Crimsonpeak Martial Hall - Evening
The group returned to the martial hall in high spirits, the adrenaline from the spectacle still pumping through their veins. Kieran unlocked the entrance with visible relief, finally allowing herself to process that her hall was safe.
"I still can't believe how easy that was," Raina said, plopping down cross-legged on the floor with a can of beer she'd produced from somewhere. "I didn't even get to see you use any actual techniques! Just—bam!—one palm strike and done. Anticlimactic!"
The clone settled into a chair near the window, watching the evening traffic pass by. "He wasn't worth more effort."
Stone removed his helmet for the first time—revealing a surprisingly young face, maybe mid-twenties, with a jagged scar running down his left cheek. "Strong," he said simply, taking a long drink from his own beer. "Very strong. I wouldn't want to fight you."
Scarlet stood near the combat analyzer, her crimson eyes thoughtful as she studied Vaelor. "That was a calculated demonstration. You revealed enough power to establish dominance, but held back significantly. The question is—how much were you actually holding back?"
The clone met her gaze calmly. "Enough."
"Mmm." Scarlet's smile was knowing. "I thought so. Well, regardless—you've more than justified the SSS-rank contract investment. Though I'm beginning to think even those terms might be insufficient."
"The contract is fine," the clone assured her. "Access to high-tier dungeons and freedom of movement are worth more than additional monetary compensation."
"Pragmatic. I like that." Scarlet pulled out an elegant case, extracting what appeared to be expensive cigarettes. She didn't light one, just held it thoughtfully. "Speaking of dungeons—we have a Tier 4 Abyssal Rift expedition planned for next week. Normally I wouldn't bring someone at your official level, but given your demonstrated capabilities..."
"I'm interested," the clone confirmed immediately. High-tier spawn for experience farming. Perfect.
Lyanna had been quiet, but now she spoke softly. "The way you controlled your spiritual energy during that strike was masterful. Perfect efficiency. No waste. That's the kind of control that typically requires decades of practice."
"I've had good teachers," the clone replied diplomatically.
"Oh, right!" Kieran suddenly remembered, pulling out two items from her dimensional storage. "These are technically yours—the rewards from winning the challenge."
She traded a chain-shaped weapon and a skill book to Vaelor. The weapon was rare-grade, elegant silver links that could extend and retract. The skill book contained a lightning-element technique.
The clone examined them briefly, checking properties. Neither suited his build particularly well. "Not ideal for my combat style. President, can you help sell these?"
"Of course." Scarlet accepted them, storing them away. "Since you're officially part of Crimson Rose now, you should know about the guild warehouse system. Members can deposit equipment they don't need and trade with each other—either direct exchanges or purchase using contribution points."
She pulled up a holographic interface, showing him the guild's internal marketplace. "If you acquire items you can't use, deposit them here first. Someone in the guild might need them, and you'll get better value than selling to external merchants."
"Understood. Actually, I do have two more items." The clone produced the bone spear and blood lion ring he'd acquired from the Rift dive with Kaelith.
Scarlet's eyes widened slightly as she examined them. "A bonebeast tail spine? Those are rare and expensive, even at Tier 1. And this ring..." She studied the blood lion ring. "High-quality rare-grade equipment. You've had quite the fortunate expedition."
"I want to reforge the bone spear into something more suitable for my style," the clone explained. "And the ring can be sold if no one in the guild needs it."
"The ring is too low-level for our current members, so I'll sell it and credit your account. As for the spear..." Scarlet's expression became thoughtful. "I know an excellent forgemaster. Leave both items with me—I'll have the ring sold and the spear reforged into something worthy of your capabilities."
"Thank you, President."
Scarlet's eyes flickered with something unreadable. She took a step closer, invading his personal space with practiced ease. Her expensive perfume—something floral with dark undertones—became noticeable as she leaned forward.
"As a condition for my personal assistance," she said, her voice dropping to something more intimate, "you're not allowed to call me 'President' anymore. It sounds too... distant. Too formal."
She was close enough now that the clone could see the intricate pattern in her crimson irises, could feel the warmth radiating from her presence.
"Call me Sister Scarlet instead."
The clone's expression remained composed, but he was acutely aware of the attention from everyone else in the room. Raina was grinning like a maniac. Stone had paused mid-drink to watch. Even Lyanna looked interested.
"Alright... Sister Scarlet," the clone agreed, his tone carefully neutral.
