NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Training Arc (I).
Azvoid stood amidst the scattered remains of the training automaton, the metallic shards still humming with the force of his final attack. The stunned silence from the gathered guild members stretched on, their disbelief evident in their wide eyes and hushed whispers.
He exhaled, running a hand through his midnight-black-purplish hair, the purple streaks catching the dim light of the training hall.
"I wasn't even trying that hard," he mused internally.
Noctis, lounging comfortably in his mental space, let out a dark chuckle. "It seems you've made an impression, little master."
Before Azvoid could respond, a voice cut through the silence.
"What… was that just now?"
Azvoid turned to see Amelia, the Guild Master, stepping forward. Her piercing blue eyes shimmered with curiosity and something else—excitement. She was a beauty, no doubt, but the sharpness of her gaze betrayed a mind that missed nothing.
Azvoid shrugged. "Training."
Her lips twitched. "Training?" She looked down at the destroyed automaton. "That was a high-grade training construct. Even most D-rankers would have trouble breaking through its defenses, let alone moving like that."
Azvoid tilted his head. "Guess I'm just talented."
A soft laugh escaped her, but her curiosity didn't fade. Instead, her gaze grew more intense. "I knew you weren't an ordinary D-ranker when I recruited you, but now I have to ask… what's your real rank?"
A flicker of amusement crossed Azvoid's expression. He supposed there was no harm in revealing it. "Peak D-rank."
Silence.
A pin could have dropped in the hall.
The guild members, who had barely regained their composure, collectively lost their minds.
"Wait—what?!"
"Peak D-rank?! But… but he just joined!"
"There's no way! I thought he was F-rank like the rest of the new recruits!"
Azvoid fought back a smirk. The reactions were almost too entertaining.
Amelia, however, didn't look shocked—she looked intrigued.
"Interesting… very interesting," she murmured, mostly to herself. Then, with a calculating smile, she gestured for Azvoid to follow her. "Come with me. We need to finalize your registration."
Azvoid fell into step beside her, ignoring the lingering stares and whispers.
As they walked, he felt Noctis stir in his mind. "You seem to enjoy shocking people, little master."
Azvoid smirked internally. "It's not my fault people underestimate me."
"True," Noctis admitted. "But be careful. Eyes are starting to turn your way."
Azvoid didn't respond. He already knew.
The real game was only just beginning.
—
Azvoid followed Amelia through the winding halls of the White Lotus Guild, the murmurs of astonished guild members fading behind him. The air was thick with a mixture of awe and uncertainty—a hidden mini powerhouse had just walked into their midst, and no one had seen it coming.
Amelia, on the other hand, strode forward with effortless grace, her long blue hair swaying as she led him to her office. She didn't speak immediately, but Azvoid could tell her mind was racing.
Finally, she glanced at him. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
Azvoid smirked. "Wouldn't be fun otherwise."
She chuckled, shaking her head before pushing open the large oak door to her office. The room was vast yet organized—a balance of elegance and efficiency.
She gestured for him to sit. "Let's get this done."
Azvoid leaned back into the chair as she placed a sleek, crystal-like guild registration orb in front of him.
"Place your hand on it. This will officially register you as a member of the White Lotus Guild."
Azvoid complied, pressing his palm against the cool surface.
A faint hum filled the air as a pulse of energy spread from the orb, scanning his essence. Then, golden letters formed in the air:
[Name: Azvoid Larkson]
[Rank: Peak D]
[Affiliation: White Lotus Guild]
[Talent: ???]
Amelia's brows lifted at the obscured talent section. "Your abilities are hidden?"
Azvoid simply smiled. "Trade secret."
She studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But you're not getting off easy."
With a flick of her wrist, a guild contract appeared in the air.
"This is the condition I mentioned earlier. Every registered member of White Lotus must participate in the upcoming Clash of Guilds. It's three months from now—a battle tournament between guilds to determine rank, influence, and prestige."
Azvoid read over the contract briefly before looking up. "What do I get out of it?"
Amelia smirked. "Other than recognition? The top winners receive priority for the best dungeon raids, rare resources, and—most importantly—sponsorships from the Global Cosmic Alliance as previously mentioned when you came in with Lola, you haven't forgotten have you?."
Azvoid's interest was piqued at the last, Ignoring her question Azvoid had alot on his plate right now.The Global Cosmic Alliance… the same entity organizing the Supreme Competition.
Amelia leaned forward slightly, her blue eyes gleaming. "And I have a feeling someone like you isn't the type to sit on the sidelines."
Azvoid let the silence stretch for a moment before signing. "Fine. I'll play your game."
The contract glowed briefly before vanishing into thin air.
Amelia leaned back, satisfied. "Welcome to the White Lotus Guild, Azvoid."
Azvoid smirked. "Let's hope you don't regret it."
—
With that, the deal was sealed.
Azvoid had his foot in the door—not just into the White Lotus Guild, but into something much bigger.
And with Phantom Reflex now integrated into his arsenal, he was more than ready to take his next step forward.
With a flash of renewed interest, Azvoid reviewed his current interests.Although he had advanced to the peak of the D rank which for the time being gave him a sense of satisfaction,he quickly waved these dangerous thoughts aside.As for the illusion of his new gained strength, Noctis had long shattered his smug thoughts revealing his power was still insignificant in the grand scale of things.
So his current objective had yet to change,he had to acquire real strength and soon too, he had a premonition that a storm was coming and he had to be prepared when it finally struck.
—