Kamero remained silent inside the enormous garrison hall, watching the flow of adventurers passing through while trying to find a solution to the problem before them.
The situation was disastrous.
Without a fifth member…
Guild EXO wouldn’t even be able to participate in the tournament.
And after everything they had gone through to reach RiverHold, giving up now seemed simply unacceptable.
Kamero slowly adjusted his glasses, his gaze lost in the movement inside the garrison.
Kamero: “Where are we supposed to find someone at this point…?”
Then—???: “Right here.”
The female voice echoed through the hall’s circular staircase like a blade cutting through the surrounding noise.
Everyone immediately turned around.
And there she was.
Sarina Aimada.
Descending the steps with the same confident posture as always, wearing the flashy green dress that seemed to attract attention wherever she went.
Her long hair swayed gently while her green eyes calmly, almost provocatively, swept across each member of Guild EXO.
Hitori’s eyes widened instantly.
Hitori: “Sarina…?”
Yashina froze as well.
Her body stiffened almost automatically.
Yashina: “You…”
Beside her, Nicelle discreetly tilted her head toward Aysa.
Nicelle: “Is it just me, or is something going on here?”
Aysa let out a tired sigh.
Aysa: “You have no idea.”
Sarina finally stopped in front of them.
She crossed her arms beneath her chest.
Then she smiled arrogantly.
Sarina: “So…”
Sarina: “What do you say?”
Kamero seemed ready to answer.
But before he could—
Yashina: “No.”
The answer came immediately.
Firm.
Cold.
For a moment, even the noise in the hall seemed to diminish.
Sarina slowly turned toward her.
Her green eyes narrowed slightly.
Even with a different hairstyle that night, her presence remained exactly the same.
Elegant.
Dangerous.
Intimidating.
Then Guma stepped forward with a confident smile.
Guma: “Well…”
Guma: “If they don’t want you…”
He adjusted his posture, trying to look as elegant as possible.
Or at least trying.
Guma: “How about joining my guild?”
Realizing immediately that Sarina probably belonged to the nobility, the feline delicately took her hand, trying to appear refined.
Guma: “I’m sure that—”
Sarina: “Let go of me, worm.”
THUD!!
The kick landed squarely in his stomach.
The impact was so strong that Guma practically folded in half, his feet leaving the ground before he crashed down the staircase.
Hitori immediately covered his face.
Hitori: “Good lord…”
Hitori: “A little lower and he’d be an omelet…”
Kamero slowly adjusted his glasses.
Kamero: “I must admit…”
Kamero: “That was an impressive kick.”
Nicelle: “…”
Mimi: “…!”
Aysa: “…”
Yashina: “…”
Silence fell over the group as they watched Guma agonizing on the steps.
The feline slowly raised his head, completely destroyed.
Guma: “W-why did you do that…?”
Sarina cleaned her hand as if she had touched something disgusting.
Sarina: “I don’t like worms touching me.”
Guma: “You’re completely insane…”
She simply ignored him.
Turning directly toward Hitori.
Sarina: “So, Hitori?”
Sarina: “What do you say?”
The boy froze for a moment.
Hitori: “Sarina…”
Yashina immediately turned toward him.
Yashina: “How do you know her name?”
Her gaze sharpened.
Yashina: “And how does she know yours?”
The atmosphere became even stranger.
Hitori scratched his head, clearly uncomfortable.
Hitori: “I kind of told her…”
Yashina: “When?”
Sarina answered naturally, without the slightest embarrassment.
Sarina: “Earlier today.”
Yashina: “…Huh?”
The aura around her changed immediately.
Hitori noticed it at once.
Hitori: “Wait!”
Hitori: “I ran into her by accident during the festival!”
From the floor, still half-dead, Guma slowly raised his head.
Guma: “You really don’t waste time…”
Guma: “You were faster than me.”
Hitori instantly turned.
Hitori: “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!”
Sarina narrowed her eyes dangerously.
Sarina: “Want another kick?”
Sarina: “This time I’ll aim lower.”
Guma immediately raised his hands in surrender.
Guma: “I’m keeping quiet.”
