Ryujin leaned back slightly, his expression calm but focused as he observed the lively guild chat. What started as a simple gathering place had quietly transformed into something far greater. It was no longer just a space for casual conversations or idle curiosity—now, it had structure, purpose, and most importantly, a direction. The introduction of the mission system marked a turning point. This guild was beginning to resemble something real, something functional… something dangerous.
"Guild Master… what kind of missions are they?" Asuna asked, her tone composed, though the hint of anticipation beneath it was impossible to miss.
Ryujin didn't answer right away. Instead, he allowed them to discover it for themselves. Curiosity was a powerful motivator, and it didn't take long before the chat erupted again.
"WAIT—WHAT IS THIS?!" Eriri's message burst into the chat. "Survival Mission: Assist Saeko Busujima in escaping the school and ensuring her survival for 24 hours?! THIS IS REAL?! WE CAN GO THERE?!"
Utaha, as expected, didn't react as loudly. She read through the details carefully, her sharp mind already analyzing the implications. "There's a second mission," she noted calmly. "'Optional Mission: Eliminate 100 infected entities. Rewards based on contribution.' So combat is involved too…" A faint smile appeared on her lips. "Now this is getting interesting."
"…Travel between worlds…" Asuna murmured softly, the weight of that realization settling in. "So this guild… really isn't normal."
Linglong was practically overflowing with excitement. "Adventure! Actual adventure! Can I go?! I want to go!"
"…Dangerous…" Inori's quiet message appeared, as subtle as ever. For a moment, it seemed like she would fade back into silence—but then another line followed. "…I still want to try."
Meanwhile, Saeko stared at the mission panel in disbelief. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reread the description. This wasn't just advice anymore. It wasn't just distant voices offering comfort through a screen. They could actually come. They could fight beside her.
"Guild Master…" she typed slowly, "…is this safe?"
That single question brought the atmosphere crashing back down to reality. The excitement, the curiosity—it all paused. Because now, the truth stood in front of them. This wasn't a game. This wasn't fiction for them. People could die.
Ryujin's gaze sharpened slightly. He had expected this moment. The difference between him and the others was clear—where they saw novelty and excitement, he saw consequences. Blood. Chaos. The cost of survival.
"Nothing about this is safe," he replied calmly. "Your world is already collapsing. Zombies are only the beginning. Infection, panic, human greed… all of it will follow."
The chat fell silent. Even Eriri had nothing to say this time.
"But," Ryujin continued, "this mission isn't mandatory. No one is forced to go. You choose. Understand this clearly—if you accept, you may die."
The weight of his words lingered heavily in the air. It wasn't a warning meant to scare them—it was the truth, laid bare.
Utaha was the first to respond. "…That just makes it more meaningful."
Asuna followed shortly after. "…If we can save someone, it's worth it."
"I'm in!" Linglong declared without hesitation.
Eriri took longer. Far longer than anyone expected. When she finally spoke, her words carried a quiet honesty. "…I'm scared. But… I don't want to just watch."
A brief pause passed before Inori's message appeared. "…I will go."
Saeko read each message one by one, her eyes widening slightly with every line. There was no hesitation now. No doubt. They had made their choice.
They were coming.
For her.
Ryujin let out a soft breath. This was better than he had expected. They weren't blindly rushing in, nor were they paralyzed by fear. They understood the risks—and chose to move forward anyway.
"Then prepare," he instructed, his tone steady and authoritative. "Check the mission details. Equip what you can from the shop. Form a team. Once you accept, you'll be transported."
He paused briefly before adding one final line.
"…I'll be there too."
That single sentence shifted the entire atmosphere once again.
"GUILD MASTER IS COMING TOO?!" Eriri exploded.
Utaha smirked faintly. "…Now that's reassuring."
Asuna smiled, her confidence returning. "…Then we'll be fine."
Saeko closed her eyes for a moment, relief washing over her like a wave. Strength returned to her limbs, and with it, resolve.
"…Thank you."
Ryujin didn't respond, but for the briefest moment, the coldness in his eyes softened.
The mission had begun. This would be the guild's first true test—a shattered world, an unfolding apocalypse, and a group of individuals stepping into it together.
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