Three Months Later

The snow-covered landscape was serene, disturbed only by the frantic scurrying of a golden rabbit as it darted across the icy terrain. The creature's speed was astonishing, a blur of gold against the pristine white backdrop.

"Over there! It went that way!" a voice shouted from a distance.

"Surround it!" another voice called out, urgency evident in the tone.

Nagareboshi, rifle in hand, leaped through the air and slid across the snow, positioning herself directly in the rabbit’s path. She quickly raised her rifle, steadying her aim with practiced precision. Her finger hovered over the trigger, but the rabbit was quicker. It suddenly veered to the side, dodging the bullet just in time and sprinting past her. Frustrated, Nagareboshi let out a huff and slammed her rifle into the snow.

"It's heading your way!" a third voice rang out, directing the group’s attention.

Not far away, Hayato waited silently, his eyes locked on the approaching rabbit. His sword, Lightning, remained sheathed at his side, its power humming quietly. As the golden rabbit neared, Hayato’s hand moved in a blur, drawing his sword with such speed that the snow in his path melted instantly. In one fluid motion, he sliced through the air, resheathing his sword just as quickly as he had drawn it.

The rabbit continued to run for a few more steps before its body suddenly split in two. A system message flashed across the screens of all players: Event Over! The DesertLotus Guild has obtained the artifact!

Cheers erupted from the surrounding players, their voices filled with excitement and triumph.

"Another artifact! Are you trying to collect them all?" one of the swordsmen joked, laughing. "Haha, leave one for me!"

"As long as it stays in the guild, I’m happy!" a mage chimed in with a grin.

"Now that you have two artifacts, you’re unstoppable!" another warrior declared, admiration in his voice.

But Hayato, ever stoic, merely shook his head. "No… I didn’t do much this time. I just delivered the final blow."

Hayato bent down and picked up the artifact, which had yet to take its final form. It was a small, glowing orb, brimming with potential. He walked over to Kurogiri, who stood nearby with his usual mischievous grin.

"Kurogiri was the one who planned everything," Hayato said, stopping in front of him. "He deceived the enemy guilds with false information. He deserves this much more than I do."

Kurogiri placed a hand over his heart, feigning an emotional response. "They grow up so fast… sniff sniff. You’re going to make your old man proud?"

"Shut up before I change my mind. And you’re not my father," Hayato snapped, though there was no real venom in his voice.

"Are you sure?" Kurogiri’s tone softened, his grin fading to a sincere smile. "The artifact should go to the one who delivered the final blow. I won’t stop you from claiming your second artifact."

"I’m sure," Hayato replied, his expression firm.

For a moment, Kurogiri’s playful demeanor shifted to something more genuine. It reminded Hayato of the day he had joined the guild, a day that seemed both distant and recent all at once. Feeling a bit awkward, Hayato handed the artifact to Kurogiri, who accepted it with a nod.

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The celebration of their victory had long since died down, and Hayato found himself standing apart from the rest of the guild, alone in the cold. The air bit at his skin, but he barely noticed, his mind elsewhere. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Kurogiri approaching until he was standing beside him.

"You should try smiling once in a while," Kurogiri said, breaking the silence as he gazed out at the snowy landscape.

Hayato glanced at him, confused. "Why do you say that?"

"Sometimes the others try to get closer to you, and I even encourage it, you know," Kurogiri explained, his tone light. "You’re a good guy, and you’re still young. You should enjoy life more."

Hayato raised an eyebrow, giving Kurogiri a sideways glance. "Are you drunk?"

Kurogiri let out a small hiccup, laughing as he spoke. "I’m trying to help you, you ungrateful brat… Hic."

Hayato sighed. "It’s not like I’m the only one who keeps to myself. Nagareboshi doesn’t talk to anyone either. She always seems distant… and it feels like she hates me."

Kurogiri chuckled knowingly. "Hmm, are you interested?"

Hayato’s face flushed a deep red, and he quickly turned away. "Of course not!"

"Her case is different," Kurogiri continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "She’s an ‘ojousama,’ from a wealthy family. In a way, it’s my fault. I told her that people in online games are no good and that she shouldn’t get too close to anyone."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Did you include yourself when you gave that advice? Hayato thought, but he kept the question to himself.

Suddenly, Kurogiri straightened up, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "I need to take a leak!"

As Kurogiri wandered off, Hayato was left alone again, but only for a short while. He was surprised when Nagareboshi appeared in front of him, her presence unexpected.

"Sorry if I gave you the wrong impression," she said, her voice soft but steady.

Hayato’s eyes widened slightly, and he quickly looked around for Kurogiri, who was now a short distance away, poorly hiding his devious grin.

"Oh… no, it’s nothing like that..." Hayato stammered, his thoughts racing.

That drunk bastard… Hayato cursed silently.

"No! I need to say this," Nagareboshi insisted, her tone firm. "I was angry, but it wasn’t because I dislike you."

Really? Hayato thought, his confusion deepening.

"I just didn’t want you to get a second artifact," she continued, her gaze unwavering. "It didn’t seem fair that you would have two when others had none. That’s why I tried so hard to stop you from getting it."

All because of that? Hayato wondered, still trying to process her words.

