The Three Great Guilds (I)

For the next few days, she was busy. She had one purpose: to reinforce the camp. Already, the walls were attacked a few times a day, which they had quickly brought down without too much effort. But that wasn't the main problem. The monsters came at first a couple of times in one day. Then the second, it doubled. The third it kept becoming more and more as days passed.

The alarms sounded off again out in the distance. Snow could hear the pitter-patter of the Hunter's feet rushing through the camp and could be heard as they all got into place to slay the horned monsters that she had dreamed about attacking the walls.

Snow heard a rumble from her side. She saw the Player's carrying some kind of harpoons machine while pushing over a high tech cannon. She had wondered where they had procured such items, and the only thought she could think about was that they brought it from outside the dungeon. For the past few days, such things weren't seen until now.

Still, from the looks of it, the weight on that machine was a lot heavier to carry as it took four men to carry it up onto the wall.

Snow watched as they installed the cannon. It wasn't just one, but a few lined up in different places.

"Snow!" Dairen called out with Mike talking with the other Players. A large group of Players were walking over.

Instantly, she knew who they were: the Guild heads. There were the three major guild leaders: Rodney, Gilbert, and Audrey. Who controlled most of the Player in Atlantis.

Rodney, a young man in his twenties with high chiseled chin, straight eyebrows, and was a bit lanky. The armor that he wore was a lot more tight fit and light, reminding Snow of an assassin type class. He represented the Heavenly Guild with his second in command, Sarah. Sarah was an astute lady who looked like a teacher. Even the clothes that she wore were very professional with classy light armor; she looked like a mage that worked with the Red Flower Nation company. Their Guild mostly specialized in hunting monsters and was considered number one in the East Coast.

Gilbert was an older gentleman who runs the RedVelvet Guild. From the way he held himself, Snow could tell that he was more of a businessman than a fighter. His assistance Ember looked to be in her primes. From Snow's understanding, she had a few kids back on Earth. Compared to Gilbert, she had fire in her as she commanded most of the presence inside the Guild. They were just as fierce of an alliance compared to Heavenly Guild, but was considered second for their specialty and lied more in trade work.

The final of the three was a large man, who reminded anyone of a bear. With his bulking body, bushy beard, and sharp eyes that could devour a man whole was Audrey. He was the leader of the Black River Guild. Even his armor was made mostly of bear fur with full plated silver armor. His second in command, Dedrick, was a college student. Compared to Audrey, he was small in size as his beady eyes with glasses were brilliant though his armor and clothes were a lot lighter than Audrey.

These were the three significant guilds that had established their presence quickly in the magical community. Compared to Mike and Dairen, who just started their alliance, Gold Phoenix, they were a lot bigger. Mike and Dairen didn't begin their alliance until a week ago. Still, their influence could go toe-to-toe with the other guilds.

Snow had been quietly paying attention to their scuffles, achievements, and even ranking in the world. She was quite amazed at the things they have done from slaying monsters to building a legitimate business—each bringing in different types of wealth and knowledge in a short period since their appearance.

She had known that the Magical Community supported and disagreed about the Player's in the dark, but their booming ability outperformed a lot of residence of this world. Though the performance with the Players in Atlantis seems to outpace the ones from different countries, which she was secretly proud of.

There were times when she saw news clipping of other Players at work, but the Player to Guild rankings in the Dragon Express database told different stories.

They all came over a bit too heatedly. They were arguing over the placement and control of the area.

Snow waited for them to finish speaking until she spoke up as she was getting tired of waiting.

"Hello." She called out crisply, catching their attention as they went silent. "Glad to see that you are all here."

"Hello," Rodney was the first one to speak up with a clear throat to suppress the other guilds presence. "Good to see you this early in the morning, Snow." He smiled.

"It's my usual time to wake up." Snow replied curtly. "I summoned you because I needed help."

It was no lie; there was only so much she could do. The past few days, she had to check, scout, and collect information before she moved to do what she needed.

With interest, they all silently waited for what she had to say. The nervousness inside her started to rear its ugly head, but like a hammer, she smashed it away.

"As you know, Dragon Express will be stationing their second store here." Snow slowly replied, "but to tell you the truth, the amount of supplies and troops that are being sent wouldn't be enough to secure this fort."

