A-Rank Guild

Borden personally led the knight order at the forefront.

“Escort all of Flang and affiliated guilds!”

Justification to pursue the crime of rioting in the castle was given.

The knight order brought mercenaries to the castle without hesitation.

Pernok was looking down from the lord’s office at mercenaries dragged in one after another.

“How did it look to the observers? Who took first strike?”

The answer flowed from two people sitting on the sofa.

“Jake.”

“How could anyone know even a crazy bastard would riot in the castle?”

It was Sallio and Enri.

“But Pernok. How did you think Jake would cause commotion here?”

“Like you knew everything and called us.”

Pernok had invited the two to the castle in the morning.

A request to accurately judge fault and relay to the association if Jake rampaged.

The two were initially puzzled.

Because no matter how devoured by anger, Jake wasn’t someone who couldn’t distinguish reason to the degree he’d riot in the castle.

But the two’s expectations were magnificently wrong.

The massive mana bursting through the ground was Jake’s, and Pernok responded belatedly.

Since Jake took first strike, no need to ponder further.

When Jake whose crimes were revealed attempted to flee, Pernok suppressed him in the castle.

Justification to lead dragged mercenaries to perfect destruction so they couldn’t even receive association help.

With testimony from two observers added here, no holes for them to escape existed anymore.

“Jake had some connection with Count Bark. But when that Bark was dragged to the capital facing execution crisis, how would Jake driven to a dead end act?”

Pernok turned his head into the office.

“Too unclear aspects to call it a natural result.”

Sallio looked at Pernok indifferently.

“You were definitely judged as a level 5 mage. How could you face even Jake and executives?”

“I crossed the wall recently.”

“Fairy tale-like talk. While even receiving new lord’s full support.”

“Let me clarify one thing. Becoming a mercenary was entirely my will.”

“Isn’t it too conscienceless to ask us to believe actions that instantly disgraced one A-rank guild came from someone receiving no support?”

“Sasak first attacked me who was quietly hunting.”

“A situation where they couldn’t help drooling over talent moving alone.”

“If you’re thinking to defend perpetrators’ position, why did you jump into being an observer?”

“I mean it’s suspicious you deliberately pursued radical methods when more flexible responses were possible.”

“Their hostility directed at me, and I should quietly take it? I’m not kind enough to spare those who held blades to my neck without reason.”

Sallio stared at Pernok.

‘An unpredictable bastard.’

Not simply a type moving emotionally.

Seems radical yet flexible.

The situation ultimately passes advantageously to Pernok who gives contradictory feelings.

“And that’s no exception for you either.”

Pernok sat in the head seat.

“Flang has crumbled, and I’m now thinking to inherit that position.”

“What?”

“The massive guild dominating the mountain range’s east disappeared. Because there’s concern that place might become a mess, I promised the association to establish a guild on condition of receiving demon beast material workshop business rights.”

“…!”

Pernok smiled at the two widening their eyes in surprise.

“How about you? At this point when Jake crumbled, think you’ll continue relations with just two A-ranks remaining?”

“What are you trying to say?”

At Sallio’s question, Pernok answered calmly.

“Though Jake incited me, once I establish a guild, I won’t stay in a half-hearted state.”

“That sounds like will to even clash with us?”

“Since I received permission for demon beast material business rights, our collision is inevitable. I have no thought whatsoever to yield business.”

“Oh my? Provocative, newbie?”

Enri was smiling, but her eyes gradually sharpened.

She felt threat from Pernok right after watching combat with Jake.

“But I have no thought to cause combat in the city like with Jake. Though there were zero casualties on the civilian side this time, if even a guild war unfolds, the story would differ.”

“Now I see you called us here with other ulterior motives.”

Simple observers.

Though inner thoughts wanting more than that burst out, Sallio couldn’t kick away his seat.

He’d begun taking interest in those strange words.

“A-rank guilds have been gnawing only each other’s forces with meaningless watching until now. Jake was thinking to drive you out someday with Bark’s help, but I don’t want to do such cowardly things.”

Pernok grinned.

“Let’s put an end to this lukewarm relationship.”

“Hold even a guild war?”

“Precisely, an alliance of three guilds. The purpose is to integrate guilds into one in the best state without wounds as much as possible.”

“Enri and I have sufficiently built forces here. With what confidence does a new guild demand a guild war?”

“Add me on top of Jake’s business rights.”

Sallio’s eyes shook, and Enri wore a subtle smile.

“In short, the side having me gains force to expand businesses while thoroughly shaking even large guilds.”

Pernok’s confidence has reasons.

Ten A-rank guilds exist in this world.

Since Flang died, now nine.

The guild possessing Pernok will instantly step up as top among A-rank guilds.

With this one guild war able to sweep wealth and honor, who would rashly refuse first?

‘I brought you as observers to clearly prove my force. You absolutely can’t refuse.’

He carefully invited to pull the two into this sequence.

Therefore the two hesitated.

The product was extremely attractive to refuse as absurd talk.

Above all, Pernok is aggressive.

A person who’d spread even slight collisions greatly to hold a guild war and more.

