Bet.

Rael's vision adjusted as he logged into his main account, Noctus. The familiar dark hues of his armor replaced the worn leather of his alt, and the weight of his sword felt natural in his grip once more. A faint breeze stirred the air, carrying the distant hum of Vash'kar's bustling streets as the city stretched beyond the stone courtyard of Eclipse's guild hall.

Level 20.

The system message had appeared right after their final blow against the dire wolf alpha—his last milestone before he could finally step away from the whole charade. But instead of feeling relieved, Rael still cringed at the memory of his last conversation with Sabrina.

"I just like your company."

He resisted the urge to groan out loud. It had been a heat-of-the-moment excuse—anything to steer the conversation away from his cover being blown. But her wide-eyed, blushing reaction had thrown him off guard, and without thinking, he'd bolted.

Why does every conversation with her end with me making a tactical retreat?

Shaking his head, Rael dismissed the thought. Whatever awkwardness he'd left behind on the alt account didn't matter now. She'd helped him reach level 20—end of story. There was no reason for their paths to cross again.

Now that he was back, it was time to catch up on guild matters. Eclipse had been steadily growing in his absence, and according to Elias, they were on the verge of reaching Level 3. Deciding to get everyone up to speed, Rael headed for the guild hall.

The place was quiet when he arrived, with only three players idly chatting near the message board. Without hesitation, Rael opened the guild interface and sent a notification to all members:

[Guild Announcement]

Meeting at the guild hall. Be there.

Leon was the first to show up. As soon as he stepped through the doors, he smirked. "So, you're finally back from your mysterious journey, huh? Elias made it sound like you were off slaying dragons and saving Princesses. Should've known he was exaggerating again."

"Why am I not surprised?" Rael muttered.

Soon after, Kazan strolled in with his usual easygoing demeanor, offering a laid-back nod of acknowledgment as he leaned casually against the wall. Mira followed close behind, stretching her arms overhead with a yawn.

Then came Takane and SureArrow—together. Rael's gaze lingered on them for a moment. Takane still wore her usual emotionless expression, but she no longer seemed to mind SureArrow's presence. The mage hovered a bit closer than before, and if Takane noticed, she made no effort to push him away.

The doors creaked open once more, and Lupus stepped in alongside Gale. His gaze, sharp and steady, swept across the gathered members without a word. Two wolves padded silently at his heels—their fur sleek and eyes alert as they flanked him like twin shadows.

Gale, in contrast, clapped a hand on Lupus's shoulder with a grin. "Don't let the serious face fool you. Turns out our resident beastmaster's been pulling more than his weight. I went ahead and made him vice-captain of the offensive squad."

Lupus gave a curt nod, neither confirming nor denying the praise. His wolves sat beside him, ears perked as if attuned to the room's atmosphere.

"Vice-captain, huh?" Leon mused, arching an eyebrow. "Guess we know who's really running the offense now."

Elias strolled in shortly after, hands in his pockets and a grin already tugging at his lips as he glanced around the hall. One by one, the rest of the guild members began trickling in—some chatting quietly, others exchanging nods before finding their spots. The low hum of conversation echoed off the stone walls, gradually settling as the room filled.

By the time Leon, Gale, and Elias had finished catching up, everyone had gathered. Rael stepped forward, clearing his throat as he addressed the room.

Rael adjusted his glasses and tapped the edge of the chart with his teaching stick, the soft thwack silencing the low murmurs of conversation. His gaze swept over the gathered members, their attention now fixed on him. The air buzzed with anticipation as everyone waited for the next steps that could shape the guild's future.

"Since we all know Eclipse is on the cusp of reaching Level 3, let's talk about what that actually means," Rael began, his voice calm but carrying enough weight to command the room. "Two major milestones come with this upgrade. First, we gain the ability to influence the Order through reputation. This opens the door to establishing a territory—either by claiming an existing settlement like Vash'kar or by founding one of our own."

He paused, giving the information a moment to sink in. A hand shot up from the middle of the group.

"Isn't claiming Vash'kar too ambitious? It's a large city with multiple guilds already established. We'd need to dominate in terms of both reputation and levels for anyone to take us seriously," the member pointed out.

