NOVEL NEXT Chapter 510: Power levelling [2]
Even S-rank awakened needed to understand that high levels alone wouldn't make them invincible against the enemies they would eventually face.
The demonic forces arrayed against humanity included creatures whose power exceeded simple numerical advantages. S-rank capabilities were not particularly scarce among their opposition forces, making courage and tactical thinking far more valuable than raw statistical improvements.
Cultivating S-rank awakened individuals who possessed both courage and a realistic understanding of risk was essential for building an organisation capable of surviving the escalating conflicts was essential.
Zhang Ming considered the proposal with a tactical mind before responding. "What level of guardian protection are we discussing? And what classification of creatures would we be facing?"
Seliora added her own practical concerns. "How long would such training periods last, and what advancement targets are we expected to achieve?"
Their questions demonstrated exactly the kind of thoughtful risk assessment that Arthur wanted to see from potential guild members.
...
"It depends on your goals," Arthur replied with measured consideration. "If you want to simply get stronger without external constraints. Then, you have no limit to your training period except for your own choice to return. However, if you want to grow stronger while also maintaining some of your earthly duties, I recommend reaching level 10 as your initial target."
Both S-rank awakened nodded with understanding of the flexible structure Arthur was proposing.
"Once you reach level 10, you will gain access to a new class and additional talent skills that will significantly enhance your power. This represents a substantial power threshold that will make you considerably more effective in all future operations."
Arthur's gaze shifted to Zhang Ming with a tactical assessment of his specific circumstances. "I think you should focus entirely on getting stronger without worrying about immediate earthly responsibilities. China is currently a powerhouse with two other S-rankers actively handling defensive operations, so you aren't urgently needed for homeland protection. It would be more beneficial for you to concentrate on advancement and eventually catch up to their capability levels."
Zhang Ming considered this assessment before nodding with obvious agreement. "I was thinking along similar lines. My absence won't create critical gaps in China's defences, and returning stronger would serve everyone's interests."
Arthur then turned his attention to Seliora, taking note of her distinctive Polish beauty—blonde hair catching the guild hall's ambient lighting, sharp features that spoke of Eastern European heritage, and the kind of striking appearance that would make her memorable in any gathering.
Seliora shrugged with casual indifference before responding with brutal honesty that surprised both Arthur and Zhang Ming.
"To be honest, although I'm my country's only S-ranker, I'm still going to pursue training just like Zhang Ming," she stated with matter-of-fact directness. "You might look at me as if I'm selfish or that I have no compassion for others, but the truth is that no one ever cared about me either when I needed support."
Her voice carried undertones of bitter experience that spoke to years of struggling without assistance or recognition.
"So why should I help a country that never helped me when I needed it the most?" Seliora continued with a pragmatic tone. "I would rather focus on my own strength and advancement rather than sacrificing my potential for people who never cared about me or helped me."
Her expression softened slightly as she addressed Arthur directly with obvious sincerity.
"As for the guild and its members, it's completely different. Guild Master Arthur, I hope you understand that I will never forget the favour you have bestowed upon me by providing this opportunity. I will stand with you, and once I give my word, I won't retract it regardless of what circumstances arise."
Arthur didn't doubt her words. She had already passed the check with everyone, and not only did they have no evil intentions, but they had no inclination to betray him at all. And the guild headquarters would always be a constant check; if they ever had a change of heart, it would show up.
Only Arthur and those close to him knew about this feature. Nobody that Arthur invited or will invite will know about this feature at all.
Arthur valued her honesty. She did not waste time pretending loyalty sprang from selflessness or some higher calling. She acknowledged what most refused to say aloud: loyalty was a contract, its terms measured in shared benefit.
Strip away the polite language, and it was nothing more than a transaction. That kind of clarity mattered to him. He had seen enough hollow speeches and empty vows to know how rare it was. He had built his own creed on the same truth: allegiance endured only so long as interests aligned. The moment those paths diverged, bonds shattered.
Yes, he was saving the world. That much was undeniable. When people looked back, they might even call him its saviour, the figure who stood between ruin and survival. They would give him titles, weave his name into songs, maybe even build statues. But would that make him a hero? Not in the slightest.
Arthur despised the word.
To him, "hero" was a mask worn by fools or liars. Heroes preached sacrifice, promising to bear the pain of others in pursuit of ideals they barely understood. Heroes bled for strangers and died for causes that outlived them by a handful of years, forgotten when the next generation demanded new martyrs. Heroes asked for nothing in return, and in doing so, gave away everything. Arthur had no interest in being remembered that way.
If anyone dared to call him a hero, he would dismiss it outright. The truth was simpler, sharper, and less flattering. He acted not for justice, nor for morality, nor for any golden dream of peace.
He acted because the world's survival served him. Its destruction would take with it the foundation he needed to build what truly mattered. Saving the world was never his purpose. It was a necessary step, a byproduct of his ambition.
Others might call that selfish. He would call it honest. Every battle he fought, every scheme he carried out, every choice that cut away another option until only his remained, was deliberate. The world happened to benefit from his survival, nothing more. Let people think of him as their saviour if it soothed them. Let them carve his likeness into stone and call it heroism.
He would not correct them, but he would never embrace the lie.
In his eyes, he was not a hero. He was just a man trying to survive.
"I respect your candour," Arthur replied with obvious approval. "You're making the right decision for both personal advancement and long-term strategic positioning. As for the fact that you are selfish, I don't believe so. You are free to do what you want with your powers. When you joined this group, you didn't join to save your country."
Zhang Ming nodded with understanding of Seliora's perspective. Whilst he disagreed with it, it didn't meant that he didn't understand it. People had different lives, different environments and he was understanding.
What was important to Zhang Ming was the fact that Seliora would still be loyal to the guild and in turn those in it.
The Power Guild was attracting exactly the kind of pragmatic, capable individuals who understood that strength came through deliberate choice.