(Raya's Pov)
Now that I'm 4-Star I can eventually lead my own branch of Flyers.
But I'm not sure if I want to do that yet.
Up till now my only goal was to get to this level.
I never expected to reach it so soon.
Although I was always above average, I wasn't a genius.
Not like Isha. We were in the academy together, yet she reached 4-Star years before me and might become a 5-Star warrior.
Anyways now that I'm here… I wonder what the purpose of my strength is.
I don't feel like becoming a village lord or a guild master. Things like that seem like a lot of responsibility.
I guess I've just always enjoyed the ways of warriors, fighting, training, and growing stronger. Fulfilling a duty and even dying for it if need be.
It was always just fun for me. I was born in the right place at the right time.
I remember my father's face faintly. He died in a battle when I was young.
The one who killed my father was also killed by my fathers comrades. There is no revenge to be had.
My family is well taken care of now.
I wonder what Reon's goal is?
If not for his help, would I even be thinking of these things now?
I should be thankful.
This battle is more prevalent than any I've ever had and it feels like I'm losing although I haven't shed any blood.
What is my goal?
Why have I never thought too much about it till now?
4-Star level? It must be the reason.
I've been silly.
There are subtle changes inside and out.
My energy flows subtly always.
Before I always needed to focus on it to feel it.
But now its like a piece of my focus is always on it, although I still see everything in front of me.
This voice in the back of my mind is the key to my energy.
When I listen to this voice the most is when I can consciously control the energy flow.
I need to relax now. Don't think, only breathe.
Surely enough my energy increases slowly but surely.
And my blade.
This blade isn't just my weapon anymore.
It's more crucial now. Like an organ.
Channeling the lightning, I get speed and power.
For now I'll try to see about taking my first 4-Star mission.
(----------)
Raya arrived at the guild hall early the next day. He walked over to registration.
"Hey Silva, how've you been?" he said.
"Ah, hello Raya, I've been alright, and how about you, I haven't seen you in a while." Silva replied.
"Yeah, I was on a mission for almost 2 months now. It's time for me to report back." said Raya with a smile.
"Speaking of missions, has the guild master returned yet?" he asked.
"No, she still hasn't! It's already been 5-months now, but I suppose that's how 4-Star missions are. A different level from 3-Star missions." Silva thought aloud.
"I see, and what about the other ranked members?" asked Raya.
"Let's see, Hyo is still here in the leaders room upstairs."
"Number 3 came back while you were gone then went away again."
"Falutia, Waina, and Briand, Rigor, and Talt are all away, and I don't know what happened to Reon, I haven't seen him in a while either." Silva said.
"Oh Reon was with me on that long mission, he's back in Crux now," said Raya.
"Oh I see." said Silva.
"Appreciate you for catching me up, I'm going to talk to Hyo now." said Raya.
Hyo was alone in the leaders room.
He sat in the guild masters seat with his elbows on the arms of the chair, holding his hands together.
(Hyo's Pov)
With the guild master and all of the other ranked members gone right now, my plans have worked well for the most part.
Nuisances like Sujin and Raya are out of the picture, while I've continued to garner support and loyalty from many of Flyers.
At the same time I manage most Guild affairs.
No one has more influence in Flyers than me right now.
It may be the perfect time to move to the next step of my plan.
Using my influence to start gaining control of Raider Corps as well.
There are only a few more obstacles in my way now.
Guild-Master Isha, Village Lord Dai, and the two 4-Stars from Raider Corps Crux branch.
No 3-Star is a threat to me.
Unexpectedly someone walked through the door of the leaders room.
Unfortunately for me it's one of the other ranked. Raya.
No matter, it's not like Raya is a threat to me.
(------------------)
Raya walked in and saw Hyo sitting where the guild master was meant to sit.
Hyo had greenish blue hair and didn't carry a weapon, only wearing light armor to protect his body.
"Raya, your back. How did the mission go?" said Hyo.
"Get out of that chair, and give me your number 2 plaque, now." Raya replied.
"What! How dare you give me an order Raya!?" Hyo yelled.
Hyo got up and ran over to Raya and threw a strong punch at Raya's stomach.
Punches were his specialty as a brawler class warrior.
Raya saw the punch coming and threw out one of his own to match Hyo's.
The two punches met in the middle, causing a clash of energy.
Sparks unleashed from Raya's punch, shocking Hyo.
Hyo felt his punch getting pushed back and an electrical shock going through his body on top of that, forcing him to fall and take a knee.
"That's not possible, you're a 4-Star!" said Hyo, looking up at Raya with a cold grimace.
"Yes, as you can see. Now, give me your number 2 gold plaque, I'm the second strongest in Flyers now. There is no need to duel to figure that out unless you want to die." ordered Raya, putting his hand out.
"You, you think I can't beat you? If I didn't have to hide that power you would be dead for sure." Hyo thought.
Hyo begrudgingly pulled out his golden plaque with the number two on it from a pouch on his belt, handing it to Raya.
"I won't take your position of vice guild master, but still don't sit in Isha's seat anymore, you are not the guild master." said Raya.
Raya dropped his old number 5 plaque on the ground in front of Hyo, then left.
In another part of Crux, Reon was making himself at home at a time share that he afforded with the escort missions earnings.
From the escort mission Reon earned 20,000 Zeal! In combination with the left over he had from before, he now had around 22,000.
It cost Reon 12,000 Zeal for a 4 month stay at a small house in the village, but he felt it was worth it, as it had much more space than the inn he previously stayed at, as well as its own utilities.
He kept the horned sap badger cubs there and spent the next day shopping around for different things for his new space, as well as food for the cubs.
The next thing on his agenda was to speak to Silva about making him a weapon.
He still had the long dagger she gave him for his duel against Sujin, which he thought was great.
Reon went to the guild hall, and saw Silva was at the registration desk.
"Hey Silva GreyAllen, long time no see." said Reon.
"Oh, hey Reon, I heard you were on a mission with Raya for a long time." she said.
"Yeah I was but I'm back now. I have an important request for you. I want you to forge a weapon for me." said Reon.
Reon took out the long dagger she initially gave him from his belt, and put it on the desk.
"This dagger you lent me was very impressive work, I know you have the skills to make the weapon I've been wanting." he told her.
"Well that dagger was good, but not anything special, what weapon do you want?" Silva stated.
"I want a 3-foot long blade." said Reon.
"A long blade huh, that isn't too uncommon, I can definitely make something for you, but what quality do you want it, that is going to affect the price." said Silva.
"I understand, I want it as high quality as possible but I also want it soon, so give me an estimate, I have about 7000 Zeal right now, if it's something I have to work up towards, then that's fine." Reon said.
"Hmm, honestly I'd say that that's more than enough, for a high quality blade like that I'd charge 6,500 to 7,000 but since you're an elite member of the guild, I'll only charge you 6,000." said Silva.
"Alright, deal." Reon smiled.
He handed Silva most of his remaining money, completing the commission.
"Alright, it's going to take a few weeks to get everything to make it, but it will be well worth it, I'll make sure it's something special." said Silva.
"I trust you." Reon said.