The fifth floor contained luxury amenities. Dining halls capable of feeding hundreds.
Rest zones with beds that provide enhanced mana and health recovery.
It also had social spaces that were designed for building camaraderie among guild members.
This guild contains everything...whether it's training, entertainment, or knowledge. I didn't expect it to be this good.
The sixth floor required special authorisation to access, it was Arthur's private domain.
It was his personal quarters that would serve as his residence when needed.
Arthur had planned to make the highest floor his personal one, but it seemed like he didn't need to change anything. It was already taken into account.
The last floor was split into two sections, the first section was a large area exclusive to members that Arthur chose. It was the executive floor.
The second section was his personal domain.
From his personal domain, Arthur could see Caldera spread below him. The central plaza teemed with players drawn by the guild's grand opening. Word was spreading faster than wildfire.
Looking at the group of players standing outside, Arthur decided to head down.
Time to make an impression.
He descended the marble staircase with measured steps, each footfall echoing through the vast reception hall.
The massive gates responded to his approach, swinging open silently.
Before him stood the first brave souls who had followed him through Caldera's winding streets. Curiosity and anticipation radiated from their faces.
Some clutched weapons nervously.
"Welcome," Arthur called, his voice carrying across the plaza. "To Power Guild headquarters."
A Level 12 warrior near the front stammered, "You're... you're the guild master?"
Arthur's smile held secrets and promises. "I am Azarel. And yes, this is my domain."
The crowd shifted, their expressions changing as they processed what they were witnessing.
The mysterious figure with the terrifying spider companion wasn't just some high-level player.
He was the player. The one who'd achieved the feat of having the first and only guild in Armageddon.
"The global announcement," whispered a mage in azure robes. "First player guild recognition. That was you?"
It was a simple confirmation, but it sent ripples through the gathering.
Let them come to their own conclusions.
Behind the initial group, more players approached.
Word spread through Caldera's streets like wildfire. The Power Guild's leader was making a public appearance.
Hundreds of players filled the street, including enemies of Arthur.
His eyes locked with a familiar figure near the crowd's edge.
The golden boy. The military's chosen champion.
They both recognised each other, not of identity, but of purpose.
James saw a powerful guild master, and a future enemy. Meanwhile...Arthur saw a future corpse.
He doesn't know it's me. Good.
James lingered for several minutes, observing the spectacle with interest.
Then, abruptly, James turned away, moving through the crowd toward Caldera's gates.
Arthur's eyes followed that retreating figure.
James hadn't personally tormented him—that honor belonged to Donald and his handlers. But naivety was a luxury Arthur couldn't afford.
The military's trump card. Their awakened weapon.
When the merge was completed, James would stand at the forefront of their response. Leading government forces against Arthur and everyone standing with him.
He chose his side. I chose mine.
Arthur could have acted now. Sent some of his powerful summons to kill the man. But unnecessary violence at the moment wasn't needed.
Patience. I waited for months in the slums, I can wait for a few more days.
The crowd's energy pulled Arthur back to immediate concerns. Hundreds of voices rose in excited chatter:
"When do applications open?"
"What are the requirements?"
"Can we see the benefits?"
Arthur raised his hand, and silence rippled outward from his position. The authority in that simple gesture was astonishing.
"I understand your enthusiasm," his voice carried across the plaza without strain. "Power Guild appreciates your interest in joining our ranks."
"However, proper recruitment requires proper preparation."
"The guild will officially begin accepting applications in twenty minutes."
Disappointed murmurs rose from the crowd.
"Twenty minutes gives you time to consider seriously," Arthur continued. "Membership isn't casual affiliation. It's a commitment to something greater than individual ambition."
"Use this time wisely. When those doors open again, we'll be looking for more than levels and equipment."
His gaze swept across upturned faces.
"We'll be looking for character."
Some players immediately began forming discussion groups. Others retreated to consider privately.
Arthur turned toward the guild headquarters, Formicia walking beside him, and the massive doors swung shut behind them, sealing out the noise and chaos of the plaza.
Inside the marble reception hall, Arthur sent Gates a message.
"Come over to the new guild location, I will be beginning recruitment. I need someone here to handle recruitment, there are quite a lot of people."
Gates responded immediately. "I will be there in a minute. But, how many people are we talking about?"
"Understood. I'll bring Old Oliver and Archie Brighthand as well."
Two minutes later, the massive doors swung open.
Three figures stepped through: Gates, Old Oliver with his B-rank defensive talent, and Archie Brighthand, whose youthful appearance belied his A-rank blacksmithing genius.
Alfie. One of the most talented individuals I've encountered in Armageddon.
Behind them, the crowd surged forward like a breaking wave.
"Hey! The door's open!"
"Are they accepting people now?"
"Who are those guys?"
The doors sealed shut with finality, cutting off pursuit and muffling disappointed protests. Several players had nearly made it inside before the doors closed in their faces.
"Impressive security," Oliver observed, his gruff voice echoing in the vast space. "Never seen anything like it."
Archie's eyes gleamed as he studied the details.
"The building integration is flawless. Whoever designed this understood both elegance and function."
"The new headquarters exceeded my expectations. It's much better than the previous headquarters."
Arthur gestured toward the central seating area.
"We need to discuss the recruitment protocols."
The four men settled into position, with Formicia positioning herself nearby like a living guard post.