Meanwhile, Mimi quietly watched Hitori, her face slightly red.
Yashina, on the other hand, remained silent.
But Aysa immediately noticed the tension in her.
She gently placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down.
Hitori looked back at Yashina.
Hitori: “What’s wrong?”
She looked away.
Yashina: “Nothing…”
But it was clearly not “nothing.”
The silence returned.
Kamero took a deep breath before finally speaking.
Kamero: “Honestly…”
Kamero: “Her abilities would be extremely useful to the guild.”
Hitori immediately nodded.
Hitori: “We need her.”
Kamero then looked at Aysa.
Kamero: “And you?”
Aysa shrugged.
Aysa: “I don’t mind.”
Aysa: “So I’m fine with it.”
Now…
Only one person remained.
Everyone looked at Yashina.
She kept her head lowered.
Her fingers discreetly clenched the fabric of her clothes.
Hitori spoke more softly this time.
Hitori: “Yashina…”
She closed her eyes for a few seconds.
Then took a deep breath.
Yashina: “If it’s for the good of the guild…”
Her voice came out quietly.
But firmly.
Yashina: “I accept.”
Hitori’s face immediately lit up.
Without thinking—
He hugged her.
Hitori: “You’re amazing, Yashina!”
The world seemed to stop for a second.
Yashina froze completely.
Her eyes widened.
Her entire body stiffened.
Yashina: “Eh…?!”
Mimi’s eyes widened.
So did Sarina’s.
And at that instant…
Her smile completely disappeared.
Kamero noticed immediately.
So did Aysa.
Yashina turned red from head to toe.
Yashina: “W-well…”
Yashina: “You didn’t have to do that…”
Only then did Hitori realize what he had done.
He quickly stepped away.
Hitori: “Ah…”
Hitori: “Sorry.”
Kamero discreetly cleared his throat.
Kamero: “So…”
Kamero: “It looks like we have our fifth member.”
He then looked at Sarina.
Kamero: “Welcome to Guild EXO.”
Sarina broke into a huge smile.
Sarina: “YES!”
She raised her arms excitedly like a child celebrating a victory.
Still holding his stomach on the floor, Guma grumbled.
Guma: “You missed your chance to join a winning guild…”
Sarina arrogantly raised her nose.
Sarina: “We’ll see about that, worm.”
Nicelle pulled on Guma’s arm.
Nicelle: “Let’s go.”
Mimi nodded.
Mimi: “She’s right.”
Guma then looked at Hitori.
Guma: “See you in the tournament.”
Hitori gave him a competitive smile.
Hitori: “You bet.”
Their guild then began descending the staircase, disappearing into the crowd of the garrison while the noise of the hall slowly returned to normal.
As the rival guild disappeared into the crowd, the atmosphere around Guild EXO finally seemed to breathe again.
But only on the outside.
Because internally…
Things were still awkward.
Especially between two people.
Yashina remained silent as she walked toward the main counter to complete the guild’s official registration for the tournament.
Her steps were calm, but Aysa immediately noticed the way she avoided looking in Sarina’s direction.
Or Hitori’s.
Meanwhile, Sarina observed the enormous hall around her with almost childlike curiosity, although she tried to hide it behind her arrogant posture.
Kamero then stepped forward.
Kamero: “Well…”
He adjusted his glasses before continuing.
Kamero: “I think we should properly introduce ourselves now.”
Aysa smiled warmly.
Aysa: “Finally, someone sensible.”
Kamero completely ignored the comment.
Kamero: “I’m Kamero Hijikata.”
Aysa raised her hand.
Aysa: “Aysa Guilans.”
Hitori pointed at himself.
Hitori: “Hitori Senki.”
Sarina looked at the three of them for a moment.
Then answered naturally.
Sarina: “I’m Sarina…”
She hesitated for a fraction of a second.
So briefly that almost no one noticed.
Sarina: “Just Sarina.”
Hitori immediately noticed.
She had avoided using her surname on purpose.
That only reinforced the feeling that something much bigger was hidden behind her.
But before he could think about it—
Yashina returned, holding an ornate letter decorated with golden details.
