After meeting the Canidae known as Kain and paying the fee at the reception, the group was escorted to a small room inside the headquarters, similar to the one Ascalon had been in the last time he visited the place. They sat in the middle, in front of an average white desk, where the wolf-like man resided. He looked at them with an intense gaze, as if scrutinizing their very existence, before finally breaking the awkward silence.

“Let’s get the formalities out of the way—my name is Kain, and I’m one of the few in charge of Guild-related matters.” He presented himself, his tone still coated with irritation. “And I hate wasting my time with newbies who think they’re ready to become Guild leaders.” Kain added, narrowing his eye at Lilithra.

The girl hesitated for a moment, but her friend’s presence allowed her to stare right back, her gaze one of defiance. The Canidae raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised, and continued.

“First of all, applicants have to pay the fee—you’ve already done that, so we can move on.” Kain explained as he traced the air with his sharp claws, opening up a network interface.

“As you may know, only those we deem worthy can create a Guild.” He began, reading from something on his end. “Since just by being in an affiliated Guild, you’ll have access to city-controlled dungeons, monetary compensation, permission to trade with the headquarters…” He started listing the benefits, though it was all something Lilithra had already explained to Ascalon.

After making sure the rest understood, Kain continued. “Now, I need you—the leader—to share your profile with me.” He remarked with a bored expression, and Lilithra promptly followed his instructions.

“There!” She exclaimed with eagerness, while Kain examined her parameters.

“Hmm…” He muttered, before sighing in resignation. “Alright, you meet the level requirement for a D-Rank Guild.” Kain declared, causing both Lilithra and Selorien to show a conflicted expression. Ascalon, unaware of what had shifted the mood, decided to voice his thoughts.

“Is there a problem…?” He asked with curiosity, and Lilithra quickly waved her hands at him to reassure him.

“No, no. There’s no problem! It’s just a bit disappointing…” She said with an awkward smile, her brows furrowed slightly.

“Disappointing? If it were for me, I would have denied the application based on your level alone—you’re lucky they lowered the entry threshold.” Kain suddenly interjected, his rude remark causing Lilithra to cower slightly. Ascalon and Selorien shoot angry stares at the Canidae, but the wolf-man simply shrugged.

“Be happy with your D-Rank or leave.” Kain coldly declared.

Lilithra quickly perked up as she nodded. “N-no, please, let’s continue!” She said with a shred of panic in her voice, and Kain sighed once more. He seemed really annoyed by the situation, for some reason.

“Very well. You also need to have accomplished a significant feat, like clearing a dungeon—that’s also covered since you were one of the winning participants in the latest Guild war.” Kain explained, catching the rest by surprise. Even Lilithra seemed unaware of that prerequisite, though it was fortunate she had already earned some fame thanks to the colosseum.

“Let me tell you, though—Lucio Cormante has already submitted a recommendation against you.” Kain abruptly revealed, a wave of confusion washing over the group.

“Huh?” Selorien and Lilithra blurted out in unison, seemingly taken aback by the unexpected news. It was a reasonable reaction, since even Ascalon was completely caught off-guard by the revelation.

Why would Lucio go out of his way to do that? Wasn’t kicking them off the guild enough for him? Ascalon wondered as irritation welled up inside him, though Kain’s next words helped to calm him down.

“But that doesn’t matter if I believe you can be of help to the city, and not a detriment—so you’ll have to prove your worth.” The Canidae growled. Despite his tone, his words were surprisingly reassuring after hearing about Lucio’s antagonism.

That meant they only needed to convince Kain, as tough as that sounded!

“Now then…” Kain began, while manipulating his network interface with precise motions, clearly accustomed to the process. “We’ll prepare three tasks for you to complete, based on your Guild’s… purpose, so to say.” The Canidae explained, shifting his gaze from his invisible screen to the group.

“First, you’ll need to tell me—what kind of Guild are you going to establish? A combat Guild, specialized in dungeons, for example? An information Guild? An Alchemy Guild? What can you offer to our city?” Kain asked, posing a question that Lilithra already had the answer for.

