Vol.3 Chapter 7

As I stepped into the large guild hall, the flickering light of chandeliers illuminated it, casting shadows across the room's polished marble floors.

Some of the guild's top officers who were already present gathered around a large, ornate table in the center. As I looked around, I felt their eyes upon me. Their expressions shifted from serious to favorable, acknowledging my presence with a bit of respect.

Our tournament run has been the talk of our guild over the past month, so no surprise there. It’s good to know, too, considering what’s about to happen a short later—the reason for this guild meeting.

"Kat, you’re here! I've missed you so much!" a sudden voice exclaimed with genuine happiness, pulling me out of my thoughts.

It was none other than Liz. She had been busy practicing with her newly joined professional team, among other responsibilities, so it had been a while since we last saw each other. We do speak on phone calls sometimes, but seeing her here, even though it’s just in a virtually simulated reality, is much more comforting than just hearing her voice.

As she stood from her seat and rushed towards me, her face lit up with a warm smile. Then, after approaching my personal space, she suddenly gave me a tight hug.

Being already used to her antics, I let her. Well, it’s more like I’m too preoccupied with my thoughts on what is about to transpire in this meeting to even attempt to dodge her hug.

"...Liz, it’s been a while," I replied softly, not pushing her away as the familiarity of her presence washed over me.

"I’ve heard from Rana that you accepted her request to lead our guild," she whispered near my ear, careful not to let anyone overhear.

"...Yeah," I confirmed, matching her discreet tone.

"Then you probably already know that I would have to quit the guild soon," she continued, her words heavy with an unspoken sadness.

"...Why didn’t you tell me sooner?" I asked curiously.

"I was waiting for the right time to tell you about it when I could see you in person. I didn’t expect my cousin to break you the news just like that," she said, a hint of petulance in her tone masking the deeper emotion.

“…I see,” I replied, not really knowing what to say to that.

Well, it's good to know that I’m not the only one annoyed sometimes by that woman.

"Also, please know that you don’t have to feel obliged to take over for me. You’ve already done so much for me, more than I could ever repay," she added, her voice sincere and filled with gratitude.

"I know. I’m doing this because I want to," I responded as my words carried the weight of my conviction.

She released her hug, stepping back slightly to look into my eyes, searching for the truth in my words.

"Really?" she asked doubtfully.

"Yes, really," I affirmed, my gaze steady and unwavering.

A soft smile spread across her face, tinged with both relief and sadness.

"Just know that even if I’m in a different guild, my Concord of Heroes will always be my home," she said, her voice filled with a quiet resolve.

"I know," I replied, returning her smile with one of my own.

"Hehe, let’s take a seat then!" she exclaimed, her laughter breaking the emotional tension and bringing a lightness to the moment.

After our brief reunion, we made our way to the table. She grabbed my hand and practically dragged me to a seat beside her. The other officers had already settled and were waiting for the meeting to start.

As I sat down, I noticed that Clarence was also seated near us but wasn't joining Liz and me in conversation.

Wait, don’t tell me he still hasn’t gotten over what happened last time? How long is he going to hold a grudge!?

As we waited for the rest of the officers to arrive, the atmosphere was tense but expectant, with everyone curious about the meeting's agenda.

After a few minutes of chatting and catching up with Liz, the room's heavy wooden doors suddenly swung open with a resounding thud. The abrupt entrance silenced the chatter, and all eyes turned towards the imposing figure that had just entered.

He was a tall, broad-shouldered man, his presence commanding immediate attention. A mask concealed his features, adding an air of enigma and authority to his appearance.

He was not alone, too. Flanking him were several officers, each bearing an expression of utmost respect and deference. Their posture and demeanor made it clear that they held the masked man in the highest regard.

As they advanced into the room, the masked man's steps were slow and deliberate, each one echoing through the silent hall. His eyes, though obscured by the mask, seemed to pierce through to each of us, assessing and weighing our reactions.

Whew. Talk about a grand entrance. I’ve already seen him a couple of times in the guild, but his presence is really overwhelming every time I do.

Following the arrival of the imposing figure, Liz leaned toward me.

"That's the leader of the opposing faction of the guild. They are made up of conservative veteran players who disagreed with me being the new guild leader back then, at least until we won the tournament," she said in a low, conspiratorial tone.

I’ve already known some of the guild politics, but it's good to know the whole story. I’ll need more than ever now if I am to lead the guild.

"Also, you should know he's incredibly strong! The strongest member of our guild! I fought him once and lost badly! There are even rumors that he fought Yuusha in a duel during the first AC qualifiers!" she exclaimed proudly.

Wait, really? Have I fought him before? I can't seem to remember. Maybe it's because the mask hides his features. Plus, it's been years since the first AC, so it's not surprising that he slipped from my memory.

Looking around the large table, it seems that almost all the seats are accounted for except for the most important one: the guild leader’s seat.

What are you doing, Dust?! Isn’t the leader the one who is supposed to set an example? Why are you the one late for the meeting that you yourself proposed!?

After what felt like an eternity, the heavy wooden doors finally swung open, and Dust walked in with her trademark carefree attitude. She sauntered into the room with a relaxed smile, completely unbothered by her tardiness.

"Sorry I'm late, guys~!" she chirped, her voice breaking the silence that had settled over the hall.

Several officers exchanged looks of mild exasperation, but Dust's infectious energy quickly dispelled any lingering annoyance. It seemed that most of the players here were already used to her personality.

Our eyes met, and Dust gave me a concealed wink and made her way to her seat, plopping down with a casual grace that only she could pull off.

"Did something happen while I was late," she said lightheartedly.

