"Haa."
A mist formed as I let out a breath.
Looking at the clear blue sky above and feeling the fresh air, my mind started to feel clear. A lot had been weighing down on my mind, from the new Engine to the case with Dock. I needed to take a moment and breathe some fresh air to clear my mind.
’But it’s crazy just how packed the Guild is.’
The entrance of the Guild was not just packed, it was practically overflowing.
From reporters to people that I could only assume were from other Guilds.
’...It’s a good thing I’m wearing these glasses.’
I touched the sunglasses that I was wearing. They weren’t the sunglasses that I was used to, but a different pair given to me by the Guild. Apparently, they served well to hide my identity.
They also seemed to be a product created by the very same company that wanted to sponsor me.
R.W. Tech.
"..."
I continued to stare at the entrance of the Guild for a few more seconds before eventually turning away and moving to a different place. Scrolling through my phone, I checked a series of different Gates.
As of right now, I couldn’t get into Gates.
Given what had happened with ’The Butcher’, it was only natural. But I wasn’t too worried. With the Guild Master’s support, I was certain that he’d allow me into any Gate that I wanted.
I just needed to choose the right one.
’There are quite a few that come to mind, but I need to carefully look at the anomalies that are present. Since I only have two available slots, I need to be extremely careful when choosing.’
That wasn’t all.
I also needed to properly think about the Gate’s rules and design.
This wasn’t easy.
"Where am I?"
Before I knew it, I found myself standing in the middle of a park.
I looked around until settling my gaze on a certain bench. Taking a seat, I tapped the back of my phone. Setting the issue with me needing to analyze more anomalies, there was also the issue with my money. With my account suspended, all the money that I had earned was put on hold. The update also didn’t have as much of an impact as it should’ve had.
This was setting me back quite a bit.
...And to make matters worse, I didn’t know who did it.
I also didn’t really have a way of finding the culprit. Not even the compass appeared to tell me.
’What am I supposed to do here?’
I fiddled with my phone, mindlessly scrolling through numerous contacts.
Eventually, I settled my gaze on one contact.
One...
That I wasn’t so sure would answer.
But in the end, I still called.
I had no choice but to.
And soon—
—It’s rare for you to call.
The Guild Master’s voice whispered into my ear.
—How can I help you?
***
Severed Stars, Guild Master Office.
Du. Du—
Setting the phone down, the Guild Master smiled. Leaning back against his chair, he waited patiently, staring at the door to his office.
He sat in silence for at least ten minutes before he heard the sound of a knock.
To Tok!
"Come in."
The door opened, and a figure walked in, his dark eyes locking with the Guild Master’s.
He proceeded to walk towards the seat opposite the Guild Master and sat down.
"...I need help with figuring something out."
He didn’t beat around the bush and proceeded with his request.
He knew better than to waste time with pointless nonsense.
The Guild Master’s expression remained serene.
"Yes, you’ve told me. How can I help you exactly?"
"Two things."
Seth raised two of his fingers.
"I’d like your help with two things."
"Oh?"
The Guild Master’s eyes flashed with interest.
"Tell me."
"My account for my recent game got suspended. I can’t quite understand the reason for this, nor do I have enough connections to figure it out. Can you help me understand what is going on?"
"That shouldn’t be a problem. I can do this much."
This wasn’t a hard favor.
The Guild Master was more or less aware of what Dock was.
Seth’s face eased.
"...Thank you."
"It’s only natural that I take care of our Guild’s ace."
The Guild Master laughed, easing the tension within the room.
Seth started to feel more comfortable, his breathing visibly easing as he nodded gratefully at the Guild Master.
"You said that there were two requests. What is the next request?"
"I’d like to enter a Gate."
Seth asked carefully, staring at the Guild Master’s expression, trying to detect any changes.
But—
"That can also be arranged. Let me know what Gate you wish to enter, and I’ll give you exclusive access to it."
"....."
Seth remained silent.
Honestly, this went a lot easier than he had expected. Much of the weight that had been pressing on his shoulders seemed to ease as he nodded gratefully at the Guild Master once more.
"Thank you. I will let you know after I find a Gate."
Pressing his hands against the armrest of the chair, Seth prepared to stand up.
But halfway through his motions, the Guild Master’s voice reached his ears.
"How are your preparations for the World Congress?"
"World Congress?"
Seth paused, looking back at the Guild Master.
Taking note of his smile, he proceeded to slowly sit back down.
"I have been training here and there. Lately, I’ve been focusing on getting my game update, so I haven’t had enough time to train properly. But now that I’m finished, I’m planning on spending the remaining week getting ready for the Congress."
There wasn’t much time left until the Congress.
About one to two weeks.
It was also for this reason that Seth was rushed to get the issue with the update sorted. He desperately needed the money to buy items from the system store.
"That’s good."
The Guild Master nodded along.
"It’s important that you focus on the upcoming World Congress. This is one of the most important competitions of the year, and with our Guild recently reaching the King-Grade, we must achieve a good result."
"...I will try my best."
Seth once again stood up to leave.
But just like before, the Guild Master stopped him.
"Here."
The Guild Master slid a stack of paper over to Seth, causing him to pause. Turning around to look at the papers, Seth reached for them and took a look at them.
As he did, Seth’s expression stiffened as he slowly raised his head to look at the smiling Guild Master.
"This is...?"
"The candidates that I think will best fit you for the upcoming Congress."
"Wait, what?"
"They are the most elite members within that I could find available within the Branch and Main Guild. You can choose and pick any of them. With them, your odds of reaching a good rank should be even higher."
"....."
Seth didn’t reply. Instead, he stared at the papers in his hand. In there, he could see over several dozen profiles. From their age, their specialty, past record, and even their Decree.
The profiles were incredibly detailed.
But—
"Are you telling me to change my team?"
"Yes."
The Guild Master didn’t even hesitate to reply.
"That’s exactly what I’m saying."