I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

52 – 10# Creta Guild (3)

The one who wins by force takes everything into their hands.

It’s truly Gideon-like if it’s Gideon’s way. However, surprisingly, it was also a method that Asterios avoided until the end. No matter how much he tried to avoid casualties.

In a fight between high-level heroes, one could easily become a sacrificial pawn if not careful. If that happens, the resistance force against Hades naturally diminishes.

And Asterios had already been defeated by Hades before. The shame of that defeat was still so horrible that it could wake him from sleep, and he had to change eventually.

Hades was such a being.

Capable of wiping out everyone whenever he pleased.

An unimaginable monster.

And as he wished, guilds began their confrontation. Zeke quickly surveyed the surroundings. To be honest, calling it a labyrinth was too crude; it lacked sophistication.

“The labyrinth is ridiculously shabby. There’s only one way out.”

“Asterios doesn’t want to wander. He seeks a Death Match.”

“In that case, it means an enemy awaits us ahead.”

If Asterios truly desired to wander through the labyrinth, it would likely have been much more intricate than it is now. However, the current labyrinth wasn’t designed that way.

Blocking off all surrounding paths.

Only an outer path where one could move forward.

Could that be called a labyrinth?

In essence, what Asterios desired was a Death Match to determine who was stronger. And Sieg willingly complied with that desire. Eventually, they arrived at a more spacious location.

In a plaza constructed with rocks as the ceiling and walls, unexpectedly, torch-like objects could be seen. Sieg took a deep breath immediately; a formidable and dangerous aura emanated.

In front of Sieg were eleven individuals. Among them, the two most threatening figures were clear. A woman with brown skin and red hair stepped forward.

“I am Pordar of the Creta Guild! Who among you is the strongest?”

“Where’s the fool who willingly spills information?”

“Ah, well then… Hans, former vice-commander of the Holy Order, you must be the strongest.”

“Did you already have all the information?”

Hans clicked his tongue. He had some understanding of the power of major guilds, but there was no information about the Creta Guild due to information control.

Ras, at the rear, quickly analyzed the enemy’s forces, even though the ten behind were not to be underestimated. The one to be most cautious of was, without a doubt, the woman named Pordar.

She had healthy brown skin, fiery red hair, and stood at an impressive 2 meters tall with a robust abdomen prominently on display.

“Why are you muttering to yourself like that alone!”

“?!”

Did she notice something? Pordar closed the distance in an instant, her fiery eyes gleaming. The first target she aimed for was Ras. Dangerous, unable to react.

Bang!

However, instead of Ras, it was Hans who managed to deflect the attack in his place. But the fist, containing burning flames, effortlessly melted Hans’s greatsword.

Yet even Hans couldn’t block the following kick and took the blow head-on. There was no shortage of speed, strength, or anything to call her anything less than a grand hero.

Of course, Hans, vice-commander of the Holy Order, was formidable. The position he held was one that could only be reached at the pinnacle among humans.

But that was only within the limits of human achievement.

The tribes known as heroes in Gideon had long surpassed the limits of humanity. Hans struggled, swallowing down what seemed like a burning hot molten mass, and rose.

“You can take a hit like that head-on and still stand?”

Pordar was genuinely surprised. She never expected someone to take a direct blow and still stand unharmed. Hans clutched the mostly melted greatsword.

“It’s Master’s command. I have an obligation to protect the newcomers.”

“Impressive. If you weren’t my husband, I would have wanted you.”

“Don’t tempt me. I have a beloved wife here.”

“I’d like to play a bit more, unfortunately, the game is over.”

Yet even in the face of Hans’s resolution, Podar exuded an air of leisure. Could there be some sort of sinister plot?! Hans’s judgement was as quick as lightning.

“It’s already too late. Dairan has already completed his preparations.”

The problem was the opponent was too strong, leaving no room for concern. As Podar had said, his actions were nothing more than a way to buy time. Perhaps just a minute?

Of course, in a battle of experts, one minute couldn’t be ignored. At least in this kind of fight, it was enough time to make a difference, and indeed it had been so.