Yashina: “We’re officially registered.”
Kamero nodded in satisfaction.
Kamero: “Good.”
Kamero: “Then we need to find somewhere private.”
Kamero: “We have a lot to discuss before the tournament.”
Sarina slightly raised her hand.
Sarina: “I’ll be right back.”
Without waiting for an answer, she walked toward the side corridor of the garrison, quickly disappearing.
Hitori watched her leave.
Hitori: “Stomachache at a time like this?”
Kamero let out a long, tired sigh.
Kamero: “You really are incapable of being serious for more than five seconds.”
Aysa quietly approached Yashina.
Aysa: “Are you okay?”
Yashina looked away.
Yashina: “I am…”
But her answer was too weak to convince anyone.
A few minutes later—
The corridor door opened again.
And everyone froze.
Sarina had completely changed clothes.
Now she was wearing the Noble Thief outfit.
Short black shorts.
A fitted green top that exposed part of her waist.
Dark gloves.
The fans attached to the sides of her waist.
And a small cloak folded over one arm.
For the first time…
Her feminine figure could be clearly seen, without the luxurious dresses hiding her curves.
Hitori fell completely silent.
Aysa immediately broke into a huge smile.
Aysa: “Good heavens…”
Aysa: “Girl, you look amazing.”
Sarina elegantly spun one of her fans.
Sarina: “Modesty aside…”
Sarina: “I know.”
Kamero carefully examined the outfit.
Kamero: “So this is the famous Noble Thief disguise.”
Sarina nodded.
Sarina: “Much more comfortable than those ridiculous dresses.”
Kamero opened his mouth to answer.
But—
Yashina: “Let’s go already.”
Her voice came out too serious.
Too cold.
Everyone noticed.
But no one commented. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
Shortly afterward…
Guild EXO gathered in a small tavern near the garrison.
The place was simple.
Old.
The dark wooden walls were covered with marks left by time, while hanging lanterns illuminated the room with a soft golden light.
Some adventurers drank noisily near the counter, while others slept on the tables after having too much beer.
The smell of alcohol, smoke, and old wood filled the air.
But at Guild EXO’s table…
The atmosphere remained strange.
Kamero took a deep breath.
Kamero: “Alright…”
He looked at Yashina.
Kamero: “You can start.”
Yashina slowly placed the ornate letter on the table.
Yashina: “Lisa told us to open this only when everyone had gathered.”
Aysa tilted her head curiously.
Aysa: “How mysterious…”
Kamero made a small gesture with his hand.
Kamero: “Do the honors.”
Yashina slowly opened the letter.
Then—
FWOOSH!
A gentle explosion of golden light appeared above the table.
Runes began floating in the air.
Magical symbols slowly rotated like glowing gears.
Hitori’s eyes widened immediately.
Hitori: “WHOA!!”
Hitori: “WHAT’S THIS?!”
Sarina answered naturally, crossing her arms.
Sarina: “Storage magic.”
Sarina: “It’s used to store huge amounts of information without writing everything manually.”
Kamero discreetly glanced at her.
Kamero: “I admit…”
Kamero: “That was impressive.”
Sarina smiled proudly.
Sarina: “I know quite a lot, cushion-head.”
Kamero: “…”
Yashina lightly touched the letter.
The runes began rearranging themselves.
Maps.
Platforms.
Symbols.
Diagrams.
Everything floated before them like magical holograms.
Even the adventurers at nearby tables started watching curiously.
Yashina took a deep breath.
Then she began reading.
Yashina: “‘Congratulations on your registration, dear adventurers.'”
The words appeared magically before the group as she read.
Yashina: “‘It is with great honor that we welcome you to the one hundredth annual tournament…'”
The golden letters slowly rotated.
Yashina: “‘Guild Arena.'”
The glow reflected directly in Hitori’s eyes.
It literally looked like a presentation from another world.
Kamero then began reading along with her.
Kamero: “‘An official event belonging to the Festival of the Saint of Winds.'”
The images changed again.
A gigantic platform appeared before them.
Floating above a colossal river.
