The Guild of Shadows' triumph at the Obsidian Ruins spread like wildfire throughout Ashvale and beyond. Canila Panort's name had once again risen to prominence, and his reputation as a feared tactician began to take shape. But with power came enemies—those who coveted his rapid rise and wished to claim it for themselves.
It wasn't long before the first major challenge appeared.
The Crimson Vanguard, one of the largest and most ruthless guilds in Elysium, had taken note of the Guild of Shadows. Their leader, Darius Ravencrest, was infamous for his relentless ambition and brutal methods. His guild held vast territories and monopolized many resources, but more importantly, they held the position of dominance Canila sought to claim.
Darius stood on a cliff overlooking Ashvale, his crimson cloak billowing in the wind as he watched the town below. Beside him, his trusted lieutenant, Zara Nightshade, studied a magical projection of Canila's recent exploits.
"This Guild of Shadows is growing faster than we anticipated," Zara said, her eyes narrowing. "If we don't act now, they could become a threat."
Darius smirked. "Let them enjoy their fleeting victories. They'll soon learn that no one can stand against the Crimson Vanguard."
He turned to Zara, his eyes gleaming with dark intent. "Send a message to the Guild of Shadows. Tell them that their reign is over before it even begins."
Meanwhile, within the safe walls of Ashvale, Canila and his team strategized for their next move. The Plunder Ability had already proven its worth—Canila's stats had surged after each battle, and his combat skills were evolving rapidly.
Current Status: Canila Panort
Level: 30
Strength: 250 (+35 from Plunder)
Agility: 210 (+25 from Plunder)
Endurance: 180 (+20 from Plunder)
Intellect: 160 (+15 from Plunder)
Luck: 50
Skills:
Shadow Step (Rank 2)
Twilight Slash (Rank 3)
Plunder Ability (Rank 1)
"We've made good progress, but we need to push harder," Canila said, reviewing a map of the surrounding dungeons. "Our next target is the Nightveil Caverns. It's a labyrinth filled with dangerous traps and monsters, but the rewards are worth it."
Kael, always the cautious one, raised an eyebrow. "And what about the Crimson Vanguard? Word is they're preparing to challenge us."
Canila's expression hardened. "Let them come. We'll deal with them when the time is right. For now, our focus is on gaining more strength."
Braxus grinned, clearly eager for a fight. "I say let them try. We'll crush them like we did those wolves."
Rhea, who had been silent up until now, suddenly stiffened. "We may not have to wait long for that fight. They're already here."
The group turned toward the tavern entrance just as the door burst open, revealing a group of heavily armored players wearing crimson insignias—the mark of the Crimson Vanguard.
Leading them was Zara Nightshade, her cold, calculating gaze fixed on Canila.
"Canila Panort," she said, her voice smooth yet dangerous. "I bring a message from Darius Ravencrest. Surrender your guild and all your holdings to the Crimson Vanguard, or face annihilation."
Kael's hand instinctively moved toward his sword. "She must be joking."
Canila's eyes never left Zara's. "I don't take orders from the likes of Darius Ravencrest."
Zara's smile widened, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Then you've sealed your fate."
In an instant, her aura flared, and she lunged at Canila with lightning speed. The rest of the Vanguard charged, and the tavern erupted into chaos as the two guilds clashed.
Battle Initiated:
Crimson Vanguard Elite Soldiers (Level 35)
Zara Nightshade (Level 38)
Canila activated his Shadow Step, disappearing from sight and reappearing behind one of the Vanguard soldiers. With a swift strike, he incapacitated the first, but Zara's soldiers were well-trained. Two more came at him with heavy broadswords, their strikes forcing him back.
Rhea darted through the shadows, striking at weak points in the Vanguard's formation, while Fynn unleashed powerful fire spells that sent enemies sprawling. Kael and Braxus held the frontline, their combined strength enough to match the Vanguard's elite soldiers.
Zara, however, was a force unto herself. Her movements were graceful yet lethal, her dual blades flashing as she cut through Braxus' defenses.
"You've got some skill," Zara taunted as she clashed blades with Canila. "But you're not strong enough to defeat me."
"We'll see about that," Canila replied, his eyes glowing with determination.
As the battle raged on, Canila knew that this was the perfect opportunity to test his new power. Activating the Plunder Ability, he targeted one of the Vanguard soldiers, and as the soldier fell, Canila felt a surge of energy as his stats increased.
Plunder Activated:
Absorbed +5 Strength
Absorbed +3 Endurance
With his newfound strength, Canila's attacks became even more precise and devastating. He parried Zara's strikes and countered with a powerful Twilight Slash, forcing her to retreat.
"You've improved," Zara admitted, a trace of surprise in her voice. "But this isn't over."
Realizing she couldn't win this fight, Zara gave a sharp whistle. The remaining Vanguard soldiers fell back, and in a cloud of smoke, they disappeared, leaving the tavern in ruins.
Experience Points Gained:
Defeated [Crimson Vanguard Elite Soldiers]: +3,500 EXP each
Kael wiped the blood from his sword and looked at Canila. "That was just the beginning. They'll be back."
"I know," Canila said, sheathing his blade. "But next time, we'll be ready."
As the dust settled, Canila looked out toward the horizon, knowing that the road ahead was filled with even greater challenges. But with the power of the Plunder Ability and his growing guild by his side, he was more determined than ever to rise to the top of Elysium.
However, in the back of his mind, Canila couldn't shake the feeling that there was something far greater at play. The world of Elysium held many secrets, and not all of them were tied to the game itself.
The Shadow King's journey was far from over, and the deeper he ventured, the more he would uncover about the true nature of the world around him.