Seeing their confused expressions, Vincent nodded as if everything was perfectly normal. "In that case, it's ti for round 2!"
"Round 2?! W-Wait, Guild Master, we haven't had enough rest yet!" Warren protested, his voice tinged with desperation.
But Vincent simply smiled, his expression unyielding. With a flick of his finger, several umbral rats materialized and scurried into the distance, signaling the start of another grueling session.
Warren's face paled at the sight, while Barbara's eyes lit up with anticipation. Despite her exhaustion, the thrill of battle still burned within her, ready to be unleashed once more.
The battle raged on for another hour before it finally ca to an end.
This ti, even Barbara, the battle maniac, was left panting heavily, her limbs sprawled wide on the ground. Beside her lay Warren, his face planted firmly into the dirt. No one could tell if he was still breathing or if he had already passed out from exhaustion.
Despite their condition, Vincent was pleased. He hadn't brought them along without reason.
Earlier, he had received a comprehensive report from Lizno detailing their strengths, abilities, weaknesses, and the circumstances under which Lizno had recruited them. Among the recruits, these two had stood out the most.
Barbara had been an easy recruit, lured in by the promise of food. Warren, however, was different. Though it wasn't imdiately obvious, Lizno's report had highlighted Warren's unique support skill—a random-effect ability.
But that wasn't the main draw. Warren possessed a special skill that could temporarily boost soone's luck. When combined with his random-effect skill, it allowed the target to receive the effect they most needed in any given situation.
Vincent was also intrigued by Warren's background. It was common knowledge that Almaurians, with their copper-toned skin, were known for their robust physiques. Warren, however, was an exception.
Despite his copper skin, he was frail—even more so than the average human.
He had been sickly since childhood, a fact that had earned him ridicule and scorn. His fiancée had left him, and his family had disowned him, forcing him to fend for himself from a young age.
At eighteen, Warren had awakened his talent, but his frail health persisted. Determined to improve his condition, he focused on mastering support skills.
To Vincent, who hailed from modern Earth and had read countless novels, Warren's story felt like a classic underdog tale. It was no wonder Vincent found himself drawn to Warren's potential and eagerly anticipated his future growth.
Vincent's attention shifted to the battlefield, where an abundance of loot lay scattered across the ground. The sheer quantity was unlike anything he had ever seen from his own drops.
He was certain this was the result of Warren's special skill—or perhaps the protagonist's lady luck shining through.
Approaching the two nearly lifeless bodies, Vincent tossed two pairs of red and white vials into the air. Before the potions could hit the ground, they hovered in place, their corks removed by an invisible force.
Since upgrading his Yellow Heaven ntal Aura skill to legendary-grade, Vincent had gained the ability to manipulate objects with his ntal energy.
With a flick of his wrist, he turned Warren's body and poured the potions into their mouths.
The vials contained stamina and recovery potions. Throughout the battle, Vincent hadn't been idle. He had occasionally stepped in to assist, but only enough to ensure they gained experience points.
His storage rings were stocked with hundreds of such potions, along with a few rare-grade skill books he had upgraded and replicated.
After consuming the potions, Barbara and Warren slowly regained their strength. However, instead of standing, they soon fainted after muttering, "Guild Master…"
Vincent glanced at them for a mont before waving his hand, collecting all the loot scattered across the ground. Once everything was stored, he called out, "Goldie!"
From above, Goldie, the Crimson-Winged Condor, descended with a graceful chirp, lowering her head in submission. Using his ntal energy, Vincent lifted Barbara and Warren and placed them onto Goldie's back before leaping up himself.
"Let's go," he commanded, and with a powerful flap of her wings, Goldie shot into the sky.
In Caelius Lionfang's Territory, Caelius stood on an elevated platform, addressing his 1,500 clan mbers. The crowd before him buzzed with confusion, their eyes fixed on their leader. Behind Caelius stood the trio—Uncle Gold, Karl, and Fiona.