Kamero: “First phase…”
Kamero: “‘Battle on the Floating Base.'”
Sarina’s eyes immediately lit up.
Kamero continued.
Kamero: “‘All guilds will be positioned on a floating base in the center of the river.'”
The images showed dozens of groups fighting simultaneously.
Spells exploded.
Swords clashed.
People were thrown off the platform.
Kamero: “‘Objective of the phase…'”
Kamero: “‘Survive for one hour.'”
Hitori leaned forward.
Hitori: “That’s all?”
Sarina immediately answered.
Sarina: “The problem is that every guild will try to throw you into the water at the same time, worm.”
The holographic image showed several adventurers being launched off the platform.
Aysa let out a low whistle.
Aysa: “That looks chaotic…”
Kamero grew serious.
Kamero: “Guilds that eliminate more participants will receive bonus points.”
The images changed again.
Now they showed smaller arenas.
Kamero: “Second phase.”
Kamero: “‘Guild Battles.'”
Two teams appeared fighting directly against each other.
Kamero: “‘Guild versus guild.'”
Kamero: “‘Victory goes to the group that still has at least one conscious member remaining.'”
The atmosphere at the table changed immediately.
Now it seemed truly dangerous.
It wasn’t just a festive event.
It was practically an organized war.
Hitori watched the images of swords clashing and spells exploding.
And slowly…
His heart began to race.
It looked incredibly fun.
Then the images changed once again.
A gigantic circular arena appeared within the magical hologram.
Thousands of spectators surrounded it.
Kamero: “And finally…”
Kamero: “The third phase.”
Sarina smiled faintly.
Sarina: “The knockout stage.”
Kamero nodded.
Kamero: “‘Individual battles.'”
Kamero: “‘The remaining participants will fight one-on-one until only two are left.'”
The images showed warriors dueling beneath the crowd’s cheers.
Yashina watched everything in silence.
The tension of that arena seemed to pierce even through the holographic magic.
Kamero continued.
Kamero: “‘The final battle will take place on the fifth day of the festival…'”
Kamero: “‘Before the nobility, royal knights, and important guests.'”
Hitori’s eyes widened.
Hitori: “This is literally a world championship…”
Aysa rested her face on one hand.
Aysa: “Imagine how many handsome men are going to participate…”
Kamero completely ignored the comment.
Then the rules began appearing before them.
Sarina immediately pulled the letter toward herself.
Sarina: “Now this part I’ll read.”
She smiled provocatively.
Sarina: “Because you people would clearly forget half the rules.”
Yashina immediately responded.
Yashina: “We’re not idiots.”
Sarina: “Hm.”
Sarina: “Doesn’t seem like it.”
The tension between the two immediately returned.
Aysa discreetly looked at Kamero.
Kamero simply sighed.
Hitori watched the two exchange glances.
Hitori: “They’re going to kill each other before the tournament even starts…”
Sarina rested her elbow on the table while slowly spinning one of her fans between her fingers.
Her green eyes scanned every line of the floating rules.
Sarina: “‘Each guild must have exactly five members.'”
Hitori immediately pointed at her.
Hitori: “Good thing you showed up.”
Sarina arrogantly raised her nose.
Sarina: “You can thank me more.”
Hitori: “Don’t push it.”
She completely ignored his response.
Sarina: “‘If any member withdraws from the tournament before the third phase…'”
The golden runes shifted positions.
Sarina: “‘The guild will be automatically disqualified.'”
Kamero immediately became serious.
Kamero: “Then no one can disappear.”
He looked directly at Hitori.
Kamero: “Especially you.”
Hitori: “Oh, come on?!”
Aysa quietly laughed.
Sarina continued reading.
Sarina: “‘Deaths are strictly prohibited.'”
The atmosphere became heavy for a moment.
Even the noise inside the tavern seemed distant.
Sarina: “‘Guilds or participants responsible for murder will be immediately disqualified and judged by the royal authorities.'”
Yashina let out a small sigh of relief.
But Kamero remained serious.
Because that also meant something else.
They would need to control their strength during battles.
And that was dangerous.
Especially in a tournament full of unbelievably powerful adventurers.
