In the luxurious room, sparkling decorations and Renaissance-style paintings adorn the walls. The clean marble floor creates an impression of luxury, while the high ceiling with crystal chandeliers provides an undeniable sense of elegance. This place was the perfect choice for this highly prestigious meeting.
A dark-haired man who always looked badass in his black leather jacket and white T-shirt rested his feet on a table filled with food. His sharp eyes hidden behind his black sunglasses added an arrogance touch to anyone who looked at him.
"Hey, how long are you going to ignore me, Lizbeth?" the man said.
Sitting across the table was a beautiful woman with long flowing blonde hair. Her light blue dress was incredibly elegant with perfect cuts. Her radiant face showcased her extraordinary beauty. Elizabeth paid no attention to him and remained engrossed in her tablet.
Annoyed at not getting a response, the man in black sunglasses pushed the table with his foot, spilling a glass of wine on the floor. The glass didn't break, but the wine stained Elizabeth's white high-heeled shoes.
Naturally, the blonde-haired woman narrowed her eyes, giving a piercing look.
"Oops! Sorry," the man said.
"I know you're fatherless, Jacob, but try to learn some etiquette. Do I have to be your mother for you to stop acting like a child?" Liliana replied sarcastically.
Jacob raised his sunglasses with his finger. "That's a good idea. I wouldn't mind having a stepmom." His eyes gave a mischievous look.
Sighing, Elizabeth decided to ignore him.
Jacob chuckled as he saw the blonde-haired woman scowl.
"Stop chasing after her, Jacob. She doesn't like you," Jacob said.
Jacob rolled his eyes at a dark-skinned man leaning against the wall. The man had long flowing black hair cascading down his back and wore a white shirt that contrasted with his skin tone. Smirking, he seemed intentionally provocative towards Jacob. However, Jacob didn't take the bait.
"Hugo? Are you her white knight, huh?" Jacob teased.
"Not really. Just a random guy who doesn't like simping for a woman," he retorted. "I know you're trying hard to get her attention. But trust me, bro. She is not going to fuck you, no matter what."
Jacob clenched his teeth as he received the cutting remark. At the same time, Elizabeth quietly laughed, listening to their dialogue. She watched them without diverting her gaze from her tablet.
The Divine Ursine Alliance, Sunstrike, and Oathkeeper: three leaders of guilds bearing the title of the Five Pillars, gathered in one room. Their presence this time was not just for a regular meeting but to discuss something significant.
However, there was still one person who had not shown up yet.
"Thank you for waiting for me. There were some minor matters I had to attend to."
The room's door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed white beard. He wore dark clothing that exuded a strong presence. His sharp gaze and calm expression conveyed authority. Each of his steps felt heavy, as if he were an unshakeable figure.
His presence drew the attention of the three guild masters. In an instant, the atmosphere changed as he stood before them. Jacob quickly lowered his feet from the table, while Elizabeth put her tablet down. Inferiority was evident on their faces as they received the man's stern gaze.
He was Neil O'Brien, the guild master of Falcon Knights Guard.
The title of the Five Pillars was not just an accolade; it also represented an alliance.
Despite their competitive relationship, they still engaged in communication for their mutual interests. They were the leaders of the largest guilds in America, and naturally, they had many enemies seeking to take over their power.
To maintain the status quo, they needed to form an alliance to support each other, confronting and eliminating their enemies. Especially if they had a common enemy, one of which was the Awakener Association. It was no longer a well-kept secret that the Awakener Association was trying to limit the power of these guilds.
When all the guild masters of the Five Pillars gathered, it meant there was a significant event threatening their power.
"It seems quieter than usual," Neil remarked, looking at his fellow guild masters when he said that, and the three of them lowered their heads in response. They knew Neil was talking about Vincent.
There used to be five people in this room, and now, only four remain.
After a moment of reflection, Neil took his seat. His fellow guild masters watched him with serious expressions.
"As you all know, we've lost one of our comrades. Losing one person means losing one powerhouse," Neil said.
