One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a guard stationed at the northern gate sounded the alarm. Riders were approaching—three of them—bearing the Golden Sun Guild's banner.
As the figures drew closer, the guards' unease turned to horror. The riders were slumped over their horses, lifeless. The guild's banner had been impaled through their bodies, the pole piercing flesh and bone.
Gerrard was summoned immediately. He arrived at the scene, his expression grim as he inspected the gruesome display. The bodies were already in an advanced state of decay, and the lingering energy around them was unmistakable.
"This isn't just an attack," Gerrard said, his voice heavy with dread. "It's a message. Whoever did this wants us to know they're watching—and they're not afraid to strike."
Dyeva, standing nearby, clenched her fists. "Evan bring Ourri,Ourra and Yvette with you. You leave at dawn to trace the magic's source. Advance with caution."
The guild hall buzzed with activity as preparations for the emergency mission began. The weight of the unknown loomed heavy over Kubu Fort, and the once-steady rhythm of life at the fort was replaced by an undercurrent of urgency and fear.
At the break of dawn, Kubu Fort stirred to life. Despite the lingering tension from the recent events, the main members of the Golden Sun Guild moved with purpose.
The only main team is dispatched led by Evan and only 4 of them go, Yvette, Ourra, and Ourri. These 4, known for their precision and strength, finalized their preparations for the mission with a high successful rate.
In the central courtyard, Dyeva Als, the guild leader, addressed the team one final time. Her black hair gleamed in the morning light, and her golden mage robes exuded an air of authority.
"This mission is not just about uncovering a potential threat," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "It's about knowing your limits. Remember, survival is as important as success. Retreat when necessary, and never push beyond boundaries you cannot return from. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Archon!" the team replied in unison.
Evan, the captain of the main team, stood tall at the forefront, his greatsword strapped securely across his back. He met Dyeva's gaze with quiet determination. Despite his lack of a magic circle, his presence radiated confidence and strength.
Runa, watching from a distance, clenched her hands together. As the newest member of the main team, she felt both pride and apprehension. She stepped forward hesitantly and bowed her head. "Evan… Please, be careful."
Evan turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. We'll be back before you know it."
The gates of Kubu Fort creaked open, revealing the dense wilderness beyond. With Evan leading the way, the main team departed into the unknown, their figures disappearing into the early morning mist.
As the gates closed behind the departing team, the atmosphere within the fort shifted. While the main team was off investigating the ominous events, the remaining members focused on bolstering the fort's defenses.
Gerrard, a senior main team member of the guild , took charge of the newly inducted recruits. He led them into the grand hall, where the air was heavy with anticipation.
The recruits, who had just completed the grueling final trial, stood in disciplined rows. Only 45% of the original contestants remained, their resolve hardened by the challenges they had faced.
Gerrard's voice echoed through the hall as he gestured toward the table where the bloodied armor of the slain riders was displayed.
"Look at this," he began, his tone grave. "This could be any of you one day. The trials you've passed tested your bodies and minds, but now I must ask you something far more important."
He stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "Do you have the will to protect those who live peacefully behind these walls? Will you sacrifice your life to defend humanity as the last line of defense?"
A heavy silence fell over the hall. Not a single recruit moved. Their faces, though young, reflected a fierce determination.
Gerrard nodded, a hint of relief softening his stern expression. "Very well. From this moment, you are official members of the Golden Sun Guild."
Gerrard motioned for the recruits to sit as he launched into an explanation of the guild's origins.
"Hundreds of years ago, humanity was on the brink of extinction. Physically weaker than other races and with shorter lifespans, we needed a way to survive in a hostile world. Our unique compatibility with multiple magic elements became our salvation. We developed the Guild System—an achievement-based structure to foster growth and unity."
He continued, "The Guild System operates in three distinct roles.
Royal Sanctuary: Protecting the royal family and the inner capital of Janma.
Silver Guard: Defending cities and ensuring the safety of civilians.
Golden Sun Guild: The vanguard of humanity. We venture beyond our territories, protect the forts, and act as the first line of defense against external threats."
Gerrard's voice grew somber as he spoke of the past.
"The Golden Sun Guild has always been at the forefront of our struggles. Our seniors fought bravely in the war, sacrificing their lives for the survival of humanity. Though the war ended five years ago with a peace treaty, threats still linger. The mission of the Golden Sun Guild is far from over."
Shifting gears, Gerrard delved into the fundamentals of magic.
"Magic energy revolves around four primary elements—Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth—and sub-elements like Lightning, Ice, and Iron. Those with a Magic Core can channel and refine these elements.
"Magic mastery is divided into five levels:
No Circle: Unable to channel elemental energy.
