"Gladly!"

Hulu responded on behalf of Chang Long, slashing with his long, sharp claws and piercing the body of the Caesar Guild's deputy leader, leaving a gaping hole the size of a fist. Blood gushed from the wound, yet the man, on the brink of death, appeared almost blissful, as if this was the long-awaited fulfillment of his deepest desire.

"Thank you so much, master. My friend and I don't know how we could ever repay you,"

Phiros approached Chang Long, his body covered in wounds, though both he and his friend were otherwise safe.

"Just be my lackey for a day. Don't even think about forgetting,"

Chang Long replied, exhaling a tired sigh, with no intention of revealing her true name to Phiros.

Clang!

The remaining Caesar Guild players all dropped their weapons in unison, silently agreeing to quit the guild. They feared they might one day be dragged into the same circle as their guild leader and deputy leader. Seeing that the guild was about to disband, Chang Long thought it was a waste and suggested they hold a vote to remove the former guild leader from his position and elect a new one who suited them better.

"That's doable!"

One of the guild leading member said, intrigued by Chang Long's suggestion.

"Who should we pick as the new leader?"

Several other Caesar Guild members asked, and without coordinating, they all turned to look at Chang Long.

"…Don't look at me. I'll never be your guild leader!"

Chang Long quickly refused.

"In that case, would either of the two gentlemen traveling with you be interested in the position?"

The Caesar Guild players turned to Hulu and Kitsune instead. Hulu seemed somewhat interested but ultimately declined, while Kitsune immediately refused without hesitation, as the only person he wanted to follow was Chang Long.

"What kind of person do you want as your leader?"

Chang Long asked the Caesar Guild members, who now conversed with her as if they had never been enemies. In this world, there were no permanent friends or foes—everything depended on mutual understanding and shared interests.

"Skilled, virtuous, loyal to their comrades, and definitely not into the same gender!"

One of the Caesar Guild members said, and the others loudly voiced their agreement.

"Skill can be developed, but as for the other qualities, I know someone who fits the bill,"

Chang Long nodded, prompting all the Caesar Guild members to turn and look at her again.

"Who, Master?"

Phiros and Kimhant asked in unison, curious.

"You, of course!"

Chang Long replied, turning to the young man in front of her with a wide smile.

Phiros seemed taken aback by Chang Long's gaze. He had never imagined becoming a guild leader, let alone of a guild he had once fought against. Not only was he hesitant, but he also doubted whether the Caesar Guild members would accept him. The guild members themselves were equally stunned, as their previous leader, despite his preferences, was quite high-level, whereas Phiros was still relatively low-level, just like most of the guild members.

"H... Huh?"

Phiros looked at Chang Long with a bewildered expression, as if he did not quite understand what she had just said.

"I said, you should be the new guild leader,"

Chang Long repeated clearly. The Caesar Guild members stared at Phiros in shock, as this young swordsman had a lower level than some of them.

"Uh… I don't think that's appropriate, Mr. Master. It seems like our guild members aren't too willing to accept him,"

one of the higher-level Caesar Guild members spoke up. Even he had a higher level than this young swordsman.

"And why is that?"

Chang Long asked loudly, her face straight. That alone was enough to make the surrounding crowd tense up.

"They don't accept him because he's lower level and they haven't seen his true abilities yet,"

Kitsune, who was sitting beside Chang Long, chimed in, causing those who had been gossiping about the situation to immediately fall silent.

"What's your level, Phiros?"

Chang Long asked the young swordsman, who seemed a bit dejected after being rejected.

"Level 42,"

he replied.

"Anyone here who's also level 42, step up and duel him so everyone can see his skills,"

Chang Long ordered. The Caesar Guild players hesitated for a moment, unsure if she was serious or not. But when they saw Phiros step forward, they sent out a representative with the best combat skills at level 42.

"Just show your skills; no killing. If anyone dies, the whole guild will be wiped out,"

Chang Long laid out the rules, making the Caesar Guild players turn pale.

