Guild Reborn

Leo sat back, still processing. "You didn't find this important enough to tell me before?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and frustration.

Harrison sighed, his expression turning somber. "Because I didn't want you burdened with it," he admitted. "When you were younger, you already had so much to deal with—losing your parents, figuring out your own life. I couldn't pile the guild's struggles on top of that."

"But now?" Leo pressed.

Harrison leaned forward, meeting Leo's gaze. "Now, you're different. I can see it. You've grown into someone who can handle this, someone the guild needs. And there's something else you should know."

Harrison's voice lowered, yet serious. "Snowfall wasn't just any guild. We didn't just raid dungeons or clear gates. We were protectors of rare artifacts, powerful items that people would kill to possess. That's why we became targets of dangerous groups."

"Like who?" Leo asked.

Harrison's eyes darkened. "Many but most annoying ones were the Obsidian Order. They're an organization that thrives in the shadows, specializing in smuggling, black-market deals, and taking down anyone who stands in their way. They've tried to come after us more than once."

At the mention of the Obsidian Order, both Leo and Jerry exchanged a glance, their expressions sharp with recognition.

"You've heard of them," Harrison observed, narrowing his eyes.

Leo hesitated but nodded. "We… ran into them recently" he said, his tone cautious.

Jerry chimed in, crossing his arms. "They're trouble, no doubt about it. If they're connected to Snowfall, then it explains a lot."

Harrison placed a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder. "I won't lie to you. Leading Snowfall won't be easy, especially with enemies like the Obsidian Order in the mix. But the guild isn't just a burden, Leo. It's also a source of strength. It will give you allies, resources, and most importantly, a purpose. Something more than just surviving."

Leo stared at the Snowfall Emblem in his hand, its intricate design glinting under the hospital room's dim light. He felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders but also the possibility of something greater.

"You really think I can do this?" he asked quietly.

Harrison smiled, his confidence unwavering. "I know you can. You've already proven yourself, Leo. Now it's time to take the next step."

Leo tilted his head, holding the Snowfall Emblem tightly. "Does the guild have a headquarters?"

Harrison chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Of course, there's a headquarters. The Snowfall Guild Hall, it's in the Silvervale Countryside. The building is old but sturdy, tucked near the base of the Frostpeak Mountains. That area is known for hidden gates and rare resources. It's a perfect spot for a guild like ours."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying I'm inheriting an abandoned building in the middle of nowhere?"

Harrison smirked. "Not abandoned. Just… waiting for its new leader to bring it back to life. You'll find everything you need there, archives, equipment, and maybe a few surprises. But you'll have to see it for yourself."

Jerry, spoke up. "Sounds like a challenge. You sure you're ready for this, Leo? You are 21 only."

Leo glanced between Jerry and his uncle, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "Ready or not, it looks like it's my responsibility now, even as family heritage"

Harrison gave him a reassuring nod. "You're not alone in this. Snowfall has always been about teamwork. Build your allies, trust your instincts, and the rest will fall into place."

The nurse entered the room, signaling the end of visiting hours. Harrison reached for Leo's hand, gripping it firmly. "Thank you for everything, Leo, for the bills, the potion, and for stepping up when it matters most. I know you'll make me proud."

Leo stood, adjusting his jacket. "You just focus on getting stronger. I'll take care of the rest."

Jerry followed Leo out of the room, glancing over his shoulder. "Don't worry, old man. I'll make sure he doesn't mess this up."

Harrison laughed softly. "You'd better."

Before heading to the Snowfall Guild Hall, Leo knew he had to make things official. "If I'm going to lead a guild, I should at least be a licensed hunter" he told Jerry over breakfast.

Jerry nodded, sipping his coffee. "Makes sense. No one's going to take you seriously otherwise."

The process for becoming a licensed hunter was straightforward. Leo signed up for the hunter exam at the local Hunter Association branch. The exam was designed to test basic combat and survival skills, but Leo felt confident.

The training grounds were packed with aspiring hunters, each looking nervous as instructors barked orders. Leo, however, stood calmly at the starting line. The system chimed in quietly:

[Assessment: Exam Difficulty – Beginner. Victory assured!]

The first test involved taking down a series of training dummies that moved unpredictably. While others struggled, Leo easily sliced through the dummies with his energy sword, his strikes precise and fluid.

Next came a survival scenario, where participants had to navigate a maze filled with traps. With the system's danger detection and his enhanced reflexes, Leo breezed through, disarming traps before they could activate.

By the time the exam concluded, the other participants were gasping for air while Leo stood unscathed. One of the instructors raised an eyebrow as he handed Leo his license. "Not bad, kid. You made that look easy."