"But after you handed the artifact to someone else," Nagareboshi admitted, her voice tinged with regret, "it made me feel ashamed of my thoughts and actions. You’re a better person than I thought."

Hayato blushed slightly, his usual stoic demeanor faltering. "I just did what I thought was fair."

Nagareboshi looked at him with newfound respect. "I’m sorry."

Without warning, she bowed her head, drawing the attention of some of the other guild members nearby. Hayato felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, not used to such a public display.

"There’s no need for that," Hayato said quickly. "Please, lift your head."

Nagareboshi slowly raised her head, meeting his gaze, and Hayato felt a sense of relief wash over him.

"As for the other matter," Nagareboshi continued, her voice now lighter, "I think we should get to know each other better first. It’s still too soon."

Hayato blinked, caught off guard. "Other matter?"

"Yes," Nagareboshi replied with a hint of a smile. "The confession..."

"Wha... wha... wha..." Hayato’s mind went blank as the words stuck in his throat. He could only stare at her in shock.

Sensing his distress, Nagareboshi chuckled softly. "But what I can say for sure is that it’s a good thing the guild has someone like you. I’m counting on you for the next event."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Hayato standing there, still reeling from the conversation. His gaze followed her until she disappeared from view.

"I’m counting on you for the next event, DEAR ♥" Kurogiri’s voice teased from behind him.

Hayato’s face turned bright red again, but this time he quickly composed himself. "I see... so you’ve chosen death!"

Without hesitation, Hayato drew his artifact, and Kurogiri, ever the opportunist, quickly followed suit.

"Hehe, don’t think it’ll be that easy," Kurogiri taunted, his grin widening. "This time, I’ve got an artifact too."

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Five Months Later

The guild’s tavern was bustling with activity. New members filled the space, their laughter and chatter creating a lively atmosphere. Unlike before, Hayato was no longer isolated.

Surrounded by people… it doesn’t really suit me, Hayato thought as he observed the scene. I still feel out of place… Do I really deserve this?

Kurogiri stood at the center of the room, commanding attention as he addressed the guild. "Alright, everyone, listen up! I have two announcements…"

"Are you finally passing leadership to Raylight?" one of the players shouted, his voice filled with playful mischief.

"Team Raylight!! The best leader!" another player chimed in, and soon the entire room was chanting "Team Raylight" in unison, laughter echoing through the tavern.

Kurogiri crossed his arms, feigning annoyance. "I’ll remember this, you bastards…"

"Just tell us the announcements!" the first player urged, still grinning.

"First," Kurogiri began, his tone now serious, "we’ve finally become the second-ranked guild!"

The room erupted in cheers, the guild members celebrating their hard-earned achievement.

"And second," Kurogiri continued, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "the server championship has been announced. It’s a big money event, and we’re going to participate."

The cheers grew even louder, the excitement in the room reaching new heights.

"Oh, and a third announcement…" Kurogiri added with a smirk. "We’re going to win!"

This time, the cheers were deafening, the guild members fully rallying behind their leader.

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Later, in a Small Room Within the Guild Base

In a small, dimly lit room within the guild base, Kurogiri sat casually in a chair. The room was simple, with just a table and a few chairs. Hayato entered, leaving the door slightly ajar behind him.

"You called?" Hayato asked, his tone neutral.

Kurogiri looked up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, do you think we have a chance?"

Hayato smirked, crossing his arms. "You think I’d lose to TAKASH1?"

Kurogiri shook his head, chuckling. "Nah, that’s impossible."

"Then I guess that answers your question," Hayato replied confidently.

Kurogiri leaned back in his chair, clearly pleased with the response. "I have to admit, back when you and TAKASH1 were competing for the top spot, I thought he was stronger."

Hayato’s expression soured slightly, recalling those intense days of rivalry.

"But nowadays," Kurogiri continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "since you’ve stopped chasing that top ranking… you seem even more untouchable, much more intimidating than him. I can imagine twenty different strategies to contain him in a guild war… but none of them would stop you."

Hayato was taken aback by the unexpected compliment, feeling a bit awkward. "Thanks…"

"Damn, I said that out loud, didn’t I?" Kurogiri muttered, feigning regret.

"You really know how to ruin a moment," Hayato remarked, shaking his head.

Kurogiri sighed, his expression growing more serious. "This prize money… it could change all our lives."

"Yeah, I know," Hayato agreed, his voice quiet. "But money isn’t my main motivation… if I win… I’m going to confess."

Kurogiri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Hmm, only if you win? I thought you two had already made some progress with all the talking you’ve done these past months. How disappointing."

Hayato looked away, his cheeks reddening slightly. "Shut up, it’s not as easy as it looks."

Kurogiri let out a mock sigh of disappointment, deciding to let the subject drop. His eyes fell on the necklace he was wearing, a small pendant that caught Hayato’s attention.

"What’s that?" Hayato asked, curious.

"You like it?" Kurogiri replied with a grin. "It’s the guild symbol. I had it made in real life too. Send me your address later. I’m sending one to everyone, but it probably won’t be ready before the championship."

"Cool. Let me know when it’s ready," Hayato said as he turned to leave the room.

As he stepped outside, he didn’t notice Nagareboshi leaning against the wall beside the door, her presence concealed in the shadows.