Chapter 18: Guild
[Mass release3/3]
Asher felt a lump form in his throat.
A guild?
Could the system really do that?
Could he really create a guild on his own?
Asher trusted the system's words and found himself deep in speculation.
[Building your guild: A trustworthy soul has been found. Would you like to initiate him into your guild?]
The fact that the system labeled Fey as trustworthy—was that supposed to be his contribution to the guild? Or was there something else he had to offer?
Trustworthiness was a crucial trait for long-term gamers.
If Fey wasn't trustworthy, that meant he could betray the guild one day, and it would end in disaster.
But what else did he possess? Any special power?
Back when Asher played the game, he made sure each of his guild members was unique—each from a different clan. But what was the point of having two Exorcists in the same guild? That would be redundant unless...
"Uhm, Fey, do you have anything that makes you different from other Exorcists?" Asher asked.
The question was weird, and it surely sounded weird to hear.
Fey let his gaze wander before giving it some thought.
"Nah, not really, but I wasn't born an Exorcist. I was adopted from another clan—that's what my father told me," he said, his usual smile faltering as his expression darkened.
"Because of that, I don't really have any friends. Many call me gullible and stupid, but I'm skillful and hardworking. That's all that matters, right?!"
Asher nodded.
"Cool."
But inside, he was celebrating.
'This guy is a blank check. That explains his aura. He must be from some other clan that isn't entirely human.'
With Eye of Insight, Asher could see Fey's faint reddish aura—different from the regular blue of humans.
'System, how do I make him a guild member?'
[A handshake is enough.]
[Why are you excited about him? He still hasn't proven to be useful beyond being trustworthy.]
'Let's just call it gamer instinct.'
Asher extended his hand for a handshake.
"I will be your friend, but be warned—shake this hand, and you'll be bound to me forever as a partner who will travel the whole world."
Fey's eyes lit up.
"Travel the whole world?"
Asher nodded. This was a nostalgic feeling—the birth of a guild.
***
The two returned to the training grounds—Fey, as usual, with a wide grin, while Asher kept his hands buried in his pockets, deep in thought.
[Guildmate Fey has successfully joined your guild.]
'Does this mean he has to listen to me as his guild leader? I hope it's not some form of slavery where every command must be obeyed. That would be heartless.'
"Hey, you two! What the hell are you doing while a lecture is going on?!"
The loud voice startled both of them.
Asher and Fey had just stepped into the training ground, and one of the high-ranked Exorcists had gathered everyone for a lesson.
The two quickly rushed to join the group, only to be forced to the back of the line.
Asher accidentally bumped into someone, and the boy didn't take it lightly.
He shoved Asher back and snarled, "How dare a scum like you touch me!"
The boy stepped forward, ready to retaliate—but then he caught the piercing glare of the high-ranked Exorcist. He instantly backed down.
"You got lucky... for now."
With that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Asher dazed.
'Fuck you, Exorcists.'
The instructor cleared his throat.
"Now, no more interruptions."
"I'll recap for those who just joined us. The weapons you have received are Soul Blades, which can be used to exorcise both spirits and monsters. With proper mana training, you will be able to summon the power within these blades. To learn that, you will go to the waiting room and select a Mana Weapon Training Book to study its techniques."
"Next, regarding your Exorcist test, let me explain how intense this training will be. Some of you may think it's just about hunting beasts and spirits—but no. Your main objective is to acquire as many cores or charms as possible. The stronger they are, the better."
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"Why?"
"Because the cores you obtain will be used to awaken the true essence of your body—your own Soul Power. So I urge you all to train your hardest. During the test, be prepared to challenge the strongest of beasts and spirits."
Many thought of this as just another test.
For Asher, this was the real deal.
His first expedition hunt.
Finally, it was time to get stronger.
"Wow, you're smiling?"
Asher turned to Fey, who was observing him closely.
"Uhm... yeah, I'm excited," he muttered, trying to hide his face, but it was too late.
"Why do you always smile when you hear about things that shouldn't make someone happy? Or am I wrong to have noticed this twice?" Fey questioned.
He was observant—a good trait for someone investigating others.
Then, a thought struck Asher.
"Hey, Fey? How will you gain Soul Power if you're not an Exorcist?"
Fey shook his head, his expression darkening slightly.
"I won't go after charms—I'll only hunt beast cores to enhance my physique. I can give the charms to you."
"Oh, in that case, cool." Asher shrugged.
"Now, dismissed! Training is over for today."
With that, everyone started to disperse, heading to the waiting room to collect their training manuals.
In the crowd, Nimora stood still.
She had barely listened to what the old Exorcist had been saying.
She bit her lip hard, replaying the fight between Asher and Fey in her mind.
'The arts he used—aren't they advanced? And his speed... it's not wimpy at all.'
She narrowed her eyes.
'Could it be...?
He's been faking his strength all along?'