Sarina finally finished reading.
And then—
The rewards appeared before them.
At that very moment, everyone’s eyes widened.
Aysa practically threw herself onto the table.
Aysa: “ONE MILLION COINS?!”
Kamero slowly adjusted his glasses.
But even he seemed shaken.
Kamero: “Five hundred thousand experience points…”
Yashina silently observed the information.
It was absurd.
A reward of that level could completely transform a beginner guild.
Rare equipment.
New abilities.
Fame.
Influence.
Status.
Everything would change.
Sarina rested her face on one hand as a competitive smile slowly appeared on her lips.
Sarina: “So…”
She looked directly at the others.
Sarina: “Let’s win this.”
Silence followed for a few seconds.
Then—
Kamero slowly extended his hand over the table.
Kamero: “Guild EXO…”
His gaze was firm.
Much firmer than before.
Kamero: “We’re going to win.”
Yashina placed her hand on top of his.
Yashina: “Yes.”
Aysa smiled excitedly and placed her hand over theirs.
Aysa: “Let’s get rich.”
Hitori immediately followed.
Hitori: “Something good finally happens in this game.”
Sarina watched the four of them for a few seconds.
Her expression softened for a brief moment.
Then…
She smiled.
Small.
Subtle.
But genuine.
And placed her hand over theirs.
At that moment…
For the first time in a long time…
Sarina felt something strange warming her chest.
Something she had forgotten long ago.
Belonging.
After leaving the tavern, night had completely fallen over the streets of RiverHold.
The lanterns hanging between the buildings illuminated the roads with golden and orange hues.
The enormous river that ran through the city reflected the lights of the festival like a sea of stars flickering across the dark water.
Musicians still played in the streets.
Occasional fireworks exploded in the sky.
Crowded stalls continued operating despite the late hour.
But now…
The atmosphere between them had changed.
The tournament was real.
And it would begin in just a few hours.
Kamero stopped in the middle of the street.
Kamero: “Everyone needs to rest.”
He crossed his arms.
Kamero: “Tomorrow is going to be hell.”
Aysa stretched her arms above her head.
Aysa: “I can sleep even in the middle of a war.”
Hitori let out a tired yawn.
Hitori: “I’m already dead tired.”
Sarina discreetly observed the group.
Something about that moment felt strange to her.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Familiar.
Things she hadn’t felt in a very long time.
Then—
Yashina looked at her.
The two remained silent for a few seconds.
The sounds of the festival seemed distant at that moment.
Then Yashina finally spoke.
Yashina: “Tomorrow…”
She slightly averted her gaze.
Yashina: “Don’t do anything reckless.”
Sarina’s eyes widened slightly.
She clearly hadn’t expected that.
Then she turned her face to the side.
Sarina: “Hm.”
Sarina: “You shouldn’t either.”
But before the atmosphere could improve—
Hitori immediately pointed at the two of them.
Hitori: “A MIRACLE!”
Hitori: “THEY MANAGED TO TALK WITHOUT TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER!”
The two turned toward him at the same time.
Sarina/Yashina: “Shut up.”
Hitori: “Scary…”
Aysa burst out laughing.
Kamero simply massaged his forehead in exhaustion.
Kamero: “I’m really going to lose my mind in this tournament…”
The next morning—
The sky over RiverHold was completely blue.
The sounds of the festival already echoed through the streets from early morning.
Merchants opened their stalls.
Musicians tuned their instruments.
People moved busily along the main avenues.
Guild EXO had arranged to meet in the central plaza.
The same place where Hitori first met Sarina.
Kamero, Hitori, Aysa, and Yashina arrived early.
Then—
Sarina appeared.
Once again wearing the Noble Thief outfit.
The fans attached to her waist swayed gently as she walked.
Kamero observed the assembled group.
Kamero: “Alright.”
Kamero: “Looks like everyone’s here.”
Aysa smiled excitedly.
Aysa: “I’m so excited!”
Yashina took a deep breath.
Yashina: “We need to be very careful today.”
Sarina arrogantly spun one of her fans.
Sarina: “Relax.”
