The lights on the houses of the residents have already dimmed down as the time for deep rest has come. Most of the people you can see walking on the streets are only players, but even then, you can still count them with both of your hands.
It was truly late at night when Richest Asian and Yogurt have arrived in Aruna.
"First of all, I'll like to congratulate all of you for a job well done for capturing Aruna Town."
Our Guild Leader began with a congratulatory statement that does not sound anything close to a congratulation at all. His poker face and indifferent tone of voice never changed even after our Guild has pass through obstacles and achieve greatness. There is a reason why Legionnaire is more known to the public compared to our Guild Leader.
Beside him was our most trusted assassin which still has her shinobi mask during this dark night. She told us that mask actually does not give any stats, and only considered as a costume that could be worn above her head equipment. Looking her white monotone mask, she is really a perfect fit standing beside Richest Asian.
"Yogurt has already told me the problem you encountered during the siege, and I already have watched the replay of the livestream… He might be stronger than any of you, but that does not mean it gave them a chance to win that battle."
"Sorry, Guild Leader."
We answered simultaneously. He hits where it hurts most, and we can only respond with our heads down regardless of our victory.
"If that person did not betray his guild, it would be our lose due to the time limit. There were many things which should have finished the war sooner. I can pinpoint it one at a time, but that will take long. I'll leave it by saying everyone could have done a better job—Especially you, LadyQueen."
"…"
"But that does not mean you guys didn't do a good job. I won't take anything from the victory, but I hope this would be a lesson not to underestimate the enemy."
"Yes, Guild Leader."
We got the end of a scolding. Thankfully, it was not as long as his never-ending sermons. He might be considering what time it is. Nevertheless, we reflected silently on our mistake by ourselves.
While they do that, this would be a good time to say my theory on who was the assassin that disrupted the war since Guild Leader has already dropped down his intimidating aura. If he is the person who I think it is, Guild Leader should also understand it.
"Can I say something, Guild Leader?"
"What would that be?"
"The black-clad assassin we met you probably see how he moves in the livestream, right? Do you think he might be Nameless?"
"Hmm… Yogurt also said the same, but I cannot be sure because I have not fight with him directly. But if you also think the same, I guess both of your speculations should be look into."
I am surprised that even Yogurt feels the same. I never knew she knows or met Nameless before. Maybe because Nameless is the unofficially named top. 1 assassin in Twilight City that she investigated him during her time.
"Nameless should be a lone wolf right now after he left Royal Prodigies."
"Did he join BraveHearts to stop our plans while he still works for Royal Prodigies? Sending out spies are not a rare thing, but for him to act and act alone nonetheless."
Aria joins up our conversation because she also has a grudge over Nameless, the assassin who killed her one time during one of our first expeditions. Her theory is also what I was thinking, but Richest Asian immediately deny it.
"It would be dangerous to blame Royal Prodgies for an action of a non-member. What you just said may be true, but until we have no proof, we can't do anything—Our Guild is currently on ceasefire with the top 1 and 2 guild, and you all know that. If we suddenly start a conflict between one of them, the other will take advantage over that fact."
What he said made sense. Gold Paradise, Royal Prodigies, and Tempresto might be labelled by ranks with Tempresto being the No.1 Guild in Twilight City, but the difference in power is so insignificant that a stalemate cannot be helped.
No conflict between the three have occurred yet. However, we are just waiting for another to have their mishaps before totally bringing them down and ensure ourselves as the top Guild in Twilight City. So for the meantime, it is just a ceasefire- no, more like a calm before the storm while each one prepares for when that time comes.
"We're not going to do anything on the case of Nameless."
"No, not yet. Although it is best to take note that Ice Princess and her Royal Prodigies are starting to move behind the shadow."
I checked the rankings on the forums and just like I expected, Nameless is currently guildless. I have not checked his name for so long because I have no reason to. It might have been filled with the name BraveHearts for the past few days, but he immediately left after this war.
"Should we hunt this guy? Seems like he's a problem."
Legionnaire suggested after listening silently. He probably is the least person who knows about Nameless, yet he understood the fact that the assassin is a threat bigger than what it looks like.
"Hunting a hunter is difficult, especially Nameless. Although I have already told Fifty Silver to prioritized him on the target list."
Guild Leader said a familiar name I have not heard a long time. ChickB is the first one to react having Fifty Silver involved.
"I bet Brother Fifty would be able to kill him at least three times."
"You're that confident?"
"Of course! Brother Fifty is amazing."
"Right… That old guy is a tank character like me, but he acts more like an assassin compared to the average players that labelled themselves as such."
There was a reason why Legionnaire has a sour face when he made a comment regarding ChickB's praise. To simplify why he has a bad impression of that name, it goes back to how Legionnaire become a part of the Officers. It was their story, so it will come a later time.
For now, the important thing to know is that Fifty Silver is like Nameless who acts behind the shadow. He is currently settling in our sub guild appropriately named 'Golden Eden'. The purpose of it being created is to support the main guild indirectly and discretley.
"We can leave that problem to Fifty Silver for the meantime—I know you are all tired for today, but I need you all early morning tomorrow."
"…"
"From what we know, the race for Opidelhm is already at its last moments. We can't delay our progress or get side-track again any further. For the few days or so, we'll focus in reaching the capital. So tonight, strictly no staying up late. Log out early after you have settled what you need to do for today."
"Yes, Guild Leader."
He leads and log out first. Legionnaire and Yogurt followed soon after. On the other hand, ChickB has excused himself to us with the reason that he will repair his equipment before he forgets it tomorrow. That means the one that remains is my usual group.
I do not know why but I feel like we have not been together us three as often as before. We still party up when it is possible, but Michelle's life outside has been changing that.
"Why does Guild Leader always find the need for a meeting when all he does can just be messaged."
"No clue. Although he was the one to adjust this time around. How about you Cherry, still not going out with that Captain?"
"I guess we really need teach this girl. Maybe having a boyfriend had messed up your head… Aria, go attack her while I hold her in place."
The day ended peacefully with the agonizing screams of Michelle.