battlefield had finally stilled, yet its aftermath was deadlier than any monster.
The booming voice of the system echoed endlessly in every player's ear:
[World Event Stage Three: Pursuit and Hunt]
[All players may choose—]
[1. Follow the Residual Blood Maniac, aid his survival, and share the event rewards]
[2. Hunt the Residual Blood Maniac, seize the Rift Core, and claim the bountiful prize alone]
——
In an instant, the world channels erupted.
[Follow! Just cling to Residual Blood Maniac's leg and it's easy profit!]
[Hunt! Don't forget Overlord Spear's bounty—10,000 gold!]
[This is madness—the whole server is split between follow or hunt?]
[Hahaha, now this is what a true world event looks like!]
Players were driven insane. Some rubbed their hands, ready to throw in with the followers, while others' eyes gleamed with greed, eager to reap the bounty hanging above the Child of the Storm's head.
…
At the Rift's exit.
Xu Zhu leaned against shattered stone, chest heaving violently, Residual Edge's buzzing still thundering in his ears.
Ling Xue knelt beside him, bandaging his wounds, her voice cold and firm: "You're the core of the entire server now. Whether you want it or not, there's no retreat."
Fatty Third wiped tears away, teeth clenched: "Big bro, no matter how many come to kill you, Fatty Third will die before leaving your side!"
Xu Zhu slowly raised his head, watching as figures gathered all around.
Some had crazed devotion in their eyes, shouting, "Residual Blood Maniac, boss, take me in!"
Others gripped their weapons tight, killing intent blazing.
Residual Blood Maniac was no longer just a name.
He was the dividing line between factions.
…
Far off, the Overlord Spear guildmaster watched coldly.
"Those who follow him are nothing but rabble."
"As long as we succeed in the hunt, every follower will drown in regret."
At the same time, Skyveil's chief swordsman commanded his forces: "From this day forth, Xu Zhu is our ally! Any who dare touch him will be enemies of Skyveil!"
The conflict between the two top guilds tore wide open at that moment, and Residual Blood Maniac became the sole center of the storm.
…
[System Prompt]: The Storm Event will enter Stage Four in 24 hours.
[Stage Objective]: Residual Blood Maniac must survive the pursuit and the hunt.
[Hint]: Survival rate below 20%.
——
Xu Zhu's gaze hardened as he slowly rose, staff still clenched tight in his hand.
"Follow or hunt—"
"My one drop of blood carves a path forward that no one else decides."
Ling Xue looked at him, for the first time her eyes shining with unspoken reverence.
Fatty Third wiped his nose, crying and laughing as he shouted: "Big bro, then let's do it! However many come, we'll cut them all down!"
The rift's winds rose again, as though heralding the blood and storm yet to come.
—— The legend of the Residual Blood Maniac had only just begun.