18. World Congress: System Events

The chapter opens by recalling the Malefic Viper’s guidance on System Events: high risk, high reward trials that can grant rare opportunities, though early-universe variants are safer and less lucrative. A system-wide announcement then details the final World Congress vote: choose one of five 10-day Events beginning in 90 days, limited to D-grade and above (or exceptions), with surrender options and a post-Event Auction.

The options are outlined: Singles or Group Tournaments against monsters and other participants; Town Defense with waves and potential multi-Pylon alliances; Event Dungeons with three party dungeons and two solo Challenge Dungeons; and a Treasure Hunt in a foreign land with environmental hazards, rival claimants, and PvP risk. Rewards vary by participation mode and contribution.

Haven cloaks its platform to deliberate. Lillian suggests Singles to leverage Jake’s strength, but Jake refuses, finding it dull and too constrained. Miranda rejects Town Defense as misaligned with Haven’s small-population, elite-focused strengths and its reward-splitting bias toward large groups. Jake favors Event Dungeons for possible solo Challenge gains and Treasure Hunt for its open format, synergy with his tracking, perception, and intuition, and potential high-value finds and rival clashes.

Miranda warns that Treasure Hunt allows informal grouping, risking Haven’s smaller numbers. Neil expects several allies to reach D-grade, but Miranda notes they’ll still be outmanned. Jake accepts the risk and signals willingness to retaliate if provoked, though Miranda urges restraint due to diplomatic fallout. Jake commits to Treasure Hunt.

As platforms reveal, Jacob of the Holy Church signals alignment with Treasure Hunt, consistent with their divination advantages. With the hall awaiting top factions, Caleb of the Court of Shadows proposes Singles to establish power rankings, maximize safe high-end duels, and secure guaranteed winner rewards. A female representative of the Risen counters with Town Defense, arguing for city strength, cooperation, and possible alliances among top settlements. The stage is set for an intense debate and the decisive vote.