VIP System

The Silver Mane guild was once among the most renowned guilds in the kingdom. They were known for their prowess in extermination quests and had established satellite bases in the small villages surrounding the main kingdom. Amanda's party was one of the guild's main forces, frequently assisting both new and veteran members in leveling up and honing their skills.

However, over the years, the guild began to lose its strong members. Some retired, seeking a peaceful life away from the dangers of adventuring. Others left to join newer, stronger guilds that promised greater challenges and rewards. And the incident that devastated Amanda's party dealt a severe blow to the guild's morale and strength.

In a bid to rebuild, the Silver Mane guild had attempted to recruit system users, individuals blessed with powerful abilities that made them highly sought after. However, the demands of these system users were often difficult, requiring salaries that the guild couldn't afford. Even the more reasonable system users desired a balance of fair compensation and opportunities for personal growth—needs the guild struggled to meet.

Despite their efforts, the guild found itself unable to attract the elite members necessary to restore its former glory. They had to accept the reality that the world of adventuring had changed, and they needed to adapt to survive.

Elois invited Amanda to sit with them at the table. There were a few faces in the group that Amanda didn't recognize, but one person, in particular, seemed to be missing. Elois noticed her searching gaze and asked, "What's the matter, Amanda?"

Amanda hesitated for a moment before asking, "Where is the guild master? You were always together before."

Elois sighed heavily and dropped her head onto the table, sobbing quietly. Amanda immediately stood up, concern etched across her face. "Elois, what happened to him?"

A scrawny-looking guy sitting beside Elois spoke up. "It's okay," he said, trying to offer some reassurance.

The man wore eyeglasses that seemed slightly too big for his face, giving him an intellectual, albeit slightly awkward, appearance. He had a simple, unassuming look, with short, tousled hair and a calm demeanor. He introduced himself, "I'm Suga, a Level 45 magician," he said with a polite nod. "I'm also the current guild master's assistant." He raised his hand, palm up, and directed it towards Elois.

Elois started speaking again, her voice still trembling with emotion. "That old fool suddenly stepped down as guild master and appointed me out of nowhere," she said, wiping away her tears. She is a level 83 Blade Master, known for her outgoing personality and youthful appearance.

She was often mistaken for a child due to her short stature and energetic behavior. Her clothing was lightweight but clearly rare equipment, designed for agility and speed. A gleaming sword dangled from her back, a weapon that was far from average, hinting at her formidable skills.

Suga, trying to lighten the mood, adjusted his glasses nervously. It was a small habit he had whenever the room felt tense, as though it was his way of grounding himself.

"Let me introduce you to the others," he said, glancing at Amanda with a hesitant smile.

Gesturing towards a woman sitting to his left. "This is Talia, a level 83 Armored Titan, and our current vice guild master."

Talia stood up and extended her hand to Amanda with a warm smile. She was tall and powerfully built, her presence commanding respect. Her armor was thick and heavily plated, yet it moved with surprising fluidity. Each piece was intricately designed, and it was evident that her gear was not only practical but also of rare quality. Her dark hair was tied back in a no-nonsense bun, and her eyes shone with determination.

"Nice to meet you, Amanda," Talia said, her grip firm and steady. "I've heard a lot about you from the guild master."

Next, Suga pointed to a man sitting across from him. "And this is Eldric, a level 85 Archbishop and one of our guild's elite members."

Eldric nodded politely, his eyes twinkling with a serene wisdom. He was a tall, slender man with an aura of calm that seemed to radiate from him. His robes were pristine white, adorned with gold and silver embroidery that signified his high rank and devotion. A staff rested against his chair, its headpiece glowing with a faint, holy light.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Amanda," Eldric said, his voice soothing. "Your reputation precedes you. The guild has missed your presence."

A girl then pulled at Eldric's robe, looking up at him with wide, eager eyes. She appeared to be a newbie adventurer, her gear still fresh and unscarred by battle. "The group is waiting for you outside," she said softly.

Eldric placed a gentle hand on her head, smiling warmly. "I'll be right there," he assured her. He stood up, retrieved his staff, and bowed to everyone before heading outside with the girl to meet a group of adventurers waiting for him.

Suga watched them leave and then turned back to Amanda and Elois. "We've continued boosting the guild members, especially the new adventurers," he said.

In gaming, boosting refers to helping lower-level players level up quickly by supporting them with powerful skills, tanking monsters, and healing. In Eldric's context, he provided buffs and healing to the newbies, ensuring their safety and success in battles.

Elois adjusted herself in her seat, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, Amanda, what brings you here? Surely it's not just because we miss you," she said with a playful grin.

Amanda's expression grew somber. "I returned to the capital because someone has already defeated the Orc Lord," she explained, her voice tinged with sadness.

They knew that Amanda had placed a quest at the guild center, but they couldn't do anything about it because their guild's power wasn't enough to tackle such a formidable foe. Despite the lack of a reward, the guild members were aware of the seriousness of the request and Amanda's desperation.

Elois felt a pang of empathy, recognizing the weight of guilt Amanda carried for not being able to save her party, who were also her close friends.

Suga, slightly surprised, said, "That was a Dominion Lord. No one we know could have done it, especially with most of the system users occupied with their annual quests."

Amanda continued, "I still don't know who it was. After the Orc Lord was defeated, no adventurer was found in the area who could have done it. Although Leo told me that he saw an adventurer fighting the Orc Lord, he lost consciousness, and when he woke up, the fight was already over."

Elois and Suga exchanged glances, trying to piece together the puzzle. Elois leaned forward, her tone gentle but probing. "Do you think this adventurer might come forward eventually? Someone with that kind of strength would surely make waves in the adventuring community."

Amanda shrugged, her eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "I don't know. But Lady Kurea mentioned that it might have been another system user. Whoever it was, they saved many lives by defeating the Orc Lord. For that, I'm grateful."

Elois reached out and squeezed Amanda's hand. "We're all grateful. And we're glad to have you back, even if it's just for a little while."

As they sat together, the camaraderie and support of the Silver Mane guild enveloped Amanda, reminding her that she wasn't alone in her struggles. There was still hope, and together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Elois's face suddenly changed, her eyebrows knitting together in thought. She tilted her head upward, her lips pursing as if trying to pull a name from the recesses of her memory. Then, with a burst of curiosity, she blurted out, "Who's Leo?"