Chloe's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned across the table, waving her fork like a scepter. "Hey, Arlo, are you going to join Big Sis Aria's guild or what?"
The chatter around the table stilled instantly. All eyes turned toward Arlo—curious, amused, and expectant. Even Maria, who had been halfway through a bite of an unfamiliar dish, paused mid-chew.
"Chloe," Aria chided, her tone sharp but her expression betraying a flicker of amusement.
"Arlo hasn't made his decision yet." She turned toward him, a glint of curiosity sharpening her gaze. "But you've been thinking about my offer, haven't you?"
Arlo felt the corner of his mouth twitch involuntarily. Subtle, Aria. Real subtle. He cleared his throat, setting down his utensils with a deliberate calm."I have," he began, careful to keep his tone measured.A flicker of excitement crossed Chloe's face as she leaned in further. "Well?"
"I'm not joining." The air thickened like molasses. Shock rippled around the table, disbelief painted in every expression.
"You're... what?" Chloe gawked.
"I'm not joining your guild," Arlo repeated, raising his hand to forestall the rising murmurs. "Let me finish."
Aria's eyes narrowed, but she gestured for him to continue.
Arlo inhaled deeply."I'm not joining because I'm not ready. All of you," he said, gesturing at the assembled Pioneers, "are top-tier in your fields. You've earned your place. Joining now, just because Aria is my guide, would be a shortcut. And shortcuts don't build trust—or respect." His voice hardened. "I want to earn it. Some of you probably question if I even belong here."
Wyatt exchanged a glance with Piper, who raised an eyebrow in contemplation. Otis tilted his head slightly, his arms crossed as he watched silently."And why do you think we doubt you?" Aria asked, her voice steady, but her gaze piercing.
"Because I'm a rookie," Arlo replied bluntly. "I'm new. Unproven. Surviving a few missions doesn't make me your equal. I don't want to stand here because I know the right people—I want to stand here because I've earned it with my own strength and skills." A flicker of something unreadable passed across Aria's face.
Roy, calm as ever, tapped his fingers on the table. "Are you sure?" Arlo met his eyes with unwavering resolve. "Yes." A long silence stretched.
Finally, Roy nodded. "Then prove it. Strengthen your skills. Grow into the Pioneer you want to be." Aria sighed softly, a trace of a smile tugging at her lips. "Your decision is your own, Arlo. And when you're ready—truly ready—there will always be a place for you."
A cheer rose from the table. Chloe threw her hands up in admiration. "That was so bold! I love it!" Piper smirked. "You've got guts. That kind of honesty is rare." Cleo nodded. "Ambition is one thing. Knowing when to wait? That takes insight."
"Respect," Otis grunted, giving a firm nod.Orson leaned back, his dark eyes gleaming with approval. "Earn it, then. We'll be watching." The warmth of camaraderie settled over Arlo as he allowed himself a grin. The road ahead would be long—but it would be his to walk.
---
The low hum of conversation shifted into background noise as Arlo made his way toward the far end of the room. His gaze wandered to where Link played with Kane's Pokémon—an eclectic mix of powerful and playful. Garchomp, Milotic, and Clefable moved with the grace and presence of veterans, while Link wagged his tail enthusiastically, gnawing on the remains of a rib.
Arlo knelt on the polished floor, ruffling Link's ears. "Having fun with the big kids, buddy?" Link barked softly, his eyes bright with excitement, and gave an eager nod. The simple joy radiating from his Pokémon warmed Arlo's chest."You two share quite a bond," Kane observed, stepping up beside him. His arms crossed, his stance as steady as a tree rooted in the earth.
Arlo glanced up, grinning. "I've been taking care of him since he was an egg. He's practically family." Kane nodded, his blue eyes serious. "It's deeper than that. Pokémon give their whole heart to a trainer they trust. They'll fight, bleed, and protect without hesitation—so long as they're cherished in return."
"They'd give their life for us," Arlo agreed quietly, resting a hand on Link's head. "It's only fair we give them everything we've got, too."Kane smiled at the sentiment, his approval unspoken but clear. After a brief pause, he asked, "Planning to add more Pokémon to your team?"
"I will," Arlo said, thoughtful. "But getting a high-quality Pokémon isn't easy—or cheap. It's a serious investment." He chuckled, glancing at Link.
"I've got my eye on a Froakie next. If I can afford it." Kane rubbed his chin, a considering look in his eyes. "Froakie, huh? I know someone. A breeder who specializes in water-types." Arlo tilted his head. "Why are you helping me with this?"