Sarina: “With me here, victory is already guaranteed.”
Yashina immediately replied.
Yashina: “Don’t be stupid.”
Sarina narrowed her eyes.
Sarina: “What did you say?”
Kamero immediately stepped between them.
Kamero: “Girls…”
Kamero: “Please.”
He then looked at Sarina.
Kamero: “And Yashina is right.”
Kamero: “We can’t underestimate the other guilds.”
Sarina quietly snorted.
Sarina: “Fine…”
Kamero then started walking.
Kamero: “Let’s go.”
Kamero: “I don’t want to be late.”
And so…
Guild EXO headed toward the Lovrelis River.
The path leading to the enormous main dock was completely packed with adventurers.
Guilds of every kind crossed the streets of RiverHold toward the Floating Arena.
Flags fluttered above the rooftops.
Merchants shouted promotions, taking advantage of the incredible movement.
Musicians played traditional festival melodies while children ran through the streets wearing colorful masks.
But unlike the cheerful atmosphere of the city…
The mood among the adventurers was heavy.
Competitive gazes crossed constantly.
Weapons.
Armor.
Magic.
The tension increased with every step.
Hitori walked while observing everything around him.
Gigantic men carried enormous axes on their backs.
Mages wore luxurious robes covered in glowing runes.
Beast warriors displayed monstrous scars across their bodies.
And a question slowly arose in his mind.
“Do we really stand a chance…?”
Then Sarina noticed his unusual silence.
Sarina: “What’s wrong, worm?”
Hitori answered immediately.
Hitori: “Nothing.”
Sarina narrowed her eyes.
Sarina: “Hm.”
She opened a small provocative smile.
Sarina: “Scared?”
Hitori immediately turned his head.
Hitori: “Of course not!”
Sarina: “Your face says otherwise.”
Hitori: “You’re imagining things.”
She began laughing quietly.
But then—
Kamero discreetly raised his hand.
The group immediately stopped.
The atmosphere around them had changed.
Several adventurers slowly began making way.
Some even averted their eyes.
Hitori noticed it immediately.
Hitori: “What happened…?”
Then he saw.
A guild was slowly walking through the main street.
And the mere fact that those players were walking there made the entire atmosphere heavy.
The man at the front stood nearly two meters tall.
He wore black armor covered in red markings that resembled volcanic cracks.
A gigantic sword rested on his back.
Behind him came four other members.
All of them radiating an overwhelming presence.
Aysa swallowed hard.
Aysa: “They’re strong…”
Kamero watched attentively.
Kamero: “Very strong.”
Yashina immediately noticed it as well.
The level of those adventurers was completely different from ordinary players.
Then Sarina spoke quietly.
Sarina: “Guild Ragnarok.”
Hitori turned toward her.
Hitori: “Ragnarok?”
Sarina nodded.
Sarina: “One of the most famous guilds in Liogres.”
The guild leader stopped in the middle of the street.
Slowly, he turned his head toward Guild EXO.
The man’s golden eyes analyzed each of them one by one.
When they passed over Hitori…
The boy felt a chill run through his entire body.
It was like facing a monstrous predator.
Then the man opened a small smile.
???: “Rookies…”
His voice was deep.
Heavy.
???: “I hope you don’t fall too quickly.”
Then he resumed walking.
Guild Ragnarok slowly disappeared into the crowd.
Only then did Hitori realize…
He had been holding his breath.
Hitori: “Damn…”
Kamero crossed his arms.
Kamero: “That was intimidating.”
Sarina commented naturally.
Sarina: “Their leader is known as Darius Vulkan.”
Yashina narrowed her eyes.
Yashina: “Level?”
Sarina answered immediately.
Sarina: “Eighty-seven.”
Silence.
Hitori: “EIGHTY-SEVEN?!”
Aysa held her head.
Aysa: “That should be illegal.”
Kamero became serious.
Kamero: “So there really are monsters in this tournament…”
Hitori laughed nervously.
Hitori: “Haha…”
Hitori: “We’re dead.”
THUD!
Sarina smacked the back of his head.
Hitori: “OW!”
