Chapter 24: Seuron's Ambitions

It was the second day since Odin became the first Legendary Class wielder inside Satisfy World, and the news of this achievement spread like the wildfires that had continually challenged the California State to keep it at bay.

The same effect as the wildfires were the news centered on Odin and his person. And akin to a villainous antagonist, 'BugsBunny' released the Proclamation immediately after it got edited onto the official SkyNet channel for the Leviathan Guild.

Everyone in the Satisfy Community, regardless of whether they were Odin's fans or haters, couldn't help but check the specs of the first Legendary Class to be revealed.

〘 Always Ahead • The Proclamation 〙- 28M Views • 7 hours ago

⤷ "Always ahead? Damn right! First Legendary Class wielder. Nobody's touching that. Not even Kraugel."

⤷ "He's a genius! Leviathan's going to dominate from now on."

⤷ "My guildmates and I just stopped grinding and watched the video. It's insane to think we're playing the same game as Odin."

The video, of course, was well-received by the media, who wanted to milk this subject to oblivion. The like and dislike ratio was overwhelming, and in this fashion, one could tell that those die-hard haters of his were a minority.

But as with any event of this magnitude, there were plenty of detractors, players who couldn't stand the success of the Leviathan Guild or those who saw Odin's rise as a threat to balance in the game.

The haters, though fewer in number, voiced their concerns and discontent. One might even suspect that developers in the mix disagreed with this class change.

⤷ "This guy's just going to ruin the game for everyone, not in Leviathan. Great… another monopoly."

⤷ "This isn't an achievement. It's pay-to-win garbage at its finest."

⤷ "Y'all really think this is skill? Wait till the devs nerf him."

Despite the negativity, the majority opinion was evident. Odin had cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in Satisfy, but all of the news around him didn't sit well with a coalition of guilds that formed to challenge the growth of the Leviathan.

Each guildmaster of the Seven Great Guilds took a break from whatever they were doing to watch the trending video on SkyNet.

The most powerful guilds in the game, known collectively as the Seven Great Guilds, found themselves facing a reality that threatened the delicate balance of power they had long maintained.

Now they should worry about their hunting grounds and dungeons that they put claim over.

Among them, the guild masters, each a High-Ranker and a force to be reckoned with in their own right, sitting on the top of the mountain watching with an aura of arrogance over the plebs who struggled to even reach level 100.

Somewhere inside the Hekan Kingdom, in the Duchy of an influential figure of the Kingdom, the leader of the Snake Guild, Zibal, received the 'Proclamation' from the headquarters of his Guild.

Zibal leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed as he watched the now-infamous SkyNet video of Odin's Proclamation. His guild members, some of the most skilled PvP players, sat silently as their leader processed the information.

"Legendary Class..." Zibal muttered, his voice low. "I never thought it would be him to get it first. Not yet, anyway. Maybe that crazy Necromancer Agnus or the Black Magician Yura since those handling Demons had an easier time advancing their Classes."

"At most, if he became a Red Knight, his class would be Unique, but this 'Saharan Successor' shit is Legendary for fuck sake."

"Now, my Beastwarden Class is lesser than that parasite from God-knowwhere in Transylvania."

"Boss, can't you send a prayer to God Devotion for a new class? You're the Hero of the Hunt, chosen for the God of the Hunt."

"I wish, but for each 'Favor' I need to do many sacrifices of Field Bosses and Dungeon Bosses with the Beast Type."

Another one of his lieutenants spoke up. "Do you think the devs had a hand in this? How does someone become the first to get a Legendary Class, and so soon after the release?"

"... And who should I ask?"

"I mean, you can send a ticket to the Developers. The limit should be Unique-rated just like yours, Boss."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Zibal shook his head, still focused on the screen. "It's not the devs. That weasel probably touched upon a hidden piece again and struck the jackpot."

"Send news to the Beasthunters to not engage with the Aesir in the Hunting Grounds. I'll have to call the Coalition Leaders and see from there on."

Elsewhere, deep within the underworld-like dungeon where one could see, left and right, various monsters in the shape of Kobolds, the Hades Guild was performing one of their Dungeon Raids over the content available to the Ark Kingdom. This region was said to be near the Dwarven Kingdom of Talima.

The Guildmaster of the Hades Guild, Hao, supported his body using his Halberd. Still, one could clearly see that his black eyes focused intently on the System Window that displayed a SkyNet video.