Once the opponent was chosen, the street in front of the Caesar Guild building became an impromptu arena, with Kitsune acting as the referee. The duel would be fought barehanded to allow everyone to see their abilities clearly. Phiros and his opponent removed their partial armor to increase their mobility, prompting excited cheers from the female onlookers who had gathered to watch. Phiros' well-built physique drew loud admiration, leaving his opponent feeling deflated. When he looked down at his own muscles and six-pack, he realized they were more like a scrawny frame in comparison.

"The duel will not allow the use of any weapons and will end when one party is incapacitated or surrenders,"

Kitsune explained the rules before signaling the start of the match.

Phiros' opponent, a man named Xenon, confidently initiated the attack. Phiros, however, remained composed, waiting to counter. As Xenon's powerful right fist aimed directly for Phiros' face, Phiros skillfully dodged by shifting his body to the side. Not only that, but he also drove his knee into Xenon's stomach as he overextended, forcing Xenon to block the blow with his free left hand.

Although Xenon managed to lessen the impact, he still staggered several steps, clutching his stomach in pain. Phiros did not pursue the advantage; instead, he stood still and beckoned with a challenging gesture. This only made Xenon grit his teeth and realize he could no longer underestimate Phiros' combat skills.

The battle grew increasingly intense as both fighters became determined to win. But it was not just about victory—both Xenon and Phiros found themselves enjoying the fight and growing to respect each other. Despite their bodies accumulating bruises, neither was willing to concede. The crowd, now fully engrossed, cheered wildly, wondering who would emerge victorious. Meanwhile, the high-level players observing the match could see that both fighters were nearing their physical limits and shook their heads at their reckless persistence.

"Next time, then,"

Chang Long muttered to herself with a smile as she watched the two young men prepare to launch their final attacks. Devi-chan, Hisa-chan, Alice-chan, and Hulu, standing nearby, all nodded in agreement, although only Hulu was visible to the others.

With everything they had left, the two fighters delivered their strongest, final punches directly to each other's faces with their right fists, sending both of them crashing to the ground with a loud thud. They lay there motionless, under the intense gaze of the audience. Slowly, their bodies began to move as they struggled to get back on their feet. Astonishingly, both Phiros and Xenon managed to stand, but there was a clear difference—Phiros seemed to be in better shape, his body steady and not trembling from overexertion like Xenon's.

"huff huff... you... you don't even look tired,"

Xenon said, his voice shaky. In truth, he desperately wanted to collapse, but his pride would not let him give in. He forced himself to stay upright, even though doing so risked pushing him into a state of unconsciousness or coma. Though there was no visible bleeding, his body was severely injured, and his health points were steadily dropping.

"In the real world, I've taken much worse hits,"

Phiros said to Xenon with a smile, wiping the blood from his lip with his finger.

"Heh, heh, heh... Unbelievable. I hate to admit it, but... I've lost,"

Xenon said with a grin before collapsing to the ground in complete exhaustion. His guildmates quickly rushed over to shove blood crystals and rejuvenating crystals into his mouth. Meanwhile, Feather approached Phiros slowly, a broad smile on his face, showing how much confidence he had in his friend's abilities.

After witnessing Phiros defeat an opponent of the same level without suffering any debuffs, the Caesar Guild members began to view the young swordsman in a more positive light. His skill, integrity, and sense of justice were all on display in the duel. If it had been Apollo, the former guild leader, he likely would have disgraced himself and the guild by drawing his sword to kill his opponent, ignoring the rules and principles of fair combat. Those who knew Apollo well were aware that he would do anything to win, regardless of whether it was right or wrong.

"Uh, Mr. Master, we've decided to give him the guild leader position as you suggested. But you need to take responsibility for him too since you're the one who nominated him!"

One of the Caesar Guild's senior members spoke on behalf of the entire guild to Chang Long.

