NOVEL NEXT Chapter 50 : Stop Staring !
A few players exchanged knowing glances. "If he is a hidden class," someone whispered, "he’s only going to get stronger."
Further back in the arena, the level 90+ players, those who bore the highest badges and ranks, remained silent, watching with barely a flicker of emotion. These were the best players of this war, players whose power eclipsed all others in the room. For them, Sora wasn’t yet a threat, merely an interesting blip on their radar.
"He’s got potential," one of them, a large woman with deep green armor, commented quietly to her companion, “but we’ve seen this before. He’ll need more than that to survive the next few trials. He needs someone backing him up”
Her companion, a man draped in dark robes, shrugged. “True, but everyone will want him. The fight is going to be fierce. And that girl—Kara, was it? Together, they might become something worth fighting for.”
The higher-level players didn’t see Sora as a challenge, not yet. But there was respect in the way they observed him. He had something that most players at his level didn’t—skill mastery. He had clearly honed his skills levels, developed a deeper understanding of his abilities, and was growing further than his peers.It was showing with how high the impact of his basic skills was.
If he was given time, he could indeed become a significant force, a threat even to them. Some were already considering the idea of pulling him and Kara into their circles, while others debated whether they should squash the potential competition before it became dangerous to their position in the war.
Even the most powerful players in the room couldn’t ignore what they had seen. Sora was something different. And in this world of constant evolution, anything different could become dangerous.
Back in the arena, the short man who had conducted the earlier test approached Sora and Kara, holding out their newly minted Phoenix Badges. “Well, well, well... looks like you two are full of surprises.”
He handed them the badges with a grin, though there was an edge of happiness as he watched Elena recovering from her injuries. On the side, Elena commented “You’ve earned these, no doubt about that. You’ve gone far beyond what we expected today. Now, you’ll need to report to the Vice-Guildmaster for your military recruitment. He will handle the next steps from here.”
Sora glanced at Kara, who was still glowing from her earlier success, and then back at the badge in his hand. He had aimed for a Shadow badge, but here he was, holding a Phoenix Badge—something that probably ensured they would take part in the war.
“Thanks,” Sora said, his voice calm as he pocketed the badge.
As they left the arena, heading toward the Vice-Guildmaster’s office, the murmurs of the crowd followed them. Some players were still in awe, others whispered conspiracies about hidden classes and special talents. But one thing was clear—Sora and Kara had made their mark today.
And now, everyone was watching them.
As Sora and Kara left the assessment ground, they headed directly back to the counter where the same clerk from earlier was still stationed. The moment the clerk spotted their badges, his eyes widened in disbelief. His mouth hung slightly open as he glanced from the badges to the two young players standing before him.
“Phoenix badges?!” he stammered. He had doubted their ability to even secure shadow badges, yet here they were—two newbies, wearing Phoenix badges as if it were nothing.
The clerk composed himself quickly, giving a courteous smile. “Congratulations on your promotion,” he said, bowing slightly. “How can I assist you today?”
Sora couldn’t help but notice the sudden shift in the clerk’s tone, and neither could the other players in the room. Heads turned. His tone made them think he was talking to a high rank officer or a genius. Soon, whispers spread through the guild hall when people saw their badges and levels, and players began discreetly sending people to the assessment area to gather more information. The fact that two newcomers had earned Phoenix badges was enough to stir up curiosity.
Sora, ignoring the commotion, leaned in slightly. “We need to meet the Vice Guildmaster. Elena told us to see him regarding the war recruitment.”
The clerk blinked, then nodded, still in slight shock. “Of course. Follow me, please.”
He led them up a winding staircase, the wooden steps creaking underfoot as they ascended. After a few moments, they reached a door with a simple wooden plaque beside it. "Vice Guildmaster," it read.
The clerk knocked softly, but the voice that responded was anything but welcoming. “What is it? I’m busy.”
Unfazed, the clerk cleared his throat. “Two young talents wish to join the war, Vice Guildmaster. Elena told me to bring them to you.”
There was a pause, followed by a low grumble from behind the door. “Fine. Come in.”