"I wonder how powerful you got, Odin," Hao murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "This time, you shouldn't have any excuses when we fight again."

While the Hades Guild core force was working in clearing a high-level dungeon that might connect the Ark Kingdom with the Dwarven Kingdom, the Golden Guild belonging to Seuron was put in a state of alert, as they shared the same 'Territory' such as the Leviathan Guild.

Seuron lounged in his luxurious office, a glass of wine in hand as he skimmed through the flood of comments and reactions to Odin's Proclamation. Unlike some of the other guild leaders, Seuron couldn't help but get internally nervous that he would be the first one to get devoured by the Leviathan.

Today, a shadow hung over it all. Odin's ascension to a Legendary Class directly threatened everything Seuron had built inside the Saharan Empire.

The flood of comments and reactions to the SkyNet video scrolled across his holographic interface, but his mind was already racing beyond the immediate buzz.

Seuron muttered, his lips curling in a wry smile. "If Odin thinks he can just seize control of the Empire just because he has a Legendary Class and a Claim to the Throne, he's more of a fool than I thought."

Pondering deeper on the recent events, mainly on the Global Messages sent by Morpheus related to Odin's achievement, which was akin to a 'Foreshadowing' for everyone playing.

"I get it now, those global announcements. Explains why there's so much unrest inside Titan with the Red Knights and Black Knights roaming around the streets, searching for whatever."

He put the glass of wine down and tapped his fingers on the table, his mind working through a series of calculations. The Imperial Family and the Imperialist Faction were notoriously protective of their power. Any hint of rebellion or challenge to the Emperor's authority would be met with overwhelming force. And Seuron knew just how to exploit that.

Seuron called out to his lieutenants, his voice sharp and commanding, "Gather the officers. I have a plan to take down the Leviathan once and for all."

Minutes later, a group of Golden Guild members assembled in the opulent strategy room. Maps of territories, dungeons, and major cities were spread out across the large central table. This was a representation of Seuron's influence inside Nihilaine.

Seuron stood at the head, a gleam of cold ambition in his eyes as he watched over his trusted officers.

He wasted no time. "I'm sure you've all seen the news by now of Odin's so-called 'Proclamation.' The first Legendary Class wielder... the 'Saharan Successor.' He's already making moves to claim the Empire, using that class to rally his guild. But he doesn't realize that that title alone paints a target on his back."One of his officers, a tall, thin man named Loxon, leaned forward. "You mean the Imperial Family won't stand for it? If the Emperor sees him as a threat…"

"Exactly," Seuron interrupted, his smile widening. "The Empire has always guarded its power jealously. Any claim to Saharan blood, especially one as blatant as 'Successor,' and at that a 'Chosen One' which they call us 'Cursed' or 'Undying', is essentially a challenge to the Emperor himself."

"From what I know, the nobles belonging to the Imperialist Faction would do anything to ensure that no one causes a shift in the Status Quo in what is presumed to be the Mandate of Heaven of the Sun Emperor."

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"We can use the information granted by the World Message to paint Odin's proclamation and his moves inside the Empire, as he is planning to stage a coup against the Emperor. I'm sure they'll crush him before he even has a chance to act."

Loxon nodded slowly. "But how do we convince them? The Empire doesn't act on rumors alone."

Seuron's smile didn't fade. "We don't need to convince the Emperor. However, the Imperialist Nobles are always looking for ways to prove their loyalty and curry favor with the Imperial Family. They'll jump at the chance to expose a potential usurper."

"All we need to do is plant the right seeds of doubt, and guess what, guys, I have the right NPC in mind. Can someone guess?"

"... Duke Limit?"

"I wish I could get access to Duke Limit, but close. I'll have Asuaka use his Black Knight connection to send the message to Count Lorant."

Another officer, this time a woman named Aurelia, spoke up. "Isn't Asuaka's services expensive if we leak the information to Count Lorant through him?"

"Nothing to worry, Asuaka hates Odin to his core. Who wouldn't want to become the 'First Red Knight', he'll do it for free if he didn't already step forward to leak info to Count Lorant." Seuron said, pacing around the room.

"We present it as an imminent threat. Frame it as if Odin's already gathering forces for a rebellion. We'll send word that the Leviathan Guild is positioning itself for a coup, taking over key territories, securing dungeons, and amassing resources."

"Once the nobles catch wind of this, they'll be in a frenzy to act. And when the Empire's military comes crashing down on Leviathan, we'll step in and pick up the pieces."