"I know you're all wondering why I've called this eting," Caelius began, his voice steady. "I understand your desire for revenge against the Blackthorn dogs for what they've done to our clan mbers. But I'm not blind to our current disadvantage. Our main territory is far, and reinforcents cannot reach us quickly."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "However, do not despair. I've called you here for a reason." With a wave of his hand, thousands of green skill books materialized and flew toward the crowd.
"What are these?" soone asked, confusion evident in their voice.
"Are you blind? These are uncommon-grade skill books," another retorted.
"Do you think I'm stupid? Of course, I know that! What I ant was—"
Before the speaker could finish, Caelius's voice cut through the air, resonating with authority. "These are my gifts to you. Learn them quickly. By lunch, we will raid the Blacktooth Labyrinth and give the Blackthorn dogs a surprise they won't forget!"
The crowd fell silent for a mont before erupting into cheers and applause.
"All hail the Young Master!"
"You're so generous, Young Master!"
"You're the best, Caelius!"
"We'll crush the Blackthorn dogs for you, Young Master!"
As Caelius watched his clan mbers with a satisfied smile, the trio behind him exchanged shocked glances.
Karl was utterly baffled. "Where did the Young Master get all those skill books? And they're all uncommon-grade?!"
Fiona was equally perplexed. "I have no idea. I thought he was going to announce a new battle plan. I never expected this…"
Uncle Gold, however, remained silent, a warm smile on his face as he watched Caelius with pride.
anwhile, Vincent had just arrived in the Umbra Guild Territory. As he dismounted from Goldie's back, a familiar figure approached him. It was Clauny, and surprisingly, the missing Mochi was asleep on her shoulders.
Vincent gave Mochi a curious look before turning to Clauny, who wore a concerned expression.
"What happened to them?" she asked, gesturing to the unconscious Barbara and Warren floating behind Vincent.
"Oh, nothing serious. They're just exhausted. Call soone to take them to their rooms and tell Lizno to et in my office," Vincent replied.
Clauny nodded, her eyes lingering on Vincent for a mont before she turned to carry out his orders.
As they stood in silence, Vincent broke the quiet. "How are you? Have you settled into the guild?"
Clauny smiled softly. "I'm doing well. Everyone's been kind. Thank you for asking."
Vincent nodded. "Good. If there's nothing else, I'll be in my office."
"Yes, I'll notify Lizno right away," Clauny replied, watching as Vincent walked away, his figure gradually fading into the distance. She shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts, and muttered to herself, "Co on, Clauny. Stop daydreaming. You need to focus on improving too."
After a while, Vincent, seated in his office, heard a knock at the door. "Co in," he called.
The door opened, and Lizno, the Lizardman, entered. "You called for , Young Master?" he asked.
Vincent nodded. "You ntioned that most of our guild mbers were recruited using the funds I initially provided, correct?"
"Yes, Young Master," Lizno confird.
"How much did you promise them?" Vincent inquired.
Lizno proceeded to report the details. In summary, most mbers were promised a monthly salary of 2,000 low-grade Origin Crystals. Tier 2 Origin Warriors, however, received higher pay. Currently, the guild had only three Tier 2 Origin Warriors aside from Vincent and Lizno: Barbara, Warren, and Aldo, whom Vincent had t the previous day.
Vincent had already spoken with Barbara and Warren, but he had yet to have a proper conversation with Aldo. Though curious, he set the matter aside for now.
His expression turned serious as he looked at Lizno, causing the Lizardman to grow nervous. "You were the one who recruited them, correct?"
"Yes, Young Master," Lizno replied cautiously.
"How much do you trust them?" Vincent asked.
Lizno fell silent for a mont, considering the question. He had anticipated this line of inquiry ever since Vincent had tasked him with building the guild and recruiting mbers.
"I can trust them completely, Young Master," Lizno answered confidently. "Although you gave the freedom to recruit whover I chose, I made sure to invite only those who could earn my trust and vice versa."
He continued, "It wasn't easy, of course. I had to enforce so disciplinary asures, as you taught …" Lizno's voice trailed off, a chilling smile creeping across his face.
Vincent only wondered but he chose not to press further. Instead, he nodded. "In that case, I want you to lead them."
"Lead them? Where?" Lizno thought, but he remained silent, waiting for Vincent to continue.
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