Reversal | N0X meets NW1 | SoW S14-R2

N0X is gearing up for their second match in SoW Season 14, where a challenge of a completely different level awaits them. To recap, their first match was against MBL, an alliance against whom N0X was able to execute their strategy and refine their team cohesion, dominating them by a wide margin.

After this excellent season start, N0X still has only one goal in mind: to qualify for the playoffs. And on their path this time, their opponent will be much harder to beat, as it’s the powerful NW1 alliance. In a context where N0X has never won against NW1, we can already imagine the challenge will be immense. But as mentioned in their first match, tonight, it’s a stronger-than-ever N0X that will once again challenge the mighty NW1 alliance. The stakes are high, the battle will be grueling, and the number of participants will be more decisive than ever.

In their first match, N0X was able to rely on their special guest, Imperialrock, who proved to be a decisive asset in their strategy. Against NW1, they will again be able to count on Imperialrock, who will fight by their side, as well as BABAxYAGA, a new guest for N0X who has also joined as reinforcement. Of course, Belore II will be the usual driving force and leader of this alliance, showcasing his power in the previous round, supported by Ice bear, DYW, Vergo, and Xarsh, who, thanks to their commanders, have the ability to score many eliminations.

On the NW1 side, one player to watch very closely is ccku, who is capable of eliminating a large number of opponents single-handedly, just like Lord shorty. They will be supported by powerful warriors such as ACE 123 and John McClain, who will likely need to be neutralized quickly due to their strength.

Each player knows the stakes and the caliber of the opponents they’re up against. With N0X reinforced by Imperialrock and BABAxYAGA, and NW1 bringing formidable warriors like ccku and Lord shorty to the frontline, the stage is set for an intense clash. The commanders issue final orders, strategies are locked, and every player readies themselves for what promises to be an epic showdown. The time has come—the battle is about to begin.

As both alliances prepare to enter the battle zones, Belore II steps forward to deliver the final orders:

Today, our victory will depend on holding the battlefield. Two major clashes will unfold at the Armory and Hot Spring—locations we cannot afford to lose. If you fall, I want to see you return with a new army as quickly as possible. Our opponent will show no mercy and will seize any weakness to invade our camp and ensure our defeat. We must hold them off at these two sites and allow Imperialrock to fight for the resources at Winterfell. Your allies need you, every single one of you; strength lies in numbers and unity!

With that, the siren blares, signaling the start of the battle. On both sides, it seems the best fighters have been sent to the Hot Spring. Both alliances are well aware that the fights for Winterfell’s resources are often long and grueling, sometimes stretching endlessly. Thus, the key is to capture as many sites as possible to rack up points per minute. The fight for control will determine the outcome, and every moment counts.

Surprisingly, after several minutes of intense fighting, the battle remained fairly balanced, and N0X was already pleased to see that they were holding up well against NW1's assaults. It was clear that the conflict was shifting towards mental resilience, endurance, and the responsiveness of everyone involved, rather than relying solely on brute strength.

Before the first resource crate appeared at Winterfell, N0X had unexpectedly gained the upper hand at Hot Spring, controlling the area with their numbers. Meanwhile, at the Armory, NW1 was asserting dominance more decisively, but they were constantly forced to defend against N0X’s relentless assaults. Both sides were sending reinforcements constantly, trying to paralyze the enemy and prevent any progress.

Capturing the enemy’s bases seemed a tempting but risky move, as it would require spreading forces thinner and leaving them more vulnerable. However, NW1 was familiar with this tactic, often sending small groups to capture N0X's bases and gain an edge on points per minute. This strategy had allowed NW1 to lead in the score before the first Winterfell resource battle began. Fortunately, N0X proved highly reactive and well-coordinated, quickly countering NW1’s maneuver by eliminating enemies from their bases without abandoning their strongholds at the Armory or Hot Spring, where the fighting remained unyielding.

As the match grew tighter, with every minute crucial, N0X knew they needed that resource bag to close the gap and stay in the game. Imperialrock, along with several of his allies, had the heavy task of bringing it back to their camp. By combining the speed of certain players with the overwhelming power of Imperialrock to eliminate the majority of enemies, N0X hoped to have the winning strategy.

However, both alliances were aware that they couldn’t afford to send too many players after the resources. While the first crates would earn points, they weren’t more important than controlling the battlefield. Diverting too many forces could result in losing too many zones, wasting valuable time in recapturing them. The balance between securing resources and maintaining battlefield dominance was becoming a critical decision.