Aurelia frowned as she thought of the worst-case scenario for them. "But this could backfire. What if the Empire decides to crack down on all the major guilds, not just Leviathan? They might see us as a threat too."

Seuron waved her concerns away. "That's why we position ourselves as the loyal defenders of the Empire. We'll offer our services to help 'suppress' the rebellion. In return, we gain favor with the Imperial Family, and once Leviathan is out of the way, we can solidify our hold over the Empire's territories."

The room fell silent as his officers processed the plan. It was bold, dangerous, and fraught with risk, but the reward would be equally great whenever the risks were high.

Taking down Odin and his guild, with the assistance of the NPCs, would mean killing two rabbits with one stone. Eliminating their Archrivals, who fought tooth and nail for each territory of the Empire, would place them on the Pinnacle of the Satisfy World as Shadow Rulers of the Empire.

Soon, very soon, the Golden Guild would be at the center of the World.

'Once I end you, Odin, your guild of degenerates will be nothing but history. There will be no place for you to roam inside the Empire.'

'I told you I would get revenge a thousandfold for the humiliation I suffered at the Orc Dungeon.'

'For now, I should get everyone in the Alliance in touch with my plan. We must gather in Titan to strike the Leviathan Guild while they are in disarray.'

Loxon was the first to speak after Seuron explained his plan. "It's risky... but if it works, we'd be untouchable. The Empire would owe us. And Odin... well, he'd be gone."

Aurelia nodded slowly. "And the other guilds? Do we bring them in on this?"

Seuron's expression darkened. "Just after we finish the meeting, I will contact them. Myself, Zibal, Bubat, Bondre, and Ralph have a deep history with Odin. They will come to Titan in a heartbeat if it comes to killing that arrogant gypsy."

Dismissing his officers, Seuron finding himself alone in the opulent office, chuckled at how much of a 'genius' he could be in thinking of such a plan to screw Odin over.

Taking a sip of his wine, Seuron began celebrating. "I got your number, Odin. Finally, I will see you miserable."

He leaned back, eyes gleaming with a predatory smile. "I will take over everything you've built since the start of the game. Maybe if that bitch of yours is a golddigger, I'll snatch her too."

The dim light cast shadows over his sharp features as he stared at the list of names displayed on his screen.

Soon, a notification blinked over their screen for all of the Guildmasters of the Seven Great Guilds. It was Seuron's invitation to a conference call, during which he intended to give them a run-down of his plan.

These were the leaders of the Seven Great Guilds, each of them a high-ranking player with vast influence in the Satisfy world. They were players with significant control over the resources and hunting territories of the Nihilaine Continent, and even political power was within their grasp.

But now, with Odin's rise, they all faced the same threat.

The video call started to connect, and the guild leaders appeared on the screen one by one.

Zibal of the Snake Guild was the first. His sharp eyes gleamed as he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

Next was Bubat, the hulking leader of the Yak Guild, his face a picture of suspicion.

Then came Bondre, the master of the Ice Flower Guild, his cold gaze as icy as his magic.

Ralph from the Zeraph Guild appeared next, offering only a curt nod of acknowledgment.

Chris of the Giant Guild soon followed, his massive form taking up most of the frame, arms crossed over his chest, his expression neutral but intrigued.

Finally, Hao of the Hades Guild joined his dark, calculating eyes, giving nothing away.

Seuron allowed a moment of silence to pass, letting the tension build before he spoke.

"Thank you all for coming," Seuron began, his voice steady and commanding. "I think we all know why we're here. Odin's recent... 'achievement.' The Saharan Successor Legendary Class."

Zibal was the first to break the silence. "I watched the video. If we give him time to regain his levels, we'll stand no chance in a PvP. From what my people told me, he is already approaching level 80."

Bubat grunted in agreement. "I can give him that. He's a hardcore bastard. He'll grind his liver to dust to level up. He's always a lucky asshole. Honestly… A Legendary Class like that puts him leagues above us, and I hate being beneath him."

"Leagues above all of us," Seuron corrected.

"Kraugel can beat him." Hao also made his own corrections, but they didn't deter Seuron from his speech.

Seuron leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "Which is why we need to act. If we wait, he'll consolidate his power in the Empire. And once he does, we'll be fighting a losing battle for control of not just the territories but the entire game."

