The tension in the training field was palpable as Haruki, Roderick, and Lila faced off against Garrick and Daisy, the skilled knights of the Eldoria Empire. Swords clashed, and spells were cast, the sound of metal against metal echoed in the air.

Garrick and Daisy moved with precision, their maneuvers calculated and swift. Roderick, wielding a sturdy shield and a broadsword, stood his ground, using his formidable defense to withstand both Daisy and Garrick’s assaults. Lila, the elven mage, conjured spells, weaving magical barriers and launching attacks to disrupt the opponents’ rhythm.

Haruki, using a combination of his strength and power, maneuvered strategically to engage both opponents. He evaded their strikes, waiting for the perfect moment to launch his own attacks. The battle was intense, with each side showcasing their skills and determination.

As the fight continued, teamwork became crucial for Haruki’s group. They coordinated their attacks, covering each other’s weaknesses and exploiting their adversaries’ vulnerabilities. Despite their opponents experience, Haruki’s team managed to keep up the pressure.

Finally, after a well-coordinated plan, Lila managed to disrupt Daisy’s focus, creating an opening for Roderick. With a swift and precise movement, Haruki took advantage of the distraction and disarmed Garrick. The sword dropped to the ground, marking a significant turn in the mock battle.

Garrick and Daisy, impressed by Haruki’s skill and their team’s coordinated effort, acknowledged their defeat in good spirits, offering words of praise for their opponents’ remarkable performance.

The mock battle concluded, highlighting the excellent teamwork and adaptation skills of Haruki’s team in combat situations.

Seraphina descended from the nearby watchtower, wearing a smile as she observed Haruki’s leadership guiding his partners. She approached them, commending their efforts in the battle. Daisy, in response, assured that they’d be prepared for any guild challenges ahead. Haruki, intrigued, questioned the nature of these guild challenges. Just then, a voice emerged behind them, belonging to Kilin; “Guild challenges are rigorous competitions among guilds,” Kilin explained. “They involve various trials and battles, testing the skills, teamwork, and strategies of each guild’s members. It’s all about proving our strength and cohesion as a guild.”

“But you guys are too fast for that,” Kilin continued. “I’d recommend the guild quests first. It’s adventurous, involving exploration of every part of the world, completing quests from various people or demi-humans. Quests are ranked from F to S, based on the difficulty of certain quests. And since you’ve already pushed yourselves in training, I’ll make you D-Rank Adventurers.”

Kilin elaborated further about the Guild Challenges, explaining that these challenges offer more than a mere showcase of skill. They are an avenue for guilds to forge alliances, earn recognition, and secure valuable rewards and resources. The competitive nature of these challenges draws highly skilled guilds seeking honor, glory, and progression in their respective standings within the realm.

Seraphina chimed in, highlighting the unifying aspect of these challenges, where despite the intense rivalry during trials, guilds often bond, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect. She expressed enthusiasm, seeing the upcoming challenges as an opportunity for their guild to establish its reputation within the broader guild community.

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Daisy emphasized the need for strategic planning and cohesive teamwork to face the trials ahead. Haruki nodded in agreement, understanding the significance of preparation and unity to meet the demands of the imminent guild challenges.

“And trust me,” Kilin cautioned, “Guild challenges are far more challenging than you expect them to be.” This statement piqued the curiosity of the trio, prompting them to inquire about why it was so challenging. Daisy responded, “There is this one Guild from the West of Eldoria, the Zephyr Empire, and their guild: Phantomblades, notorious for consistently winning every challenge. However, there have been suspicions of cheating, although nothing has been proven yet.”

“That’s completely unfair!” exclaimed Lila. “Indeed, it’s utterly unjust,” Garrick agreed. “I’ve had run-ins with the PhantomBlades, and there’s this individual, Arclight, who’s always behind their victories. He’s incredibly arrogant, often going solo in challenges. Despite always winning, there’s always an air of suspicion surrounding his victories.”

“That’s why I’m starting you three with quests first,” Kilin stated. “In a week or two, Garrick, alongside the SteelFury, will be facing the PhantomBlades for the Guild Challenges.”

“Eh?” Roderick exclaimed in surprise.

“But how?” Haruki inquired. “We were threatened,” Daisy explained. “The PhantomBlades issued their challenge almost a month ago, and if we decline, it’ll lead to an all-out war. We had no choice but to accept.”

“This is why most of the guild members have been training hard,” Kilin added.

Haruki recalled a moment when he was retrieving his gear from Aria; the people there were simply chatting and enjoying beers. “Why were there people in the guild slacking off earlier?” he asked.

“Ah, those guys,” Kilin replied. “They’re not part of the challenge. Competitors are selected through a voting process involving both guilds.”

“Both guilds vote for 10 adventurers each, resulting in 10 matches, each lasting around 7 minutes,” Kilin explained. “But this time, the rules have changed for these Challenges. Instead of 10 competitors, the PhantomBlades altered it to 25,” he added.

“But there’s a twist: the PhantomBlades selected only 5 of their strongest competitors, including Arclight,” Kilin continued.

“Why did they do that?” Haruki inquired.

“They claimed that our guild wasn’t a match for them. Naturally, we were furious, but we kept our composure to avoid sparking an all-out war. So, we agreed to their terms and opted for a handicap,” Daisy explained.

“That’s completely unacceptable!” Lila exclaimed with a fiery temper. Roderick attempted to calm her down, only to receive an unexpected elbow from her.

“Where are those 25 members of the guild? I haven’t seen them since I trained,” Haruki inquired.

“They’re training in the southern part of the Empire. This area, the northern training grounds, is reserved exclusively for the army, while the southern part is designated for adventurers,” Garrick explained.

“Then why are we here?” Lila questioned.

“The king instructed us long ago to have otherworlders and their partners, like you Haruki, along with Lila and Roderick, exclusively train in these northern grounds,” Daisy responded.

“I see,” says Haruki, “Can we visit them?”