“I want to create a Guild that offers protection services! Like escorting, bodyguarding! Though we can clear dungeons too!” Lilithra chirped excitedly, her eyes sparkling. Her enthusiasm was so sudden that even Kain seemed taken aback.

Ascalon was slightly surprised by her words, too. A service much like mercenaries, huh? He liked the idea! It also fit perfectly with Lilithra’s personality, so he was completely on board. Selorien, on the other hand, was smiling boldly, likely already aware of Lilithra’s plans from way before—just as expected of her best friend!

“I see… hmmm…” Kain muttered as he kept fiddling with his interface for a few, but seemingly eternal minutes. Eventually, he smiled with confidence, his canine ears twitching. “There. I will now send you the first task you have to complete.” He explained with unexpected cheerfulness, tracing the air with his long claws, as a blue screen appeared in front of the trio.

A new quest has been created!

Quest title: ‘Dungeon Race’

Objective: Compete against the examinator’s team in a race to finish the Derelict Station dungeon.

Time to complete the quest: One week after both teams enter the dungeon.

Conditions to complete the quest: Defeat the boss monster before the other team.

After one week has passed, or if the other team defeats the boss monster, the quest will be considered a failure.

Do you accept the quest?

Confirm / Deny

Ascalon appraised the quest information with clear interest, finding it surprising that the very first task could present such a curious challenge. “A dungeon race against another team, huh?” He mused aloud, smiling with confidence.

From his experience, he assumed the quest was designed to test their cooperation and strength. The sense of urgency with the time limit, and the looming threat of another team stealing the boss, provided a solid way to gauge their reactions under pressure. It was evident that Kain knew what he was doing!

Lilithra, on the other hand, stared at the screen with awe. After a few seconds, she eagerly pressed the confirm button, accepting the quest. “That’s so exciting!” She exclaimed with glee, earning a surprised look from the Canidae. He was probably not expecting that kind of reaction from her—though she was likely feeling a bit nervous underneath her enthusiasm.

As for Selorien, he seemed content with the quest too, a bold smile spreading across his face. “Neat.” He remarked, looking at Kain. “When do we start and stuff?” He asked casually, causing the Wolf-like man to shake his head. He was likely not used to such carefree behavior, either.

“You start as soon as I gather the team—meaning, tomorrow morning at the latest. You better arrive on time or I’ll cancel the whole thing!” Kain growled, showing his irritation once more. Ascalon wondered just what was annoying him so much, but decided to simply remain silent.

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Lilithra nodded with clear determination, her fists tightly clenched as she spoke. “Yes, sir!” She exclaimed with a bit of anticipation in her voice, while Selorien chuckled at her choice of words.

The Canidae sighed deeply and promptly showed them to the exit, eager to rid himself of them, apparently.

Once outside, the trio huddled up near the entrance, and Lilithra spoke up. “Alright, so. Tomorrow it is!” She said as she raised her arms with enthusiasm. “But I can’t say I’m not nervous!” She added, a shy smile on her face.

Ascalon smiled gently and carefully placed a hand on her head, softly ruffling her hair. It was quite convenient that she was getting used to not wearing her hood all the time, as it made it easier for him to shower her with affection.

Lilithra blushed slightly under his touch, while Selorien smiled at her side. At that moment, a flash of realization spread across her face, and she perked up with a conflicted expression.

“Uhm, Selly is a given, but… are you fine with tagging along?” Lilithra suddenly asked, gazing up at Ascalon with anticipation in her eyes. Ascalon tilted his head in response, slightly confused, so she decided to explain further. “Well, Selly is going to be part of my Guild—we decided on that a long time ago.” She explained, looking over at her friend.

Selorien nodded, raising his hand and making a peace sign with his fingers, so Lilithra continued. “But you, uh, well, I never asked if you were fine with accompanying us or anything… I just dragged you along! So I understand if you want to spend the time with your Goddess or helping Uncle instead!” She said with an awkward smile on her face, a little crestfallen.