"Much better." Scarlet's smile was satisfied as she stepped back, creating a more appropriate distance again. "See? That wasn't so difficult."
"Haha! He's blushing!" Raina crowed with delight, pointing at Vaelor. "The invincible warrior who destroyed Liam in three seconds is blushing from Sister Scarlet getting close!"
"I'm not—" The clone paused, realizing denial would just make it worse. "Your observation is noted."
That somehow made Raina laugh even harder. Even Lyanna covered her mouth to hide a smile.
Main body, the clone thought through their connection, I'm being teased by guild members. This is your fault for making me handle social situations.
Through the distant link, the main body—currently compressing his 2,891st stage cultivation near a black hole singularity—sent back vague amusement mixed with mild sympathy.
Kieran checked the time on her communication device. "It's getting late, and we've all had an eventful day. Vaelor just made Thunder Martial Hall look like complete amateurs, which deserves proper celebration."
She smiled warmly at the group. "My treat—let's go to Silvercloud Pavilion for dinner. All of us."
"Yes!" Raina pumped her fist excitedly. "Sister Kieran's treating! And it's Silvercloud Pavilion! We're definitely not holding back!"
"Silvercloud Pavilion?" The clone searched his inherited memories. High-end restaurant. Average cost per person exceeded 10,000 points. Only served registered warriors with reservations.
"You've earned it," Scarlet assured him. "And I have been wanting to do something nice for the guild. Let me spoil you guys."
Stone simply nodded, replacing his helmet. "Good food. Yes."
Silvercloud Pavilion - Private Dining Room
The restaurant lived up to its reputation. Elegant architecture blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Each private dining room was soundproofed and secured with privacy formations. The service was impeccable without being obtrusive.
Their group occupied a room designed for eight, circular table with comfortable seating and a subtle view of the city lights through floor-to-ceiling windows.
"To Vaelor," Kieran raised her glass of wine—some expensive vintage the clone couldn't identify. "For saving Crimsonpeak Martial Hall and making Wang Thornbeak look like an absolute fool in the process."
"To Vaelor!" The others echoed, raising their own glasses.
The clone lifted his glass—he'd requested non-alcoholic juice, citing his age—and nodded acknowledgment. "To successful partnerships."
They drank, and the food began arriving. Dish after dish of expertly prepared beast meat, fish from rare species, vegetables enhanced with cultivation properties. Everything was presentation-perfect and delicious enough to justify the astronomical prices.
"So," Scarlet said between courses, studying Vaelor with those analytical crimson eyes, "tell us about yourself. Background. Training. How does a seventeen-year-old reach LV14 and develop combat skills that exceed most Tier 3 warriors?"
The clone had prepared answers for these inevitable questions.
The conversation flowed naturally through dinner—discussion of guild operations, upcoming dungeon expeditions, amusing stories from past adventures. The clone participated appropriately, contributing when relevant, learning guild dynamics through observation.
Raina, predictably, became progressively more drunk as the evening continued. Her energy somehow increased with alcohol consumption.
"Vaelor," she slurred slightly, leaning heavily against Kieran. "You should... should fight me sometime. I wanna see if I can hit you. You're so fast and—hic—and strong and handsome and—"
"Raina, that's enough alcohol for you," Kieran said firmly, physically removing the beer can from her hand.
"But Sister Kieran~" Raina whined. "I'm celebrating! We won! Thunder Martial Hall got destroyed!"
"Yes, and you can celebrate without getting blackout drunk." Kieran glanced apologetically at Vaelor. "Sorry. She gets excitable when drinking."
"No offense taken," the clone assured her.
By the time dinner concluded—several hours and many courses later—Raina was completely plastered. Stone had to physically carry her, which he did with the resigned patience of someone who'd done this many times before.
They said their goodbyes outside the restaurant, everyone heading toward their respective vehicles.
Scarlet paused before getting into her luxury car, turning back to Vaelor. "I meant what I said earlier. The SSS-rank contract might not be sufficient compensation for what you bring to the guild. I'll be reviewing the terms and proposing adjustments."
"The current terms are fine," the clone repeated. "Access to high-tier content matters more than numbers in an account."
"We'll discuss it." Scarlet's smile suggested this wasn't a negotiation she intended to lose. "Also—about that Tier 4 expedition next week. I'll send you the details tomorrow. Prepare accordingly."
"I will. Thank you, Sister Scarlet."
Her smile widened fractionally at his use of the informal address. "Good night, Vaelor. You've made today very interesting."