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

The wolf, still gleaming with a frenzy for slaughter, showed affection only towards me. Unahar hated becoming a wolf, not because he wanted to avoid killing, but because the wolf was beyond his control. This was common among most characters in this death game.

However, I am different. Regardless of Unahar’s beliefs, I dislike seeing blood on my hands or my comrades’. I wish for unnecessary killing to be avoided. Some might say it’s just a game, so it doesn’t matter, or that only someone like Aleon would care. But…

‘If possible, I don’t want to kill anyone.’

Perhaps, I think, the reason Aleon has always been so kind to me is not just because I saved him, but because he sensed this shared sentiment within me.

“Unahar, this is my responsibility. You got blood on you because I unleashed the wolf.”

The wolf was so large that the mist generated during Unahar’s transformation back to human form was thick enough to obscure all vision.

My hand, which had been stroking the wolf’s side, now tangled in Unahar’s hair by his ear. Now I was the only one covered in blood; the golden-haired man had returned to his pristine self.

Unahar cautiously leaned his head into my palm, then smiled.

“I wish you showed that kindness only to me…”

My jaw visibly tightened.

Seeing my reaction, Unahar immediately released my hand and hesitated. He knew that if I drew a firm line, it would be hard for him to endure, given his already fragile mental state.

Despite this, like administering a necessary but bitter medicine, I conveyed my uncomfortable stance.

“I don’t see you as a man. Don’t cross the line.”

“Our guild has a no-romance policy.”

I had been emotional when I said it, but I meant it, even if it applied to me as well.

Unahar seemed to understand my inner thoughts, nodding slightly with a faint smile. Feeling ashamed, I averted my gaze.

Astute viewers might quickly realize that this was a moment of Unahar’s rejected confession and immediately post about it on the forums.

[The entrance to Zone 2 has been opened.]

Zone 2 was already opening. I pushed my panic aside and thought quickly. Based on the capture sounds so far, there were guilds tied with us for two captures, but none had more than two. There were 17 guilds and 25 spots in total.

If my calculations are correct, there are currently nine guilds with 2 points and eight guilds trailing behind with either 1 or 0 points. Among the leading nine guilds are Agasa Guild, Ice Castle, and Red Monarch. I memorized the names of the other 2-point guilds as well. The start is promising. It’s quite good.

Next, we need to increase our capture numbers in the upcoming zones, especially in the final third zone.

[There are no unoccupied spots in Zone 1. Players should move to Zone 2 via the single-person corridors. Note that more than one person in a corridor will cause an explosion after a few seconds.]

Zones 1 and 2 are connected by hundreds of narrow, dimension-defying corridors, forcing everyone to move alone, regardless of guild allegiance. During this transition, no fighting occurs, and the speed at which you reach Zone 2 determines the initial capture.

I activated the guild leader communication and connected with Gio and Kanel.

“Gio, move through the single-person corridor. We’ll meet in Zone 2. Kanel, shoot at the players trying to use the corridor from your sniping position. Then cross over without too much delay.”

We decided not to meet up and move directly. There was no reason to risk the explosive impact by merging our paths.

“See you soon.”

I parted ways with Unahar too. Even though we’d meet again shortly, the handsome man waved at me with a longing expression.

* * *

As I ran through the single-person corridor, I thought about Unahar, the one who had given me the weapon of the wolf.

“Shouldn’t we use a different weapon? We’ve used the bazooka in the first round.”

When I suggested that Unahar use the bazooka, he expressed concern.

“Using the same weapon in the growth-centric fourth round might not get a good reaction from the comments.”

It’s still strange to me how these characters, unaware of the game and reality distinction, recognize comments from the real world.

So, using the bazooka again might be boring?

I had snorted, thinking it was a ridiculous worry.

“Unahar, do you know you’re ranked as the ‘most handsome man acknowledged by comments’?”