Ascalon finally understood what she meant, and felt a bit relieved that it wasn’t anything serious. So, after all this time, she still hadn’t realized, huh? With these thoughts in mind, Ascalon chuckled, causing Lilithra to frown in confusion.

“Oh, Lilithra… I want to join your Guild. Or am I not allowed…?” Ascalon said with a soft voice, his sole eye locked onto her. Lilithra took a step back, her face showing an expression of complete shock.

“Eh? My Guild? What?” She stammered, her thoughts swirling furiously. “But why?! J-joining my Guild would be such a w-waste!” She explained with a conflicted smile, her voice cracking slightly. It was clear that she thought her Guild wouldn’t be worthy of Ascalon, though he could see a glimmer of hope and longing behind her gaze.

“Tell me, Lilithra. Would you like me to join?” Ascalon asked in a solemn voice, while Lilithra looked up at him. “If you do not want me to, I shall not push any further… but I want you to tell me.” He added, his voice turning serious and firm.

Lilithra was at a loss of words, her whole body fidgeting as she struggled inwardly. Just what did she want? She thought for a moment, and the answer was not only obvious, but a given. Lilithra really wanted him to join! He was her master, somehow, and even if he was leagues ahead of both her and Selorien, she longed for them to be all together.

She stared right at him, and extended her hand forward. “W-would… would you join my Guild, Ascalon…?” She asked with shyness, her cheeks reddened and her heartbeat almost audible. Selorien chuckled at her side, while Ascalon beamed with both happiness and relief. Even he had thought for a moment that she would decline!

“Very well, then. I shall gladly join you.” Ascalon replied as she shook her hand, causing Lilithra to jump in place, her excitement contagious. Selorien already knew the answer, so he only smiled at the sight. But Ascalon wasn’t done yet.

“I know the Guild is not official yet, but…” He started, causing both his friends to look at him with curiosity. “Allow me to pledge my allegiance to you.” He declared, taking a step back.

Under his friends' confused stares, Ascalon summoned his knightly armor, each piece appearing one by one on his body. Exemplaris slowly materialized in his right hand, while on his left, the impenetrable Aegis made its presence known.

Lilithra and Selorien watched in stunned silence. As the knight kneeled in front of her, his whole frame radiated a soothing, gentle glow.

“I, Ascalon Rendland, head knight of Wyrmland’s Citadel and commander of the Golden Alliance of Excadia, hereby swear upon my honor. I swear on my Goddess, and before my friends as witness.” Ascalon began, his words echoing with an otherworldly resonance, causing bystanders to stop and witness the scene in complete awe.

“From this day forth, I pledge my lance, the mighty Exemplaris. I pledge my shield, the unyielding Aegis. And I pledge my very life to your cause. I vow to stand by your side, to protect you from harm, and to be a guiding light when your way darkens.” Ascalon continued, his voice causing the air around him to tremble, the weight of his oath being acknowledged by the very world.

Lilithra and Selorien blinked in unison, as the crowd around them increased by the second.

“Let my oath be heard. No enemy, no monster, no evil shall stand between us. I shall serve you in battle as a steadfast spear, and will offer my counsel when your mind is clouded by doubt. Know that I shall claim victory in your name, and bring glory and honor to your Guild!” Ascalon recited as he raised his head, his sole eye focusing on Lilithra’s dumbfounded stare.

His radiance spread, and the figure of the kneeling knight evoked a majestic feel, with whispers and chatter serving as the background.

“I am yours to command, and my loyalty shall not be questioned, bound by this sacred oath and in the name of Athanya’el, Goddess of light and the Third Throne of the great Gods.” Ascalon finished with a gentle voice, lowering his head once more in an honorable gesture.

After a brief pause, Ascalon smiled. It was interesting that he, who had once been wary of Lilithra’s demonic heritage, would end up pledging such an oath to her. Fate was quite ironic, he thought.

