Defiance

Vell sat in what had been the Guild Leader's ornate chair, though he'd moved it from its elevated platform to ground level. The remaining guild masters stood before him, their once-proud postures now uncertain.

"Let's make this simple," he said, his eyes scanning the group. "The old system is dead. You can either help build the new one, or join your former leader in retirement." His smile showed teeth. "Permanent retirement."

A few masters shifted uncomfortably at that. The Guild Leader's defeat had shaken their world view, but decades of power weren't easily forgotten.

"What exactly do you expect from us?" asked Chen, one of the older members. Unlike the others, his tone held genuine curiosity rather than fear or resentment.

"First, unlock all restricted training facilities," he replied. "They belong to everyone now, not just your chosen few. Second, return every coin you've extorted from the people. Every. Single. One."