"Like he said, Formicia, find the meat." Arthur nodded.
Formica didn't hesitate. She moved directly to the middle basket and tapped it gently with one leg.
Trent lifted it to reveal the meat. "Impressive."
Next came aggression testing. A wooden figure on rails was suddenly thrust toward Formicia from behind—a simulation of a surprise attack on her master.
The spider reacted instantly, spinning and pinning the figure with precision webbing that immobilized it without destroying it.
"Controlled response," Trent noted. "Not excessive force."
The tests continued for another hour. Formicia demonstrated restraint, intelligence, and perfect obedience. The crowd grew, with more officials arriving to witness the unprecedented registration.
A woman in official robes pushed through. "I'm Magistrate Elana. This is most unusual, young man. What's your purpose in registering such a creature?"
"Guild formation," Arthur replied simply. "She'll be our Guild Beast."
"Ah." Understanding dawned on her face. Every serious guild had a Beast—a symbol of prestige and protection. "Which guild?"
"Haven't made it yet. But it will be called Power."
Elana's eyebrows shot up. "Power? Rather direct, isn't it?"
"I prefer clarity," Arthur replied.
The magistrate studied him with new interest.
Trent finished the paperwork and handed Arthur the copper medallion. "Your registration is complete. This must be displayed on your beast at all times within city limits."
Arthur attached it to a strand of webbing around Formicia's thorax.
"A few final regulations," Trent added. "The beast must never be left unattended in public spaces. Any damage is your legal responsibility. And should it ever attack a citizen unprovoked, the penalty is immediate termination—of the beast and potentially its owner."
"Understood." Arthur turned to leave.
"One more thing," Elana called after him. "Guild registration office closes at sundown. If you're serious about 'Power,' you might want to hurry."
Arthur nodded his thanks and headed out, Formicia following silently.
The streets cleared before them. Merchants pulled their wares aside, parents yanked children back, and even city guards kept a wary distance.
'Lucas's property is probably the best land I could get at my current strength and status,' Arthur thought, heading for the professor's office.
Arthur made Formicia wait outside the building, she had the medallion on her so it wasn't a problem if she was caught by any of the instructors.
He weighed the offer Lucas had made.
'Even if he wants a role in the guild in exchange for the land, it's still worth it. The location alone is priceless.'
'What if it's a trap? What if he has ulterior motives?'
He frowned, mentally mapping out risk scenarios.
'It makes no sense to offer property worth thousands of gold just to hurt my guild. Especially when he could simply crush me with his power if he wanted to.'
'He could kill me a hundred times over before I could summon Neko.'
His hand unconsciously touched his pocket where the cat still slept.
'I don't even think Neko could beat him. Lucas is at least level 25 with his Authority Domain ability fully established.'
Still, the possibilities bothered him.
Lucas might want information. He might be gathering pawns for some political game. He might be testing Arthur's capabilities. Or simplest of all, he might genuinely want to back a rising power.
'Keep your friends close, potential threats closer,' Arthur decided.
He knocked on the instructor's door.
"Enter!" called a voice from inside.
Entering Lucas's office, Arthur found the professor lounging behind his desk. Sky-blue hair tied in a casual bun, his eyes gleaming.
"Sit," Lucas gestured, a smile playing at his lips. "I'm assuming your friend has made his mind?"
The way he said "friend" spoke volumes. They both knew the pretense for what it was.
Arthur slid into the chair across from him, maintaining eye contact. "Yes. He accepts your proposal."
Lucas's smile didn't waver.
"He appreciates your help and promises you won't be disappointed," Arthur continued. "He's decided to give you the role of Advisor. You'll have responsibility over team leaders, guiding their development."
A slight twitch of interest in Lucas's expression.
"You'll also be one of two key figures. Your suggestions will always be taken into account."
"Couldn't ask for a better role," Lucas replied without missing a beat. "Especially since I am an instructor. This is my job."
He leaned forward, blue eyes studying Arthur's face. "Your friend is quite resourceful, I must say."
The unspoken question hung between them.
"He chooses his allies carefully," Arthur replied.
"As do I." Lucas pulled a scroll from his desk drawer and slid it across. "The deed to the property, as promised. Prime location, already zoned for guild activities."
Arthur unrolled it, scanning the legal terminology. No tricks, no hidden clauses.
"The basement levels are extensive," Lucas added.
"Perfect for... team activities."
Arthur's eyes flicked up.
"When will the token be used?" Lucas asked.
"Immediately. My friend believes in swift action."
"Good." Lucas stood, extending his hand. "To a rising guild."
Arthur stood up, extending his hand to shake his.
After shaking hands, Lucas tilted his head. "To register the guild, you'll need to head to the guild registration office. The first few members should come with you to be registered too." He leaned against his desk. "Later on, new members can submit forms that get sent over automatically."
Arthur nodded, mentally adjusting his timeline. "Currently only you and I will be registered. Are you free now?"
"What about your friend?" Lucas nodded with a smile.
"He wants me to be the face of the guild," Arthur replied smoothly. "Since I'm a student of the academy."
Lucas decided to not press forward anymore.
Stepping outside the building, Arthur spotted Formicia resting, her massive legs folded beneath her.
'She'd drawn quite a crowd.' He thought.
But one observer stood out.
The young man leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, his red hair fluttering softly in the wind. His posture screamed confidence bordering on arrogance.
"Formicia, let's go," Arthur called.
The spider queen rose immediately, blue eyes focused on her master.