The D-Rank Guild Master of the No. 1 Guild

The second ranking match was a new game where a large number of second-generation players would emerge and compete against each other, much like the battles we fought before. Existing game characters probably just saw them as “new players brought in from somewhere.” Only I knew the truth.

I had seen through the developers’ plan to increase our competition by creating new characters. Well, maybe Akata also understood the concept of in-game characters…

“Because of the GMs’ surveillance, it’s impossible to discuss that in the first place.”

When I fell silent, Aleon used to snap his fingers several times to bring me back. But now, he just waited, happily watching my contemplative face.

As I emerged from my thoughts, he quickly said, “No matter how strong the newcomers are, I believe the top contenders in this world are just the two of us. I want to stand at the pinnacle with you.”

The Blue Saint in front of me was utterly sincere. Though he was smiling, I could tell he wasn’t speaking lightly.

Perhaps that’s why I didn’t respond with a casual “I hope so too.”

“I don’t have the potential to be considered a top contender. You’ve overestimated me.”

“I was merely expressing my wish. Even if everyone else disagrees, to me, you are the top contender.”

Just how highly does Aleon think of me? But it can’t be helped. I don’t want to stand alongside anyone.

“No, I can’t take your words at face value.”

Aleon widened his pale eyes in surprise at my unexpected rebuttal.

“I have to take the number one spot in the individual ranking from you. Whether I achieve it myself or by training my guild members. My goal is to challenge the champion.”

A place only reachable by those who achieve both the top guild and the top individual rankings. Even I couldn’t predict how Aleon would react to my subtly revealed ambition.

Aleon lowered his gaze for a moment and then placed his nearly empty teacup down. His voice dropped to an unusually low pitch.

“My people have come this far, looking only at me. I carry the hearts of my people.”

A quality and virtue of a ruler. Even when Aleon was newly born from the ice and innocent, this was the one trait he possessed overwhelmingly compared to other characters.

“For my people, I must be number one. I will never give up the top spot. I’m sorry for saying this.”

He declared this while looking straight into my eyes. The clear, bright eyes now held a solid resolve like ice.

But then, I noticed that Aleon was slightly gauging my reaction. During our stare-off, his pupils wavered first.

I chuckled.

“No need to apologize. You told me to take care of myself.”

I never intended to ask Aleon to give up the number one spot. It might be foolish, but I didn’t want to win that way. The first place is only meaningful if you earn it. Especially in a game like this.

“It’s not easy to achieve, but it must be earned.”

Just then, Aleon, revealing his true feelings, said something I could hardly believe.

“Then we are rivals.”

The saint wore a subtle smile that seemed slightly bitter but soon transformed into one of undeniable affection.

“But for now, we can enjoy our time together. How about another coffee?”

This shop was a ‘Live’ area, meaning viewers were watching our conversation. I signaled the teahouse NPC for another round of the same drinks. The two cups arrived quickly.

Raising my cup as if making a toast, I delivered a line for the audience.

“We’ll fight with all our strength, give our best so there’s no regret, and accept the final results with humility. No matter the outcome, I’ll smile at you when it’s over. How about you?”

Aleon was momentarily taken aback.

Then, one of the brightest smiles I had ever seen lit up his face.

“I will certainly smile at you when the time comes.”

We clinked our cups together, not wine glasses, but it didn’t matter. Unlike Aleon, my mind was racing even as I sipped my coffee.

This wouldn’t be easy. Earning the right to challenge the champion.

The overwhelming saint, fully determined to maintain his number one spot, would put his all into the rounds.

Aleon’s resolve was more noble and intense than mine, leaving my thoughts tangled.

No matter how hard Gio trains for Lilith… is it even possible to reach the top?

Perhaps seeing the face of the champion named Taggiros might be a distant or nearly impossible feat.

* * *

The shopping district had surprisingly many public amenities.

Especially large facilities difficult to have in a guild fortress, like sports centers with basketball courts and batting cages.