"Call it paying forward a favor," Kane said with a shrug. "Aria helped me when I was starting out. I wouldn't be where I am without her. And think of it as an investment. If you're serious about proving yourself, you'll need a strong team. The right Pokémon can mean the difference between surviving and thriving." Arlo nodded slowly, the pieces clicking into place. "I appreciate it. Really." Kane pulled out a slim device, tapped a few commands, and sent an email. "Contact info for the breeder. Tell them Kane Reed sent you." Arlo glanced at his HUD, a message popped into view. "I'll reach out soon. Thanks, man."
"Don't mention it." Kane gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, then turned as a flash of pink caught their attention."Arlo!" Chloe called, bounding over like a ball of energy. "What are you doing over here? The real party's back at the table!" Arlo smirked. "Just checking on my pokemon." He scratched behind Link's ears again.
Chloe grinned down at the Rockruff. "He's adorable." She knelt, ruffling his fur as Link let out a soft bark of contentment."Can I keep him?"
"Not a chance," Arlo replied, amused.
Chloe tilted her head, her playful smile widening as she stood beside Arlo and Kane. "So, Arlo, I've got to know—why didn't you join Big Sis Aria's guild? Most Pioneers would jump at the chance. It's like getting a fast pass to success." Arlo sighed, leaning back on his heels as he rested a hand on Link's head. "It didn't feel right. I want to grow stronger on my own, do some independent quests, and figure things out without relying on someone else's name. If I join a guild, I want to be ready for it."
Chloe considered his words, her bright pink eyes softening with understanding. "That makes sense. But you know," she added, her tone turning darker, "being an independent Pioneer isn't exactly a cakewalk. There's a high chance you'll be targeted by certain... unsavory guilds." She practically spat the last word, her venom palpable."Targeted?" Arlo raised an eyebrow, feeling a knot of unease twist in his stomach. "For what?"
"Recruitment." Chloe's expression hardened. "Some guilds don't take no for an answer. They'll use any means necessary to 'convince' you to join."
"That's why Aria created her own guild," Kane interjected, his voice calm but firm. "She was tired of being harassed by other guilds. When you've got power, everyone wants a piece of it." Chloe nodded grimly. "And not all of them play fair. Some will turn you into little more than a glorified slave if they think they can get away with it."
The weight of her words pressed heavily on Arlo. He flexed his fingers, his mind racing with scenarios where he might find himself cornered by a less-than-friendly group. Great. It's like walking into a PvP zone without armor.
"That's why strength is the only real defense," Kane continued, his tone sharpening. "No guild in their right mind would dare cross an A-rank Pioneer. People like Aria... they're walking disasters. The kind who can flatten a city or break a planet if it comes to it." Arlo blinked, the magnitude of Kane's statement hitting him like a freight train. "She's that strong?" Kane smirked. "You have no idea." Chloe grinned with unrestrained pride. "Of course, she is! Big Sis Aria's practically a legend! in Ataraxis"
"She's earned our loyalty," Kane added, his voice steady with conviction. "We follow her because she's worthy of it. Not just for her power, but because she's someone who gets it—what it means to lead and protect." Arlo let the words sink in, glancing toward the table where Aria sat, calm and composed, like a general surveying a battlefield. A faint smile crept onto his face. I guess walking disasters make pretty good allies.
---
"Catch you both later," Arlo said, giving Link one last pat before heading across the room. His eyes landed on Maria deep in conversation with Cleo. Their animated expressions hinted at a discussion filled with jargon and alchemical theories beyond his expertise.
Maria noticed him approaching and waved."Hey, Arlo! Having fun?""More than I expected," he admitted.
"You?" Maria beamed. "Absolutely. This place, the people—it's incredible." Cleo nodded approvingly. "Your friend Maria is quite the talent. Her innovations in potion synthesis have pushed some of my own work to the next level."
Arlo raised an eyebrow. "Really? How does her research help you?"
"It's connected to my Job," Cleo replied, a glimmer of pride in her tone. "Her discoveries improved key components that allowed me to advance to a higher stage in my specialization."
"Your Job?" Arlo leaned in with curiosity. "What exactly do you—"
"Arlo," Maria cut in, shaking her head. "Asking about someone's Job or Class is rude." Cleo chuckled at Arlo's surprised expression. "She's right. Exposing someone's Job can be dangerous. It's why we use general terms like 'alchemist' or 'warrior.' If the wrong person knows your abilities, they could exploit your weaknesses." Arlo let that sink in. Makes sense. Amelia had drilled into him how valuable information was in the HUB, and here was yet another example.
"Good point. Sorry, Cleo. I'm still adjusting to how things work around here." Cleo smiled. "No harm done. Besides, if Aria trusts you, that says plenty." Maria shot him a playful look. "See? You're learning." Satisfied they had things to discuss, Arlo left them to their conversation.