The power of darkness.

It was a power that Dairan, their kin, had obtained after subduing a B-rank magician. Temporarily seizing all light and sound from the opponent, a power akin to hell itself.

‘Of course, the ability is powerful, so it takes a little time to activate. But there’s no power quite like it in terms of subduing opponents.’

Only Isaac Silverter might withstand such power. Anyone else would crumble before the power of darkness. That was Podar’s conclusion.

But something was off.

Shouldn’t they be panicking on the ground right now due to the power of darkness? Yet aren’t they still unequivocally staring at him? What on earth happened?

“Dairan! Why isn’t the power activating…..”

“Khh…..!”

“Dairan?!”

“I somehow sensed this rascal is the most dangerous among them.”

Dairan, who had been guarding their rear, emitted a short groan and fell. The girl standing in her place was none other than Zeke.

Neither Podar nor Dairan noticed. Even the other nine who were guarding the front did not notice. The speed was so overwhelming that Podar broke into a cold sweat.

“When did that kid…?!”

“Your flames are too flashy, idiot.”

“No way!!”

Indeed. When Podar attacked Hans with a burst of flames, unbeknownst to him, Zeke, under the guise of the surrounding blaze, had already stealthily approached Dairan.

Podar gulped down his dry saliva. Without Dairan’s power, she’s as good as dead… but that’s true only when including the four core members.

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She wouldn’t normally be pushed around on the outside. To think tamed Dairan? Who on earth is this guy? Yet, the only thought in Zeke’s mind was one thing.

I need to subdue them quickly and get back to my master.

* * *

Peers tend to have similar thoughts.

Both Isaac and Asterios were no exception. They assessed each other. Only they had the power to halt each other.

There was absolutely no need to ravage the labyrinth. Isaac and Asterios were already heading towards each other. Asterios was smiling as he spoke.

“It seems like we both had the same idea.”

“You, contrary to first impressions. It seems you value your colleagues greatly.”

“…”

“Moreover, it doesn’t seem like the type of person who would enjoy a strategic marriage.”

Is it that birds of a feather flock together? Asterios let out a heavy sigh. He was overwhelmed by embarrassment and shame for exposing his flaws.

“Why did you do such a thing?”

“Shall I give you some advice as a senior?”

“What is it?”

“There is nothing as useless as the ‘why’ in Gideon.”

That’s right. In this place where only the winners determine justice. It had been a long time since everyone had erased the word ‘why’ from their minds. The winner is always right, and the loser is always wrong.

That is the truth of Gideon.

Unfortunately, at that time, he did not know the truth. And because of that, he lost precious colleagues. So he vowed. He would never experience such a thing again.

Yes.

Even if it meant doing the same thing as the nobles and the royal family he despised so much.

To exact revenge, he would willingly swallow even rotten meat.

“You still don’t know. What it feels like to face death itself.”

“…”

“You’ll probably find out soon. That what you think is right is just a futile dream.”

The child who knew nothing grows up, wounded by the cold reality. And no matter how much they dislike it, they must bear the weight of being an adult.

“Now is the time to wake up from the dream.”

Pasiphae

No sensation could be felt in the cold voice. Suddenly, a giant steel axe was in Asterios’ hand. Gradually, that axe fell like lightning.

Crash!!

A tremendous noise resounded as the ground shook. No, it wasn’t just shaking. The ground and rocks tore apart as if they were parchment, unable to withstand the force.

“Ironical. What should a hero do if they don’t have dreams?”

“Whether it’s family or friends, they are all just childish actions. With such weak thoughts, ultimately, you can only lose.”

“Dreaming an impossible dream.”

It was a sudden and unrelated remark. Yet, Asterios immediately understood Isaac’s meaning. Dreaming an impossible dream, that’s what those who aspire to be heroes have thought of at least once.

To save people.

To defeat monsters.

However, not driven by greed.

What lies within is solely pure goodwill.

What Isaac Silverthair says isn’t much different. Treating guild members like family and cherishing them. Even if it might seem abnormal to others.

“Believing and acting right for that dream.”

That is a hero.