"Well, technically speaking, you could count my inclusion as having two Aces for the price of one, since I've got Luxuria," I remarked thoughtfully.

"Yeah, that's true. I still can't help but feel concerned, though, considering what happened last time," Frowned Isla, a worried look on her face.

Today's the 20th of June, 2169, and I was currently at the Guild, in Isla's office.

A couple of days ago, the Union and Guild established a new set of standard practices to employ during raids.

Most notably, when it comes to deviations from standard patterns, parties are to retreat the instant it seems like the difficulty level is significantly rising above what they're prepared for.

Such Dungeons will promptly be flagged as urgent, and Aces will be assigned as quickly as possible to pick up where the initial party left off and conquer it.

So far, there haven't been any reports of other Calamity Level Monsters showing up after that Archdemon, but it's definitely a possibility that everyone's on high alert for.

Things are pretty dire, I've heard that a lot of Freelancers have been inactive ever since the information we got from Luxuria was made public, which is understandable.

But as a result, the Hunters who have been active are getting stretched thin, there's a serious lack of manpower, several Dungeons have just barely been conquered on time.

At this rate, it isn't going to be long before we see the first Stampede in decades.

Anyway, once the updated standard practices were issued, Quests became available again, and I signed up for one right away, another High Level raid, it's scheduled for tomorrow.

Aria was also going to be a part of it, Sera too. Damien was taking a break, so he wouldn't be coming along, and Keira hadn't shown up at the Guild at all since the last raid, understandably so.

The rest of the party would be made up of three K-Ranks and two Q-Ranks.

Isla had called me to meet her at her office today, to discuss the raid. Considering what happened last time, I guess she's got some concerns.

"I've got my own worries about it too, but we can't just ignore the Dungeons," I pointed out.

"Yes, I know. Make sure to abide by the new guidelines. You've been in enough Dungeons that have deviated from the standard patterns to recognize the signs, make sure to leave immediately, if and when you see those signs," She replied firmly.

Oh, and she wants me to be the Captain of this party. I'll be meeting the rest of the party after my discussion here wraps up.

"You sure you want me leading this, by the way? Aria's been here longer than I have, and it doesn't necessarily have to be one of us either," I pointed out.

"I know, I'm well-aware that Power Level has nothing to do with leadership skills, so I wouldn't hesitate to disregard Power Level and rank when picking a leader.

I picked you because I think you're the best fit, you're sharp and have an excellent battle sense, those are invaluable traits. So, I'll be counting on you," She replied with a smile.

"Well, if you're really sure. If nothing else, I'll give it my best shot," I nodded as I gave her a thumbs up.

We discussed a few more concerns, before I headed out once we addressed everything she was concerned about.

I made my way out of her office and through the building, heading for the room where I was supposed to meet the rest of the party.

Hm, Aria texted me about five minutes ago, saying everyone had arrived...hope I haven't kept them waiting too long.

As the door to the room came into sight, I picked up the pace a bit, before frowning as loud, muffled voices echoed out.

Sounds like a commotion, what's going on?

I grabbed the handle, twisting it down before pushing the door open and stepping inside, everyone's gazes turning to me, including that of an unexpected figure.

That dark blue-dyed hair, those tattoos...it's the guy who tried hitting on Aria in the tournament during their match.

What's he doing here? If I remember right, he's a member of the Paragon Guild.

"Hm? Oh, I remember you, the runner-up," He remarked with a frown.

"And you're the creep who got his ass kicked by Aria...sorry, what's your name, again?" I responded, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Huh? You tryin' to start a fight, brat?"

"Hey, back off, Trent. Come on, don't cause any trouble, just go home," Sighed Sera, before adding as she glanced at me, "Sorry about this, he's a friend of my younger brother, he came here to drop something off that I'd forgotten at home."

"I see. Then, what's with the commotion?" I asked her.

"He started hitting on all of us, except Sera!" Spoke up one of the others indignantly.

"Yeah, and he just won't take no for an answer!"

"Hah, don't act like you don't love the attention!" He scoffed in response.

"Seriously? Alright, whatever, just get out of here. We've got an important matter to discuss, so you're going to need to leave," I remarked, as I gestured to the door.

There's no need to escalate this, so I'll take the high road and-...

"Tch, don't tell me what to do, you limp-dick prick."

Hm. On second thought, the high road's overrated.

"Trent, leave. I'm serious," Stated Sera sternly.

"Yeah, go away already," Huffed Aria with an annoyed look on her face.

"Come on, don't be like that, babe. Frowning like that's gonna ruin your pretty face," He smirked, starting to reach out before I swiftly stepped towards him and grabbed his arm.

"You really don't want to do this the hard way, I won't warn you again," I remarked icily, tightening my grip.

"Let go of me, you little shit! I'll kick your ass!" He snapped, as he wrenched his arm free of my grasp, gingerly rubbing the spot I'd grabbed.

"Yeah? I'd like to see you try."

"Okay, that's it! I challenge you to a duel! And if I win, I score a date with the redhead!"

"Excuse me?!" Snapped Aria indignantly.

"I'm not agreeing to something so insulting. So, how about this? If you win, you can stick around...at least, I won't tell you to leave, though I can't speak on behalf of anyone else. But if I win, you're going to get out of here without a word of complaint."

"Tch, that's not a fair trade...alright, if you win, I'll leave. But if I win, you have to grovel at my feet, lick my shoes and beg for my forgiveness!"

"Yeah, alright. I wouldn't get your hopes up, though," I responded dryly.

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