***
Arlo's steps led him to the far side of the room, where laughter and the rich aroma of strong spirits filled the air. A round table crowded with glasses and tankards held Aria, Roy, Piper, Wyatt, Otis, Damir, Amelia, and Orson. Their relaxed camaraderie reminded him of after-raid celebrations in MMORPGs—an easy atmosphere masking a wealth of shared experience and danger.
"Come, lad!" Damir's booming voice cut through the hum. He raised a foaming tankard. "Join us for a real drink!"
Arlo chuckled, taking the empty seat between Piper and Wyatt. A glass was shoved into his hand before he could object. The amber liquid smelled potent, and from Damir's flushed cheeks and unsteady laughter, it was clear the dwarf had indulged heavily.
"Don't be shy!" Piper grinned, her black eyes dancing with mirth.With a resigned sigh, Arlo tipped the glass back, downing the drink in one gulp. The heat burned his throat like molten lava, but he managed to keep a straight face. The room erupted in cheers.
Why do celebrations always come with this stuff? Arlo thought, recalling countless workplace parties where he'd been cornered into toasts and social rituals. Some things never changed, no matter the world."Good form!" Damir roared, clapping him on the back so hard Arlo nearly saw stars.Amelia raised her glass with a knowing smile. "First drink's always the hardest. Just don't let Damir rope you into a contest."
"Good form!" Damir roared, clapping him on the back so hard Arlo nearly saw stars.Amelia raised her glass with a knowing smile. "First drink's always the hardest. Just don't let Damir rope you into a contest.""Noted," Arlo muttered, setting the glass down with finality.They exchanged stories, from Wyatt recounting a near-miss with a berserker beast to Piper detailing a hacking job gone hilariously wrong. Arlo relaxed into the flow, enjoying the tales even as he stored away nuggets of information. Experience was its own currency in the HUB—more valuable than gold.When a lull settled, he turned to Aria, curiosity gnawing at him. "So, why Trailblazer? What made you choose that for your guild's name?"
Damir leaned in, eyebrows lifting with interest. "Good question, lad." Amelia, too, seemed intrigued, though Roy and the others exchanged quiet smiles as if the story were already familiar to them.
Aria's eyes softened with reflection. "Trailblazer means to lead where no path exists. A trailblazer is the first to carve the way, to take risks others won't, and to change the landscape for those who follow. We're not just warriors or mages. We're visionaries. Every challenge we take is a chance to shape the future." Her voice gathered strength, each word weighted with conviction. "It's about daring to dream and having the grit to turn that dream into reality. To break barriers, smash obstacles, and inspire others to see the impossible as merely the next step." As Aria's words echoed in the quiet, a subtle but palpable energy filled the air. Arlo glanced around the table, taking in the expressions of her guildmates—each face a reflection of conviction, determination, and pride. This isn't just a guild. It's a shared purpose. A dream built on grit and ambition
Damir broke the silence with a deep chuckle, raising his half-empty tankard. "Grand ambitions, eh? That's what I like about you, Aria. You don't just see mountains—you plan how to tear 'em down." Aria's eyes twinkled. "If we don't dream big, what's the point?" Amelia swirled her glass, her demeanor calm but her voice edged with seriousness. "Speaking of mountains... I've been keeping an eye on some unusual activity. The Sacred Order Guild has been moving faster than expected. My sources say they're gaining power—too much, too quickly." The mention of the Sacred Order piqued Arlo's interest. He shifted slightly, filing the name away for later. "Why would that be a problem?" Aria turned to Amelia, her brow furrowing. "Progressing how?"
"They're stockpiling resources, completing high-difficulty quests faster than their rank would suggest," Amelia replied. "It's not just rapid growth—it's coordinated. Which means they have a larger agenda in mind." She tapped the table lightly, her fingers rhythmic. "If they're planning something big, it'll shake the whole Ataraxis." The weight of her words hung over the table like a storm cloud. Arlo frowned. A guild that grows too fast either knows something no one else does—or plays by rules no one dares break.
Amelia's voice softened. "I'd suggest avoiding conflict with them for now. Trailblazer is still in its infancy. Growing strong should be the priority." Roy nodded thoughtfully. "True. But strength comes from building, and that's exactly what we're doing." His gaze shifted to Arlo, a spark of curiosity in his otherwise calm eyes. "That's why we look for people with potential."
Arlo raised an eyebrow, catching the unspoken implication.Otis leaned forward, a confident grin stretching across his face. "Potential or no, as long as we have Aria, they won't try anything. They'd have to be suicidal." Aria smiled, her eyes warm. "Thank you for your confidence, Otis. But caution isn't weakness. It's survival. Better to be careful and avoid a war than win one we didn't need to fight."
"Wise words," Amelia murmured approvingly, lifting her glass.