Chapter 13
As the wagon rumbled past the final bend in the dirt path, the dense forest gave way to a wide clearing nestled in the embrace of two towering hills. Zen's eyes widened as he caught his first full glimpse of it... the Silverfall Clan.
The first thing he noticed was the gate. Massive and awe-inspiring, it stood tall, nearly thrice the height of an average man, forged from a strange blend of metal and wood that shimmered under the sun.
It wasn't ordinary wood, but steelwood, a rare, rune-infused timber that gleamed with a faint silver hue. Its surface seemed alive, as though the sunlight itself danced upon it, bringing out its hidden luster.
At its very center, the clan's emblem was embedded in polished silver: a vertical sword piercing through a crescent moon, with streaks of starlight radiating from the blade's tip and a cascade of flowing silver etched like a waterfall falling beneath the hilt.
A symbol of calm and destruction serenity veiled in power.
Long banners hung from poles at the gate's edges, fluttering in the wind. They were midnight blue, trimmed with white along the borders, and bore the same sigil of the sword and moon in their center.
Each ripple made the fabric shimmer like running water, catching slivers of light that made them appear like actual falling silver. The illusion was so mesmerizing, it made Zen feel like he was gazing at a waterfall frozen mid-flow.
The air around the gates thrummed with quiet strength. Two armored guards stood like statues, their cloaks emblazoned with the clan's emblem, their helms shaped like the crescent moon from the logo. They didn't move, didn't flinch, only watched with unreadable expressions beneath their visors.
As the wagon rolled through, the true grandeur of the clan revealed itself.
Inside the gate, two buildings dominated the spacious compound, each with its own distinct presence. At the center stood the main building; a towering, six-story structure made of blackstone and silversteel.
It rose like a fortress, solemn and unyielding, its architecture reminiscent of both a grand palace and a temple of warriors. The very sight of it stirred something in Zen's chest, something between awe and intimidation.
Wide silver pillars held up the entrance portico, each one engraved with the names of ancient Reavers; legends whose deeds had earned a place in the clan's eternal memory. Each name seemed etched with reverence, the silver lettering polished until it gleamed like starlight.
Above the massive doors hung the largest of the banners, its sigil bold and proud, while below it, the name was engraved in silver:
SILVERFALL CLAN
The letters gleamed under the light, polished to a mirror finish. The roof, built in layered tiers like an ancient pagoda, was adorned with glowing glyphs that pulsed faintly, resonating with power that only the most sensitive could feel.
Even the stone beneath the wagon wheels seemed to hum with dormant energy, as if the very ground had been steeped in the aura of warriors past. Zen felt it, not with his skin, but in his bones.
To the left of the main hall stood the secondary building which was more modest in size but not in presence. It rose three stories high and was built from smooth white stone, accented by timber frames stained a dark brown.
Its roof sloped cleanly, covered in charcoal-colored tiles that gave it a refined appearance. There was a sense of order to it, of purpose without pretense.
Unlike the solemn grandeur of the main hall, this structure had a more approachable charm.
Lanterns with ever-burning blue flames flanked the entrance, casting a calm, flickering glow. Small flags bearing the miniature clan emblem hung from cords between the outer columns, swaying gently in the breeze like silent greetings.
It was cleaner, quieter, yet still noble in form.
Together, the two buildings framed the heart of the Silverfall Clan; a place that pulsed with strength, legacy, and a quiet invitation:
Prove yourself, or be forgotten.
"Welcome to the Silverfall Clan," Tom announced as he flared his hands in front of him.
"Woah! It's… it's… it's huge," Zen exclaimed as he jumped down from the wagon, his wide eyes glued to the towering buildings ahead. "Huh?"
"What's wrong?" Tom asked with a furrowed brow.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but we didn't pass through any town or village on our way here, right?" Zen asked, his expression puzzled.
"Yeah. That was done on purpose. The clan is located far from any buzz or public eyes. They prefer it that way," Tom replied with a small chuckle. "But that doesn't mean there aren't towns close by, though."
Zen didn't laugh. Instead, he stroked his chin thoughtfully. His gaze scanned the premises before landing on a small structure by the side.
"What's that small building for?" he asked curiously.
"That's where you'll be staying, along with the others participating in the assessment. If you pass and officially become a Reaver,regardless of your rank, you'll then be allowed into the main building," Tom explained.
Zen nodded along.
"Hey! Tom!" someone called out.
The duo turned to see a young man approaching, his steps quick and confident. Tom smiled and moved forward, giving the man a brief hug.
"How was the mission?" the man asked.
"It was fun, I guess," Tom replied with a shrug as he ruffled his own dark hair.
"Oh! I see you brought back a recruit," the man noted, giving Zen a once-over. "Although he looks…"
"Frail? Yeah, I know," Tom said with a laugh, shaking his head. Zen just scowled at both of them, clearly not amused.
"Anyway, the Clan Master wants to see you. He said you should come to him immediately once you arrived," the man added.
"Is he in?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, I'll head there now," Tom said, turning to Zen. "Go to that small building and wait there. A Reaver with healing essence will come attend to your injuries.
The assessment starts in three days, so make sure you're prepared both mentally and physically. I'll be seeing you around."
With that, Tom quickly sprinted off toward the main building, the other man following closely behind.
Zen sighed and began walking toward the medium-sized building. It didn't take long before he was inside.
What greeted him were rows and rows of beds spread across the space. Some people were already resting, lounging on their beds, while others were quietly conversing.
'Just pick a bed and ignore everyone else. I never really managed to make any friends in reality. Should I try to make some here now? Who knows, they might actually be of he...'
Zen's thoughts trailed off as he caught a few of the occupants staring at him with disdain, their eyes filled with scorn. The looks were especially sharp, directed at his frail and worn-out appearance.
'Nevermind. Humans are still humans, whether in a game or in reality. Back home, I used to be the center of attention. Everyone wanted to talk to me, to be me.
Why? Because I was the son and heir of a wealthy businessman. But after Dad's death, everything fell apart. The same people who once claimed to love me vanished like smoke in the wind.'
He clenched his fist slightly under the blanket of his robe.
'Tch. Pathetic. I had to climb out of that hole by gaming and by becoming a pro player. And now look at me. Trapped inside this damn game because of my pride!'
Zen cursed internally as he scanned the room again and found an empty bed at the far end. He strolled over to it and collapsed onto the mattress.
'Money ran my reality. No doubt, power rules this world. So I've made up my mind. I will gain power not to flex or show off but to escape this game as soon as possible. That's my goal.'
He exhaled deeply, then smirked.
'Now let's see my reward for slaying a C-ranked beast.'
His eyes gleamed with anticipation as the system screen flashed before his face.
{Rewards…}