This was true. After the bickering with Lily, she had personally made it difficult for Snow to get any extra supplies and help she needed. She knew that Lily had something against her, but to see her outright cut all assistance was unthinkable as she found this out personally from Heather.

They all knew what this meant. Barely any reinforcement to assistance means trouble, making the conquering of the dungeon even more difficult.

"But do not worry, I do have an idea." She quickly explained. "I will personally get your rewards in order when this dungeon is destroyed: dead or alive."

Curiosity bloomed in the crowd.

"From talking with Red, I have been told that on different levels are precious food sources that we could secure from plants to monsters. Please understand, this won't be an easy thing, but if we work together. We can create a temporary sanctuary here." She reassured them. "As a resident of this world, I can not leave this dungeon as well as many others. Conquering this dungeon alone is impossible."

She knew that she needed to persuade the three. It was her only hope. The Hunters and the residence of this world had no choice. If they had another A rank or even an S rank Hunter, she knew for sure that they could clear this dungeon without any trouble, but they were already far too little and were on different missions to even get in contact.

Snow had tried a few times to lure them in, but so far, almost every attempt failed. She wasn't the only one.

"The only thing I could offer to the head guild is…" Snow rummaged through her pocket, pulling out four small rings. "These are some of the rare A class items that I have personally collected and are unique items you can not just buy anywhere."

She didn't want to let them go, but she knew that getting out of this dungeon and bringing these guilds together was her only chance. If she had to give it away, she would. Plus, she couldn't use them if she wanted to. They didn't match her skills or power as they were gifted to her.

"I believe these four items could greatly help you as a player."

The others examined the four rings in her hand as the message popped up on their skin. A few

whistled in awe at the range of power that each one gave.

"The ring of fire amplifies fire magic and stacks seven times before it resets." Snow showed the fire ring that glimmered red underneath the light. "The ring of water turns into a powerful water spear. The ring of lightning sends out a powerful magical summons tiger and finally the ring of Earth, which creates three golems, soldiers. Each of these rings has a special level cap if you don't reach, it becomes useless."

The three guild leaders' eyes sparkled at what she had in hand. Snow could see the greed in their eyes to gain power.

"For your service, I would like to exchange a vow under the God of Light and Darkness."

Immediately, every single one of them knew the seriousness of this nature.

"This is a bit too much, Snow," Gilbert spoke out first. "There is no benefit for us as a whole with just these rings."

"Yes, I know." Snow knew that they weren't just going to fall for this. "Discounts for your guild members of up to 10% anywhere in Dragon Express field operation." She had the power to do this as she was the only field agent in the Dragon Express.

"That's not too bad." Gilbert thought it over, "but a vow to a God is heavy, is there no other way?"

"No." Snow wasn't going to take a chance. She couldn't let them escape. "A vow to the gods creates a contract for the duration of the time we put. To have them as witnesses, make sure from me to you that everything that we go through is valid."

"I see."

"Plus," A smile crept up on Snow's face. "I have been told that a favorable rating with your Gods or Goddess gives you better rewards, no?" She had heard of this from Dairen, and she knew vows were Gods and Goddess favorite things to witness and be part of.

"Yes." Gilbert thought it over.

"So, any questions?"

"How long will this contract last?" Dedrick spoke up. "A binding effect for a lifetime needs a higher reward. Our lives are at risk, you know." He pushed up his glasses, waiting for Snow's reply.

"The duration of the contract I want to establish with you is until the Guild, and the Dragon Express stands. I am a woman of my words, and my witness will be the Gods of Light and Darkness as they precede over all the Gods."

"I see."

Rodney once again spoke, "My Guild is known more for its business aspect than out punching monsters. My people have already established blacksmiths and artisans here from the outside. I can bring in more."

"That would be very helpful." Snow sighed. To hear reinforcement from the Players was like a light from heaven.

"By any chance, would you be starting up the food stall once again?" Rodney asked, looking at Snow with interest.

"Food stall?" Snow was a bit confused, but then it hit her. The Players did talk about some kind of buffs. She quickly replied, "yes." She had to contribute in some way other than managing the Dragon Express.

"Perfect."

The other guild leaders joyfully nodded with agreement. They knew how very useful her foods brought that for some reason couldn't find anywhere else. It was already becoming a hot topic amongst the Players.