Then rather than getting hurt before, wouldn’t embracing in the best state be better?

“The victor becomes the best here.”

Pernok’s one statement shook the two’s emotions.

Sallio couldn’t endure and asked.

“Armed conflict?”

“I avoid simple fighting. Because I want to merge while maintaining each other’s forces as much as possible. I too have no thought to deliberately give opportunities to others.”

Pernok offered a proposal appearing advantageous to them.

“For one year from now, we elect the person who successfully led the most requests with highest association ‘contribution’ score as unified guild leader.”

Sallio and Enri’s eyes flashed.

‘This is a method advantageous to large guilds possessing many named clients.’

‘That bastard just made a guild so he surely has no people, though? Holding a guild war with conditions favorable to Clarity or Hunting Net?’

No way to know what ulterior motives.

But it was an attractive method for two A-rank guilds to refuse.

“To prevent gossip when the victor takes everything, I cleanly allow all methods excluding murder.”

“Some collision doesn’t matter?”

“Wouldn’t it be unsatisfying completely restricting force? But commotion like city battles must absolutely be avoided.”

The more they hear, conditions favorable to Clarity and Hunting Net.

If necessary, guild members can block Pernok while Sallio and Enri focus on quests.

That was precisely what Pernok intended.

‘Bets originally require the receiving side to feel it’s doable before accepting.’

Though flustered at the sudden proposal, the two probably calculated all gains and losses in their heads.

‘You didn’t settle for that position but continuously attempted force expansion. With balance broken now, desire to rise would surge high.’

When Pernok stimulated their desire as a detonator, the two’s eyes also shone unusually.

Knock knock.

“Lord Pernok, the lord calls.”

When the atmosphere ripened, Rio’s polite voice was heard outside.

Pernok stood from his seat.

“Let’s meet again in one week. I’ll look forward to decisions for the future.”

Pernok left outside leaving the two in silence behind.

Rio had a somewhat surprised expression as if eavesdropping on the inside situation.

“When did you start thinking about a three-way alliance?”

“I initially thought to smash A-rank guilds one by one. But Clarity and Hunting Net had higher popular support than expected, so I changed course.”

“The method of saving both and taking them in?”

“After seeing directly, my thought became firm. Those two each have fatal weaknesses. But they’re a relationship that can complement each other. Both together have meaning.”

“So you tried securing justification first.”

The reason Pernok decided justification as the first means of securing a base was because of other A-rank guilds.

The reputation and popular support they’d built was receiving higher evaluation than Jake.

To at least stand in a position compared with them, Pernok’s unique justification using Jake had to be secured.

And thanks to Flang’s crushing sprouts this time, Pernok became a hero personally practicing mercenary freedom.

“What’s people’s reaction after Flang was escorted?”

“Everyone is sending praise to you, Lord Pernok.”

“Then I should finish up.”

Second step of securing a base—integration.

“Establishing a guild is good. But no matter how I think, the bet is too unfavorable to this side. Newly established guilds start from the very bottom, but even receiving one quest will take a long time.”

“I never said I start from the bottom.”

“What do you mean?”

“We possess an existing high-rank guild.”

Rio widened his eyes as if realizing something.

“Right. Many very usable cards were gathered underground.”

Flang and affiliated guilds were captured here, and Pernok held their leashes.

“Those with thinnest collusion relationships with Jake. And only talents I designated before—exclude them. Handle the rest as you see fit.”

“Yes.”

Rio bowed and descended underground.

* * *

Before even a week passed, Sallio and Enri appeared with stiff expressions.

“If a traitor appears after the three-way alliance forms, how will you handle it?”

“The other two forces annihilate the traitor force.”

At Pernok’s resolute answer, the two accepted.

“Good. I’ll accept your conditions.”

“Be prepared to roll harshly under me, newbie!”

That moment, a contract fell on the table’s center.

Rio pointed at main items and said.

“Everything just said is contained. Each of you, whoever becomes alliance leader, conclude a contract to merge your guilds without complaint. Blood seal would be best.”

The three bit their thumbs to stamp blood seals on the contract.

Each took a contract and stood from their seats.

“From now I’ll consider us equal relationships.”

“For one year ahead, let’s mingle annoyingly without holding back or leaving gossip.”

Sallio and Enri left the office. Terrible competitive spirit was felt from their appearance rushing to the mercenary association without looking back.

“They’ll mobilize all affiliated guilds trying to monopolize all quests.”

The most certain method for massive guilds to drive weak guilds.

Turning all requests to their side to prevent weak guilds from performing any requests.

As long as Clarity and Hunting Net directly stepped forward, they should be seen as scraping up even trivial things from association guilds.

“Cute.”

Rio brought one box from lodgings.

Opening the lid, colorful papers were piled full.

All were ranked quests issued by the mercenary association.

“The branch leader secured them.”

Rio received quests before posting from the branch leader. Most request dates were long enough to handle alone without burden.

“Only this?”

Pernok wasn’t satisfied.

The match is one year.

If they learn Pernok received quests in advance, Sallio and Enri might use the same methods to prevent additional risks.