Rael nodded, acknowledging the valid concern. "You're right. Vash'kar won't be easy to claim, especially with other guilds holding influence here. Convincing them to yield won't happen overnight. On the other hand, founding a new settlement would be easier since we'd be starting from scratch, but that also limits our growth potential. Right now, we're not ready to compete directly, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to establish a foothold. The long-term benefits of securing Vash'kar outweigh the challenges."

"What's the strategy, then?" Lupus asked, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. His wolves sat beside him, their ears twitching as if listening too.

Before Rael could respond, Leon stepped up behind him and, with a dramatic flair, unfolded a large chart that nearly spanned the width of the room. It detailed the guild's current influence, potential growth zones, and key competitors within Vash'kar. Rael adjusted his glasses slightly as if preparing for a lecture.

The teaching stick tapped the chart with a decisive thunk. "To break into Vash'kar's hierarchy, we need three things: increased reputation with the Order, consistent success in high-difficulty quests, and visibility within the city. Our goal is to outperform other guilds not just in combat but also in our contributions to the city's economy and security."

As Rael continued, one of the newer recruits leaned toward their neighbor, whispering, "Isn't this… kind of weird? The glasses and everything?"

The other member glanced over without missing a beat. "You'll get used to it. It's a thing."

Up front, Rael pointed to a section of the chart labeled Influence Milestones. "Increasing our reputation will also unlock city-specific perks like reduced taxes on guild-owned properties and better quest rewards. This brings us to the second major benefit of reaching Level 3: access to a guild shop."

This announcement sparked murmurs of excitement among the members, and Rael let the buzz settle before continuing.

"Partnering with a merchant organization gives us access to discounted goods, both for internal use and as a source of income. These partnerships typically involve supplying us with consumables, crafting materials, and equipment in exchange for a stable customer base. The more influential we become, the better the deals we can negotiate—and the more exclusive items we can secure."

"What should we prioritize first?" Gale asked.

"Health and stamina potions should take top priority," Rael replied, his gaze flicking briefly to Mira, whose hair still bore the wild aftermath of potion experimentation. "Having a steady supply will reduce our operational costs, especially during dungeon runs and large-scale missions. After that, we can look into upgrading gear and materials for our crafters."

Leon tapped the chart with a grin. "More discounts mean faster leveling—and fewer complaints about how expensive potions are."

Mira coughed, adjusting her disheveled hair with a sheepish smile. "I'd like to suggest we secure a reliable potion supply. For... reasons."

Laughter rippled through the room.

Rael raised his hand to regain their focus. "To make this happen, I'll need volunteers to scout potential merchant organizations and evaluate their offers. We're aiming for quality and long-term benefits, not just the lowest prices. Any questions before we move on to task assignments?"

The room buzzed briefly with murmurs as a few members exchanged glances, but no one spoke up. A faint cough echoed from the back, followed by the faint rustle of armor as someone shifted their stance.

Rael adjusted his glasses one last time before folding up the chart with a swift motion, tucking the teaching stick under his arm. "Now that we know what's at stake, let's break down the tasks for each division." 

He pointed toward Leon and Mira first. "Potion and Resource Division—you two are responsible for securing a merchant partnership. Focus on suppliers offering health and stamina potions first. If possible, negotiate deals for crafting materials as well. Mira, coordinate with our crafters and alchemists to figure out what resources they need most. Leon, assist with negotiations and make sure no one tries to scam us with inflated prices." 

Leon smirked. "Got it. Time to put this charming face to work." 

Mira gave him a side glance, brushing soot out of her hair. "Let's hope they judge us by results, not appearances." 

Ignoring the banter, Rael turned to Gale and Lupus. "Offensive Division—you'll focus on increasing our guild's reputation and experience to push us past the threshold for Level 3. Prioritize high-difficulty quests and dungeon runs, especially those tied to the Order and Vash'kar. Lupus, coordinate with Gale. Your wolves are crucial for reconnaissance and tracking, so use that advantage." 