The first battle at Winterfell quickly swung in favor of N0X. Even with both armies being evenly matched, Imperialrock proved to be a game-changer, allowing his allies to advance swiftly by rotating players toward their nearest base to secure the first resource crate. NW1 didn’t make it easy, relentlessly slowing N0X's progress at every turn, but in the end, it was N0X who won the first resource duel. This victory brought them back on equal footing with NW1, even giving them a slight lead in the score.

This slight victory for N0X did not come without consequences. It seems they ended up committing a bit more manpower to secure the resources, which resulted in them losing control of Hot Spring quite decisively. However, despite being outnumbered at the Armory as well, N0X was quick to send reinforcements, rebalancing the forces rapidly, and deployed enough troops to Hot Spring to pressure NW1 and force them to defend.

N0X did catch a bit of luck here, as NW1 had almost eliminated all of N0X's forces at Hot Spring and could have seized the opportunity to rush into N0X's camp, potentially capturing their stronghold—and perhaps more. However, this shows just how much N0X is rattling NW1. Rather than take the risk, NW1 chose to reinforce the positions they already controlled, prioritizing the defense of Hot Spring and the Armory, while avoiding the chance of losing their own strongholds.

The two major clashes continued on both sides of the battlefield, with neither camp able to completely annihilate the other. Despite N0X holding its ground against NW1, it was NW1 who controlled the Armory and Hot Spring, earning more points per minute. The slight point lead N0X had gained from the first resource crate was slowly diminishing as the second resource crate appeared on the field.

N0X's initial strategy had worked well, so they were determined to repeat it. As for NW1, one could expect a shift in tactics to more aggressively contest the second resource crate. As soon as it became available, both camps engaged fiercely, attempting to eliminate each other. Once again, N0X took advantage of the chaos to escape with the resources toward their stronghold. The same scenario was unfolding, and ultimately, NW1 seemed to prioritize occupying the battlefield over securing the resources, as they didn’t mobilize more forces, opting instead to defend their held zones.

At this point, NW1’s strategy wasn’t proving successful. Even though N0X was facing NW1's assaults, they were still on track to secure the second resource crate. Additionally, N0X had just retaken control of the Armory, putting them on equal footing with NW1 in terms of points per minute, resulting in a near-perfect tie in the overall score.

After long minutes of fierce fighting for the resources, N0X finally managed to bring them back to their base, securing a more significant lead in the score—5,000 points ahead—in this tightly contested match.

N0X never expected to be in the lead at this point in the match, especially after holding their ground in both chaotic melees. As they awaited the third resource crate, both alliances focused on capturing the enemy's strongholds to gain more points, regularly sending dedicated players for this task. However, each side maintained an incredibly effective defense, continually neutralizing each other's efforts.

Time passed, and the point gains remained similar, with N0X sensing that NW1 was getting closer to breaking through their defense. They knew that even a slight drop in vigilance or resilience could give NW1 the opening they needed to shift the balance in their favor.

This is why Scythe, from the N0X alliance, reorganized his allies at the Armory, a supposed weak point for N0X that had been holding firm since the start. She issued precise commands to coordinate her team’s attacks, aiming to eliminate powerful or isolated enemies more effectively:

Don’t chase those leaving the circle, stay grouped on our side, don’t isolate yourselves. On our left, there's one enemy alone—attack him together, then switch targets and continue with group attacks.

This series of specific orders proved highly effective, as N0X, despite being outnumbered, began to regain the upper hand. They methodically eliminated their opponents, focusing especially on the most dangerous ones, one by one.

N0X managed to stabilize their defense just as the third resource crate appeared. The stakes were rising with more than half of the match over, and both alliances realized that, given the time it took to secure the first two crates, this one could very well be the last and decisive one to determine the winner.

This time, NW1 took the initiative, deploying more troops in an attempt to finally bring Winterfell's resources to their side and reclaim the lead. The battle was tougher for N0X, who faced greater difficulty compared to earlier rounds. NW1's carriers repeatedly seized the crate and fended off their pursuers, making progress toward their stronghold. N0X was forced to call for additional reinforcements, risking a weakening of their defensive groups at the Armory and Hot Spring.

