Chapter 151: The Tenth Fatui Harbinger! Poaching the Competition?
...
A short while later.
God's Domain: 50th Floor.
In the room where they had previously logged off, the Yukinoshita sisters watched as Seito and their mother materialized. A flicker of confusion crossed their faces. Madam Yukinoshita's complexion seemed remarkably rejuvenated—almost glowing. They weren't sure if it was just their imagination or a side effect of the "True Login."
"Seito-chan, what were you doing just now?" Haruno asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
"I just took Auntie out for a bite to eat," Seito replied nonchalantly.
At the mention of "eating," Madam Yukinoshita's mouth twitched ever so slightly. They had certainly "consumed" something, but it wasn't exactly a standard meal. Haruno, sensing a boundary, chose not to press further.
"I'm heading back first," Yukino announced, teleporting away without another word.
"I should leave as well," the Madam added.
"It's been over two hours since I checked in with my guild. I need to see how things are progressing." Under the watchful eyes of the couple, she too vanished in a pillar of light.
"What about you, Seito-chan? What's your plan?" Haruno asked, stretching her lithe body like a cat.
"I need to find a blacksmith," Seito answered. He still had materials for Gold-tier equipment gathered, but without a dedicated master smith, he wasn't willing to risk the high-tier crafting process himself.
Haruno nodded. "Then I'll return to the Empire. As the Financial Director, my plate is quite full."
Once she had departed, Seito opened his friend list. He already had a candidate in mind—a student from Class 1-A at Sobu High School: Rika Shinozaki.
In the game, her handle was Lisbeth (Liz). She was the legendary smith who had forged many of Kirito's blades and was Asuna's closest confidante.
Seito didn't hesitate. He searched for her name and sent a request.
[Ding! You are now friends with "Liz".]
[Liz: Eh? Seito-kun? What brings the famous Emperor to my humble smithy?]
Liz knew Seito well. Not only was he the most famous player in God's Domain, but his reputation at Sobu High school was equally legendary. More importantly, Asuna had talked about him incessantly.
[Sei: I'd like to officially invite you to become the Tenth Fatui Harbinger.]
Seito wasn't joking. Liz's craftsmanship was top-tier, known for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Having her as a Harbinger meant the entire Fatui guild would have access to a master's forge. For a talent like her, a seat at the high table was a bargain.
[Liz: EH?!]
Liz was floored. To a player in God's Domain, a Harbinger seat was the ultimate symbol of prestige. Aside from answering to Seito, a Harbinger held absolute authority over the Empire's vast resources and personnel.
[Liz: I accept!]
She didn't hesitate. This was the opportunity of a lifetime.
[Sei: Good. Leave the Full Moon Guild first.]
[Liz: Understood.]
Closing the chat, Liz tried to suppress her trembling excitement. She turned to Asuna, who was standing nearby. "I'm sorry, Asuna... I'm leaving the guild."
"???" Asuna froze. "What happened? Did someone upset you?" Her voice was full of genuine concern. Liz was her best friend, and her smithing was a pillar of the Full Moon Guild's strength. Her departure would be a massive blow.
The sudden announcement drew the attention of the other high-ranking members nearby, including Kaguya Shinomiya and Yukino.
"Liz, is the compensation not enough?"
Kaguya asked, gracefully sipping her tea but looking concerned.
"No, the guild has been wonderful," Liz shook her head. "But a friend invited me to join his guild, and he's offered me a high-ranking executive position."
The group shared confused glances. After a moment of silence, Kaguya sighed. "Fine. I won't force you to stay. That would only breed resentment."
"Thank you, President. I'm sorry," Liz said softly before clicking 'Leave Guild.' The "Full Moon" prefix vanished from her name instantly.
Everyone watched her, curious to see which guild could possibly lure her away. They weren't looking for a fight; they were just genuinely perplexed.
A moment later...
Kaguya: "..."
Asuna: "..."
The entire group: "..."
As the prefix [Fatui] appeared before Liz's name, the room went dead silent.
This was her "friend's" guild? You've got to be kidding me! Kaguya nearly choked on her tea. First the territory, then the prestige, and now Seito was poaching her master blacksmith? This was daylight robbery!
"Why is everyone looking at me like that?"
Liz scratched her head awkwardly.
"Did Seito offer you a standard executive position?" Ryuen Kakeru asked, being the first to find his voice.
"No," Liz shook her head.
The group was confused. Didn't she just say it was an executive role?
Liz: "He offered me the seat of the Tenth Harbinger!"
Everyone: "...!!!"
The shock was total. A Harbinger seat?!
"How is that even possible?!" Asuna was the first to shout.
"Ugh, Asuna, don't be so dramatic," Liz squeaked, startled.
"How can I not be dramatic?" Asuna retorted, though she calmed down quickly. She realized Seito's motive. He had clearly targeted Liz's unique talent for his own elite force.
"Hmph." Kaguya took a deep breath. "Liz, did Seito send you his coordinates?" She had a bone to pick with that boy. Why did he insist on constantly digging at the foundations of her guild?
"Yes, he's on the 50th floor."
"Send them to me. I have some 'business' to discuss with Seito-kun."
"Sure thing."
With a few taps, the two girls teleported away, leaving a stunned silence in the Full Moon headquarters.
...
Thank you for reading.