Before Zephyr even makes a side comment on why Gringar thinks that he knows something, Anastasia lets out her own remark:
"Such things are simple before our Master. Though he already knows, someone like me is negligent on what is the case."
Zephyr looks at her in disbelief, though it was interpreted by Anastasia and the other guilds to be a sign of disappointment due to the fact that Anastasia has no clue about the agenda of GEO. With that said, she bowed deeply towards him.
"I'm sorry Master Zep, I have disappointed you once again…you can punish me later when no one is watching."
'OI WHAT THE HELL!! What if they misunderstand what you just said- wait, everyone's been misunderstanding everything from the start anyway!' His face looks like he's going to hurl.
"As you can already see {Fate Threader}, and if some of the others here have noticed too, dungeons have been spawning a lot more compared to the past years. What's more alarming is that…one of our investigation teams has been ambushed by a monster."
"Wait up, that's impossible. In all the years since the discovery of dungeons and monsters, there have been no reports and sightings of dungeon inhabitants leaving their homes. I mean, aren't the dungeons their lifeline?"
One curious member from [Sharp Steps] asked.
'That was a good question…I mean, it's scary to imagine if one of those labyrinth monsters were to crawl out of their nests and begin attacking towns.' Zephyr thought.
"I know it's hard to believe but it was the truth."
A runner from the GEO's investigation team named Darnik speaks for his group.
"I am right there, since we're only a team of ordinary humans, a number of us fell to that monster's attack…I saw it, leaving its nest and looking around as if it entered a whole new world."
'Brother, that was scary as hell!!' Zephyr again commented with his thoughts.
"What? If monsters can now leave their habitats…doesn't it mean that the outside villages and towns might get razed by them?"
"Fortunately, it's the first case reported. That means there's nothing that follows. What we would like to confirm is if that monster is the only thing that could do that, or do they finally have the means to survive outside of their habitats."
Gringar crosses his arms and makes a serious expression.
"That's where the idea of expansion comes in."
"The one {Fate Threader} just said…"
'I said that yeah, but not in whatever context you guys are thinking of…'
"We, from the main branch of GEO, are hereby imprinting our seal on this scroll. It hereby states, that the Guild Establishment Office is now allowing the formation of a Clan. A system for guilds to form a larger group of circle, by which a Clan Master shall be put in charge to manage the whole cluster. With this, not only in this Imperial Capital, but the network of information shall now be legally transmitted to other parts of Navea, no matter how far it is."
Meiren bumps her fist in her palm.
"A network information system with the use of Clan as its legal medium, huh? You've thought of this well."
Gringar nodded in response.
"The Clan system of course, will be composed of different guilds with whom they would all share the same information base. With regards to the unknown monster incident, the Clan system will help us distribute any useful information…and if our assumptions that the monsters can finally leave their respective dungeons…this will help humanity fight off against them."
"So we're all here to join in one big clan, and to be led by who?"
King Crow asked.
"No, you're all gathered here to be informed of the recent monster tragedy and to be the witness of the seal imprinting of a new law. Of course, since now that the Clan system has been approved just now, we will acknowledge if one of you would actually–"
"We'll gladly participate."
"Hooh?" ← Gringar
Everyone looked at the person who immediately agreed.
"[Diamond Trading & Co.] will gladly follow the Clan system. Presuming that the legendary {Fate Threader} will be our guild's Clan Master."
It was none other than Meiren.
Zephyr was startled with her announcement, as he looked at her, she showed him a respectful smile and lowered her head. Though it was to be taken as a compliment, Zephyr took it as if she's pushing more work for him, who was someone that's already thinking of retiring due to the fact that he can't keep up with his insanely talented guild mates. His inner lazy side weeps. 'Lady, I'm already at my wit's end managing our small crazy guild…how much more stress would it be if I were to manage all of you!'
"Fuhahahaha!! Sounds interesting, though, we of the Crow's Nest are all proud warriors, we have no qualms if it's the legendary {Fate Threader} that leads the clan."
It was back then that captivated King Crow's eyes. The smile of a top predator, displaying its confidence from all the people affected, despite being faced with an unfathomable monster (Anastasia) and tamed it like he owns her.
"Us too!"
The three representatives from [Shadow Core] didn't hesitate to join in as well.
"Lord {Fate Threader}, we would like to be a part of your clan as well. [Shadow Core] will be a specialized unit at your disposal for various reconnaissance of far off areas."
"Hello good citi- I mean, Lord {Fate Threader}! Do you remember me, the cute girl you–! Ow!"
David bumps Erika's head lightly and makes her lower her head towards Zephyr, which he does as well.
'What? What!?'
Before he even realized it, three of the most well-known guilds have already pledged their allegiance with him, even though he does not announce anything about participating in a Clan yet, moreover, leading one. His chance to reject it just vanished when Anastasia speaks up.
"All of your applications will be subject to Master Zep's approval. But know that if he leads this Clan, all of us should make sure that we will meet his expectations of us."
"That's acknowledged!"
"Affirmed!"
"Fuhahaha! Good, good, we agree!"
All of these clans just went with it, their decisions are made and firm. The rest of the guilds that haven't put their allegiance are either arrogant, not convinced, or just plain jealous of the top guild.
"Hah! Not even a shred of pride left for the lot of you, huh? Bowing down to a person that you haven't even tested yet, that's quite foolish."
Gringar and the others turn towards the man who just announced his dismay about the current matter. Gringar however, is displaying a concerned expression, not for Zephyr, but for this man who just incurred the wrath of all three guilds, specially, [Grim Fate].
This man is of noble bloodline, hailing from the noble-run kingdom Verspāla. The vice-leader and representative of the Star ranked guild, [Silver Blade], Heinrich Von Silvermane. A proud and classic noble, with a profession of a magic swordsman. He's confident enough to stand up against them because of his noble bloodline and the Silvermane's status in society. Though despite this, guilds doesn't really care-
"Boy." Said King Crow with a menacing tone whilst walking towards him slowly.
"W-what? Would you dare lay a hand on me!?"
King Crow smirked, he then let out a brief chuckle.
"Keh, I may be old, but I know a warrior when I see one. The man our guild has pledged allegiance to, was of the greatest and top fighters I have seen. I know just by observing him, but then, when I look at you–"
King Crow glared at him from head to toe, making Heinrich shiver.
"Disappointment, a useless and shameless display of pride, that's all I can see."
Meiren doesn't show it, but she just laughed on the inside. As someone who needs to establish good networks with all these guilds, she has to be careful.
"You…!"
As time continues to march on, King Crow's menacing aura just keeps on getting stronger, as Heinrich couldn't keep up with it, he turns towards the plain looking Zephyr.
"You! What can you do to prove yourself huh? I'm not believing anything unless I see your power myself!"
'You know, we are in agreement about me not being a Clan leader, err…though-' the next words of Zephyr unconsciously came out of his mouth instead of just thinking it in his mind.
"-you should watch your mouth."
"...!!"
"Hah! Tell him {Fate Threader}."
Everyone seems to acknowledge his words as they all become more wary of him, with the exception of Anastasia and King Crow.
"A-ah, I didn't mean to-"
Anastasia stands up from her position, unexpectedly, she's still calm despite Heinrich's provocations to Zephyr.
"You, of noble blood, have no such experience with hardships. I would gladly take you up on a challenge, to see if you're worthy enough to speak in front of Master Zep despite that spoiled attitude
"Spoil-!! Tch! You think I'll get intimidated by you and your challenge!"
'Whoa, this dude got guts, standing up to Anastasia like that.'
"Indeed. A dungeon raid with me to be exact."
This will be fun.