The forest stretched endlessly before Mars, a vast expanse of shadowed trees and narrow hunting paths. He moved through it with practiced ease, his eyes scanning for the best spawn points where monsters congregated in predictable cycles. Most players at his level struggled to handle these zones, favoring safer, more manageable hunting grounds. Mars, however, had no interest in caution—he had efficiency on his side.
He adjusted his grip on his newly forged Icebound Blade, feeling the chilling energy pulsing within its steel. The sword was a cut above any starting weapon, its freezing enchantment granting additional control over battles. He spotted a pack of Dire Boars rooting through the underbrush—a prime target. These Level 8 creatures were aggressive, known for their brutal charge attacks, but Mars was more than prepared.
The largest of the boars lifted its head, nostrils flaring as it caught his scent. With a sharp snort, it lowered its tusks and charged, its massive bulk tearing through the foliage. Mars sidestepped at the last moment, his Icebound Blade flashing out in a precise Thrust, striking just beneath its eye.
[Icebound Effect Triggered: Frostbite applied. Target Movement Speed -20%.]
The boar screeched, stumbling as frost spread from the wound, its movements slowing. Mars didn't hesitate, pivoting to deliver a Slash, his blade cutting clean through the beast's neck.
The rest of the pack snorted in alarm before charging at him, their steps uneven from the ice forming on the ground beneath them. Mars used terrain and movement tactics to avoid getting pinned down, baiting their lunges while countering with swift, calculated strikes.
[EXP Gained: 2,500.]
[Level Up! Current Level: 10.]
A system notification chimed in his mind, marking his rapid progression. He had reached his goal—Level 10 unlocked. The real work was about to begin.
The Watchful Eye
Alycia leaned against a tree at the forest's edge, arms crossed as she watched Mars tear through monsters like a machine. She'd seen elite players, guild-trained specialists, and even Cyberdyne-backed prodigies—but this guy? He moved like someone who already knew everything, like he had done it all before.
"Damn," she muttered under her breath, watching as Mars exploited every weakness in the Dire Boars' attack patterns. Players at this stage should be struggling or at the very least, playing cautiously. Mars, on the other hand, fought with surgical precision, dispatching enemies with calculated efficiency. It was clear—he was no ordinary player.
Nearby, a pair of solo players had also taken notice. They stood at a distance, whispering among themselves as they watched Mars level at an unnatural speed. "That guy's got to be part of a high-tier guild," one of them muttered. "No way a beginner moves like that."
"Maybe he's a smurf," the other suggested. "An old pro starting over?"
Alycia smirked but kept silent, amused by their guesses. They had no idea.
Meanwhile, Mars continued his grind, now facing a pack of Shadowfang Wolves, their dark pelts blending into the dense brush. They were Level 9, faster and deadlier than the boars, but Mars wasn't fazed. He baited their lunges, countered their leaps with Thrust, and systematically picked them off one by one.
[EXP Gained: 5,600.]
[Level Up! Current Level: 10.]
The final notification chimed as Mars cut down the last wolf, stepping back as its body dissolved into pixels. He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders before checking his status window. He had finally hit Level 10.
Alycia pushed off from the tree, approaching with a knowing smirk. "That was fast," she said casually. "Most people take hours—if not days—to hit double digits. But you? You're built different, aren't you?"
Mars glanced at her but didn't answer immediately. He had what he needed. Now, it was time for the real work to begin.
The Interview Process Begins
The dimly lit backroom of Greythorn's inn buzzed with anticipation. The table at the center of the room held nothing but a few scattered parchment sheets—guild applications—yet to Mars, it represented something much greater. He leaned back against the wooden chair, arms crossed, his crimson eyes scanning the ten players seated before him.
Alycia stood beside him, arms folded, watching with quiet amusement. "This is a bit much for a guild signing, don't you think?" she teased. "Interviews? What is this, a corporate job?"
Mars didn't smile. "This isn't just any guild," he said simply. "I won't take just anyone. If they sign this charter, they represent something bigger than themselves." He looked back at the assembled players. "If you're here for easy loot or protection, walk out now."
Silence. No one moved. Good.
Mars glanced at Alycia. She nodded, stepping forward. "Alright then," she said, addressing the group. "One by one. Who's first?"
A broad-shouldered man with a heavy two-handed greatsword strapped to his back stepped forward, his expression serious. "Name's Dorian Ashford," he said, his deep voice steady. "Used to run solo, scouting dungeons for guilds, but solo life is... limiting. I want a team, one that actually has each other's backs. That's why I'm here."
Mars studied him, watching how he carried himself. A scout with dungeon knowledge would be invaluable. He nodded. "You in it for the long haul?"
Dorian didn't hesitate. "If the guild's built right, I'll fight for it."
Mars extended his hand. "Then welcome to The Chosen."
Dorian shook it firmly and stepped back.