"But isn't Vincent's death very suspicious?" Elizabeth chimed in, her face expressing puzzlement. "Dying in an empty building, fighting against a gang of lowlifes. And their boss was Noah Liebert? Do you believe that coward had the courage to do it?"
"True," added Hugo. "Vincent isn't the type of person who can be easily tricked. Even if he was set up, he could definitely defeat them. They're just third-class awakeners."
Elizabeth nodded. "Right. I think there's a real mastermind behind his death."
"But the fact remains that Vincent died because of these losers," Jacob chimed in skeptically.
His words caught Hugo and Elizabeth's attention, narrowing their eyes in annoyance. Meanwhile, Jacob simply chuckled.
Seeing tension starting to build, Neil spoke up before they could argue. "Vincent's death is regrettable, but we need to focus on our current issues." He kept the meeting on track.
"Oh, right. So, what about Morning Star?" Hugo interjected. "This guild has many mid-tier and high-tier awakeners. If they're left unchecked..."
Elizabeth nodded. "One of us has to absorb them."
Jacob snapped his fingers. "It just so happens that the Divine Ursine Alliance is in need of more combat awakeners. I can absorb them all." A sly grin appeared on his face.
Elizabeth scoffed. "You've always said that the members of Morning Star were pathetic, and now you want to recruit those losers. Are you kidding?"
In response to the jab, Jacob clicked his tongue. However, before he could retort to Liliana, Hugo spoke up.
"I think Sunstrike needs them more. As you know, most of my subordinates are healers. We struggle a bit when it comes to guild raids. So, I really need them."
Elizabeth huffed. "Come on, Hugo. Dungeon breaks in Colorado are very rare. Why do you need those fighters, huh?"
"Of course, to strengthen my guild," Hugo replied.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, no. Still, they don't fit with your guild. Acquiring and merging require a special approach so that the absorbed guild's potential doesn't go to waste. Leave this to the experts. Oathkeeper is highly experienced in this matter."
Jacob chuckled. "In the end, you want to have everything, huh?" His words sounded sarcastic.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes in response.
"Unfortunately, none of you will be able to acquire Morning Star."
Neil spoke up, and in an instant, everyone fell silent. They thought Neil was going to acquire Morning Star, and if that were the case, they wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Among all the people in this room, Neil was the most powerful.
"Hey, hey, Mr. O'Brien," Jacob said. "Your guild is already too strong. The three of our guilds combined wouldn't be able to face yours, even if Vincent rose from the death and helped us."
"I hate to say this, but this scoundrel is right," Elizabeth said, supporting Jacob. "Please don't be greedy."
"Right," added Hugo. "I think it's unwise for Falcon Knights Guard to absorb Morning Star. It will only make you stronger, and this alliance would become useless. We would be more like your subordinates than your peers."
Hearing the three guild masters in harmony, Neil sighed. A few minutes ago, they were arguing, and now they were supporting each other's arguments. Neil couldn't help but be amused by his fellows.
"Well, it seems you haven't seen the news. Especially you, Elizabeth," the white-bearded man said. "Even though you're always up to date with news."
The blonde-haired woman furrowed her brow when her name was mentioned by Neil.
"I think it's time now," Neil said, glancing at his watch. Then, he looked at Elizabeth. "Use your tablet and open the news. It should be broadcasting by now."
Elizabeth furrowed her brow. She then opened her browser. On the search engine's homepage, there were dozens of articles. But she couldn't find a single article or video about Morning Star's acquisition.
As she opened a well-known news media site, her eyes widened suddenly. Surprise was painted on her face.
"No way," she mumbled, gaping.
Naturally, Hugo and Jacob were curious. They looked at the tablet, trying to figure out what had made Elizabeth drop her jaw. Only Neil seemed calm. This man seemed to be in the know about everything.
"What the fuck—," Hugo and Jacob exclaimed simultaneously.
[Rays of Hope, a guild formed less than a year ago, acquires Morning Star after Vincent Thomsen's death.]
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