A Choice Among Guilds

At the Celestis Guild, after the duel with Captain Eldrin and speaking with Master Varric, the Guild Master called Zaren to him. In a firm yet friendly tone, Master Varric said, "Zaren, you are truly powerful. If you want to join a guild, would you like to join ours?"

A murmur ran through the gathered hunters. They all whispered among themselves, "This kid is really strong. No one clears a Dungeon like that without a team!"

Zaren paused and looked down. "Sir, I'm not sure yet. I need more time before I decide to become a full-time hunter."

Master Varric's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I have seen only a few like you who possess such power, yet they turn down my offer." He leaned in and asked, "By the way, where are you from?"

Zaren felt his heart race and sweat trickle down his face. He hesitated, then said softly, "I can't tell you… I." The Guild Master nodded slowly, as if understanding the weight of his secret, and then moved into his office.

At that moment, Captain Eldrin looked at Zaren with clear jealousy. Zaren thought, What will I do now? I must explore the other guilds too.

Quietly, Zaren left the Celestis Guild. As he stepped out the door, all the hunters stared at him. Suddenly, Riven called out, "Sir, wait!" He hurried to catch up with Zaren. "I'm sorry," Riven said sincerely, "I thought you were lying about clearing the Dungeon. I was wrong—I see you as a true friend."

Zaren managed a small smile. "It's okay, I don't mind," he replied.

Riven then asked, "Can I show you where the other two guilds are?"

"Sure," Zaren answered. Riven led him along the road until they reached another huge building—the home of the second guild, called the Aetheris Guild.

As they approached, Zaren asked, "Is there a Guild Master here too, with a Vice Guild Master?"

Riven nodded. "Yes, sir, but don't worry—they are both kind-hearted."

Zaren smiled and with a burst of speed, he dashed inside the Aetheris Guild. Riven was startled by his quick movement and thought, Who is this person, really? Then, Riven left and returned to his own guild.

Inside the Aetheris Guild hall, Zaren saw many hunters working. Everyone stared at him, and he felt uneasy. He wondered, Why are they all looking at me? Is there something wrong with my clothes?

Trying to ease his discomfort, Zaren climbed onto a table and ordered a glass of wine. Nearby, a man was sleeping and drinking. The other hunters continued to stare. Feeling embarrassed, Zaren tried to wake the drunken man. When the man awoke, he squinted and slurred, "Hey boy, why did you wake me up?"

"Sir, please wake up everyone—they're all staring at me because of you," Zaren said with a nervous laugh.

The drunken man chuckled and then shouted, "Oh, they're looking at you because you were walking normally until you saw me! I am the Guild Master of this guild. My name is Noric."

Zaren was shocked. "Sir, I'm sorry for the disrespect," he said quickly.

Then, the Vice Guild Master stepped forward. "Sorry, boy. Our Guild Master is very scary, but he is kind-hearted. My name is Elyon, and my rank is S."

Zaren asked, "So, if I want a Guild ID, I must join one of the guilds here, right?"

Riven's earlier words echoed in his mind: since he cleared an SS Rank Dungeon by himself, he was at the level of a Guild Master. "Yes," Riven had said, "you could even form your own guild one day."

With a forced small smile, Zaren replied nothing more.

Then, Guild Master Noric, still a bit drunk, got up and asked in a slurred voice, "What is your name, boy? Are you new here?"

"Yes, sir," Zaren replied, sweat glistening on his face.

The Guild Master asked, "Are you a hunter or a citizen?"

"I was looking for a guild to get my Guild ID," Zaren answered softly.

Noric then asked, "And what is your rank?"

"SS Rank," Zaren said.

There was a stunned silence. All the hunters gasped, and both Noric and Vice Guild Master Elyon looked shocked. After a few moments, Noric said, "Whaaaat!."

Before anyone could react, the large door of the Guild suddenly opened, and the Guild Master of Celestis, with a calm air, stepped in. He said, "You do not need to find proof for this—I have absorbed your power myself."

Noric and Elyon looked at each other in shock. The Guild Master of Celestis continued, "Do not dream of taking this hunter into your guild. He will join our guild, and then our guild will be the most powerful in this kingdom."

Noric smirked and said, "So if he does not join your guild, he will join ours, right?" The aura around the two guild masters grew intense. Their power glowed, and the air grew heavy.

Then, Zaren said in a small voice, "Sorry, I have to leave now." In an instant, Zaren vanished from the hall. All the hunters were shocked. One of the hunters whispered, "I have heard rumors that this boy is more powerful than even our Guild Master."

(Chapter 5 Fin)