As the bustle of the crowd reached his ears, Ascalon glanced around, noticing the amount of people surrounding them, some of them even taking pictures.

“Is there an event?” A voice asked. “That was… something.” Another chimed in, followed by various other curious onlookers.

But the one voice that Ascalon wanted to hear wasn’t among them.

Lilithra was still taken aback, her mind racing to process what had just happened. Ascalon’s grandiose vow had been too sudden, and somewhat embarrassing! To add to her confusion, a blue screen had materialized in front of her, and its contents were quite unexpected.

Do you accept the knight’s oath?

Confirm / Deny

“Huh?” Lilithra muttered as she hesitated, though she relented quickly, as the crowd around them made her feel anxious. With a conflicted expression, she pressed on the confirm button.

Once sworn to his Goddess, now sworn to you as well.

The knight walks your path.

As soon as these words echoed in her mind, the screen disappeared. “That’s it?!” Lilithra blurted out in exasperation, expecting something more, somehow—though the brief, solemn message had been impactful enough.

While Ascalon tilted his head in curiosity after Lilithra’s words, a few headquarters’ officials seemed to have arrived, and were trying to disperse the crowd.

“Hey! Could you please not cause a scene right by the door? There’s people working here!” A stern-looking woman reprimanded them, and Ascalon got up to his feet to bow courteously at her.

“My apologies.” He said with genuine regret in his voice, realizing that he had indeed caused quite the scene. Perhaps that hadn’t been the best time and place to swear an oath… but what was done, was done! With these thoughts in mind, he sent both his armor and weapons to his inventory, returning to his everyday look.

Selorien, having somewhat recovered from the scene, took the chance to grab Lilithra and pull her away from the commotion, with Ascalon following closely behind. They made their way outside the headquarters area, and Lilithra finally let out a deep, tired sigh as she sat on a bench. It was the park they had visited before, and Ascalon felt somewhat nostalgic. Still, Lilithra hadn’t answered him yet.

Under the knight’s intense gaze, she whimpered slightly and covered her face. “W-what was that?” She questioned Ascalon while Selorien sat at her side, his expression a mix of intrigue and amusement.

Ascalon noticed her flustered demeanor and felt a bit sorry about his actions, having suddenly put her on the spot like that. But even so, he didn’t regret making the oath—not even in the slightest.

“It was an oath, from me to you. I apologize if it seemed too grandiose…” Ascalon admitted, his tone a bit bashful. “But I assure you, it shall not change our friendship—it is more of a pledge to myself.” He reassured her, smiling gently.

At his words, Lilithra finally peeked out from behind her hands, looking up at him. Even if she was surprised and felt somewhat awkward about the whole ordeal, the magnitude of what had just happened dawned on her. It had been quite overwhelming, yet her chest was bursting with bliss—Ascalon had shown her his deep conviction, and she had to answer!

“O-okay! I, uh, accept or… something!” She blurted out, slightly panicked, before smiling softly. “Welcome to the Guild, then…! Even though it’s not official yet… you know!” She exclaimed, her face blushing but her mind calming down. “But please, next time… tell me in advance before doing something… like that!” She pleaded in awkwardness.

Selorien eased up and started giggling, and the atmosphere finally shifted back to a more normal mood. “Where’s my oath though?” The elf asked, pouting with clear mischievousness. This time Lilithra giggled, and Ascalon shook his head in disbelief.

“Well, you are not the leader—but I shall extend my oath to the entire Guild!” Ascalon declared, ready to kneel once more. At the sight, Selorien frantically waved his hands, gesturing to him to stop.

“It was a joke, a joke! No more lengthy vows today!” The elf quickly explained in a panic, causing Lilithra to burst out laughing. Soon, they all laughed, enjoying a merry moment after what had been a profoundly solemn event.

Unbeknownst to them, far, far away, a certain group stirred in response to Ascalon’s oath…