One Circle: Basic daily-life magic. Equivalent to 2 individuals with no Magic Circle.
Two Circles: Apprentice level, capable of minor magic skills. Equivalent to 10 individuals with no Magic Circle.
Three Circles: Intermediate level, proficient in advanced techniques. Equivalent to 50 individuals with no Magic Circle.
Four Circles: Master level, wielding immense power. Equivalent to 500 individuals with no Magic Circle.
Five Circles: Pinnacle level, unmatched in strength and control. Equivalent to a thousand individuals with no Magic Circle. "
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"Our guild leader, Dyeva Als, is the only person to have reached the pinnacle—Level 5—with Iron as her main element. But do not let the hierarchy of magic circles discourage you. Strength comes in many forms. I, for example, lack a magic circle but have honed my skills in alchemy to contribute to the guild's efforts."
Gerrard turned his focus to the guild's structure. "The Golden Sun Guild is divided into four divisions.
Main Team: Seven elite members, including our captain, Evan, and our newest member, Runa Als. They average at level 3 magic circle, but their combat skills rival those of Level 4 magic circle or higher.
Roam Squad: Around 100 members scattered across the wilderness for reconnaissance. Their average magic level is between 2 and 3 magic circle.
Golden Army: The backbone of the guild and we have around 50.000 currently. Many of you will start here, with the goal of advancing to senior rank by reaching level 2 magic circle.
Guild Administration: Those who can't utilize attack or defend skills can Join Supporting roles that are vital to our operations, from logistics to strategy."
He continued, "The Silver Guard, in comparison, has 500,000 members stationed across the human region, with an average at level 1 magic circle. The Royal Sanctuary, though smaller, is the most powerful guild. Its 50 elite members average at Level 4 magic circle, while the rest of its 2.5 million-strong army averages Level 1 Magic circle."
As Gerrard concluded his speech, he looked out at the recruits, their faces illuminated by the light streaming through the high windows of the hall.
"You are the future of the Golden Sun Guild. Together, we will protect humanity and ensure that our sacrifices are never in vain."
The recruits erupted into applause, their spirits lifted by Gerrard's words.
The fort buzzed with activity as the recruits began their new roles, their hearts filled with determination. Meanwhile, the main team ventured deeper into the wilderness, unaware of the dangers that awaited them. The fate of Kubu Fort—and perhaps all of humanity—hung in the balance.
From a quiet balcony overlooking the bustling Guild hall of Kubu Fort, Runa watched the scene below unfold. Gerrard's powerful speech had stirred the recruits into a collective cheer of determination, their faces shining with newfound resolve. The sight was both humbling and inspiring.
Runa's sky-blue eyes lingered on the recruits for a moment before drifting to the north gate, where Evan and the main team had disappeared into the wilderness hours earlier. A pang of worry tugged at her heart, but it was quickly overshadowed by a stronger feeling—a spark that ignited within her.
"I need to be stronger," she whispered to herself, clutching the ornate staff she carried, its elemental core faintly glowing in response to her resolve. The memory of her farewell to Evan replayed in her mind, his unwavering confidence contrasted with her own lingering insecurities.
Her thoughts turned to the legacy of her family, the Als lineage, known for their exceptional magical prowess. She had always felt the weight of expectations, but in this moment, watching the recruits and recalling Evan's courage, the burden transformed into motivation.
"I won't let them down. I'll master my magic and prove that I belong here—not just as an Als, but as a member of the main team."
In stark contrast to Runa's fiery resolve, the atmosphere inside Dyeva's quarters was heavy with tension.
The room, dimly lit by a single enchanted lamp, was strewn with maps, reports, and letters—evidence of the mounting challenges the Golden Sun Guild faced.
Dyeva sat hunched over her desk, her elbows resting on the surface as her hands cradled her head. Her short black hair framed a face etched with frustration and exhaustion.
The recent incidents—the slaughtered riders, the chilling warning, and the departure of her main team into uncertain danger—weighed heavily on her.
"How did it come to this?" she muttered, her voice barely audible. Her mind raced, piecing together fragments of intelligence, searching for patterns, for answers.
Every decision she made seemed to carry the weight of the entire guild, and the pressure was suffocating.
For a moment, she glanced at the steel gauntlet resting on the corner of her desk, its golden aura faintly pulsing. It was a reminder of her strength, of the role she had to play as the Archon of Humanity.
But even the thought of her title felt hollow amidst the uncertainty that loomed over the guild.
She closed her eyes and leaned back, taking a long, shaky breath.
"There has to be a way through this," she murmured. Yet deep down, she couldn't shake the gnawing fear that the Golden Sun Guild—her guild—might be facing its greatest threat.