Eventually Pernok must go find new quests to fill insufficient contribution.

No gap exists to squeeze between two massive guilds monopolizing quests from the association.

Must solve the fundamental problem. So Rio brought one more answer.

“I arranged to receive named requests.”

Named requests.

Clients designate requesters to issue quests.

After that, the association measures difficulty and assigns ranks to created request papers.

The lord personally announced the fact that the person who killed Jake was Pernok.

Since that name is widely known, named requests also gain momentum.

“Preparations are mostly finished.”

“The amount is too much to handle alone. Quite many personnel are needed.”

Pernok asked while recalling Flang’s affiliated guild leaders imprisoned underground.

“How many did you persuade?”

“Only one.”

Pernok smirked while securing the quest box.

He seemed to know who without looking.

“I’m going to the castle.”

* * *

Total three guilds met conditions Pernok wanted.

B-rank guild Bayble’s Fist Tiger Hallam.

C-rank guild Burd’s Marshall.

C-rank guild Red Eyes’ Yan.

Hallam and Marshall were level 5, and Yan was level 4.

However, they had high possibility to grow beyond now, and situation judgment and tactical understanding were quite decent.

They all faced Pernok in the newly renovated prison.

“Your choices are two. One, testify you formed close relations with Flang to maintain loyalty to the end. Then you’ll all die, but can at least keep loyalty.”

The three guild leaders flinched.

“The other is to pursue higher places together with me.”

“How can we believe your words imprisoning us?”

When Hallam glared with stiff eyes, Pernok smirked.

“How do you think I’m offering this proposal trusting you bastards who struck me?”

“That’s…”

“I, the victim, am sympathizing with you bastards the perpetrators. No. I’m confident I’ll treat and cherish you more than Jake. But we lack time to become close enough to list these words elaborately. I’ll explain very simply.”

Pernok’s smile completely disappeared.

“I can’t tolerate the dishonest, and betrayal is severe punishment. Each secure compensation, but if it’s action opposing my will, I’ll immediately kill you.”

The three gulped dry saliva.

“Only those who’ll try living new lives come out there.”

The prison lock shattered.

When the door opened, the three only looked at each other unable to move rashly.

“My proposal is one minute.”

And a voice counting seconds echoed in the prison.

The three who hesitated long squeezed their eyes shut.

And only Hallam exited the prison.

Marshall and Yan ultimately couldn’t trust Pernok.

“Judgment is good and magic is decent, but no guts.”

“Pl-please instill trust you won’t kill us!”

“An-anything is fine…”

Bang!

Pernok closed the prison door without regret and brought only Hallam to the surface.

“Is it okay not bringing them together?”

“Why did you follow me?”

“Whatever choice made isn’t dangerous. I’d rather solve my curiosity.”

“What?”

“Then, those words you could make me stronger. What did that mean?”

“Your magic is momentary mana amplification.”

“Correct.”

“The problem is your method is too stiff. You only stack power, don’t know at all how to break more flexibly.”

“You’re saying you can instill softness in me?”

Instead of answering, he placed his palm on the wall.

Just lightly pushing without any help, a palm print was stamped deeply and spiderweb-like cracks occurred around it.

“Not even half the power you give. If you understand ‘chain resonance’ which is amplification’s core, you’ll turn walls like this to dust.”

“You’re saying as compensation for entering under you, you’ll teach such techniques?”

“I can’t raise your innate magic. But I can help you utilize magic diversely.”

“That’s called secrets. Who in the world carelessly leaks secrets?”

“The world is full of bastards who can’t use them even taught. You’re lucky. Because you caught my eye.”

Hallam moved his mouth.

Wants to refuse, but words didn’t come out easily.

“Were you close with Jake?”

“A relationship using each other.”

“But why were you mooching under such a bastard?”

“If you had slightly less power, you’d have been in my same position.”

“Could have come out sufficiently though?”

“I was swallowed with my whole guild. Not work ending with just me coming out. Had to follow to protect even guild members. The current situation doesn’t look much different though.”

“No, different. Because there won’t be pointless power struggles here anymore.”

“…?”

“I discussed an alliance with A-rank guilds.”

Hallam gaped his mouth.

“A-alliance!?”

“One condition. For one year, the person who stacked most contribution becomes alliance leader. However, hands are insufficient to handle even trivial matters.”

He held out a bundle of quests requiring many people to Hallam.

“I receive your guild Bayble. I’ll start from B-rank to increase affiliated guilds, and on the one-year anniversary we’ll complete a massive integrated guild no longer power-struggling in this mountain range. You take charge of one pillar, Hallam.”

“This is really driving me crazy!”

He who irritably scratched his head shouted.

“I can’t scheme! Compared to Clarity and Hunting Net, Bayble is pathetically shabby. But still!”

Hallam extended his hand.

“Promise just one thing! That you won’t use affiliated guilds as shields like Jake!”

“I’m the type to cherish subordinates.”

When I grasped his hand, Hallam asked with eyes burning with competitive spirit.

“Guild leader, is there a chance of winning?”

Pernok answered with a smile.

“I don’t even start fights I’ll lose.”