Such a title is a clear sign of self-pride worthy of heaven’s acknowledgment.

Even if you only use the bazooka until this game ends, female viewers will fervently support you. I’m sure of it.

“Do I deserve such a title…?”

Yet, Unahar seemed to lack confidence, trailing off his words.

Perhaps it’s because he realized he has feelings for me.

In the past, I might not have noticed, but now I could recognize that Unahar’s murmuring was intentional. Was he trying to get me to say something like, “Of course. You’re the most handsome person I know”? The golden-haired man looked at my lips with such anticipation. I felt a mixture of tension and guilt.

If I told him the truth, “You are handsome,” Unahar would be thrilled. But now that I was aware of his feelings, I couldn’t say it responsibly. So, I never gave him the answer he wanted.

By now, Unahar must understand that I don’t see him as a man.

I emerged into the factory area of Zone 2. The single-person corridor I had passed through closed behind me. I looked around, searching for my guild members.

Since I have the lowest basic stats, they should have arrived before me and be waiting.

I activated the communication.

“Gio? Unahar? Kanel?”

[Communication is restricted for guild members in the single-person corridor.]

[Communication is restricted for guild members in the single-person corridor.]

Two warning messages appeared. That meant one person had made it to Zone 2.

Ignoring me? Must be Gio. He was ordered to act solo.

But where are Kanel and Unahar?

What’s keeping them? Nothing should happen in that corridor.

Suddenly, a blade flashed through the air, narrowly missing my chin.

“…!”

I quickly checked the status window with a cheat key. The character was from a guild that had secured 2 points in Zone 1. They were trying to take down the Agasa Guild leader while I was alone.

Whack!

Caught off guard, the attacker had left their chest exposed. I struck quickly and stepped back two paces.

Their eyes widened in surprise. They had expected me to be defenseless in close combat.

I kicked to create distance, dodging the sword and landing a flaming punch to their body.

“The weak Agasa Guild leader can fight like this…?”

“Am I some symbol of weakness?”

Don’t be ridiculous. I may still be a novice, but I’ve trained hard. Not just as a guild leader giving orders, but to contribute in both unique abilities and basic combat.

Here, my chosen sub-weapon is martial arts, with Taekwondo as my main discipline.

Some might think Taekwondo is less powerful than boxing or Muay Thai.

Nonsense. Taekwondo is the martial art that balances offense and defense the best.

* * *

I have to either defeat or hold off this martial artist character aiming to eliminate the weakest member of the Agasa Guild—me—until Unahar arrives.

“Gah-!”

The opponent grunted through clenched teeth. My insufficient strength was compensated by the flames.

My attack seemed to have some effect, as the opponent staggered and tried to counter. I pushed them back with a kick, maintaining the distance.

I used my unique ability sparingly, ensuring my flames didn’t reveal their full potential. Since my lowest rank after the ability rework was D, keeping my full strength hidden for as long as possible was crucial. During the cooldown period, I struggled to raise my rank even slightly.

Until then, Taekwondo provided a decent cover. Viewers would likely see that this cunning guild leader was making an effort to improve her stats in addition to training her guild members.

I never expected Unahar to want to learn Taekwondo just because I did.

“Anyway, you’ve decided on the bazooka? Then you should take shooting lessons with Kanel instead of Taekwondo classes…”

But Unahar insisted on mastering the bazooka on his own and steadfastly attended Taekwondo classes with me.

Seeing him wield the bazooka with such mastery now, I realized his confidence wasn’t just bravado.

Yet, each action that showed Unahar’s feelings for me only increased my burden.

My mind wandered, and the opponent’s attacks started to land. Anyone could see I was struggling.

‘Get it together. If I lose because of Unahar, that insecure man might regret following me.’

Thinking he was of no help to me…

Even if I couldn’t return his feelings, I shouldn’t let him blame himself!

Embracing the responsibility of a guild leader, I reinforced my resolve and strengthened my punches.