Chapter 103: The Path to Power
The moonlight led the group through the Academy's darkened grounds, following the trail left by Elara. Her ethereal presence ahead seemed to guide them toward something far greater than they could anticipate. Every step Yun-ho took felt heavier, like the gravity of their mission was finally beginning to weigh down on him.
Ethan walked in silence, his usually sarcastic demeanor subdued. Nova, however, couldn't hide her frustration. "She's so cryptic," she muttered. "The Ten Great Guilds? Do we even have time to gather them?"
Yun-ho couldn't disagree. The thought of convincing some of the most powerful factions—CRRYPTIC Holding, The Crimson Dawn, The Azure Dragon, and more—was overwhelming. These guilds were titans in their own right, with influence stretching far beyond the Academy.
"There's no choice," Yun-ho said quietly. "If Elara says we need them, we need them."
They arrived at an old stone archway near the outskirts of the Academy grounds. Beyond it lay a winding path that descended into the unknown. Elara stopped at the entrance and turned to face them.
"This is where I leave you for now," she said softly, her voice blending with the breeze. "Follow this path, and you will find the first of the guilds. The journey will be difficult, and trust will be hard-earned, but your fates are now intertwined."
Yun-ho took a step forward. "Which guild is it?"
Elara's violet eyes glinted in the moonlight. "The Silver Crescent."
Ethan whistled under his breath. "Thieves and assassins. Just great."
Nova folded her arms. "They're notorious for playing both sides in conflicts. How do we convince them?"
Elara smiled enigmatically. "The Silver Crescent values strength, but more than that—they value those who can outwit them."
Before anyone could ask further, she turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving only the echo of her words behind.
Yun-ho exhaled sharply. "Looks like we're heading into the den of thieves."
Without hesitation, he stepped through the archway, leading his companions down the dark path. The atmosphere shifted as they moved away from the familiar Academy grounds, the air growing colder and more oppressive. The sound of rustling leaves and distant howls echoed through the night, heightening their sense of unease.
Ethan, trying to lighten the mood, chuckled. "Who knew saving the world would involve cozying up to assassins?"
Nova shot him a sharp look. "Focus, Ethan. This isn't a game."
Yun-ho stayed quiet, his mind already racing through potential strategies. He knew that the Silver Crescent would be a dangerous negotiation, and they couldn't afford any missteps.
As they ventured deeper into the wilderness, a flicker of movement caught Yun-ho's eye. Shadows shifted unnaturally in the trees ahead, and the feeling of being watched crept over them.
"We're not alone," Yun-ho whispered, his hand instinctively reaching for Crimson Reaper.
Suddenly, a figure dropped from the trees, landing gracefully before them. Cloaked in silver, with a mask obscuring their face, the figure's eyes gleamed with a cold intelligence.
"Welcome, travelers," the masked individual said smoothly, their voice a calm whisper in the night. "The Silver Crescent has been expecting you."
Yun-ho tightened his grip on his weapon, ready for whatever came next. The path to power had begun, but they were far from safe.