The past three weeks had reshaped The Chosen into something far greater than a fledgling guild. What had begun as a small, ambitious group now spanned over seventy members, bolstered by solo players looking for stability and smaller guilds eager to merge for survival. The rapid expansion had not gone unnoticed—Monolith's enforcers had doubled their presence in contested zones, making it clear they were watching.
Mars stood atop a wooden outpost in Greythorn Village, looking down at the growing training fields below. New recruits practiced in groups, sparring with each other while class trainers observed and gave pointers. It was a sight that would have been impossible weeks ago, but now it was his reality.
Alycia approached, leaning on her staff, watching the activity unfold. "You've built something impressive," she admitted, eyes scanning the recruits. "Most guilds take months to get this many dedicated players."
Mars exhaled, his crimson eyes sharp with focus. "Numbers aren't enough. Strength matters, but so does loyalty and adaptability. We need players who don't just fight well—but think well."
Alycia smirked. "And how many of these recruits fit that criteria?"
Mars scanned the crowd. Over the past weeks, he had personally vetted every player who joined. He didn't just look at their combat prowess, but their mentality, teamwork, and integrity.
"Enough," he finally said, a smirk forming. "Enough to take Morrath Castle."
Alycia's expression shifted, her intrigue evident. "You really plan on pulling that off, huh?"
Mars nodded, eyes burning with conviction. "It's time."
Leadership and Preparation
The guild hall—a large repurposed tavern—was packed. The original ten members that had signed The Chosen's guild charter sat around a war table, their expressions mixed with excitement and focus. Mars stood at the head of the table, his Icebound Blade sheathed at his hip, his presence commanding.
He surveyed the group, then spoke. "We're moving forward. It's time to structure this guild properly."
The room fell silent.
"Morrath Castle is the first major step," Mars continued. "This isn't just a raid—this is a guild housing event. Once we claim it, it becomes our stronghold. A base for our operations, a fortress that will make us untouchable."
A fighter, Dorian, nodded. "We've got the numbers now, but do we have the levels?"
Mars smirked. "We're close. Most of us are sitting between Level 10 and 14. By the time we're ready, the main raiding team will be Level 15 minimum."
Rowan folded his arms. "That's a solid threshold. Any lower and we'd be feeding kills to the dungeon's AI."
Mars turned to the original ten, those who had helped him establish The Chosen. "I need officers," he said, his voice firm. "People who can lead groups, train new members, and keep things organized."
A rogue named Kai, one of the first to sign the charter, straightened. "What are the responsibilities?"
Mars met his gaze. "I need officers who can lead squads, handle diplomacy, and enforce our standards. This isn't just about fighting—it's about keeping this guild strong from the inside."
The room was quiet for a moment, before Mars made his choices.
Kai (Rogue): Operations Lead – In charge of information gathering, reconnaissance, and PvP scouting.
Dorian (Warrior): Raid Leader – Responsible for strategizing large-scale fights and dungeon expeditions.
Rowan (Cleric): Support Commander – Oversees healing units, resource management, and recovery operations.
Helga (Knight): Defense Coordinator – Organizes guild defense efforts in case of outside attacks.
Each of them nodded in agreement, stepping into their new roles without hesitation.
"Now," Mars continued, "we train."
The class trainers had arrived earlier that morning, offering essential skill advancements for those who had hit Level 10. This was the true beginning of The Chosen's strength.
Mars had already begun unlocking his own new abilities, refining the balance between swordsmanship and magic.
[Skill Acquired: Ice Slash – Infuses weapon strikes with frost, slowing enemy movement on hit.]
[Skill Acquired: Arcane Reinforcement – Temporarily enhances weapon durability and damage output.]
Across the guild, members were honing their own specializations. The next two days would be dedicated to fine-tuning synergy, coordination, and raid tactics before they made their move.
Choosing the Raid Team
The war table was now marked with a detailed map of Morrath Castle, illuminated by flickering candlelight. Mars, Alycia, and the newly appointed officers studied it intently, their expressions hardened with purpose.
"This won't be a standard raid," Mars started. "The castle's been abandoned since launch, and there have been several stability and AI patches implemented, which means the dungeon AI has evolved. If we screw up, the event resets, and we'll have to start from scratch."
Alycia tapped the fortress walls on the map. "The outer defenses will be the hardest part. If the demons hold the gate, we're screwed."
Mars nodded. "Which is why we're taking twenty of our best players. Ten front-liners, five ranged DPS, and five support."
Roland grunted. "Who's going?"
Mars began choosing his squad, selecting those who had proven themselves not just in combat, but in discipline and teamwork.
Morrath Castle Raid Team
Frontline Fighters (Tanks & Melee DPS):
Mars (Mage-Knight) – Raid Leader
Bren (Barbarian) – Secondary Tank
Helga (Knight) – Primary Tank
Dain (Monk) – Close-Range DPS
Talia (Rogue) – Melee Assassin
Ranged DPS & Tactical Support:
6. Elias (Rogue) – Tactical Coordination
7. Fiora (Archer) – Precision Support
8. Varian (Pyromancer) –AOE Damage Specialist
9. Hale (Warlock) – Dark Magic Specialist
10. Cerys (Spellblade) – Hybrid Damage & Defense
Support & Healing Team:
11. Rowan (Cleric) – Main Healer
12. Sora (Battle Priest) –Hybrid Healer/Buffer
13. Eren (Alchemist) – Potion & Enchantment Specialist
14. Sienna (Hedge Witch) – Buff/Hexes & Creature Summons
15. Varis (Bard) – Combat Enhancer & Morale Booster
Additional Support Units (Five Reserve Members):
16-20. Additional high-level members trained for reinforcement if needed.
Mars glanced at Alycia. "You in?"
She smirked. "Thought you'd never ask."
With the raid team finalized, preparations were set into motion.
The attack would take place at dawn, a full-scale assault on Morrath Castle to claim it as The Chosen's permanent stronghold.
As the meeting concluded, Mars stepped outside, staring toward the darkened mountains to the north, where Morrath Castle loomed like a specter in the distance.
The Chosen was ready.
The real war was about to begin.