The streets of South Glade were still buzzing in the aftermath of the Genesis battle upload. Players whispered among themselves, some pointing discreetly while others furiously typed messages into their chat windows. News had traveled fast—Raen and his Genesis guild had publicly humiliated Everhold Dominion. Now, the legend was walking into town, and this time, he wasn't alone.
The full Genesis squad—forty-seven members strong—arrived in the town's central square. Raven blade's 41-man reinforcement unit had joined the original 6, forming a sleek, uniformed advance that exuded quiet confidence. Swords sheathed, staves gleaming, gear polished and in sync, they were no longer a scouting party. They were a guild.
Their presence turned heads instantly, and as they advanced, a path began to open in the crowd—until it stopped abruptly.
A wall of players clad in red and black blocked their path.
Everhold Dominion.
At the center of the blockade stood Rhine, arms folded, flanked by a dozen elite officers. His face curled into a smirk that barely masked his irritation. His voice was loud, casual—dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, well," he sneered. "If it isn't the little rat… and his fan club. You planning to parade through town like it's yours?"
The gathered crowd stiffened. Eyes began darting between the two guilds. The tension was palpable—static in the air.
Kaito didn't flinch. He walked forward, slow and steady, meeting Rhine's eyes with perfect calm.
"Good dogs," he said smoothly, "shouldn't block the road."
The crowd audibly inhaled. Even the Everhold officers twitched, some adjusting their grips on their weapons.
A half-smile tugged at Kaito's lips.
"So," he added casually, "how'd you like my little gift? Took me a while to set those traps. I hope your bruises are healing."
Rhine's jaw tensed. The smirk wavered.
"Don't get cocky," he said, voice lowering. "That stunt doesn't prove anything."
Kaede snorted from the second row. "Oh, I think it proved a lot."
Rhine took a step forward, trying to get close. His voice sharpened, eyes burning.
"You think you're untouchable now just because you brought your little startup guild here? You're still nothing, Kaito. Step outside these walls—I dare you. I'll remind you who runs this town."
Kaito tilted his head, expression unreadable.
"Then why wait?" he said coolly. "You've got numbers. I've got time."
The atmosphere thickened. Several nearby players started quietly backing away, sensing a fight—or worse.
Then a slow clap echoed from the western alleyway.
"Well, this escalated fast," came a smooth, sardonic voice.
A tall player clad in light azure armor stepped out from the crowd, followed by a team bearing the swirling lightning emblem of the Stormlife Guild.
"Same Everhold Dominion," the player said with a grin. "Different day. Still trying to act like you own the town."
Rhine scowled. "Zephyr."
The Stormlife leader returned the glare with a sharp grin. "Didn't think I'd show up, did you? Honestly, I just came to investigate the Ravine battle. But watching you do this petty intimidation dance in the middle of town? That's... pathetic."
Before Rhine could retort, another voice cut in—clear and icy.
"Truly. Your guild's flair for dramatics never fails to disappoint."
Heads turned as a group of players emerged from the eastern walkway—twelve in total, all clad in sleek crimson armor, all women. Their coordinated stride and silence made their arrival almost theatrical.
At their lead stood a tall woman with silver-white hair that glinted in the sun, her eyes as sharp as tempered crystal. The leader of Crimson Rose.
She didn't announce her name. She didn't need to. Every player in South Glade recognized her immediately: Velena Ardent.
"We're here for Genesis," she said, her tone calm but loaded with intent. "Not for your tantrums."
Rhine's fists clenched at his sides. His eyes flicked from Zephyr to Velena, then to Kaito. His voice dropped to a near-growl.
"You all think siding with Genesis will protect them?"
Velena's gaze didn't waver. "We're not siding with anyone. But make no mistake—we don't fear you."
Zephyr cracked his knuckles, smiling as if it were a joke. "And we've seen what happens to those who do."
Rhine's expression darkened. He raised one finger and pointed at Kaito.
"You think this ends? Fine. Hide behind these walls. I'll see you the second you step outside."
He turned with a snap and stormed away, his officers trailing after him like the tail of a dying storm. The Everhold blockade dispersed into side alleys, scowling.
The square relaxed, slightly. The tension hung in the air like fading smoke.
Zephyr stepped up to Kaito and raised a brow. "Looks like I saved you."
Kaito gave a short laugh. "Didn't need saving. But… thanks anyway."
A flicker of surprise crossed Zephyr's face, followed by amusement.
Velena crossed her arms, her silver gaze unreadable.
Kaito's eyes moved between the two leaders.
"You're not just here to watch, are you?"
Zephyr chuckled, folding his arms. "Perceptive as always. There's a place near the plaza—decent food, decent privacy. Why don't we talk there?"
Velena gave a single nod. "Fine by me."
Stormlife Guild… In my last life, they were one of the few mid-sized forces who refused to sell their independence. Zephyr rejected the Orion Syndicate's investment—just like us.
And just like us… they were erased. Their forums disappeared. Their territories overtaken overnight. I never found out what happened to Zephyr. No one did.
Crimson Rose… fiercely independent. Elusive. The Syndicate couldn't control them, so they were blacklisted. Soon after, their safe zones were raided, one by one. Rumors said they quit. But I always suspected something darker.
If not for the interference of the Orion Syndicate, both of their guilds might have secured top positions in Glory, carving out legacies for themselves. While Kaito had managed to push Genesis into the top 10,000, Zephyr and Velena had once led their respective guilds into the top 1000 across the entire server. They were veterans—seasoned players who had survived countless patches, mechanics shifts, and meta resets. No matter how much the game changed, such changes only ever created a brief window—a buffer of one or two months—before experience and skill reclaimed dominance. Once that period passed, the gap between veterans and newcomers became painfully obvious.
And Now they're both here. Sigh what a tough life I have.
With a few hand gestures, the Genesis squad began spreading out through the square. Raven blade took charge of guiding the recruits. Stormlife dispersed toward the tavern's first floor. Crimson Rose followed in quiet formation.
The building was a modest, three-story stone-and-timber structure with faded banners outside: The Gladeflame Tavern.
Inside, the first floor buzzed with controlled energy. Players cleaned weapons, sipped local brews, and traded gear from previous raids.
Upstairs, Kaito, Zephyr, and Velena sat at a round wooden table. The room was lit by soft lanterns, with the scent of roasted vegetables and brewed tea wafting in from downstairs. A window overlooked the center square, still recovering from the confrontation minutes ago.
Zephyr leaned back in his chair, arms loosely crossed over his chest. "So I don't like to beat around the bush… I want to confirm something, Raen."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"That Echoing Deep strategy guide—the one for Normal and Elite difficulty." Zephyr's gaze was steady. "It was posted by you, right?"
Kaito gave a slight nod. "It was."
Across the table, Velena—leader of Crimson Rose—tilted her head slightly. Her silver eyes fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and intent.
"Then we won't waste time," she said. "We want to know whether you have one for Hard or even till King."
Kaito blinked, then let out a short breath. "So that's why you're here."