"Oh, don't worry. If he doesn't behave, feel free to report it to me. After all, he's my lackey,"

Chang Long replied with a smile.

Chang Long responded with a cheerful smile.

"L... lackey..."

the player repeated in stunned disbelief.

"Uh-huh, which makes me the boss of your guild leader. Ha ha, way higher up the chain, wouldn't you say!"

Chang Long spoke to herself with satisfaction, but the Caesar Guild players, along with Phiros and Feather, heard her clearly. They all thought the same thing:

"This one's a real strategist."

"Alright, Mr. Phiros, we, the senior members, will cast our votes to appoint you as the new guild leader in place of Apollo. After that, you'll need to level up with us quickly so we can make it official,"

the high-ranking player said. The reason they accepted Phiros so quickly was due to Chang Long's backing. However, there were still some who were not pleased with having an outsider suddenly take over the guild, especially when they could have chosen one of their own senior members. But they were smart enough not to oppose the decision now. Who knew what might happen in the future once Chang Long is no longer around, right!

"Please guide me,"

Phiros replied politely. Though his level was still low compared to other guild leaders in the game, he had already won over many members of the Caesar Guild. Now, he just needed to level up and earn the trust of the remaining members. He would have to fight his way to level sixty to become a fully recognized guild leader.

"Well, a happy ending, I guess. Time to get lunch. It's noon, and I didn't even get to finish my breakfast,"

Chang Long sighed, acting as if she was ready to move on as if nothing had happened.

"Wait, master! What about the promise to have me and my friend serve as your lackeys for a day? We can start today if you like,"

Phiros quickly said, not wanting to break the promise he made to her. After all, she not only saved his friend but also helped him gain control of an entire guild.

"Rain check. I've got enough on my plate with my own minions. But if you ever forget your promise, I'll come back and crush you. Got it!"

Chang Long said in a cheerful tone, though her voice turned serious at the end.

"U… uh, Master, how about we treat you to a meal as thanks for keeping our guild safe from that... other lifestyle?"

The same senior player offered.

"Really? But my crew can eat a lot. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Chang Long asked with sparkling eyes, making the player who extended the invitation start to second-guess his decision.

"Yes, really,"

he confirmed, a man should not go back on his words.

"Then lead the way!"

Chang Long nodded cheerfully, accepting the invitation. The Caesar Guild players then led Chang Long and their new guild leader to celebrate at the Prince Paris Restaurant. Everyone was taken aback when they saw Chang Long place a spirit tablet on the table and leave two empty seats. She also poured some mysterious liquid from a pearl white horn-shaped vessel, (the Horn of Abundance), into two small glasses she had set out.

On the second floor of the Prince Paris Restaurant, which they had reserved entirely, the Caesar Guild members watched in shock as something emerged from Chang Long's body. They were astonished not only by the ghostly way it appeared but also because the creature was one of the rarest in the game—a fairy.

"Fairy!"

They all exclaimed in unison, their amazement causing Anya, the fairy, who seemed to have just woken up, to be startled as well.

"Uh... I forgot to mention, if anyone talks about what they saw today... your guild's toast!"

Chang Long threatened, making a gesture of slitting her throat with her thumb. The Caesar Guild members quickly clamped their hands over their mouths in fear.

With no other choice, Chang Long had to summon Anya out in the open since, despite her ability to hibernate within Chang Long's body, she still needed to be fed regularly.

"Where are you headed next, master?"

Phiros, seated across from Chang Long, asked.

"I'm planning to explore Troy and check out the beach to see some of the beasts there,"

Chang Long replied thoughtfully. She was curious to see the aquatic monsters that populated the beach area, as Troy was the only place where such creatures were common, and they often dropped rare items.

"The beach is the main attraction of our city. It's busier there than in any other part of Troy!"

Xenon added. But when he glanced at the empty seats with food and fine liquor gradually disappearing as if being consumed, his hand, which was holding a spoon, full of food dropped it to the floor in shock.

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