chapter 109 diamond breeders

Arrival at Green Haven Town – An Unexpected Encounter

Kakeith's boots crunched against the stone-paved streets as he entered Green Haven Town, the lively player hub nestled between rolling green hills and dense forests. The scent of fresh bread from roadside stalls mixed with the metallic tang of sharpened weapons. The streets buzzed with activity—new and veteran players alike returning from their hunts, their weapons stained with monster blood, their bags heavy with loot.

Glancing around, he noticed most players were now Level 2, just like him. Groups of adventurers chattered excitedly, comparing their gains. Some players argued over loot distribution, while others bargained with NPC merchants over potion prices.

But Kakeith had no interest in their small struggles.

His destination was the Auction House—the best place to offload unwanted loot and buy rare items before the market inflated.

Just as he was about to step inside, a figure blocked his path.

A Guild Recruiter Appears

"Hey, friend. Got a minute?"

The voice was smooth, confident—belonging to a tall man clad in polished silver armor. His guild emblem, a diamond-shaped insignia with a beast's claw, gleamed proudly on his chest.

Diamond Breeders.

A first-rate guild known for its organized dungeon runs, powerful economy, and elite tamers who controlled rare beasts. They weren't as dominant as super guilds, but they were strong enough that even the bigger guilds treated them with caution.

The recruiter's sharp blue eyes studied Kakeith with interest, as if evaluating his potential. He extended a hand, his expression friendly but professional.

"I'm Garlan, recruitment officer for Diamond Breeders. We've been keeping an eye on promising players, and I must say—you have our attention."

Kakeith's mind ran calculations instantly.

Why me?

He had done nothing noteworthy yet. Sure, he had the Royal Training Grounds invitation, but that was still a secret. Was it just a random recruitment, or did they know something?

Garlan chuckled at Kakeith's silence. "No need to be so cautious. We're expanding fast, and we need capable players for the upcoming dungeon raids. Join us, and you'll get exclusive resources, free training sessions, and priority access to dungeon loot. Sounds like a good deal, doesn't it?"

The offer was tempting—for a normal player. But Kakeith wasn't normal.

He had future knowledge.

He knew that Diamond Breeders would later become a powerful force… but also that they would eventually clash with a super guild over resources. That war would lead to their downfall.

If he joined them now, he could rise through their ranks and gain benefits… but was it worth attaching himself to a sinking ship?

Garlan noticed Kakeith's hesitation and leaned in slightly. His voice lowered.

"Look, I won't pressure you. But I can tell you're not just any random player. You have potential. We can help you grow, but we need strong members who are committed. If you're interested, come to our rented guild hall in the north district. We'll be waiting."

With that, Garlan patted Kakeith on the shoulder and walked away, his silver armor glinting under the afternoon sun.

Kakeith remained still, staring at the guild recruiter's retreating figure.

Then, he scoffed.

Join them? No. That wasn't his path.

For now, he had bigger plans.

With that thought, Kakeith turned away from the guild hall's direction and stepped into the Auction House.

Curiosity Wins – Entering Diamond Breeders' Guild Hall

Kakeith took two steps toward the Auction House, but his feet slowed.

He clicked his tongue.

Damn it.

His curiosity burned in his chest like a nagging itch. He wasn't the type to blindly follow guild invitations, but Diamond Breeders was a first-rate guild—not some random group of nobodies. Even if he had no intention of joining, knowing what they offered might prove useful later.

Besides, information was power.

With a small smirk, he turned on his heel and changed direction, making his way toward the north district where Diamond Breeders' rented guild hall was located.

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Diamond Breeders' Guild Hall – A Temporary Fortress

Unlike the grand, permanent guild halls that super guilds would establish later in the game, Diamond Breeders had rented a large stone building—a temporary base filled with activity.

As Kakeith approached, he noticed several armored players coming and going, their guild emblems flashing proudly on their cloaks. Some were discussing strategy, others were checking their gear. A few lower-level players—likely new recruits—were nervously whispering among themselves.

At the entrance, two guards in polished armor stood with crossed arms, watching every visitor with sharp eyes.

Kakeith walked up confidently.

One guard raised an eyebrow but didn't stop him.

"Inside. Recruitment hall is down the hall, third door on the right," the guard muttered, stepping aside.

They were expecting him.

He resisted the urge to chuckle. How efficient.

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Inside the Guild Hall – The Offer

The moment Kakeith entered the recruitment hall, he was greeted by a spacious room filled with wooden tables, chairs, and stacks of parchment. Maps of hunting zones, dungeon blueprints, and bounty lists covered the walls.

At the center sat Garlan, the same recruiter who had approached him outside.

Behind Garlan, two other players were seated—a serious-looking female ranger with short silver hair and a stocky warrior polishing his battle axe.

"Ah, you actually came," Garlan said with a knowing smirk. He gestured to the seat across from him. "Have a seat."

Kakeith didn't sit immediately. Instead, he glanced around, noting the subtle signs of wealth and organization—the fine armor some players wore, the detailed monster-slaying reports stacked neatly on the table.

A guild that took logistics this seriously wasn't to be underestimated.

Finally, he sat down, leaning back slightly, his posture relaxed. "Alright. I'm here. Impress me."

Garlan chuckled, clearly enjoying the challenge.

"Straight to the point. I like that." He tapped a parchment on the table. "Let's get down to business, then. Diamond Breeders is recruiting elite players, and we think you have potential. Join us, and here's what you'll get:"

He raised a finger. "Priority dungeon access. We're targeting the first clear on Green Haven's hidden dungeon, and guild members get first dibs."

A second finger. "Exclusive gear support. We have connections with blacksmiths and enchanters. You get equipment upgrades at a fraction of market price."

A third. "Monster hunting contracts. You'll have access to pre-arranged hunts against rare monsters—guaranteed EXP and loot."

A fourth. "Guild backup. Run into trouble? A super guild causing problems? We take care of our own."

Garlan leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes sharp. "That's just the starting benefits. Stick around long enough, and you'll have a real shot at getting into our core raid teams."

Kakeith remained silent, weighing the offer.

It was a good deal. More than most players could ever hope for this early in the game.

But…

He knew the future.

Diamond Breeders would thrive for a while—but then they'd get dragged into a war with a super guild, leading to their downfall.

He could join temporarily, milk them for resources, and leave before the collapse.

Or…

He could decline now and keep his independence.

Garlan studied him, waiting for his answer.

Kakeith exhaled slowly, tapping a finger against the table.

"Not bad," he admitted, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But let's say I join… what's in it for you?"

Garlan grinned. "Smart question. We don't just recruit anyone. We're looking for players who can become future elites. You prove yourself? You move up fast."

Kakeith nodded slowly, pretending to consider.

Now, the real question: Stay or leave?