NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: Welcoming Family & Calling a Friend
[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 11:30 AM | Location: Halder Residence – Living Room]
The golden rays of the late morning sun streamed through the large windows of the Halder Residence, casting warm light over the modest but well-kept furniture. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, mixing with the lingering scent of breakfast, giving the home a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Ankush sat cross-legged on the living room sofa, a soft smile playing at his lips as he watched his parents—Monika and Ramesh Halder—settle into their seats across from him. His mother, ever the gracious host, placed a steaming cup of chai in front of him, her eyes filled with curiosity. His father, ever the quiet observer, sipped his tea in silence, his gaze thoughtful.
After everything that had happened over the past few days, Ankush knew it was time to take the next step.
Clearing his throat, he set down his cup and looked at them both with unwavering determination.
"Mom, Dad… I want you both to join my guild."
The words hung in the air for a moment, their weight settling over the room.
His mother blinked in surprise. "Join? As in… become members?"
His father raised an eyebrow but said nothing, clearly waiting for an explanation.
Ankush nodded. "Yes. I want both of you to be a part of Ashvattha. You've supported me my whole life, and now that I've created something that can change our future, I want you to be a part of it too."
His mother hesitated, her hands wrapped around her cup. "But Ankush, we're just teachers. Your father and I… we're not warriors. We don't fight monsters or venture into dungeons."
Ankush smiled, expecting this reaction. "That's the best part. Ashvattha isn't just a warrior's guild—it's a city, a home. We need educators, researchers, planners. Mom, your knowledge as an alchemist and Dad's experience with magic education will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of guild members."
His father, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "You're saying this isn't just about fighting."
Ankush nodded, his voice steady. "Exactly. The guild will need people who can teach new members, help them grow, and create a foundation that doesn't rely solely on strength. I don't just want to build a place where hunters gather—I want to build a city where people can live freely, without being under the thumb of corporations or the military."
His mother's eyes softened as she exchanged a glance with his father. She could see the passion in her son's eyes—the determination, the vision.
"If we do this… if we join… does that mean we'll move to your guild city?" she asked quietly.
Ankush shook his head. "Not yet. You'll still be here, in South City, for now. But as the guild expands, there may come a time when we need to move. For now, I just want you both to have access. That way, if anything ever happens, you'll always have a safe place to go."
His father exhaled deeply, setting his cup down. "Alright, Ankush. If this is what you want, then we'll stand with you."
A small but genuine smile spread across Ankush's face. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."
His mother chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Our son, the Guildmaster. Who would've thought?"
Ankush grinned and opened his system interface, sending two invitations to their holographic screens.
[Monika Halder has joined Ashvattha Guild.]
[Ramesh Halder has joined Ashvattha Guild.]
As the notifications popped up, the first two official members of Ashvattha were none other than his parents.
---
[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 12:15 PM | Location: Halder Residence – Ankush's Room]
After finalizing his parents' guild status, Ankush retreated to his room, stretching his arms before falling onto his bed. It had been a long morning, but his next step was clear.
He needed to invite someone else—someone who had been by his side since their school days.
Without hesitation, he pulled up his contacts list and tapped on a familiar name.
Soymojit Halder.
A moment later, the call connected.
"Hello? Oi, Ankush! Where the hell have you been!?"
Ankush chuckled, recognizing the familiar irritation in his best friend's voice. "Busy. Really busy. Are you free? Come over."
There was a pause on the other end. "Why? Did you finally decide to share your secret lottery winnings with me?"
Ankush rolled his eyes. "Just come, you idiot."
Soymojit groaned. "Fine. But you better have snacks."
---
[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 12:50 PM | Location: Outside Halder Residence]
The sound of an approaching mana-powered motorcycle echoed through the street as a tall figure pulled up in front of the house.
Soymojit Halder, his 6-foot frame clad in a casual black jacket, removed his helmet, shaking his head dramatically before hopping off his bike. His lean yet athletic build spoke of someone who kept himself in shape—not for combat, but for looking good in social settings.
"Oi, I'm here," he called out as he made his way toward the entrance. "Now tell me—what's the big mystery?"
Ankush smirked, stepping out onto the porch. "Come inside, and I'll show you."
Soymojit's eyes narrowed. "That sounds ominous."
Ankush laughed, leading him into the house.
---
[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 1:00 PM | Location: Halder Residence – Living Room]
Inside, Soymojit plopped onto the sofa, grabbing a glass of water from the table. His sharp eyes scanned the room, instantly noticing the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Alright, I'm listening. What's going on?"
Ankush sat across from him, resting his arms on the table. "You saw the world announcement two days ago, right?"
Soymojit scoffed. "Of course I did. 'First solo kill of an S- Rank monster,' 'First guild creation in India.' Everyone's been going crazy over it. Why?"
Ankush met his gaze evenly. "That was me."
Silence.
Soymojit blinked. "…What?"
Ankush leaned back, watching the stunned expression on his best friend's face. "I was the one who killed that monster. I was the one who built the first guild."
Soymojit's mouth opened slightly as if to speak, but no words came out. For the first time in their long friendship, he was truly speechless.
"…You're messing with me."
Ankush shook his head. "I'm not."
Soymojit stared at him for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. "No way! No damn way! You—YOU—our good-for-nothing lazy bastard, actually did all that!?"
Ankush smirked. "Shocking, right?"
Soymojit ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "Hold on. You're telling me that in just a few days, you awakened, took part in the exam, entered the dungeon, and now you have a whole-ass guild? You didn't even invite me!?"
Ankush chuckled. "That's why you're here. I want you to join Ashvattha."
Soymojit exhaled, still trying to process everything.
Finally, after a moment, he grinned. "Alright, boss. You got my attention. Now tell me—where do I sign?"