He paused, adding, "And congratulations—unofficially or not, you're effectively the vice-captain of the offensive squad." 

Lupus blinked, processing the sudden promotion. "...I see." 

Gale clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "Told you, didn't I? You're too useful not to move up."

Finally, Rael looked toward Elias, who had already leaned back in his seat with a knowing grin. 

"Elias, information gathering is your priority. Find out what other guilds in Vash'kar are planning—who's expanding, who's struggling, and who might become a threat. Focus on those with strong Order ties. We need to know if anyone's aiming for territory claims before we make our move." 

Elias gave a mock salute. "Spying and stirring the pot—right up my alley." 

Rael crossed his arms, addressing the rest of the guild. "Anyone not assigned to a division-specific task is free to pursue personal quests or lend a hand to either the Potion and Resource or Offensive Division as needed. Every bit of reputation and resource collection counts toward our goal." 

He paused, briefly glancing at his status menu. A week away had cost him progress, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. 

"Alright," he said, turning toward the guild hall doors. "Let's get to work."

* * *

The air within the dimly lit chamber crackled faintly as Rael placed the smooth player beads into his palm. Their faint, golden glow pulsed like a heartbeat as he focused his intent. Last time, this strange artifact had led him to a fragment of Zenith, a discovery that had unlocked the second seal binding his potential. Now, with his progress slowing and Eclipse needing every advantage, he hoped they'd guide him once more.

The light flared briefly—then dimmed. A faint whisper echoed in the air around him, forming into a soft, cryptic rhyme:

"The path you seek lies beyond the veil,

A blade of dusk through shadows pale.

Yet seek too fast, and you may fall,

For silence echoes louder than all."

Rael blinked, waiting... but nothing else followed.

He stared at the beads. "...Seriously?"

This time, there was no hidden location, no tangible clue—just some half-baked poetry that sounded more like a bad fortune cookie. He turned the beads over in his hand before tossing them back into his inventory with a resigned sigh.

"Guess I'm on my own this time."

With the prophecy—or lack thereof—set aside, Rael leaned back against the chair, considering his next move. Securing influence in Vash'kar would require either diplomacy or strength. Reputation was the key currency in Order-controlled cities. Winning over allies could fast-track Eclipse's rise, but establishing dominance through challenges was the more direct approach—albeit riskier, given their current strength.

Rael opened his system interface, scanning through the various menus until his gaze settled on his Adventurer Guild rank: E.

"...I could work on this and farm levels again."

The Adventurer's Guild in Vash'kar buzzed with activity as players crowded around quest boards and reception counters. The air was thick with the hum of overlapping conversations, clinking armor, and the faint scratching of pens as clerks documented contracts.

Rael moved toward the nearest quest board, his eyes scanning the available listings. Among the usual collection of low-tier fetch quests and basic monster hunts, one stood out: [Subjugation Quest: Crimson Fang Sabertusks]—a pack of elite beasts causing havoc near the outskirts of Vash'kar. The reward was solid, and the difficulty promised a decent experience boost. Perfect.

Just as he reached out to claim the quest, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Hey! That one's ours!"

Rael glanced to the side, finding himself face-to-face with a group of players clad in matching crimson-and-black gear. Their emblem—a stylized horned skull—marked them as members of Dominators, a mid-tier guild notorious for their aggressive tactics. Nearby, a smaller group of players—likely the ones Dominators had been arguing with earlier—watched from a distance.

The Dominators' leader, a burly warrior with short-cropped hair and a jagged scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "We need that quest to hit our guild's weekly quota. Back off, newbie."

Rael raised an eyebrow. "First come, first served. I don't see your name on it."

"Tch, you looking for trouble?" Another member, a rogue with dual daggers, smirked. "We're not above teaching you some manners."

Rael paused, an idea flickering to life in the back of his mind. A chance to test himself and secure future leverage? Too good to pass up.

"Tell you what," he said casually. "How about a wager? I'll duel your strongest member. If I win, your guild owes me a favor—system contracted."

The warrior scoffed. "You're joking."

"Afraid you'll lose?"

