The Shameless Old Baldy

The Emblem Guild is essentially full of strength-addict muscle heads, and all its members, whatever class, race gender, only really think about getting stronger and being on the top. 

Unfortunately, this mentality only pertains to individual strength. That's why if someone wants to join the guild to get strong through the 'help' and 'guidance' of their guildmates, they ought to try somewhere else. Because even though everyone is amicable with each other, they also think of each other as rivals. Not to mention, the overall glory of the guild is not really a priority or source of motivation for any of them.

If it were, then how does a guild full of people who are either geniuses or monsters representing each job class, stay at the bottom of guild rankings?

And only Guild Master Duram was able to hold the rein over these people. Whether because of his reputation, strength or charisma, no one really knows. The thing is, he has everyone's respect. And if he says that they will go on a guild war for the Citrussyn Cave, then even if they really don't work well as a guild or group base competitions, they will go and secure it. No questions asked.

"Kekeke! Look at them just waiting to get slaughtered."

A Blackwood swordsman, who obviously had been hiding a rock for most of his life, couldn't understand why most of their guild's officers were on edge with this particular guild war. Anyone can see that Blackwood had the advantage.

"Hah! I can't believe this ignorance." One of the executive members glared at the oblivious swordsman. "Oi, asshole. Let me tell you, even their weakest non-combatant can beat your Swordmaster ass in a heartbeat. That's how strong each of them are."

The executive glared at the rest of the people in the swordsman group. Wordlessly saying that it's the same for the rest of them.

"That's enough, Kairo. You're not helping by lowering everyone's morale."

"Is there even a point to maintain it?" Kairo turned his frustration to their guildmaster. "Master, we all know how that cunning bastard works. Whatever it is he wants out of this guild war, I'm pretty sure its not the cave rights. He's manipulating us and we're just letting him!"

"You think I don't already know about that!?" This time it was guild master Ray who snapped. "I know that fox way better than any of you will."

Once upon a time, Ray had the audacity to consider Duram his rival. Although it was one-sided, he still couldn't let go even after all these years. In terms of strength and skills, Ray couldn't even hold a candle to him. Which is why he worked his ass off just so he can surpass Duram in some other things.

And now that Duram has set his eyes on his Blackwood, of course, he'd be on edge. After all, if that guy wanted something, he'd get it done no matter what.

"He's someone who doesn't do anything without a purpose, nor does he do things half-heartedly." It's something that Ray learned the hard way. "And that is exactly why we have to give it our all in this guild war. We'll show him that our guild is not to be underestimated."

"Yeah!" 

Despite the enthusiasm that his guildmates have, Kairo still couldn't get rid of his anxiety. A feeling of something really terrible about to happen. 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, the Emblem guys are having their own discussions as well.

"Are we really doing this for the materials needed for the guild weapons?" 

"That's what the master said. Personally, I think those weapons aren't really worth it."

"Agreed. Although they're really powerful, with how rough we fight, they're practically useless to us. They'll just end up as a display in the guild hall."

"I know right~ It's already so troublesome to repair our own weapons, what more if it's a Legendary one…"

"Give it a rest, guys. It's Guildmaster Duram who wants this. Let's just do as we're told. I'm pretty sure he has something up his sleeves again. It's always the 'big picture' with him. Gosh~ I love that man."

"Seriously, dude?"

"What?"

"Haa~ whatever. Since we're already here, might as well enjoy beating up those Blackwood punks."

Yes, although unknown to most, the real goal of this guild war is to hinder someone's certain project that Duram is keeping tabs on. And if they get the Citrussyn Cave while they're at it, then why not? 

For the first time in a long time, however, Duram is a little nervous about his plan. All because it involved a certain Demon Blade who received the nickname Guild Crusher, among others.

"Are you sure we'll be fine?" Rim walked up to Duram's side as everyone prepared and settled in for the next round.

"Did you actually want to win this war?" Duram raised a brow at him amusedly. His vice just made a face.

"You know what I mean. Even though I only heard talks, I can't help get concerned."

The guild master just chuckled. Well, they shared the same concerns, after all.

"At this point, it doesn't really matter. It's probably done already anyway. We've already achieved what we came for and what we're doing here is just to cover it up."

"Well, is it enough?"

"Maybe. You don't have to worry too much, if anything I'll be the only object of contempt. And Teiran insisted that we should secure the cave nevertheless as it could somehow alleviate some of her anger."

"Oh, is that why he brought some members with him?"

"Yeah. I bet Blackwood wouldn't expect that we're actually capable executing a tactic like this. That is exactly why it'll work. Well, let's just all hope that everything will work out fine in the end."

~}xxx@xxx{~

Soon after, the two guild masters of the opposing guilds are standing opposing each other yet again, their guildmates just waiting for the signal from them to attack.

"I guess this is our win again, huh?" The guild master of Blackwood grinned haughtily.

"What makes you say that? You're not saying that we're weak, are you?" Duram smiled casually.

"Pfft. There's no doubt that all of your members are strong, but let's face it... we have greater number. You can't possibly say that each of them can fight off 10 members at once."

"And what if I do?"

That declaration got on Ray's nerves, especially since he knew it may not really be just a bluff. But who would admit that? 

"Then I'd say you're way over you head. We may not be as strong as you, but we're still strong."

"If you say so." Duram kept on smiling casually, making the Blackwood guild master angrier.

"Enough chit-chat, let's get done with this. I'll show you numbers always win."

They were just about to start again when someone suddenly attacked Duram out of nowhere.

If he were just a second slower in noticing and blocking it, his head would be rolling down to the ground by now. No one could see the attacker come. And as a surprise attack on Duram wasn't enough, before they knew it, the guild master was forced to take a step back as he tried to defend against the attack. Everyone was stunned, especially after they saw who the culprit was.

"Avyzhia? What's going on? What are you doing?" Keith blinked a few times at Avyzhia, who looked really pissed for some reason, an emotion that he never saw in her before. 

But more importantly, since when could she do something like that? 

A Tank's pride lies in his ability to remain in place despite how strong the attacks coming his way are. And yet there's this petite Demon Blade who didn't only catch him off guard but also managed to land such a heavy blow that Duram was left with no choice but to get his pride to suffer.

"Shut the fuck up, muscle brain!" She growled at him angrily.

"W-What?"

"Whoah! Is that really Avyzhia?"

"No way! Why would Avyzhia cuss someone out?"

"Oh, come on. Have you forgotten who her brother is?"

"It was you, wasn't it, you shameless old baldy." Zhia turned back her attention to Duram, she had a cold expression on, but anyone could tell how pissed she was. "You think you're so great even though you're just a gorilla in armors. Old man, not everyone appreciates your mug, nor does everyone enjoy being manipulated by you." 

"Shit man! What's going on here?"

"That can't be our Avyzhia, dude. Our nice, playful, polite Avyzhia can't be that Teiran mini-me."

"Did you really think I'll just let it go? You think I'll be your bitch and let you do whatever you want? Strongest tank? You're just a wuss who hides in his shields! Are you really even strong? Can you really even fight? Hah! I don't think so, after all you even resorted to sending people to do the dirty work for you."

The people from Emblem had vowed to do something about Teiran's mouth once they returned. It won't be easy, but there's no way they'll let him continue polluting Avyzhia.

Not now, when Avyzhia has become more friendly and approachable. The meek and shy personality she had before is also charming, but the new one is also refreshing to have around. 

This ill-tempered Avyzhia, though…

Just what did their guild master do to warrant such anger?

Everyone in the Emblem was just beyond shock.