Chapter 9: The Birth of a Guild

The 20th floor town was always bustling with activity, a sprawling hub where adventurers gathered to rest, trade, and forge alliances before braving the unknown depths of the tower. Cobblestone streets lined with merchant stalls buzzed with haggling voices, while towering guild halls loomed over the central plaza, where swordsmen sparred and mages demonstrated their craft. It was a place of both respite and ambition, where players either found their footing or lost themselves in the ever-looming competition for strength and survival. For Arsonalt, it was more than just a checkpoint—it was the foundation for something greater. He stood before the town's guild registry, a simple yet imposing building where official records of adventurers' accomplishments were kept. Today, his name would be written among them.

Alec and Roy stood at his side, while Emma leaned against the nearby stone railing, watching him with mild amusement.

"You sure about this?" she asked. "A guild is a big responsibility."

Arsonalt nodded. "I know. But I've climbed alone before, and I know what it's like to have people use you for their own gain. This time, we build something different—where we grow stronger together."

Alec gave a knowing smile. "Then let's make history."

Arsonalt stepped forward, filling out the necessary paperwork at the registry counter. A sharp-eyed clerk reviewed the forms before stamping them with the seal of recognition.

"Congratulations," the clerk said. "Your guild, 'Eclipse,' is now official."

A weight lifted from Arsonalt's shoulders, only to be replaced with the heavier burden of leadership. They had taken the first step, but now came the real challenge—building their numbers and earning recognition among the countless other guilds vying for dominance.

Recruitment Begins

Word spread quickly about a new guild looking for members, but recruitment was no easy task. Many players wanted stability and power, preferring well-established guilds over an unknown name. Still, Arsonalt had no intention of backing down.

Over the next few days, they scouted the city, watching for players with potential. Some were promising, others were reckless, and a few were outright delusional about their own abilities.

One evening, as they sat in the corner of a tavern discussing prospects, a lone warrior approached them. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his armor worn from battle but well-maintained. A massive claymore rested across his back, and his sharp, dark eyes sized them up.

"I heard you're looking for strong fighters," he said gruffly. "Name's Gared. I don't care about politics or power struggles—I just want a place to fight and get stronger."

Arsonalt exchanged glances with Alec and Emma before nodding. "Then you've come to the right place."

They tested Gared's abilities the next day in a sparring match. He was a powerhouse, wielding his claymore with raw strength and precision. Though he lacked refined strategy, his endurance and determination made him a formidable ally. By the end of the match, Gared smirked, rubbing his bruised shoulder.

"I like it. Count me in."

One by one, they gathered more members—an agile rogue who specialized in poisons, a mage who could bend fire to his will, and even a healer, a rare find among independent players. Eclipse was beginning to take shape, but Arsonalt knew they still had a long way to go.

Climbing Once More

With a stronger team at their backs, it was time to leave the safety of the 20th floor town and continue their ascent. As Arsonalt stood before the teleportation gate, he took a deep breath, allowing himself a rare moment of reflection. The last time he had reached this milestone, he had been alone, a mere tool for another guild's ambition. Now, he stood with comrades who shared his vision, warriors who had chosen to fight by his side not out of convenience, but out of trust. This time, he wouldn't just climb—he would carve a path forward, one that belonged to them alone. Floor 21 awaited, rumored to hold a fortress teeming with elite undead knights. It was a test they couldn't afford to fail.

Standing at the edge of the teleportation gate, Arsonalt turned to his new guild. A quiet determination settled over him. He had climbed this high before, but the difference was undeniable—this time, he wasn't alone. The weight of leadership pressed on his shoulders, yet for the first time in a long while, he welcomed it. "This time, we do it right," he thought, gripping his daggers tightly before facing the others. His gaze lingered on each of them—Alec, Roy, Emma, Gared, and the rest.

"No matter what's ahead, we fight together," he said firmly. "This is just the beginning."

And with that, Eclipse stepped forward, ready to carve their name into the legend of the tower.