"Careful, punk." The rogue's smirk widened. "We don't play nice."

Rael crossed his arms. "Then prove it."

* * *

The sun cast long shadows across the stone floor of Vash'kar's arena, its circular walls echoing with murmurs and laughter. Spectators leaned against the railing, some mid-bite into skewers of grilled meat, others chatting casually as if this was just another midday brawl. None seemed particularly invested—just there to watch another overconfident solo player get stomped.

Dominators clustered near one end, their crimson-and-black armor glinting faintly. Laughter rippled through their ranks as their leader stepped into the arena. His heavy boots thudded against the ground, and steel-plated gauntlets clinked as he flexed his fists. Faint wisps of red energy crackled along the metal knuckles, a clear sign of an offensive enchantment.

"Man, this is gonna be quick," one of the Dominators chuckled.

"No way that guy's got a chance. What's his name again?"

"Doesn't matter. He's walking out broke and embarrassed."

The wager had been simple: if Rael lost, he'd forfeit all his gold and issue a public apology. If he won, Dominators owed him a system-enforced favor—a gamble so audacious that losing hadn't even crossed their minds.

Rael stood alone at the opposite end, clad in his usual dark armor. No cheers greeted him. No friends waited in the stands. Just the distant hum of casual conversations and the faint breeze stirring the air. His sword rested easily at his side, his posture relaxed.

The NPC referee stepped forward, their neutral gaze sweeping across both fighters. "Combatants, ready yourselves."

The Dominators' leader smirked, cracking his knuckles as sparks of crimson energy danced between his fingers. His stance shifted low, muscles tensing as he prepared to close the gap. "Hope you're ready to donate."

Rael didn't respond.

"Begin!"

The leader exploded forward, closing the distance with a burst of speed. His fist shot out in a straight punch aimed directly at Rael's chest—the enchantment igniting in a fiery red burst mid-strike—

Rael vanished.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as his figure blurred, reappearing just beyond the attack's reach in a single, fluid Soulstep. Before his opponent could even process the miss, Rael's sword flashed upward in a precise arc—

Ruinous Strike!

A darkish violet flare erupted as the blade carved through armor and flesh in a single, devastating slash. The Dominator's leader staggered, eyes wide—then collapsed to the ground as his HP bar instantly plummeted to zero.

Silence gripped the arena.

Someone coughed. A faint clink of metal echoed as a spectator shifted their weapon. The Dominators stood frozen, eyes locked on their fallen leader.

"…Wait, what—?"

The rogue from before took an involuntary step forward. "No way—that was—"

The referee raised their hand. "Victory: Noctus."

Among the scattered spectators, one player stood out—partly because of the floating blue icon above his shoulder, marking him as a livestreamer. A small hovering camera orb buzzed beside him, capturing every moment of the match. His stream chat scrolled rapidly across the translucent screen projected before his eyes.

[STREAM CHAT:]

"LMAO THAT WAS INSTANT"

"Bro didn't even get to throw a second punch"

"WHO IS THIS GUY?!"

"Clip that dodge—what was that, a blink skill? Dude vanished like a ghost!"

The streamer, a lean player with spiky brown hair and a light leather vest, adjusted his camera orb to zoom in on Rael as the referee declared the result. "Okay, what the hell just happened? One dodge, one strike, and boom—game over. Either that guy's build is cracked or the Dominators' leader needs to reconsider life choices."

More messages flooded in as the Dominators stood in stunned silence.

[STREAM CHAT:]

"That sword skill wasn't basic—looked advanced as hell"

"Dominators got humbled LIVE "

"Yo, someone find his player tag—who's Noctus?"

The camera orb drifted sideways, capturing Rael's calm demeanor as he sheathed his sword and stepped back without so much as a victory pose. No celebration, no gloating—just a brief glance toward the Dominators' group before turning away as if the whole thing had been routine.

"…Hey, chat, you think I should go interview him after this? Dude might be camera-shy, though."

"DO IT"

"No balls"

"Ask him if he's secretly a pro"

The streamer chuckled, but before he could approach, the system's interface appeared before Rael, prompting him to finalize the wager results.