The sprawling, three-story house, affectionately nicknamed "Pantheon" by the guild members, hummed with the low thrum of high-end gaming rigs and the excited chatter of its residents. This wasn't just any gaming house; it was a testament to the real-world influence of Zero's guild, a collection of some of Elysium's top players – and, coincidentally, some of Tokyo's wealthiest young adults. Ryo, as Zero, stood at the entrance, a slight smile playing on his lips as he watched Luna, as Artemis, take it all in.
"Welcome to Pantheon," he said, extending a hand. "Home of the… slightly eccentric… Pantheon guild."
Luna chuckled, her eyes wide with amusement. "Slightly eccentric is an understatement. This place is… amazing."
The main room, a cavernous space with exposed brick walls and comfortable couches, was filled with the sounds of keyboards clicking and headsets crackling. Several members were engaged in various games, some casually chatting, others deep in concentration. A large holographic projector displayed a live feed of an Elysium raid, showcasing the guild's prowess.
"Don't worry," Ryo said, noticing Luna's slight hesitation. "They're mostly harmless. Mostly."
He led her through the house, introducing her to the members one by one. There was Kenji, the Guildmaster and Ryo's best friend since childhood, a laid-back guy with a surprisingly sharp strategic mind. Kenji greeted Luna with a warm smile, genuinely happy to have her join their ranks.
"Zero's been singing your praises," Kenji said, clapping Luna on the shoulder. "Said you're the best archer he's ever seen. And trust me, he's seen a lot of archers."
Luna blushed slightly. "He's exaggerating," she said.
"Not at all," Ryo interjected. "You're incredibly skilled, Luna. You'll be a valuable asset to the guild."
He introduced her to the other members – a mix of personalities, from the fiercely competitive to the casually friendly. There was Sakura, a genius programmer who designed the guild's custom interfaces; Takeshi, a quiet giant who excelled at tanking; and Yumi, a bubbly streamer who kept the guild's morale high. Each of them welcomed Luna warmly, eager to have her join their group.
As Ryo showed Luna around, he explained the benefits of being part of the Pantheon guild. Beyond the camaraderie and support, they had access to resources and information that solo players could only dream of. They shared strategies, collaborated on quests, and even had their own dedicated server for practice raids.
"We also have a pretty good chef," Ryo added, leading her towards the kitchen. "He makes a mean spicy ramen. You mentioned you liked spicy ramen, right?"
Luna's eyes lit up. "You remembered?"
Ryo shrugged, trying to act casual. "Of course. I remember everything."
He noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere as they entered the kitchen. A few members were gathered around a large table, their conversation abruptly stopping as they saw Luna. He recognized the familiar glint of suspicion in their eyes. They were the players who had been spreading rumors about him and Luna, the ones who envied their skills and their closeness.
Ryo placed a hand on Luna's arm, a silent gesture of support. "Don't mind them," he whispered. "They'll come around."
He cleared his throat, addressing the group. "Guys, this is Luna. She's joining the guild."
A few mumbled greetings echoed through the room. One player, a tall, lanky guy with a sneer, spoke up. "So, the power couple finally decided to grace us with their presence?"
Ryo's jaw tightened. He was about to retort when Luna stepped forward, her expression calm and composed.
"That's right," she said, her voice clear and steady. "I'm joining the guild. And I'm looking forward to proving my worth, just like everyone else."
Her words hung in the air, silencing the skeptics. Ryo felt a surge of pride.
Luna was strong, confident, and more than capable of handling herself. He knew then that she was not just a skilled gamer, but an incredible person, both inside and outside of Elysium. And he was lucky to have her by his side, not just as Artemis, but as Luna. The chapter ends with Luna taking a seat at the table, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that came with being a member of the Pantheon guild, a new chapter in her life, both in the real world and in Elysium, beginning.