The group trekked through the outskirts of the city, their new elite weapons gleaming in the sunlight. For weeks, they had been battling weak monsters—slimes, wolves, and goblins. Each encounter helped them grow stronger and more attuned to their weapons, but JC knew they had hit a plateau.
"This isn't enough," JC said as he leaned against a tree, watching the others dispatch another group of goblins with ease.
Mark, panting slightly, turned to him. "What do you mean? We're leveling up, aren't we?"
JC crossed his arms, his stoic expression as unreadable as ever. "We are. But these monsters are too weak. You're not being challenged."
Lissy dropped a defeated goblin with a fiery punch and turned to JC. "So what's your plan, oh wise leader?"
"I've signed us up for a guild," JC said bluntly, his gaze unwavering.
---
The group froze, stunned.
"A guild?" Angel asked, wiping her daggers on her sleeve. "Are you serious? Those things are full of crazy people and elitists who think they're better than everyone."
"They're also full of resources, opportunities, and higher-level quests," JC replied. "If we're going to survive in this world, we need more than just aimless monster hunting."
Jackson adjusted his Gale Bow, looking unsure. "But… what if they don't accept us? We're not exactly famous or anything."
"They already have," JC said. "I used the dungeon core as leverage. We're officially part of The Devil's Shadows guild now."
"The Devil's Shadows?" Mark raised an eyebrow. "That's... a name."
JC shrugged. "It fits."
---
The group exchanged hesitant glances. Joining a guild was a big step, and the name alone carried a reputation that was both intimidating and intriguing.
"So, what's the deal with this guild?" Lissy asked, her fiery gauntlets sparking slightly.
JC explained. "The Devil's Shadows is one of the smaller guilds in Magina, but it's known for its unconventional methods. They focus on pushing their members to their limits, taking on quests that most others would consider too risky."
Angel smirked. "Risky sounds fun. I'm in."
Mark grinned. "If it means tougher fights, count me in too."
Lissy punched her fists together. "I'm ready for anything."
Jackson hesitated, then nodded. "If you think this is the right move, JC, I'll trust you."
JC's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Let's get moving. Our first meeting with the guild is tonight."
---
The group arrived at the guildhall later that evening. It was a large, imposing building on the outskirts of Magina, its dark stone walls illuminated by glowing red sigils. The air around it buzzed with mana, and the sound of laughter and clashing weapons echoed from within.
Inside, the hall was filled with adventurers of all types—mages, warriors, and rogues. They were seated at long wooden tables, sharing stories and strategizing.
A tall, burly man with a scar running across his face approached them. He wore a massive battle-axe strapped to his back and an intimidating grin.
"You must be the new recruits," he said, his deep voice booming. "I'm Garrek, the guildmaster of The Devil's Shadows."
JC stepped forward, meeting Garrek's gaze without flinching. "I'm JC. These are my teammates—Mark, Angel, Lissy, and Jackson."
Garrek looked them over, his grin widening. "You've got a fire in your eyes. I like that. Welcome to the guild."
---
The group was led to a smaller room where Garrek explained the guild's expectations.
"You'll start with lower-tier quests," he said. "Hunt bigger monsters, guard caravans, maybe investigate a dungeon or two. But don't get comfortable. In this guild, we don't do easy. If you're part of The Devil's Shadows, you're expected to push past your limits."
Angel smirked. "Sounds perfect."
Garrek laughed. "I like you. Just don't die out there. We've got enough paperwork already."
---
Their first guild quest came the next day—a request to clear out a pack of wyverns that had been terrorizing a nearby trade route.
"This is different," Jackson said nervously, gripping his bow as they approached the area.
"Exactly what we need," JC replied, his calm voice steady.
The battle was intense. The wyverns were faster and stronger than anything they had fought before. Lissy's flames burned through their thick hides, Angel's daggers struck their weak points, and Mark's Stormbreaker Blade delivered devastating blows. Jackson provided cover fire with pinpoint accuracy, while JC directed their movements and shielded them with bursts of light magic.
---
By the end of the battle, the group was exhausted but victorious. They stood amidst the fallen wyverns, their weapons glowing faintly from the energy they had absorbed.
"We did it," Mark said, breathing heavily.
"But it wasn't easy," Jackson added, wiping sweat from his brow.
"And that's the point," JC said, his voice as calm as ever. "We're getting stronger."
Angel grinned. "If this is what being part of The Devil's Shadows is like, I think I'm gonna enjoy it."
Lissy nodded. "Yeah. Let's see what else this guild throws at us."
JC glanced at the horizon, his red eyes thoughtful. "This is only the beginning. The real challenges are still ahead."
And with that, the group began their journey as adventurers, ready to face whatever dangers awaited them as part of The Devil's Shadows.