Bondre's eyes narrowed. "So, what's your plan, Seuron? You didn't call us here just to complain about Odin's success. You know I hate talking about that gypsy."

Seuron's smile was sharp. "No, I didn't. I called you all here because I have a solution. We can't beat Odin and his Leviathan Guild through conventional means… not in PvP, not in territory wars. But we don't have to. We'll use the system against him."

Ralph raised an eyebrow. "The system?"

Seuron nodded. "Odin's new class, the Saharan Successor. Remember the World Messages? I'm 99.9% sure that it is lore bits. It ties him directly to the Empire. The Imperial Family and the Imperialist Faction won't tolerate anyone challenging the Emperor's authority."

"Odin's mere existence as the 'Saharan Successor' threatens the Emperor's rule. If we make the right moves, we can turn the Empire's wrath against him."

Chris shifted in his seat, his voice low and calm. "You want to frame him as a rebel, a threat to the Empire?"

"Exactly," Seuron said, his voice growing more animated. "We'll leak information to the Imperialist Nobles. We'll tell them Odin and Leviathan are planning a coup and that they're amassing power to overthrow the Emperor. Once the Empire believes Odin is a threat, they'll bring their military down on him. His guild won't stand a chance against the full might of the Empire."

Zibal smirked. "And we get to sit back and watch the fireworks."

"Precisely," Seuron replied. "Once the Empire moves in, we strike. We'll position ourselves as loyalists, offering to help 'suppress' the rebellion. In return, we'll gain favor with the Imperial Family and control over the territories Odin has spent years building up. Leviathan will be in ruins, and we'll stand over the ashes." (A/N: Inside Satisfy World, there's been like 2 years since the scourge hit the continent)

Bubat scratched his chin, his massive arms folded over his chest. "It's risky. If the Empire decides to crack down on all the major guilds, we could get caught in the crossfire."

"Not if we play it smart," Seuron said. "We won't move until we're sure the Empire is fully committed to taking down Odin. As soon as the attack starts, we offer our services as 'loyal' guilds. We'll frame ourselves as defenders of the Empire. They won't touch us."

Hao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice a low rumble. "And what if the Empire doesn't see Odin as a threat? What if they decide to support him instead?"

Seuron's expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "That's where Asuaka comes in."

"Explain." Hao frowned since he knew that this Top Ranker hadn't been aligned with any guild since the game's launch.

"He has connections with Count Lorant, one of the most paranoid Imperialist nobles. If we feed him the right information, let Asuaka plant the idea that Odin is a danger to the Empire's stability, he'll push for action."

"Once the nobles start whispering, the Emperor will have no choice but to act."

Chris uncrossed his arms and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I don't like it. I'd rather face Odin on the battlefield and take him down myself. But... I see the merit in your plan. Odin with a Legendary Class is too dangerous. If the Empire can weaken him, it'll be easier for us to finish him off."

Seuron smiled, sensing that he had them. "Exactly. And once Leviathan is broken, we'll divide their territories and resources among ourselves. This is our chance to not only take down Odin but to secure our places as the true rulers of Satisfy."

There was a brief pause as the guild leaders exchanged glances, weighing the risks and rewards.

Zibal was the first to speak. "I'm in. Odin's been a thorn in my side for too long. His Leviathan maggots have even intruded into my territory, the Hekan Kingdom. If this plan works, we'll finally be rid of him."

Bubat nodded slowly. "I'm in too. This could work as long as we don't get caught in the crossfire."

Bondre and Ralph exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "We're with you," Bondre said, his eyes flashing with frost mana. "But we'll need to act fast. The longer Odin has to consolidate his power and level up, the harder it'll be to take him down."

Chris and Hao remained silent, their expressions unreadable. Finally, Chris spoke. "I still want to take Odin down myself. But... I'll support this plan for now. If it gets us closer to that goal, I'm in."

Hao, however, shook his head. "I don't like it. Odin's rise is inevitable. Even if we take him down now, someone else will rise to take his place. I'd rather face him in combat and see who the better player is. But... I won't stand in your way. Do what you will."

Seuron nodded, satisfied. "Good. Then it's settled. We move forward with the plan. I'll have Asuaka send the information to Count Lorant. Once the Empire starts their attack, we strike."

As the meeting ended and the guild leaders logged off, Seuron leaned back in his chair, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Your days are numbered, Odin," he whispered to himself. "Soon, the Empire will crush you, and I'll be there to pick up the pieces."