The Guild Of Shadows

The Invasion

It was now four days after the battle between Krystal and Vladmir. 

News spread far and wide across Ernia about the Brave, who defeated one of the strongest district commanders.

In an isolated area not far from Hondah, an army officer was being addressed by a man. 

He was tall and skinny, had silver hair, and was clad in violet armor with a cape around his back. 

He was pacing about with his hands positioned behind him. 

"Soldiers, join our armies to become heroes the same way the legends of old did."

"They are born to rescue, to enter hell, and to conquer on behalf of the light!!"

"Let the children born of the hero's heart be the champions of the weary; let them take their strength and lift the broken, for they are the ones who would lay down life and limb to do what is right!!"

"So take up your arms and follow me as we go to battle against the accursed artifact users!" 

RAWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

All the soldiers raised their weapons in unison and let out their war cry. 

"All hail Harijoh!" 

They cheered. 

"All hail Yusaku Ona!!!". 

He left the soldiers and walked into a tent. Inside was a map describing several parts of Ernia and routes leading to Hondah. 

"General Ona, may I enter?". 

A woman's voice was heard from outside. 

"Kira, please do come in." 

A woman entered the tent. 

She was clad in pink armor and a pink cape; she had brown hair that was barely visible over the helmet she was wearing, which also covered her face. 

"General, if I may, now is the perfect time to attack Honda.".

She proclaims as she holds up a phone depicting a roughly captured video of Krystal using the Kill Switch on Vladmir. 

"There was news that Vladmir was beaten by some kid in Regrah." 

"Hmmm". 

Yusaku Ona took the phone from her and played the video again. 

'That armband on the kid's hand looks familiar, but I can't seem to point out why'. 

"Kira, send a message to the capital." 

"Yes General!" 

"Tell them we're moving the invasion by a week and get me, my brother.".

Meanwhile, back in Regrah... 

"Calm down, demon spawn, or your wounds will open up.".

Krystal had finally woken up and was gleefully jumping around after seeing the finished emblem.

"Sheesh, why do I feel like I'm only here to babysit you?".

The thief facepalmed.

He smiled...

'Well, I'm glad he's alright.

"All that's left now is an Ark.".

An Ark, as the name suggests, is a giant ship able to carry numerous people and goods that every guild has. 

This, along with an emblem, are the basic requirements needed to start a guild. 

Krystal, who had calmed down, was currently at the inn with Grover.

"And how on earth are we going to get an Ark!?".

"I don't know.".

"(- -)".

KNOCK KNOCK

They heard large knocks coming from the door of the inn. Grover walked up and opened the door, only for him to retreat and take a fighting stance.

The one who came into the room was none other than Vladmir.

"What are you doing here?". Grover exclaimed.

Vladmir seemed to ignore his existence entirely, as he only had his eyes on Krystal.

"Hey! Don't tak-" 

Before Grover could finish, Krystal held his arm out to stop him. 

He then walked forward to come face-to-face with the large behemoth. 

"Have you come for a rematch?".

He asked, cracking his fists with a smirk on his face, ready to throw down.

The large man then did something unexpected.

"Hey!! What are you doing? Get up!"

Vladmir was on his knees.

"Please let me join your guild!"

"Eh!!!!"

Grover plopped down at this turn of events. 

The man who tried to kill Krystal a few days ago was currently on his knees and begging to join their guild. But what happened next left him dumbfounded. 

"Okay". Krystal said with the usual smile on his face that they were never foes. 

"Great! I heard you were looking for a guild, Captain."". 

"Yeah, you think you can help us out." 

"Hahahaha! You're my captain now; just give me the order, and I will follow."". 

Grover, who had become a statue of shock, could only turn his head as he witnessed the current conversation. And once again... 

"Eh!!!!" 

One week later, the trio arrived at Honda. 

"Commander!!!" 

Cain, Ruth, and Vidal, Vladmir's trusted compatriots, came rushing towards him. 

"We're so glad you're okay!!". Ruth sobbed as they all hugged the muscular man who patted them on the head. 

They were rejoicing at the fact that their leader was back and safe after he got into a fight with

"You!". Cain pulled out his sword and pointed it towards Krystal. The man who defeated their captain and defamed him watched a blurry clip of Krystal delivering the finishing blow to Vladmir. 

"Stand down, Cain. He's not the enemy here."". 

Vladmir took the chance to tell them about how he had joined Krystal's Guild and would be leaving in a short time as soon as they could get an Ark. 

At first, the trio were perplexed and didn't want their leader to go. 

"You just got back.". 

"Yeah, and what about Honda?" 

"Hondah has done alright without me for five years now, and they're in perfect hands."

He placed his hand on Cain's shoulder. 

"Cain, you have been a loyal and dear companion; all of you have, really, but I want to travel further across the world with Krystal here."

The three were all tearing down as he continued. 

"I don't expect you guys to forgive me for abandoning Honda, but we will always be allies, and Honda has always been in good hands." He finished with a smile. 

"Commander!!" 

The trio burst into tears and hugged him one more time, and then it happened.

BOOM! 

A series of explosions could be heard around the district; smoke and flames were scattered everywhere. 

A guard came running over, his face like he had seen a ghost; there were only hundreds of them. 

""Commander, you're... here. We're... under attack."" The guard exclaimed, panting heavily; he was also bloody and injured. 

"Yusaku Ona is attacking."