New Recruits

Returning to the guild hall, Leo dropped his bag onto the worn-out couch. Jerry, sitting across from him at the old wooden table, looked at the scattered loot and supplies they earned.

"That wasn't half bad" Jerry said. "But if we're going to take on bigger gates or even think about rebuilding this guild, we can't keep doing this just the two of us."

Leo nodded, leaning back. "Yeah, it's obvious. We need a proper team. guild isn't a guild without members." He glanced at the Snowfall Emblem his uncle had given him "But where do we even start? We can't just expect skilled people to walk through that door."

Jerry tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. "What about putting up recruitment notices? Like, online and around the city? That's how most guilds recruit these days."

"Notices?" Leo raised an eyebrow. "I guess that could work. But what would we even say? 'Join Snowfall, the guild with…two members?' Doesn't sound very convincing."

Jerry laughed. "Okay, fair point. But we can spin it. Focus on the history of the guild. Your uncle's reputation still carries weight, right? And we've got this place." He gestured around the guild hall.

Leo looked around at the slightly worn but sturdy building. It wasn't much yet, but it had potential.

"You're right, We can frame it! Something like: 'Snowfall Guild is recruiting! Join us to explore gates, take on challenges, and rebuild one of the most legendary guilds in history.' "

Jerry nodded "Yeah, that sounds good. Now let's put that up everywhere, online, social media, newspapers, even bulletin boards in the Hunter's association. Cast a wide net."

Next day

Leo and Jerry worked tirelessly to get the word out in hunters community. They designed simple but eye-catching posters featuring the Snowfall crest and their recruitment message, plastering them on noticeboards around the city. Jerry handled the digital side, uploading posts to forums and social media groups frequented by hunters.

days later, responses started trickling in. Most were inexperienced hunters or curious locals, but one application stood out

skilled archer named Mia, who had a reputation for working solo.

Mia arrived at the guild hall a week later. She was tall, with sharp features and an air of confidence. Her longbow was strapped to her back, and she walked with a purpose. "So, you're the guy rebuilding Snowfall?" she asked, her tone carrying a mix of doubt and curiosity.

"That's me" Leo replied, standing tall despite her scrutinizing gaze.

'He seems same age as me, isn't he too young for leading a guild?' Mia tilted her head, a smirk forming on her lips. "You don't look like much. What makes you think you can lead a guild? Especially one with a history like Snowfall's."

Jerry opened his mouth to protest, but Leo raised a hand to stop him, keeping his focus on Mia. "You're skilled, right? Wanna settle this with a sparring match? If I win, you join. If I lose, you walk away, no questions asked."

Mia's hold her laughter assuming she could easily beat him "Fine. But don't go crying when I embarrass you in front of your friend."

They moved outside to an open training area behind the guild hall. space wasn't much, just a patch of flat ground with a few training dummies but it was enough. Mia drew her bow, testing the string with practiced ease.

"Ready when you are," she said, nocking an arrow.

"Ready!" Leo nodded, stepping into position. The system immediately sprang to life in his mind, offering advice.

[Combat Scenario: Sparring Match]

[Opponent: Skilled Archer]

[Recommended Strategy: Focus on evasion and disarming tactics. Avoid long-range exposure.]

Mia didn't wait for him to make the first move. She released an arrow with lightning speed, forcing Leo to duck and roll to the side. Another arrow followed immediately, and he dodged again, closing the distance between them with surprising speed.

"Not bad huh…" Mia muttered, stepping back and firing more shots in rapid succession. Her aim was near-perfect, but Leo's system-enhanced reflexes allowed him to weave through the barrage effortlessly.

Jerry watched from the sidelines, wide-eyed. "Man, she's good." he muttered.

Leo, deciding it was time to end the match, smirked. "Grimfat! Arise"

hulking figure of the Orc King materialized beside him, towering over both him and Mia. The air grew heavy with the Orc King's presence, his massive axe resting on his shoulder.

Mia froze, her bow slightly lowered. "What the…?!"

"Don't worry" Leo said, his tone light but playful.

"He's on my side."

The Orc King let out a low growl, taking a step forward. Mia instinctively raised her bow again but hesitated, realizing there was no way she could take on something of that size.

"Just wanted to show you what you're signing up for. Ready to call it a day?" said Leo.

She lowered her bow "A summoner, huh? And you can control something like *that*?"

The Orc King let out a guttural chuckle before disappearing into a swirl of energy, leaving Mia and Jerry both staring in stunned silence.

Mia crossed her arms, clearly impressed but trying not to show it. "Fine. I'll join. But don't think I'm going to follow orders blindly. You'll have to keep proving yourself."

"Fair enough. Welcome to Snowfall."

Leo extended a hand.

She took the proposal "This is going to be interesting."

After Mia's sparring match and her agreement to join, the group headed back inside the guild.

Caleb, the shy mage who also signed up for joining, had been watching quietly from the sidelines, finally mustered the courage to step forward. His glasses glinted in the afternoon light as he adjusted them nervously.

"So… um, do I need to fight too?" Caleb asked hesitantly, glancing at Mia, who was wiping sweat from her brow.

Leo smiled, shaking his head. "No, Caleb. You're already in. I saw your magic during the test you took for hunter license last week. You've got talent, and Snowfall could use someone like you."

Relief washed over Caleb's face, but he didn't sit down right away.

"Actually" Caleb began, his voice quiet, "there's a reason I wanted to join Snowfall."

Caleb hesitated for a moment, then took deep breath. "Since was a kid, my older brother used to tell me stories about Snowfall. Back then, it was one of the most respected guilds in this region, known for exploring the most dangerous gates and protecting rare artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. He used to say Snowfall stood for something bigger than power or money, it was about doing the right thing, no matter the cost"

He paused, fidgeting with the edge of his robe. "My brother… he was a mage too. He wanted to join Snowfall when he got older, but before he had the chance, he was killed in a gate accident. Ever since then, I've dreamed of carrying on what he couldn't. When I saw the recruitment notice, I knew I had to try."

The room fell silent.

Leo said, his voice steady "Snowfall might not be what it used to be right now, but I promise you, Caleb, we'll rebuild it. Together, we'll make it into something your brother would've been proud of."

Caleb smiled faintly, finally taking a seat. "Thanks. That means a lot."

Mia broke her quiet "I've heard those stories too. About Snowfall, I mean. Never thought I'd see it making a comeback."

"Why'd you join, then?" Caleb asked, his curiosity surprising even himself.

Mia shrugged, though a flicker of something genuine crossed her face. "I guess I was curious. And I wanted to see if the guy leading it was worth the name…" She glanced at Leo. "I'm still not sure, but I'll stick around and see where this goes."