The group had already heard rumors that the Noble Guild had begun sending out representatives to the different locations throughout the north. Ever since Idore’s broadcast, it was clear that this had always been part of his plan. As he had stated, this was their "second chance"—a chance to abandon their independence and bee part of the Noble Guild.
Raze understood the reasoning behind it immediately. The north had bee a fractured land. There was no longer a single force keeping order, no unified structure like the Grand Magus once provided. Guilds fought guilds, mages clashed in the streets, and entire districts had turned into lawless zones where only strength mattered. In such a situation, there were bound to be those who would jump at the opportunity for stability, even if it came at a terrible price.
What Raze hadn’t expected was how quickly the Noble Guild would move.
He had assumed they would begin closer to the river, slowly expanding outward, tightening their control one area at a time. Pressure would build naturally, forcing guilds to choose between submission or destruction. It would have been the most efficient way to grow their territory while minimizing resistance.
Yet here they were, already approaching one of the largest guilds in the north.
’If they’re doing it this way,’ Raze thought, his expression darkening, ’then it means they truly don’t care whether these guilds accept or not.’
That realization sent a chill through him. This wasn’t diplomacy. This was domination disguised as mercy. Idore genuinely believed he was offering salvation, and that made him far more dangerous than someone who ruled through fear alone.
’And if that’s how he thinks...’ Raze continued internally, ’then what happens when a guild refuses?’
The answer was obvious, and it wasn’t one Raze liked.
"You should meet with them," Raze said calmly, turning his attention to Song. "For now, it’s best not to get on their bad side."
Song listened carefully, his expression unreadable.
"I’m sure you don’t want to fight them this early," Raze continued. "If you bee a target, they won’t stop at sending just one group. They’ll keep ing until you’re forced to submit or wiped out."
Liam, standing nearby, could hear the restraint in Raze’s voice. This wasn’t a warning born from fear—it was one born from experience.
"I won’t hold it against you, no matter what you decide," Raze added. "If they force your hand, or if you believe joining them is the only way to protect the people here, then do it."
Song’s fingers tightened slightly on the table.
"My only warning," Raze said firmly, "is this: if you are within Noble Guild territory when we make our move, we can’t promise that we’ll be able to spare you."
That was the truth, laid bare. There were no forting lies, no heroic assurances. If war came, it would be absolute.
Song nodded slowly.
"That’s fair," he said at last. "I appreciate your honesty."
He exhaled, then gestured toward the structure above the tea house.
"For now, it’s best if you hide," Song continued. "There’s a storage room on the second floor. If you’re seen here, it could create problems for both of us."
The group exchanged glances but didn’t argue.
"If you were to run into them," Song added, "it would plicate everything. Stay silent. When they leave, I’ll give you a signal, and you’ll be free to e down."
The group moved quickly. They climbed the narrow stairs to the storage room directly above the tea house’s meeting area. The room was cramped, filled with old supplies and unused furniture, but it served its purpose.
Through the narrow gaps in the floorboards, they could see the room below. Voices would carry clearly. Every word spoken would reach them.
Kelly frowned slightly. "Do you think he did this on purpose?" she whispered.
Londo shrugged. "Wouldn’t surprise me."
They didn’t have to wait long.
Moments later, Song entered the tea room once more. Just as before, he took a seat at the table. Across from him, three figures sat down.
At the center was a woman with long, flowing purple hair that cascaded down her back. Her posture was relaxed, confident. On either side of her sat two men, silent and watchful.
All three wore specially crafted robes—white as the base color, lined with golden trim. On their backs was a large, unmistakable symbol.
A golden "I."
The mark of the Noble Guild.
"Thank you for giving us a chance to speak with you," the woman said smoothly. "I was half-expecting you to attack us the moment we arrived."
"Of course not," Song replied calmly. "Even if we disagree, that doesn’t mean we need to resort to violence. And besides..."
He leaned back slightly, studying her.
"I know who you are, Natty Salnta."
Above, the group stiffened.
Kelly’s eyes widened. "No way..."
Londo clenched his jaw. "That name..."
Even Alen recognized it.
Natty Salnta had once been a star student of Central Academy. A former winner of the magical exchange tournament. Someone who had gone on to acplish incredible feats, eventually reaching the six-star level.
The Noble Guild hadn’t sent a messenger.
They had sent one of their elites.
"I’m not surprised you know my name," Natty replied with a faint smile. "You should take it as a sign of how highly we regard the River Moon Guild."
Her gaze swept the room briefly.
"You were powerful even before everything changed," she continued. "Idore himself was surprised to learn that you chose not to join us."
Song nodded once, listening without interruption.
"I assume you’re here to extend an offer," he said. "However, unless it’s something different from what was proposed before, I can’t accept."
Natty raised an eyebrow.
"For us to join the Noble Guild," Song continued, "and relocate to Noble Land, under the same terms—it’s not something we can agree to."
Natty smiled again, but this time there was something sharper behind it.
Her eyes drifted toward the table.
"Mr. Song," she said lightly, "did you have guests here before us?"
Song’s expression didn’t change.
"I would hate to think," Natty continued, her voice calm, "that you’ve been... influenced by darkness."
****
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