Chapter 76: Joining a Guild [2]
"A guild then?" Anna said, seeing the dilemma on Gabriel’s face.
"We’ll join a guild for now. After completing ten missions, we’ll come to reapply for the guild registration," he replied.
"Sir, you can head in that direction if you want to apply for a guild." The receptionist pointed to the corner where several people were already gathered, looking at a board.
Gabriel gave a faint nod and went over. There, he saw a massive LED board displaying bold listings...
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[Featured Guild Listings]
[1] Crimson Star Guild
Leader: Lilith Valentine
Recruiting: Mechanics, Mages, and Assassins
Requirements: Level 20+, Guild test
[2] Light Bearers
Leader: Kom Lighthand
Recruiting: Healers, Support Mages, Light Attribute Users
Requirements: Must be aligned with the Holy Church. Level 25+. Background check required
---
When Gabriel saw the second guild, he paused.
’Light Bearers... must be an ally guild of the Church,’ he thought and ruled it out. He was an enemy of the Church, after all—his reputation with them was beyond salvageable.
The next guild that caught his attention, however, was...
---
[3] Adventurer Guild
Leader: Thomas Voss
Recruiting: All classes
Requirements: Level 20+, Guild test
---
He skimmed past a few mid and lower-tier guilds. Apart from the Crimson Star Guild, none of the other top five guilds made the list.
With a thoughtful expression, his eyes scanned the board, debating which one to apply for.
"Anna, what guild do you think would give more freedom and frequent high-reward missions?" he asked.
Not only was Anna older, she was also an original character—naturally, she knew more about this world.
"If master’s goal is frequent and high-reward missions, the Crimson Star Guild would have been the best," she pointed out. "Their headquarters is located deep in the wilderness, in an area densely populated by monsters. Most of their missions revolve around that zone."
"Furthermore, as one of the most influential guilds in the Valerian Kingdom, they usually have noble clients submitting high-profile missions to be taken care of."
"Then what about freedom?" he asked.
"That would be the Adventurer Guild," she explained. "They’re not only neutral, with no rivalries against other guilds, but their adventurers also have free will. They’re not bound by rigid rules and can show up whenever they want—as long as they get the job done. Also, you can leave whenever you want."
"How severe are the Crimson Star Guild’s rules?" he inquired.
"From what I know, they’re one of the more disciplined guilds," she replied. "They value strength and contribution, but in return, they demand loyalty. Members are expected to stay active and report regularly. Leaving the guild without permission is considered betrayal and could result in a bounty being placed on your head."
Gabriel raised a brow. "They’re that extreme?"
Anna gave a small nod. "They have their reasons. The Crimson Star Guild is constantly fighting on the frontlines. Anyone who deserts them in the middle of an important mission endangers not just their team but the entire guild’s reputation."
"Sounds like a glorified prison. I’ll pass," he said without much thought.
He turned back to the board, his gaze settling on the Adventurer Guild’s listing.
"All classes welcome, no rivalries, flexible rules, and I can walk away whenever I want..." he murmured. "Sounds like what I need for now."
"Yes. Not only that, if master joins an elite squad, he would have opportunities to complete several high-level missions," Anna added softly.
Gabriel gave a final nod and turned back toward the receptionist’s desk.
"We’ll apply for the Adventurer Guild."
The receptionist blinked, then nodded. "Alright. Please head to the guild testing room—down the hall, third door to your right. Testing begins every hour."
"Understood."
---
Sometime later...
Gabriel arrived in a room filled with several people. They wore armor, mage robes, and healer attire. All of them radiated the aura of Level 20 Awakened.
He and Anna sat in the waiting area.
Eventually, Gabriel’s name was called.
Inside was a bald, bulky man with a red beard seated behind a table. On his chest was a tag: Brunt.
"Seat," the man said without even looking up.
Without a word, Gabriel took the only empty seat.
"No need for pleasantries. I don’t have all day, so let’s get straight to the point," he said. "Name?"
"Gabriel Reyes."
"Alias?"
"Broken Heaven."
"Level?"
"30."
Brunt finally looked up, staring into his eyes. "Tell me about yourself."
"My name is Gabriel. I’m a warrior," he said.
"That’s all?" Brunt raised an eyebrow. He had expected this one to go off bragging about how great and powerful he was.
"Yes, that’s all."
"Why do you want to join a guild?"
"For personal reasons."
Gabriel kept his answer short, not delving further.
"You’re level 30, right? How strong do you think you are? How many dungeons have you been to?"
"One. Skeleton Paradise," he replied. "I’ve only been to a dungeon once, but I’ve spent significant time in the wilderness."
"You didn’t answer one question," Brunt said. "How strong are you? Here in the Adventurer Guild, we prioritize confidence. If you’re not confident enough, I’m sorry—this guild isn’t for you."
"How strong am I?" Gabriel smirked. "Do you want to find out?"
He wasn’t the type to boast about his strength. He preferred to show it.
"Kid, is that a challenge?" Brunt asked in a slightly raised voice, an intense aura slowly pouring out of his body.
Gabriel remained composed, not taking his eyes off Brunt.
"Hahaha, I like that look." Brunt chuckled, getting up. "The next part of the guild test is actually combat practical. Please follow me."
He led Gabriel through another door in his office, and they arrived at an open space where other recruits were being tested.
Above them was a gallery where members of the guild went about their day—or watched the recruits.
"In case you don’t know, I’m a Level 50 Warrior," Brunt claimed. "With your pitiful Level 30, I’m sure you won’t be able to keep up. So I’ll do you a favor and try to match your strength."
"Sure." Gabriel shrugged.
Seeing his opponent’s nonchalant look, Brunt couldn’t help but sneer. "Don’t get cocky, brat. Even though I’ll restrict my strength to that of a Level 30, I can’t restrict my experience."
"I’ll keep that in mind." Gabriel simply nodded and took a fighting stance.
With an arrogant expression, Brunt gestured at him. "Alright then. Come at me with everything you’ve got. Don’t hold back."

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