The sun hung high over the city as I approached the towering gates of The Amethyst Guild. Even from a distance, the structure exuded an aura of power—tall spires glimmering faintly with violet lightning-like streaks, engraved with intricate symbols that resonated with my own Storm God Authority.
I pushed the massive doors open, stepping inside. The guild hall was alive with energy. Members moved about—training, strategizing, or simply discussing recent events—but the moment they sensed my presence, the bustling hall fell into a quiet murmur.
"Leader Ashura Bellet…" A few bowed, respect evident in their tone and stance.
I smirked faintly, hands resting on the hilt of my sword. "Don't overdo it. I'm still me. Just… stronger than before."
From the shadows of the hall, Raven, my second-in-command, stepped forward. Black flames flickered around his hands, his aura a sharp contrast to my violet energy. "Welcome back, Ashura. Word of your last battle spread quickly. Even the hunters outside the city are talking."
I raised an eyebrow, scanning the hall. "Good. Let them talk. I'm not here for fame."
Beside him, Lyra, the evolved berserker, cracked her knuckles with a grin. Her muscles tensed and flexed as if ready to explode at a moment's notice. Her presence was fierce, a living storm of raw power. "I take it you brought back more than bruises this time?"
I let a small chuckle escape. "You could say that. The system has… upgraded me." My violet energy shimmered along my arms as I flexed slightly. "And there's more. Passives, new abilities… a regenerative skill. Even you two better step up your game."
The guild members exchanged glances. Whispered awe ran through the hall. It wasn't just power—they could feel the storm in me, the authority I carried.
I walked further inside, scanning the guild layout. My recruits—first wave, so to speak—stood waiting:
Kael, the boy like a younger brother, full of potential but disciplined enough to follow orders. Selina, the girl whose godlike potential was yet unseen by the world, her aura calm but brimming with raw energy. Dorian, the man in his thirties, strong, experienced, yet humble enough to respect hierarchy.
I nodded at them. "Good. Keep training the rest of the recruits. I want discipline, skill, and respect for structure. The Amethyst Guild isn't just a name—it's a standard."
Kael bowed. "Yes, Ashura. We'll make sure it's worthy of your power."
Selina's lips curved into a faint smile. "We won't let you down."
Dorian simply nodded, eyes sharp and assessing. "We'll push them to their limits, Ashura. And we'll survive yours too."
I let a faint chuckle slip past. Good. Someone has to keep them honest.
Walking to the center of the hall, I raised my hand. "Listen up. The guild is more than numbers. It's a family. But it's also a force. If I'm in a dungeon alone, I don't need anyone holding my hand. But this guild? This is a unit. Precision, efficiency, and strength. That's how we survive—and dominate."
I paused, letting my gaze sweep across every member. "If you're not ready to risk, bleed, and fight for the name Amethyst, you don't belong here. Understood?"
A chorus of affirmatives echoed, firm, unwavering.
I smirked faintly. "Good. Now, let's make sure your training reflects my expectations. Raven, take Kael and the newer recruits through elemental control exercises. Lyra, you'll oversee close-combat sparring. Dorian… watch them all. Make sure they earn their place here."
The guild members dispersed with purpose, the hall coming alive again—not with fear, but with ambition.
I walked to a balcony overlooking the city. The streets stretched beneath me, portals and political messes waiting beyond the horizon. My guild was growing, yes—but the world wouldn't wait for me to get comfortable.
I let a small grin curve my lips. Violet lightning flickered around me faintly, reflecting off the balcony rails. "The world thinks it can challenge Ashura Bellet… let them come. The Amethyst Guild will be the storm they never see coming."
And for the first time in weeks, I allowed myself a rare thought: my family is safe, my guild is strong, and the storm is mine to command.