Sarina narrowed her eyes.
Sarina: “Stop acting like a coward.”
Hitori rubbed his head irritably.
Hitori: “Did you see the size of that guy?!”
Sarina brought her face close to his.
Her green eyes stared directly into his.
Sarina: “So what?”
Her voice was firm.
Sarina: “Are you going to run away?”
For a moment, Hitori froze.
The noise of the crowd around them seemed to disappear.
That question struck something deep inside him.
Because deep down…
He really was scared.
This was no longer just a fun game.
That tournament gathered real monsters.
People capable of crushing ordinary players without any difficulty.
But then—
He slowly clenched his fist.
Hitori: “…I’m not running away.”
Sarina held his gaze for a few seconds.
Then she opened a small satisfied smile.
Sarina: “Better.”
Yashina silently watched the two.
And that bothered her more than it should.
Because Sarina seemed to understand Hitori quickly.
Naturally.
As though she already knew exactly what words to use to provoke a reaction from him.
And that made something strange tighten inside her chest.
But before she could think too much about it—
BOOOOOOOONG!!
A huge bell echoed throughout the city.
The sound swept through the streets of RiverHold like a wave.
Every guild immediately began hurrying toward the main dock.
Kamero took a deep breath.
Kamero: “It’s starting.”
The main harbor of RiverHold was completely packed.
Thousands of adventurers occupied the enormous boarding platforms spread along the banks of the Lovrelis River.
Flags fluttered violently in the wind.
Royal guards organized the flow of participants.
And at the center of it all—
There it was.
The Floating Base.
Hitori stopped completely when he saw it.
Hitori: “This is insane…”
The colossal structure floated over the waters of the river like a gigantic fortress.
Metal bridges connected different sections of the arena.
Runes glowed beneath the surface of the structure.
Towers rose at the ends of the platform while enormous chains disappeared into the river.
It looked more like a moving city than an arena.
Aysa observed it with sparkling eyes.
Aysa: “It looks like something straight out of an anime…”
Kamero carefully analyzed the entire structure.
Kamero: “It’s much bigger than I imagined.”
Yashina silently watched the other guilds boarding.
Her heart beat faster and faster.
Meanwhile, Sarina slowly spun one of her fans between her fingers.
But despite her arrogant expression…
She was nervous too.
Because for the first time…
She would officially participate in something this huge.
Without completely hiding.
Without acting alone.
As part of a guild.
That thought caused something strange to warm inside her once again.
Then—
A magically amplified voice echoed across the river.
Rumel: “GOOD MORNING, ADVENTURERS!!”
The crowd immediately erupted.
Standing atop a massive platform above the harbor was Rumel Grow, wearing silver armor decorated with blue details.
Behind him, several royal knights stood motionless like statues.
Rumel raised his arm.
Rumel: “Welcome to the first phase of the Guild Arena!”
The crowd exploded into cheers.
Magic illuminated the sky.
Swords were raised.
Even the river itself seemed to tremble from the energy of the place.
Rumel then pointed toward the gigantic floating structure.
Rumel: “The rules are simple!”
His expression became serious.
Rumel: “Survive for one hour.”
Runes began appearing all over the Floating Base.
Rumel: “Defeated guilds will be immediately teleported out of the arena.”
The runes pulsed once more.
Rumel: “Deaths remain prohibited.”
Then—
A small smile appeared on the knight’s face.
Rumel: “And above all…”
His aura seemed to become heavier.
Rumel: “Have fun.”
The crowd exploded into even louder cheers.
Hitori felt his heart pounding.
This was insane.
It was enormous.
And honestly…
Incredibly exciting.
Rumel raised his arm again.
Rumel: “Participants!”
Rumel: “Board!”
Bridges slowly lowered toward the boarding platforms.
Guild EXO walked alongside the other guilds.
The sound of water crashing against the Floating Base echoed loudly beneath their feet.
Hitori felt his heart racing with every step.
When they finally set foot on the arena—
BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!
A gigantic explosion shook the entire structure.
The runes of the Floating Base began glowing violently.
In the sky—
A huge countdown magically appeared.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1