Jerry, waiting outside, grinned when he saw Leo holding the license. "Well, that's one step down. Now for the big one."

Leo didn't waste time. With his hunter license in hand, he returned to his uncle to complete the paperwork officially transferring leadership of the Snowfall Guild. His uncle guided him through the process, explaining every document in detail.

"You're not just inheriting a guild," Harrison said as Leo signed the final page. "You're inheriting a legacy. Snowfall isn't just about strength—it's about protecting those who can't protect themselves."

Leo nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "I'll do my best to honor that."

When the process was done, the clerk stamped the papers and handed Leo an official certificate of leadership. The Snowfall Emblem gleamed on the document, symbolizing a new beginning.

Jerry clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, Guild Leader. Ready to see your kingdom?"

A few days passed quickly, and Leo found himself standing at the edge of the bustling city, looking out toward the open road leading to the Auroria Countryside. The city's noise and chaos felt miles away already, though he knew he was about to exchange one set of challenges for another.

Jerry, standing beside him with a packed duffle bag slung over his shoulder, glanced at Leo. "You sure you're ready for this? Leaving all this behind?"

Leo smirked, adjusting the strap of his own bag. "It's not like I'm leaving much. Besides, it's time for a fresh start."

"Fair enough." Jerry shifted his weight. "By the way, I've been thinking... I owe you. Big time. You saved my life. Let me come with you, help you rebuild the guild. You're gonna need someone who can fight and someone who's good at handling... tricky situations."

Leo considered it for a moment. Jerry had proven himself resourceful during their encounter with the men in suits. Having someone he could trust, especially someone skilled, seemed like a smart move.

"Alright," Leo finally said. "But don't expect a free ride. If you're staying, you're putting in the work."

Jerry grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way, boss."

The journey to the Silvervale Countryside was long, but the scenery shifted beautifully as they moved away from the city. The countryside was vast and dotted with lush green fields, dense forests, and a few scattered villages. Mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks capped with snow even in the warmth of the day.

When they finally reached the old guild hall, Leo stopped in his tracks. The Snowfall Guild Hall stood at the base of the mountains, surrounded by tall trees and overgrown grass. The building itself was large but weathered, its stone walls were sturdy, but cracks and moss hinted at years of neglect.

"This... is the place?" Jerry asked, tilting his head.

Leo nodded, taking in the sight. "Yeah…"

They pushed open the heavy wooden doors, which creaked loudly in protest. Inside, the main hall was spacious, with high ceilings and tall windows that let in beams of sunlight. Dust coated every surface, and cobwebs hung in the corners, but the structure was intact.

Jerry ran a hand along an old wooden table, leaving a clean streak in the dust. "Needs some work, but this place has potential."

Leo's eyes wandered to a set of stairs at the back of the hall. "Let's take a look around."

As they explored the guild hall, they found old trophies displayed in glass cases and faded banners hanging on the walls, all bearing the Snowfall Emblem—a white snowflake surrounded by a ring of stars.

In what appeared to be the guildmaster's office, Leo discovered a collection of old documents and journals. He carefully picked up a leather-bound book, brushing off the dust before opening it.

Leo's eyes scanned the pages, a faint glow starting to emanate from the text as the system began analyzing the contents.

[Historical records detected. Do you wish to analyze for key events?]

Leo whispered, "Yes," and the book began to glow as the system's analysis filled in the details of the guild's history.

The Snowfall Guild, according to the system, had once been a powerful organization known for its expertise in dungeon raids and protecting rare artifacts. It had alliances with major guilds and organizations, making it a respected name across the region.

But one entry caught Leo's attention

[ Critical event: Betrayal by high-ranking guild member. Connection to the Obsidian Order detected!]

Leo frowned as more details unfolded. The guild's decline had begun when one of its most trusted members had secretly allied with the Obsidian Order, a shadowy organization notorious for hunting down rare artifacts by any means necessary. The betrayal led to the loss of key artifacts and damaged the guild's reputation.

Leo's grip tightened on the book. "The Obsidian Order... they've been after Snowfall's legacy for years. And now that I'm in charge, they won't stop."

Jerry crossed his arms, his face serious for once. "Well, at least we know what we're up against. If they're going to come for us, we'd better be ready."

Leo nodded, closing the book in sudden anger "We'll rebuild the guild first, and then we deal with them."

Jerry nodded.

Leo stood up from his chair, stretching. The next step in rebuilding the guild was clear: they needed resources, and fast.

[New mission detected: Raid a nearby gate for resources. The gate contains valuable artifacts, potentially useful for rebuilding the guild!]

"Alright, Jerry. We've got work to do. There's a gate nearby, and we need cash to get this guild off the ground."

Jerry stood too, ready for action. "Let's do this."