I ended up dwelling on the matter all night.

It was to the point where I didn't get a single ounce of sleep. The only thing that I could think of was the situation and what the system was trying to do. The more I researched and discovered, the more apprehensive I became.

There was definitely something suspicious about the situation, but without any more information, the only thing I could do was slowly gather more and more evidence.

'For now, I'll just focus on reaching the three-star rating.'

I was intrigued to see the 'feature' that I had supposedly unlocked.

Thankfully, I had already contacted my team. They had all evacuated from Malovia and weren't too far from where I was.

Filling them in on the situation, they had already started updating the game, but without the necessary equipment, things were going to be much harder.

"Huaam."

Yawning, I got out of bed and moved over to the bathroom.

Staring at my own reflection and seeing the dark circles, I pulled the skin slightly before moving my hand away and washing my face.

Given the Guild Master's words, I had to get ready.

Today...

Today I was going to meet with the branch members.

My stomach flipped.

"...I don't want to do it."

***

"Did you hear...? He's here at the branch."

"Here? You mean..."

"Yeah, the one that ended up killing that anomaly on the island. I heard some people say that if not for him, many more people would've died. The secretary yesterday said that she saw him and even gave him the keys to one of the apartments. He's really here."

"What? Are you serious...?"

"Yes."

"Is he really strong?"

"To be honest, nobody really knows. There are some who say he's lucky, and others who argue that he's some sort of secret trainee developed by the Guild Master. Nevertheless, if you see him, you should be careful. There's something about him that feels off."

"You thought so too, right?"

"Maybe it's just his looks at the end of the day; if he's here, then it means that the BUA has cleared him. I'd still stay away."

The Severed Stars branch Guild was rather lively today. Located near the uppermost floor, covering at least a dozen floors, the branch could be considered quite big. They couldn't compare to the true giants of the main island, but they weren't lacking in most aspects.

27th floor.

A man leaning back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, glanced around at the two people surrounding his cubicle.

"What do you think?"

"I'm not buying it."

Across from him, one of the two shook their head, arms crossed tight over their chest. A faint crease formed between his brows as he gradually unfolded his arms.

"They're overrating him. They just don't know what we know."

"I'm with Andreas here."

Beside him, Elias Moreau adjusted his glasses and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Unlike Andreas, his expression remained composed and thoughtful, but the confidence in his eyes made it clear he'd already reached his conclusion.

"He may look impressive, but I don't think he's actually that strong. I think he just lucked out with the situation. Right place, right time. Not that I'm taking credit away from him, as he isn't without merit, but I'm with Elias. People are overrating him."

"Really?"

Marcus sat up in his chair while tapping on his phone and replaying the scenes from the Malovia Gate. His gaze remained fixed on a certain individual. He continued to watch the video for a while before shaking his head.

"I honestly can't tell. The entire video is a little too chaotic. I would've had a better idea if I had been there. It was just about to become my turn to go as well."

"Come on... Don't be ridiculous, Marcus."

Rolling his eyes, Andreas moved closer to Marcus as he showed him his phone.

"It's obvious. The guy found himself at the right place at the right time. Didn't you see the official report by the BUA? He was originally going there for a stream and stumbled upon a cult place. That last anomaly let him kill it."

"...I guess."

Marcus couldn't argue against such logic.

Not everyone was aware of the real truth, but by now, the truth behind the matter had already started to spread amongst the higher-ranking members within each guild. And with the three of them being the aces of the branch guild, it was only natural that they were already aware of it.

"Still, it doesn't look like the standards of the main guild are that great."

Elias muttered as he moved closer to Marcus, his eyes settling on the video playing on the phone.

Though the others didn't reply, their silence spoke volumes about their opinions. Although they were supposedly from a branch guild, they all subconsciously looked down on those from external islands. It wasn't that they were inherently bad, but the stage was simply too small.

The three of them alone had probably cleared more gates in a week than those from the main guild had done in a couple of months.

There was no real comparison.

Especially since they were all top graduates from the top academies across the main island.

This wasn't about ego.

It was just the truth.

"What are you all doing?"

"....!"

"Shit!"

".....!!!"

Suddenly, a voice cut into their discussion. All three stiffened at once, turning toward the source. Their faces paled as a figure stepped into the room, a cardboard box held loosely in their arms.

"What? Cat your tongue? Why is nobody speaking anymore? Heeelloo?"

A head peeked out from the side of the box, a loose ponytail hanging down as a pair of green eyes settled on them. Her features were flawless enough to captivate anyone who looked her way.

And yet, despite her appearance, the moment she showed her face, the three immediately had anything but 'captivation' in their eyes.

"I, ah..."

"That's... Squad Leader, we were just talking about the upcoming World Congress."

"Oh? And what about it?"

"...We just felt that we had a pretty good shot at it. Oh, right. I think there's also a chance that you might be able to rank in the new upcoming ranking."

"Mhhmm. I don't know about that. I think it's a little bit too early for that."

Setting the box down on the cubicle to her right, she patted the top of it a couple of times before diverting her attention back to the group.

Her smile grew wider as she did.

At least, for a few seconds. Eventually, the smile faded from her lips as she stared at the three in silence.

"Do you like taking the piss out of me?"

"....!"

"No, we—"

"Cut the bullshit. I could hear you all the way down the corridor. Don't take me for a fucking idiot. I'll kill you if you do."

"....."

"....."

"....."

Neither of the three spoke. None of them took her threat lightly. Perhaps she wouldn't kill them, but cripple them?

Very much possible.

Seeing the three shut up, Catherine looked away from them and back towards the box. Patting it once more, she began mumbling, "I don't give a single fuck about what you think about that guy from the Gate, but my sister will be coming soon to the Guild. I don't want you all to screw up her image of us the moment she enters. Is that understood?"

The three hastily nodded, signaling that they understood.

And just as one of them was about to speak, came a sudden knock from the distance.

Immediately, all heads turned.

A moment later, a pair of piercing dark eyes met their gaze.

"This is the right place, right…?"

Those eyes alone were enough to make everyone tense.

At least, that was the case until Catherine stepped forward, a bubbly smile blooming across her face.

"You should be Seth, correct?"

Before he even had time to respond, Catherine extended her hand.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Catherine." She paused briefly before adding, "Catherine Terline. I've heard all about you from my sister. I'm happy to finally make your acquaintance."

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