Next was a lean, sharp-eyed woman with a bow strapped across her chest. "Rowan Vale," she said. "I'm a healer, but I know how to fight. Spent the last few days patching up players in Greythorn who got wrecked because their so-called 'guilds' left them behind. I want to be part of something better than that."
Mars nodded. "You won't just be patching people up. You fight alongside us, not behind us. You good with that?"
Rowan smiled. "That's exactly why I'm here."
She signed the charter.
A towering bald man stepped forward next, his arms covered in tribal tattoos. "Bren Callow," he rumbled. "I don't care for drama, but I want a fight. Give me a battlefield, and I'll hold the damn line."
Alycia raised an eyebrow. "Not interested in guild politics?"
Bren shrugged. "Not unless it gets me killed."
Mars smirked. "Then you'll do fine here."
Bren's twin sister, Talia Callow, stepped up next, her daggers glinting at her waist. "Same as my brother," she said smoothly. "We fight. We win. That's all that matters."
Mars leaned forward. "You ever turn your blade on your own team?"
Talia's eyes darkened. "Never."
"Then you're in."
They signed.
A tall, well-groomed man with piercing green eyes approached next, his robes identifying him as a mage. "I am Varian Greaves," he said with a polite nod. "Unlike most of my peers, I believe that power should be earned, not handed down by a guild's inner circle. I want to rise by merit, and I'll fight to prove it."
Mars liked his attitude. "You'll have that chance," he promised.
Varian signed.
Next, a short, sturdy woman in heavy plate armor approached, her helmet tucked under her arm. "Helga Stonemantle," she introduced herself. "I was kicked out of my last guild because I wouldn't follow orders that led to unnecessary deaths. I don't believe in sacrificing people for 'strategy.' I believe in winning without breaking our own people."
Mars met her stare. "You'd rather defy a leader than follow bad orders?"
"Every time," Helga said firmly.
Mars glanced at Alycia, who smiled. "I like her," Alycia admitted.
Mars nodded. "You'll fit in here, Helga."
She signed.
A young rogue with shaggy brown hair approached next, his leather armor well-worn. "Kai Mercer," he said, a grin tugging at his lips. "I get into places I shouldn't be. I get things most people can't. You need a scout who can move unseen, I'm your guy."
Alycia raised a skeptical eyebrow. "A thief?"
Kai smirked. "A specialist in acquiring hard-to-find items."
Mars exhaled. "I don't tolerate stealing from allies."
Kai placed a hand over his heart. "Scout's honor."
Mars wasn't sure if he believed him, but a good scout was invaluable. "One strike," he warned. "That's it."
Kai nodded and signed.
The ninth recruit was a slim, quiet woman in a hooded cloak. "Name's Sienna Blackwood," she said. "I was part of another guild, but when they got too powerful, they started 'removing' members they thought were threats. I want a guild where I'm not looking over my shoulder."
Mars tilted his head. "Can you fight?"
Sienna's lips curled. "Better than most."
Mars pushed the charter forward. "Then you've found your guild."
Sienna signed.
Finally, the tenth recruit stepped forward—a younger man, barely 20, with an eager glint in his eyes. "I'm Jonas Faye," he said, his voice full of nervous energy. "I haven't done much yet, but I want to be part of something. I learn fast. I fight hard. I just need a chance."
Mars studied him carefully. A newbie was risky. But everyone starts somewhere.
"You follow orders?" Mars asked.
Jonas nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."
Mars glanced at Alycia, who smirked. "He's got guts," she said.
Mars pushed the charter toward him. "Then welcome to The Chosen."
Jonas grinned as he signed.
With all ten signatures in place, Mars confirmed the guild formation request. The system notification rang out, solidifying what they had built.
[Guild Charter Complete: 10/10 Signatures Acquired.]
[Proceed to Guild Registrar Cedric to finalize the establishment.]
Alycia clapped him on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Mars. You've got your ten."
Mars exhaled, looking at the group before him. They weren't just numbers. They were loyal, skilled, and hungry for something greater. The Chosen wasn't just another guild—it was a future.
"Now," Mars said, his crimson eyes gleaming, "let's get to work."
The Birth of The Chosen
Back in Greythorn Village, Mars walked toward the Guild Registrar's Office, a small, unassuming building near the town square. Mars stepped into the Office, his crimson eyes steady as an NPC named, Cedric studied him. "Looking to start something, lad?" he asked.
Without hesitation, Mars pulled up the interface and entered the name.
[Guild Name: The Chosen.]
Cedric stroked his beard. "A bold name. What's its purpose?"
Mars didn't blink. "To be the strongest."
[System Notification: Guild Established—The Chosen.]
Across the server, players froze as the announcement lit up their screens.
[New Guild Established: The Chosen. Guild Leader: Mars.]
Silence fell over Greythorn Village as curious stares and hushed whispers followed his every move. Alycia smirked, arms crossed. "Well," she muttered, "now things get interesting."
Mars stepped into the light. Some saw a rival. Others saw an opportunity.
He welcomed both.