The Lv.19 Paladin

By the time Su Ran emerged from the personal meditation practice area, dusk was drawing near.

People were still coming and going in the camp, but compared to the earlier tension and bustle, there seemed to be a touch more ease, as though the dust had settled.

Although the incident at the Otherworldly Rift had caused casualties, its core had been destroyed and the threat eliminated. More specialized teams would take over the cleanup and investigation.

He was about to head to the medical station to ask about Rex again when he spotted Alina, Karl, and Xiaoguang in the distance, gathered around a towering figure as they emerged from the medical tent.

It was Rex!

Although his face was still somewhat pale and he needed a thick wooden stick, found for him on short notice, to walk, his eyes had regained their customary sharpness. He had evidently regained consciousness.

"Captain!" Su Ran hurried over.

Rex grinned when he saw Su Ran, though the movement tugged at his wounds and made him bare his teeth. "Su Ran, lad! Well done!

"Alina and the others told me about it. We have you to thank for that last blow. And you were the first to shout that something was wrong with that damned thing."

He clapped Su Ran hard on the shoulder. The movement pulled at his wounds, and he sucked in another sharp breath. "That's the way! You didn't bring shame on my team!"

"I'm just glad you're all right, Captain."

Su Ran breathed a sigh of relief as well. Rex had a fiery temper, but he was a dependable captain, and he had always looked after Su Ran, a newcomer.

"I won't die!"

Rex waved a hand heartily. "I just need to lie down for a few days. But this came at just the right time."

"The right time?" Su Ran asked, puzzled.

"Come on, let's go to the central square."

Rex pointed toward the open space that had been leveled in the middle of the camp.

"The vice guild leader is going to speak. I hear he has important news to announce. Everyone who took part in the clearing operation around Linhai Town and the rift operation has to gather."

They followed the crowd to the central square. Nearly a hundred class holders had already gathered there, most of them Iron Cross Guild members and temporary team members, along with a small number of personnel assisting from other guilds or the Guard Hall.

Everyone waited quietly, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Before long, a group emerged from the direction of the camp command post.

The man at their head stood tall and straight, clad in heavy plate armor that shone with a faint golden light. Sacred runes and the Iron Cross emblem were engraved on the armor, and an ancient-looking two-handed greatsword with a broad, thick blade hung at his waist.

He wore no helmet, revealing a resolute, imposing face. He looked to be around forty, with eyes as bright as an eagle's. As he glanced about, he naturally radiated a powerful, sacred aura that inspired heartfelt admiration.

The entire square fell silent the moment he appeared. Even the air seemed to grow heavier.

"It's the vice guild leader, Lord Amos, the Hammer of Holy Light!" Alina exclaimed under her breath, her voice filled with reverence.

"A Lv.19 paladin... one of the strongest among our Iron Cross leadership!" Karl murmured as well.

Lv.19!

Su Ran's heart jolted. This was the highest-level awakener he had seen with his own eyes so far!

The pressure the man naturally radiated far surpassed that of the Lv.7 Elementalist commander-in-chief he had seen earlier. It even made the mana within him stagnate slightly for an instant.

Vice Guild Leader Amos stepped onto a low platform that had been hastily erected at the front of the square and slowly swept his gaze over everyone present.

His gaze seemed to have tangible weight, and everyone felt that he had looked directly at them.

"Everyone!"

Amos's voice was not loud, yet it reached every ear clearly, carrying a steadiness and strength that inspired conviction. "I am Amos, vice guild leader of the Iron Cross Guild.

"First, on behalf of the guild, I thank you all for the effort, sweat, and even blood you have shed over the past few days to defend the area around Linhai Town and clear away the otherworldly threat!"

His voice paused, and his gaze lingered for a moment on those who were wounded or looked exhausted.

"Among you are full members of our guild, as well as warriors who answered the call and joined us temporarily. The guild has witnessed your performance.

"The immediate threat to Linhai Town has been brought under control. Though the cost was heavy, your bravery and sacrifice have bought time for the recovery and reconstruction to follow, and protected the lives of even more innocent people!"

A low stir swept through the square, mingled with pride and sorrow.

"The changes in this Otherworldly Rift also remind us that threats are everywhere, and that we need a stronger, more united force to meet them."

Amos continued, raising his voice a little. "The Iron Cross Guild has always been dedicated to protecting this land and nurturing true warriors.

"What we need are not merely temporary allies, but partners and brothers who can fight shoulder to shoulder and grow together!"

He looked around at the crowd, his tone turning solemn and forceful.

"Therefore, by decision of the guild's leadership, I hereby announce that all temporary team members who participated in the Linhai Town clearing operation and the rift operation, and have remained until now,

"need only pass a one-month assessment period to be exempted from the regular entrance examination and become full members of the Iron Cross Guild directly!"

"Whoa...!"

The square erupted in an instant! Whispers of delight, excitement, and disbelief merged into a chorus!

Become full members directly!

Exempt from the examination! For many temporary team members struggling at the bottom and longing to join a stable, powerful guild, it was nothing short of good news dropped from the heavens!

Su Ran's heart leaped too. Join the Iron Cross Guild!

This was exactly the opportunity he had hoped for when he signed up for the temporary mission! He had never expected it to be laid so clearly before him in this way!

Amos raised a hand and pressed it down through the air, and the square fell quiet again.

"Of course, rights and obligations go hand in hand."

His voice was steady. "Becoming a full member means that you will enjoy what the guild provides: systematic skill-learning opportunities and contribution-point exchanges, stable logistical supplies and equipment support, shared information on high-level dungeons,

"discounts on internal transactions, priority assignment to team missions, and corresponding wages and contribution rewards."

"At the same time, it also means you must obey guild discipline, comply with reasonable assignments, carry out the duties and missions assigned by the guild, and uphold its honor and interests.

"The one-month assessment period will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your character, discipline, teamwork, and sense of belonging to the guild."

"Those who are willing to accept the challenge, who long to become stronger, and who are willing to advance and retreat alongside the Iron Cross, stay!

"Those who are unwilling, or who believe they cannot meet the requirements, may withdraw at any time. The guild will pay the agreed temporary compensation and thank you for your efforts."

"Now, make your choice!"

Amos's words rang out with force, echoing over the square.

With hardly any hesitation, the vast majority of the temporary team members in the square showed determination and longing on their faces.

They included the members of Rex's squad beside Su Ran, except for the severely injured Rex, who could not state his position for the time being, though his eyes were shining too, as well as the countless faces around them, some young and others weathered.

Joining the Iron Cross Guild meant a brighter future, stronger backing, and a broader stage!

Su Ran took a deep breath and exchanged glances with Alina, Karl, Xiaoguang, and the others, seeing the determination in one another's eyes.

"Looks like we're going to become real teammates," Alina said with a smile.

"Mm." Karl nodded.

"I'll definitely work hard to pass the assessment!" Xiaoguang clenched his fists.

Su Ran nodded too.

A one-month assessment period?

He was confident.

He glanced at the Lv.19 paladin vice guild leader on the platform, towering like a mountain, then touched the new equipment and skill book he had just obtained.

Joining the Iron Cross was only the beginning.