This decision proved crucial and well-timed, as it allowed N0X to halt NW1's advance with the crate and even turn the situation around by gradually moving the resources back toward their base. However, this focus left their other positions more vulnerable, leading to the loss of some zones and enabling NW1 to increase the pressure on N0X’s camp as they fought for control of the crate.

NW1 had closed the gap to just 3,000 points and maintained a higher points-per-minute rate, but N0X ultimately secured the resources, scoring an additional 4,500 points to extend their lead to a more comfortable 7,000 points. With only 10 minutes remaining, N0X led on the scoreboard, but NW1 held a slight edge on the battlefield.

The critical moment of the battle had arrived, and one could see both tension and excitement on the faces of N0X’s troops, while disbelief and determination marked those of NW1, who could hardly believe what was unfolding before them.

The fourth resource crate was now in play, and NW1, with a higher points-per-minute income than N0X, had the chance to win the match in dramatic fashion if they could secure and bring back the final crate. N0X, on the other hand, faced an immense challenge: they needed to hold out for 10 more minutes, avoid losing any more zones, and, most importantly, prevent NW1 from claiming the resources. The stakes had never been higher, and both sides knew that this final push would decide everything.

Imperialrock, his face marked with concentration, quickly wiped the sweat from his brow before turning to Belore II. The tension was palpable, like a weight crushing the air around them.

Belore, we need to secure this crate, no matter what. I'm taking the lead, but I’ll need you to cover my back with your best men,

Imperialrock commanded, his deep, determined voice rising above the battle's chaos.

Belore II nodded, his eyes burning with unyielding resolve.

I'm with you, Imperialrock. Xarsh, Scythe needs you at the Armory. Strengthen the defense and make sure no enemy approaches. If NW1 breaks through, they'll take everything,

Belore II said, his voice cutting through the clamor of blades and the roar of fighting troops.

A few hundred meters away, ccku watched the scene, his face hardened with determination. He clenched his jaw and raised his gleaming sword, addressing his allies.

It's time to go all out. N0X's defense is weaker near their respawn points. If we capture those buildings, we can push them to their limit and open a path. Leave the crate to me; I'll bring it back myself. Move forward without fear!

ccku shouted, rallying his troops with fierce intensity.

The warriors of NW1 surged forward, their steps shaking the ground like thunder. ccku’s troops struck with almost desperate rage, hoping to finally find the long-sought breach.

Xarsh, covered in dust and scratches, panted as he urged his troops with the energy of desperation. His eyes lit up when he spotted suspicious movement at the Armory.

Scythe, six enemies isolated on our left flank! This is our chance to weaken them and regain the upper hand. Forward, don’t hold back!

Xarsh shouted, his muscular arms raising his shield to block a blow. His allies obeyed, striking together and slowly gaining the upper hand.

Time seemed to slow. The metallic sounds of combat, the shouts, and the pounding footsteps were deafening. Imperialrock, leading the group carrying the crate, grimaced under the strain while fending off any attacker that came too close. Belore II cut down his enemies one by one, his resolve unbroken.

Ccku fought with all his strength to reclaim the resource package, but Imperialrock and Belore II formed an unyielding rampart, leaving him with few openings. Ccku’s allies struggled and ultimately failed to break through N0X’s defenses on the battlefield. Despite their fierce efforts, they continually met with fierce counter-attacks.

In the end, NW1, exhausted and defeated, never found the breach they needed to surpass N0X. The defense held strong, and N0X maintained control of enough zones to almost match NW1’s points per minute. Neither side was able to claim the final resource crate.

In the silence that followed the tumult, the wind whistled over the battlefield littered with abandoned swords and shields. Imperialrock, his gaze steely but relieved, exchanged a look with Belore II. They had held. N0X had won.

N0X’s performance against NW1 was nothing short of remarkable. For an alliance that had never before defeated their formidable opponent, this victory symbolized a turning point in their journey. Despite facing relentless assaults and tactical pressures from NW1, N0X demonstrated exceptional resilience, coordination, and adaptability. Their strategic use of key players like Imperialrock and the unyielding defenses led by Belore II, Xarsh, and the entire team allowed them to hold their ground and counter every maneuver NW1 attempted. This battle showcased their ability to not only challenge but outmatch one of the most powerful alliances in the field.

As they set their sights on the upcoming third round, the members of N0X are aware that another grueling confrontation awaits them. Yet, with this historic victory bolstering their spirits and sharpening their resolve, N0X steps forward with newfound confidence and determination, inching ever closer to the coveted playoffs.