“…Nothing much, except for you wasting everyone’s time here,” the masked man bluntly said in a raspy voice, clearly exasperated but already used to her antics.

Dust chuckled, clearly unperturbed.

"Well, I'm here now. Let's get this show on the road!" she declared with a carefree grin.

I noticed that the other officers couldn't help but share in her lightheartedness, their earlier tension melting away. It made me wonder if her playful act was deliberate. Knowing Dust, it wouldn't surprise me if they were—she was quick-witted enough to use humor to diffuse any situation.

"Okay, moving on to the agenda of this important meeting and why I called for it in the first place. I’m finally officially announcing our next guild leader! Yay~!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in a celebratory manner. However, no one joined in her enthusiasm.

Stop acting like a child in a serious atmosphere like this! How you even became a leader of a guild of this caliber, to begin with, is beyond me!

“We already know who it is. This is just for formality, so get on with it. I have a training after this,” Clarence said, his tone impatient.

“Oh my~ there has been some change of plans, though,” Dust replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Everyone seemed to be shocked at her announcement, the sudden twist capturing their full attention.

“The new leader for our guild is… Drum roll, please!” she continued, tapping her fingers on the table for effect.

I sighed mentally, feeling a knot of anxiety forming. This isn’t looking good already.

Everyone leaned in, their anticipation palpable as they awaited her next words.

“It’s none other than Novo!” Dust announced with a flourish.

The room erupted in a cacophony of reactions. Almost everyone looked at me in disbelief. Murmurs filled the air, some expressing surprise, others accepting, and a few clearly voicing doubt and refusal.

The sudden shift in the atmosphere was electric, and I could feel the weight of their eyes on me, judging and questioning this unexpected turn of events.

“Wait a second! Wasn’t our next guild leader supposed to be that Lizbeth girl over there?” one of the members of the opposing veteran faction exclaimed, pointing toward Lizbeth.

Dust, maintaining her carefree demeanor, responded, “As I said, due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s not possible for her to become our next guild leader. So~ our next best candidate is Novo!” Her playful tone did little to calm the rising tension in the room.

Please don't make it sound like I’m just a throwaway replacement for Liz!

“Are you kidding me? I can reluctantly accept Lizbeth, but a total newbie to the guild who has only been our member for more than a month can’t possibly be our guild leader! There are other veterans more suitable to become the new guild leader other than her!” another officer chimed in, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration.

“I agree! I admit that she is talented, but I don’t think a new player like her can lead our guild!” a third officer added, crossing his arms defiantly.

“Is she even knowledgeable in the game? How can she lead us if she’s still a newbie at the game?” a fourth voice questioned, echoing the skepticism in the room.

Hey, I’m also a veteran like you guys! I should be on your side of the faction, in fact! Well, I quit playing for a couple of years, but still!

The murmurs of dissent grew louder, the room buzzing with a mix of surprise, doubt, and outright refusal. The officers exchanged uneasy glances, clearly torn by the unexpected announcement. I had to admit, they all had valid points. They weren't entirely wrong here.

Just as I thought the voices of discontent would only grow louder, an unexpected ally stepped forward.

“She led us to become champions of the recent tournament. I don’t see anyone here capable of doing that, so I can’t fathom why you guys think she can't lead the guild,” came Clarence’s voice, firm and unwavering.

Suddenly, the room fell silent, Clarence’s irrefutable claim hanging in the air. All eyes turned to him, the weight of his words sinking in.

“You can attest to that, right, Liz?” he continued, his gaze shifting to her.

“You betcha! I don’t think we would have even passed the qualifiers without Ka—Novo helping us win the matches with her strategic prowess in the game!” Liz replied, her voice strong and assuring.

Her words seemed to break the dam, allowing others from Liz’s side of the faction to voice their support.

“I agree. I’m a fan of her after watching her play. She's extremely good! I won’t complain if she becomes our next guild leader,” one member exclaimed, his admiration clear.

“Yeah, she even fought toe-to-toe with Murasame!” another chimed in, her voice filled with respect.

“Let’s at least give her a chance, shall we?” someone else added, his tone hopeful.

“Yup, yup! I completely agree!” another voice echoed, the agreement spreading through the room like a ripple.

It seemed that those players on Liz's side of the faction were mostly favorable to the prospect of me becoming the guild leader.

“…Is she even really good, as the rumors say? We CoA players respect skills above all else,” the masked man finally spoke, his raspy and oppressive voice cutting through the room.

The weight of his words silenced everyone, a testament to his reputation in the guild. He really seems like someone I don’t want to mess with.

“How about we find out if she is up to the challenge?” Dust suggested meaningfully, her tone laced with intrigue.

“…What do you propose we do?” he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.

“What else? A duel with none other than the strongest player in our guild. If she can hold a candle to you, then she can prove her worth, right?” Dust continued, a sly smile playing on her lips.

The suggestion hung in the air, and everyone tensed up at the thought of such a match.

Wait, what? I didn’t sign up for this!

I shot Dust an annoyed look, but she merely winked at me in return.

This old hag! I know what you’re thinking! If I managed to beat this guy, it would cement my role as the guild leader! That is IF I can beat him! Don’t you think that I could ACTUALLY lose to the strongest player of your guild!? Besides, this guy is giving me bad vibes! And my intuition is seldom wrong!

Even though he wore a mask, I could see the amusement in his eyes. It was the first emotion I’d seen from him throughout the meeting other than indifference.

“…Alright, I accept the challenge,” he said with his raspy and intimidating voice, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

For Pete's sake! I’m already regretting my decision to accept Dust's request this early!