Sora and Kara exchanged a glance before stepping inside. The office they entered was spacious, yet cluttered with stacks of documents and maps pinned to the walls. Behind the large wooden desk sat the man they assumed to be the Vice Guildmaster. He was not what they had expected.
The Vice Guildmaster had a neatly trimmed beard with streaks of gray in his otherwise jet-black hair. He wore glasses that gave him an intellectual air, yet his physique was more reminiscent of a seasoned warrior. His muscles strained against the fabric of his sharply tailored suit—something more fitting for a high-ranking businessman than an adventurer.
Before Sora could take in the rest of the room, an overwhelming pressure hit him. It was as though a beast had locked onto him, and every instinct screamed at him to defend himself. Without hesitation, he activated all his buffs, his muscles tensing as he stepped protectively in front of Kara. Kara, reacting just as quickly, cast several defensive spells, buffing them both.
The tension hung in the air for a split second, and then just as suddenly, it vanished.
The Vice Guildmaster let out a booming laugh, his shoulders shaking with amusement. “Interesting! Very interesting!” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Still baby chicks, but you two have potential. No wonder Elena sent you here.”
Sora remained tense, unsure of whether the danger had truly passed. He glanced around the room, only then noticing a woman sitting on a sofa in the corner, observing the scene quietly.
The clerk, still standing at the door, bowed his head slightly. “Guildmaster,” he said respectfully.
Sora’s eyes widened. Guildmaster? This beautiful woman was the actual Guildmaster?
She had long, flowing silver hair that shone under the light of the office lamps, cascading down her back in waves. Her skin was light, and her eyes were a striking blue that seemed to see through everything. Dressed in a simple crimson armor, she exuded an air of authority and class. Her presence, though silent, was captivating, and when she turned to look their way, the three guests couldn't help but lose their composure.
Sora found himself staring, mesmerized by her beauty, until he felt a sharp pinch on his arm. He winced, glancing at Kara, who shot him a disapproving look. He quickly averted his gaze, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Be respectful" she whispered to him.
The Vice Guildmaster chuckled, seemingly aware of what had transpired. He waved his hand dismissively. “Announce the boy as a Captain in the next troop update. And the girl, Vice-Captain. The boy will lead the 10th company of the 5th battalion, and she’ll serve as his subordinate.”
The clerk looked stunned. "B-but sir, Top-ranked Celestial-ranked players barely make the cut to be given command of a company. They’ve only just received their Phoenix badges. Won’t this cause—”
The Vice Guildmaster raised a hand, cutting him off. “If I don’t give them these ranks, chaos will erupt. Do you really think the wolves in this guild will sit back while these two talents roam free? They’ll be fighting all over Stockholm to recruit them. I’m cutting the problem off before it even begins.”
The clerk hesitated, clearly torn. “But... what about the existing chain of command? Won’t the higher-ranked players protest?”
“The 5th battalion’s colonel can manage his troops,” the Vice Guildmaster said with a sly smile. “And these two will earn their ranks soon enough. Not many can achieve what they did in their assessment.”
The Guildmaster, still seated on the sofa, nodded in agreement. Her smile was radiant, and for a brief moment, Sora felt like he was caught in a trance again. She was beyond beautiful—she was otherworldly. Sora had trouble gaining control of his body again and thought 'What's wrong with me? Is she using a spell on me?'
The Vice Guildmaster glanced at the clerk, signaling that the discussion was over. “Now go, announce the update. And take these two to the military recruitment office and give them their uniforms.”
The clerk bowed and gestured for Sora and Kara to follow him. As they exited the office, Sora couldn't help but glance back at the Guildmaster, her image still lingering in his mind.
Once they were outside, Kara nudged him again, shaking her head. "You're hopeless," she muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
Sora smiled, rubbing the spot where she had pinched him. "What can I say? She’s got a... commanding presence." He couldn't help but think that something abnormal had just happened.
Together, they followed the clerk toward the next step of their journey—military recruitment, now as Captain and Vice-Captain.
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