Behind the streets, unmanned stalls lined up like a night market, always open.

After leaving the teahouse with Aleon, we naturally wandered around, exploring the area. In hindsight, we were walking quite close to each other, our shoulders barely a hand’s width apart.

After walking for a while, Aleon squatted down at a toy stall.

“This goldfish toy would be great in our Ice Fortress! It would be perfect in an ice tank.”

I almost offered to buy it for him but stopped myself, imagining Aleon displaying the toy like a treasured guild artifact.

“Oh, there’s a dartboard. I’m pretty good at darts. Aleon, want to compete for points?”

“I hope you beat me! In non-official games, I’m all yours.”

“It would be more fun if we competed seriously. Shall I go first?”

It would be nice to come here with my guild members next time. I’ve been so obsessed with ranking that I missed out on simple pleasures like this.

The unmanned night market was quiet, with no other customers around. Across the way, I spotted two familiar characters. Lesia, the guild leader of Anawing, wearing matching couple tees, and Siakan, her long-time partner with her long pink hair tied in a ponytail.

Since they were engrossed in the stalls, I quickly nudged Aleon.

“Shall we take another route?”

Surprisingly, Aleon, who had apparently grown more perceptive, glanced between my gaze and Lesia, understanding immediately.

“Someone you’d rather not run into?”

It’s not exactly that. We’re more allies than enemies.

I just didn’t want to bump into that couple. Because as soon as Lesia recognized me, she’d likely laugh loudly and say, “Are you two on a date? You look great together!” The chances of that happening were 99.9%.

We spent more time together than I anticipated. As we were about to part ways, Aleon spoke up.

“Today’s date was enjoyable.”

My eyes widened.

“A date? I didn’t mean it that way! If that’s what you meant, I need to reconsider meeting up with you.”

I thought we were having a diplomatic meeting!

“No! Don’t overthink it. You understood correctly.”

I don’t know what my expression was, but Aleon hastily corrected himself.

“Truly, you got it right. Don’t worry about it. Well then, Rudel, take care. I had an unforgettable time today.”

* * *

Soon, the second notice for the event round was posted.

In summary, it explained that players would be immersed in a virtual world where they had to perform assigned roles among NPCs and complete unique missions.

A total of 15 first-generation guild leaders will participate, divided into three groups and deployed into the field. Below are the groups, considering interactions between guild leaders.

15? Weren’t there originally 17? Ah, they must have eliminated the lowest-ranked guilds from the first generation. Those not called will soon receive a notice of their expulsion.

In any case, my name was at the top of the list for Group 1, so I examined it closely.

Group 1

– Rudel (Agasa)

– Shemarin (Redmonach)

– Lesia (Anawing)

– Aleon (Ice Fortress)

– Blance (Blue Monday)

– Yudirei (Slaughterer)

“Oh, no.”

The last name made my heart ache. I took a deep breath to calm myself. This was no longer a lighthearted event.

It seemed like they deliberately put familiar characters together to showcase our chemistry to the viewers. But my fate to face the clingy, obsessive killer at a guild leader reunion…?

[Please gather in the shopping district at 6 o’clock sharp. The role selection for the event round will take place.]

* * *

The central plaza of the shopping district was bustling with ‘first-generation guild leaders + guild members brought as companions.’

“Let’s go up to the second floor. We don’t need to be close to the stage since we’re not drawing the lots ourselves.”

I found a spot on the second floor with Unahar. The second floor was open, offering a clear view of the hall below.

(It didn’t seem this large when I came with Aleon. Is the shopping district expanding in real-time?)

As soon as I sat down, I observed Unahar’s expression. The reason I brought him along today was that he had been feeling down lately.

Even though I practiced psychological distancing from him, it was still my responsibility to check on the state of my fellow guild members.

So today, my plan was to spend time with him and lift his spirits while avoiding any situation that might make him feel embarrassed.