Outside the portal, many parents and guardians of the kids who had entered the dungeon waited patiently for their return, joined by academy staff and the military.
Suddenly, kids began to emerge from the portal one by one, causing the waiting crowd to sigh in relief.
"They're here. They've done it."
"We'll have another batch of fresh hunters in our Crestford City."
"This is good, but the top guilds in Crestford City will likely snatch up the best ones."
"There are many geniuses this time, so I think we'll be fine."
People began congratulating each other as the kids came out of the dungeon one after another. Some aimed to recruit them into their guilds, while others sought to establish connections.
However, there were also those who didn't see their children's faces emerging from the portal. Dungeons worldwide had high mortality rates, and even though a no-rank dungeon typically had a lower risk, safety was never guaranteed. Deaths and injuries were an unavoidable reality of dungeon exploration.
"Everyone," Shaun, the dean of Horizon Academy, addressed the kids upon stepping before them. "You did well. Even though a no-rank dungeon isn't particularly difficult, this was your first dungeon dive, and you cleared it successfully."
He paused before continuing. "But, as you all know, some of your friends and classmates didn't make it. They died. While it's harsh to say, the mortality rates in ranked dungeons are far higher than in no-rank dungeons. So, choose your guilds wisely; they will become your new homes from now on."
The kids nodded solemnly. Soon after, members of various guilds surrounded them.
"Max Morgan, join our Crescent Fire guild. It's the best fit for geniuses like you."
"No, join our Wave Wizards guild. It's the top guild in the city."
"Westeria Guild excels in combat. Join us, and we'll offer you many benefits."
"We'll give you 100 mana crystals every month if you join our Hundred Wild guild."
"Only 100? Our Warlock guild will offer you 300 mana crystals monthly if you join us."
The top guilds of Crestford City surrounded the group of geniuses, all vying for Max's attention.
Max smiled wryly, glancing around as the crowd swarmed him. He wasn't the only one getting this treatment—every kid coming out of the portal was met with similar enthusiasm—but the crowd was thickest around him.
"Can I say something?" Max asked.
"Of course you can." A small spherical device, about the size of a fist, floated in front of him. A voice emerged from it. "This is a two-way microphone. Say whatever you'd like."
Max smiled and spoke. "Actually, I didn't do that well in the dungeon. William was the one who supported everyone and killed the boss monster. Without him, it would've been a far more difficult challenge."
Everyone froze at Max's words. Even William was stunned, silently cursing Max for suddenly spouting such nonsense. He shot Max a questioning look.
Max smiled and winked at Zixi, who stood beside William.
Zixi sighed, understanding Max's intention. She grabbed a similar microphone and added, "It's true. William is the MVP of this dungeon. Without him, we wouldn't have cleared it so quickly or effectively."
The crowd buzzed with surprise at her statement. If Max's words seemed unbelievable to most, Zixi's carried weight. As the daughter of General Zane Foster, her opinion held significant credibility.
"Zixi, what are you talking about?" William whispered anxiously.
"Just go with the flow. Max is giving you his chance—don't waste it," Zixi replied softly, though her words weighed heavily on William.
'Damn you, Max!' William cursed silently, gritting his teeth. He understood Zixi's implication: Max was relinquishing his opportunity for him. While he felt it was unfair, he couldn't deny the gesture.
"What are you hesitating for?" Zixi whispered again. "This is your chance. Max will likely join a guild in the Core Region anyway, so don't let his sacrifice go to waste."
Realization dawned on William, and his hesitation melted away. 'I owe him big time.' He turned his attention to the crowd, a faint smile on his face.
"Don't listen to Max and Zixi. I just did what seemed best at the moment," William said vaguely, neither confirming nor denying their claims.
"William, are you willing to join our Westeria Guild?"
"No, join our Crescent Fire guild. It's best for you."
"..."
***
The guild members, who had previously swarmed Max, now turned their attention to William, leaving Max alone. Max sighed in relief, knowing he had achieved his goal. He already had a guild in mind, one that hadn't sent representatives to this recruitment event.
"Are you sure about this?" Zixi asked, appearing beside him.
"I am," Max replied, glancing at the bustling crowd. "I'll leave the Inner Circle sooner or later. It's better to give this chance to someone who'll use it better than me."
Zixi nodded before asking, "And what guild are you planning to join?"
Max smiled. "That's where you come in."
"Me? What does this have to do with me?" Zixi frowned, then her eyes narrowed as realization struck. "You want my father to recommend you to a Core Region guild with branches in the Inner Circle?"
"Smart as always," Max said, nodding.
"But you're too weak for that right now," Zixi retorted, her frown deepening. "Only those at the peak of Novice Rank—level 10—are eligible for recommendations, and even then, they have to be the best in the city."
"You don't need to worry about that," Max said confidently. "Just ask your father when and where the evaluation for recommendations will take place."
Zixi stared at Max with narrowed eyes before sighing. "Your confidence always baffles me. Which guild are you aiming for, anyway?"
"Phoenix Order Guild," Max replied wryly.
Zixi's eyes widened in shock. "Phoenix Order? Have you lost your mind? That's one of the strongest guilds in the Eastern Region. Their recruitment tests are notoriously difficult and brutal!"
"I know. That's why I need your help," Max admitted, sighing. "I need a recommendation just to participate in their recruitment test, and only your father, as the General of Crestford City, can provide that."
Zixi's expression turned serious. "I can't promise anything, but I'll talk to my father and see what he says. I'll contact you within a week if there's any news."
"Alright and thanks. I'll leave now." Max nodded, turning to leave. "Don't forget to message me," he added before disappearing into the crowd.
Zixi watched him go, sighing deeply. She couldn't tell if Max was overconfident or reckless. 'It seems he already has his future planned... to find his sister.' She sighed lightly, lost in thought.