While Kaito and his team were still trapped deep inside the King-level Misty Palace, the scene outside the dungeon was already boiling with excitement. The News had spread quickly, and players from all over South Glade Town had gathered at the entrance. The guide Kaito had posted on the forums had worked, it became much easier to cross the Rank 0 Mist Illusion Formation, and something that once seemed impossible was now within reach for many players.
But there was another problem. The demand for Lumina Sight Potions, the only item that let players see through the mist in the dungeon had shot up. Shops that still had stock, even after Kaito had bought so many, were cleared out within minutes. The prices rose so high that players joked the potions were now worth more than silver gear. Still, no one dared to step into the Misty Palace without one. They were selling like hotcakes, and only a few vendors had any left.
Outside the Dungeon, amidst this feverish crowd, two guild banners drew the most attention Storm Life and Crimson Rose. Both guilds had already earned a reputation as rising forces in Astralis region, but what happened next cemented their names even further.
Just fifteen minutes ago, while Kaito's party was trapped inside the Queen's illusion, the entire region had been shaken by not one, but six system announcements.
The first three announcement echoed across every player's interface in golden letters:
[Astralis Region System Announcement: Congratulations to the Storm Life guild, led by Zephyr, for clearing the Elite mode of the Misty Palace dungeon. As the first clear, they are rewarded with +100 reputation and +50 gold coins]
The crowd barely had time to take this in before another three announcement followed immediately after:
[Astralis Region System Announcement: Congratulations to the Crimson Rose guild, led by Velena Ardent, for clearing the Elite mode of the Misty Palace dungeon. Reward: +50 reputation and +25 gold coins.]
The square outside the dungeon went silent for a few seconds before bursting into noise. Many players still hadn't even managed to clear Normal difficulty. For them, just defeating the Wraith General was already a nightmare. Yet here were Storm Life and Crimson Rose, not only pushing further but actually clearing Elite difficulty before anyone else.
The difference in strength was like a chasm. Players from smaller guilds stood frozen, their faces pale. Independent adventurers shook their heads in disbelief. "How… how far ahead are they?" someone muttered.
As if to make the shock real, both guilds emerged from the glowing gates of the dungeon shortly after. Zephyr strode out with his Storm Life squad, all of them grinning ear to ear. Their gear gleamed most wore freshly upgraded Level 15 bronze equipment, and a few even had rare silver pieces that caught the light. Just behind them, Velena Ardent led Crimson Rose's party, equally radiant and smiling with quiet pride. Their weapons and armor told the same story, their clear wasn't just luck, they had truly grown stronger.
The crowd erupted. Some shouted congratulations, others whispered with envy. Independent players especially couldn't hide their jealousy at the sight of such gear.
But not everyone was happy. Standing near the frontlines with his own guild was Rhine, Everhold Dominion's officer, led by Grave mind who was by his side. Both had been preparing their own raid into the Misty Palace when the announcements rolled in. Rhine clicked his tongue sharply.
"Tch… such arrogance," he muttered loud enough for those nearby to hear. His eyes narrowed at Zephyr and Velena. "Do you think anyone believes you cleared that on your own? Without Raen's help, you wouldn't even make it past the mist."
A few players nearby perked up at this, whispering among themselves. The name Raen carried weight, and everyone knew the history between him and Everhold Dominion. Perhaps there was truth in Rhine's words. Maybe Storm Life and Crimson Rose had leaned on Raen's strategies or strength to get through.
But even if some agreed silently, most of the onlookers threw disdainful glances at Rhine. His bitterness was obvious. After all, even if they had gotten help, the fact remained, they had cleared Elite difficulty while Everhold Dominion hadn't even managed Normal.
Everyone in South Glade Town and across the Astralis region knew the reality Raen and Everhold Dominion were locked in a bitter rivalry. Raen had embarrassed them more than once. To hear Rhine now downplay Storm Life and Crimson Rose's achievement only made his words sound like excuses.
And yet, despite the mutters and sneers, one fact was undeniable: with these clears, Storm Life and Crimson Rose had taken a massive leap forward in status. The gap between them and the rest had widened in an instant.
....
While the players outside argued and gossiped, the Storm Life Guild and Crimson Rose Guild quietly pulled away from the crowd. They moved to an isolated corner where no one could listen in. This meeting was for them alone.
Velena was the first to speak. Her eyes were sharp, her tone calm but firm.
"Alright. You got the first clear of Elite difficulty. Now it's our turn. Crimson Rose will go for Hard mode, and this time, we'll take the first clear. That was what we agreed on earlier."
Zephyr let out a small sigh. He had known this was coming, but hearing it again still made his chest feel heavy. Before either guild had stepped into the Misty Palace, he and Velena had already settled things. The Elite first clear would go to Storm Life guild. The Hard level first clear would go to Crimson Rose. Normal difficulty didn't matter to them at all.
Both of them had already got Kaito's guides for Normal, Elite, and Hard. After seeing the difference in rewards, they hadn't even bothered with Normal. To them, Normal difficulty was nothing but wasted time. They had only chosen Elite first as a warm-up, to learn the dungeon's layout and feel. The real prize was Hard mode.
Even though both of them were prepared, they couldn't deny how much this run had given them. Their members had leveled up quickly, and most were already wearing level fifteen gear. Compared to the players outside still stuck with level ten equipment, they were far ahead. Some even carried silver pieces now. The Elite clear had given their guilds a huge boost.
Even Zephyr was filled with ambition knowing that the announcement would push him even further. When the time came for the leadership vote, he knew he would have more support. People couldn't argue with results.
Velena leaned back slightly, her crimson cloak catching the wind. "You've had your share, Zephyr. Don't complain now."
Velena's lips curved into a knowing smile. "That was part of the deal, wasn't it? You let us have Hard mode, and I make sure you get the votes you need when the time comes. In the end, both our guilds rise together."
Zephyr sighed again, this time with a trace of helpless laughter. It was true. When they had negotiated, he had wanted Hard difficulty for himself. The rewards there were far better than Elite. But Velena had pressed him, reminding him of the last time she had supported him when he was in trouble. He owed her. And in the end, he had given up Hard mode in exchange for her promise to back him in the guild leader elections.
it was simple bargaining. Storm Life would take the glory of the first Elite clear. Crimson Rose would seize Hard mode. And together, both guilds would climb above the rest.
Zephyr finally looked at Velena and gave a short nod. "Fine. I'll hold up my end. You'll get Hard mode. But after that, don't expect me to step aside again."
Velena chuckled softly.
The two guild leaders exchanged a look of quiet understanding. They were rivals, but also allies. For now, their paths were aligned.