"And don't forget, everyone, tens of millions of new people are being integrated on the outskirts of ARC City.
"There's no guarantee there aren't some 'hidden masters' among them, similar to our Stelle sisters—unassuming, but with incredible skills.
"They might excel in different fields—perhaps more mind-blowing visual design, more hype-inducing copywriting, or more formidable organizational skills.
"Once they're recruited by other fan clubs, they'll become new variables, diluting our current advantage."
Her gaze once again fell upon the two Shus, filled with a burning trust.
"However, Lady Luck is on our side this time!
"The timing of the convention happens to fall within the golden window of opportunity when the new immigrants haven't fully integrated into the base community, and the various fan clubs haven't started their large-scale 'talent scouting' yet!
"And we! We already have our 'nuclear weapon'—the Stelle sisters!"
With a thud, she dropped to one knee, her hands raised high, presenting the two dumbfounded Shus to everyone.
"The path of support is perilous, how can we guarantee our merch production capacity?
"The convention is a drain on energy; it's better to follow the Durandal Fan Club's steady and solid approach!
"Our core members are down to a rotation of eight. Who dares to be the vanguard of this great campaign?"
The twin-tailed girl shot to her feet, planted a foot on her chair, made a beard-stroking gesture, her eyes gleaming as she boomed like a bell!
"Why wouldn't I dare!?
"Blessed with the creative power of the Stelle sisters, how can we remain cooped up in this shop? Hmph, hmph, hmph~ HAH!! I!! Twin-Tails! I only buy, I never return!!!"
She surveyed the room, her presence overwhelming. "If Teriri's Royal Guard attacks with a thousand posters, I shall buy them all up and hoard them for the cause! Even if the 'Bronya Collector's Association' attacks with all the Homu-coupons in the base, I can still launch a limited-time flash sale to break the enemy!
"With Twin-Tails, who breathes Homu like air, standing here, how dare you stat-grinders act so arrogantly?!"
She then turned to the two stiff "Stelles" and cupped her fist with a grand air.
"My lords... wait, no, Stelle sisters, with our assistance, why worry about claiming the top spot?
"This body will toil and work tirelessly, all to achieve Lord Kiana's hegemony!
"The 'Sushang Support Society,' the 'Rita Fan Club,' what have I to fear? I haven't even activated my 'End-of-Month Wallet Resurrection Jutsu' yet, so I ask you, who can stop me?"
Finally, she looked at the badge girl, her gaze burning.
"Leader, worry not! I will 'generate power with love,' 'run a deficit for love,' and even if it means going bankrupt, I will achieve victory!"
The other fans, inspired, slammed the table in unison and roared, "Well said! Only buy, never return! A deficit for love! The Great Campaign! The Great Campaign! The Great Campaign!"
"Good!"
The badge girl leaned forward, almost lying on the table, her fiery gaze fixed on everyone, her voice filled with the do-or-die resolution of someone who had burned their bridges.
"How fortunate I am to have you all!!"
"We always used to say... one day, we will have Lord Kiana Kaslana's name carved in glory at the very top of the support rankings! To take first place..."
She enunciated each word, shouting with all her might:
"Today! With all our passion! All our wisdom! And the 'divine power' bestowed upon us by the Stelle sisters, let's create history for our Kiana fan club!
"Let's show everyone that besides the legendary Shu, there is also us, a group of light-chasers fighting for the moonlight!"
"Answer me, sisters, do you have the confidence?!"
"YES!!!!!!"
"DO YOU?!"
"YES!!!!!!"
Hmm? The voices sound a bit off.
Everyone's gaze snapped in unison to Shu, who had not joined in the roar.
Shu: "..."
"Do I have to shout too?"
"Yes."
The crowd's answer was unquestionable, as firm as if they were being sworn into the Fire Moth.
"DO YOU!!!"
"YES!!!!!!!!"
"Yes..."
Shu and [Shu] weakly added their assent, earning the sincere approval of the fervent fans.
Everyone knew the two "Stelle sisters" had a good upbringing and weren't suited for such shouting, so they were satisfied even if the two just nodded.
"Then, let's begin the official meeting." Having completed her motivational speech, the badge girl's expression turned serious. She sat down, her hands steepled under her nose.
"First, our greatest traditional rival—Lord Fu Hua's support society, 'The Immortal Watchers.' They ranked second last time; their strength is undeniable."
The twin-tailed girl pushed up her non-existent glasses.
"Observations indicate that before Lord Durandal's official debut and Lord Kiana's return.
"Lord Fu Hua, with her title of 'strongest individual combatant in the base,' her steady and reliable demeanor, and that... well, unique temperament of having been through the ages but never losing her original heart, has attracted a large number of followers, especially known for having an extremely high proportion of female members.
"Their support style leans towards depth, textual research, and cultural heritage. Last time, their 'Edge of Taixuan' themed classical emblem series and ancient text restoration exhibition scored very high."
The short-haired girl raised her hand to add, "Latest intel! The 'Seven Swords of Taixuan,' those legendary masters, are said to have collectively joined 'The Immortal Watchers'!
"Although they seem to have just arrived at the base, they've already made it clear they want to support their master! This is an epic-level reinforcement! The power of a master-complex is truly limitless!"
Everyone gasped, scribbling notes in their notebooks: "Beware the Master Aura," "Watch out for lore-nerd nukes."
Shu's expression had already twisted.
Seriously... did the seven of you come here just to simp for your master?
The badge girl's expression grew even heavier.
"Next is... Senior Kallen's Saint's Vow Society... ranked third, but they've always been very tricky."
A fan in charge of outreach lowered her voice, a mysterious look on her face.
"The difficulty isn't in their numbers or creativity, but... in their group, there are said to be 'people from above.'"
She discreetly pointed a finger at the ceiling.
"They get the green light for everything. Their resource allocation is unbelievably smooth, their promotional spots are always the best, and even the logistics department approves their applications for special event venues abnormally fast.
"Everyone's guessing that it might be a certain high-ranking Overseer who wishes to remain anonymous... well, you know."
[Shu] remained silent.
Otto's heart is truly known to all...
Another fan chimed in, with a hint of schadenfreude: "But! It's different this time!
"Reliable grapevine news says that 'high-level busybody' is being driven crazy by the tens of millions of mouths to feed, houses to provide, and jobs to arrange pouring in from outside ARC City.
"It's said that O... uh, that lord barely has time to drink his coffee, let alone pay attention to 'small matters' like the support convention.
"So, the Saint's Vow Society is probably facing an epic-level nerf this year! Their regular strength isn't top-tier. Without the green light, they are no threat!"