"Yeah, that is a problem. According to the current regulations and standards, only two of the four Guilds in Sanctuary Theta have the manpower to take on Critical Level Dungeons," I frowned, as I leaned back in my seat.

"Yes, that's right. The Demonsbane Guild and Diva Guild both have four Aces each, but the Dragon Slayer Guild and Paragon Guild only have one Ace left each, their respective Guildmasters," Nodded Charlotte, a concerned look on her face.

"At least the frequency of the Dungeons seems to have slowed down for the time being, but this is far from ideal," Chimed in Zian Akel, the Demonsbane Guildmaster.

"But there's no telling how long that'll last, more could pop up any day now," Responded Jorin Fohl with a grimace, the Paragon Guildmaster.

"Agreed, we might have some breathing room right now, but it's bound to only be a matter of time before that changes," Added Leed Bancroft, the Dragon Slayer Guildmaster.

"On the bright side, we've got four students in the Academy with Ace Potential, and graduation is just about two months away. That said, we can't just throw them in the deep end before they're ready," Sighed Isla, her forehead creased and her eyebrows furrowed.

Today's the 30th of October, 2169, about a week has passed since we conquered that Calamity Level Dungeon.

Yesterday, Charlotte contacted me, letting me know that she was holding an important meeting with all the Guildmasters, and wanted me there too.

Not sure why I'm included, but I figured I'd attend anyway.

After all, this is a concern that needs to be addressed ASAP.

The Dragon Slayer Guild and Paragon Guild bore the brunt of the casualties suffered during the battle against the Aces corrupted by the Archdemon Zeifas, they lost several of their Aces by the time backup from the other Sanctuaries arrived.

And over the three months or so since then, they lost the rest of their Aces during raids, with the exception of the Guildmasters.

If that wasn't enough, the increased risk and danger posed by the Dungeons led to a number of lower-ranked Hunters retiring, which has affected every Guild, not just here in Sanctuary Theta either, but across the rest of the Sanctuaries too.

However, there haven't been any new Dungeons since Aria and I defeated the Calamity Level Dungeon Boss, now under my command as Acedia, the Apostle of Sloth.

I asked Luxuria about it, and while she didn't know for certain, her assumption was that Demon Lord was taking some time to reconsider his options after losing two of his Generals, possibly to replenish his forces too.

I shared that bit of info in this meeting, and everyone seems to have come to the conclusion that this is only a temporary break.

I definitely agree with that, no way this is over.

We can't waste this break, this is a golden opportunity to figure out a way to deal with the issue of reduced manpower among the Guilds.

The question is, how do we do that?

"I'll get straight to the point, and I should warn you, some of you aren't going to like this. I had several discussions with the other members of the HUC, and a decision was made. It was determined that a restructuring is in order...we'll be reducing the number of Guilds, to focus more on quality over quantity, as well as to even out the forces in each Sanctuary.

As for all of you here in Sanctuary Theta, it's been decided that the number of Guilds will be reduced from four to three. To start with, the Dragon Slayer and Paragon Guilds will be absorbed by the Diva and Demonsbane Guilds, it simply isn't feasible for the former pair to keep operating in their current states, so-...," Explained Charlotte.

"Hold on, I thought you said three, but that's two. Given the circumstances, I have no ground to oppose that decision, but-...," Began Jorin with a frown.

"Let me finish. As far as Aces go, both you and Leed will join the Diva Guild, while the Demonsbane Guild's Aces remain as-is. Now, for the third Guild...a new one will be formed, and Kaivel Intrix and Ariella Velle will be put in charge of it," Stated Charlotte, my eyes widening in bewilderment.

I'm sorry, what?

"Huh? Are you serious, Chairwoman?" Responded Isla incredulously.

"Yes, I am. So, going forward, the Diva Guild's Aces will consist of Isla Hinger, Keira Rilee, Jorin Fohl and Leed Bancroft. The Demonsbane Guild's Aces will remain as Zian Akel, Rexon Wards, Ciel Campbell and Cameron Del.

And the third, yet to be named, Guild, will have our Sanctuary's X-Ace pair, Kaivel Intrix and Ariella Velle. The HUC decided this would be the best way to balance Sanctuary Theta's forces.

The active, upper-level K-Ranked Hunters will be evenly divided between the three Guilds to balance them out, the majority of the Hunters below that threshold will have to become, or remain as, Freelance Hunters, though certain Classes, like Enchanters and Detectors, will be considered for the Guilds if they're around upper Q-Ranked level or above.

Individual skill-level will also be considered, not just rank, when determining which Hunters will be assigned to the Guilds. The Freelancers will exclusively tackle Low Level Dungeons, and some Mid Levels if there's an excess, but High Level and above will be handled by the Guilds only. Alright, so, any questions?" Inquired Charlotte, looking around at us.

"Uh, yeah...can I pass? I don't want to be a Guildmaster, I've seen how much paperwork and stuff that entails, and hard pass on that, and I doubt Aria would be particularly keen on assuming that role either," I frowned apprehensively.

"Don't worry, I already considered that. I'll be assigning a member of the Union to handle the administrative side of things at your Guild. You and Ariella can decide between yourselves who should be the Guildmaster, not to mention a name for the Guild. Anyone else have any questions?"

Guess there's no getting out of this.

"A lot, I've got concerns, objections and a whole lot more to say...but this seems to be already set in stone, and while I'm not exactly thrilled about losing my two best Hunters, I do understand why it's come to this. So, I'll refrain from saying any more," Sighed Isla, a conflicted look on her face.

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