"Forever unknown, forever adventuring. That's what our guild's name means."
Lu Chongwei froze.
He looked at the emblem, almost dazzling in the sunlight, and Gildarts's words echoed in his mind.
A name he'd thought was rather ridiculous suddenly seemed lofty after that explanation.
It was a reverence for the unknown, and a longing for adventure.
It wasn't just a name, but a belief—a way of life.
Lu Chongwei felt the passion in his heart begin to stir.
"So that's what it means... A never-ending adventure?"
He murmured to himself, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Sounds like an interesting place."
Seeing his reaction, Gildarts's smile grew even brighter.
He threw an arm around Lu Chongwei's shoulders and began enthusiastically singing the guild's praises like a salesman.
"Of course! Let me tell you, this is the best guild in the Kingdom of Fiore!"
Gildarts waxed lyrical, thumping his chest as he made his guarantees.
"The drinks here are the strongest, the jobs are the most thrilling, and most importantly, the people here are the best! We help one another and care for one another, just like a family!"
Lu Chongwei was filled with anticipation by his words.
He'd wandered through this unfamiliar world for a long time, and deep down, he'd always yearned for somewhere he could settle down in peace.
If it really was as Gildarts said, then perhaps this place could be a good home for him.
"Come on, don't just stand there. Let's go in and take a look! Everyone's sure to welcome you!"
Gildarts laughed heartily. Before Lu Chongwei could react, he reached out and pushed open the heavy door.
"Creeeak—"
The heavy doors swung open slowly, as if unveiling a new world.
Lu Chongwei took a deep breath and composed his expression, ready to face a warm, peaceful scene brimming with love.
But the very next moment—
His expression froze.
"BOOM!"
A tremendous roar surged out of the doorway like a tangible shock wave, nearly knocking him off his feet.
Along with the roar came a barrage of vile insults, the sharp crash of breaking glass, and the dull thud of heavy objects hitting the floor.
Lu Chongwei stood stiffly in the doorway. The sight before him made him wonder if he'd wandered onto the wrong set.
A chaotic brawl was raging in the spacious guild hall.
Some people were standing on tables, laughing wildly. Others had each other by the collars, spitting insults in one another's faces. Most were grappling in a melee, trading punches without mercy.
"Drop dead, you fire-breathing idiot!"
"What did you say?! You wanna fight, you droopy-eyed bastard?"
Plates, mugs, stools, and even roasted meat from who knew where flew through the air like concealed weapons.
A wooden keg whizzed past Lu Chongwei's ear and smashed into the doorframe, exploding into a pile of splinters.
Lu Chongwei felt the corners of his mouth twitch uncontrollably.
So this was the "best guild"?
And this was the "loving family"?
He turned his head mechanically, his neck cracking as his eyes locked on Gildarts.
"Gildarts..."
Lu Chongwei's voice sounded distant, laced with a deep chill.
"This is the wonderful guild you were talking about?"
The smile on Gildarts's face froze, and a bead of cold sweat formed on his forehead.
He clearly hadn't expected those little punks to undermine his boasting so thoroughly right after he'd finished.
"Uh... Well... Usually, it's actually..."
Gildarts stammered, trying to explain and salvage some of his dignity.
Just then—
"Whoosh—"
A battered old boot flew across half the hall with a sharp whistle.
"Smack!"
A crisp sound rang out.
The boot landed squarely on Gildarts's face, leaving a filthy black mark from the sole across the bridge of his nose.
Time seemed to stop.
The commotion in the hall didn't so much as pause for the little interruption. The brawl raged on.
Gildarts slowly reached up and pulled the stinky boot away from his face.
His face darkened like the bottom of a pot. Veins bulged on his forehead, and visible fury rose around him.
How humiliating!
This was too humiliating!
He was a dignified S-Class Mage, and this was the crucial moment when he needed to make a good impression on a junior. And yet a beat-up shoe had just smacked him in the face!
Those bastards were making a fool of him!
They'd not only interrupted his pitch, but were about to scare off the promising newcomer he'd finally managed to trick... No, lure... No, invite into the guild!
"You good-for-nothing idiots!!!"
Gildarts sucked in a sharp breath and let out a deafening roar.
Like thunder from a clear sky, the shout carried an immense surge of magic and instantly drowned out every other noise in the hall.
"Everybody stop!!!"
The force of his shout seemed to freeze the air in the entire guild hall for a moment.
The members who'd been fighting furiously stopped in their tracks as if under a spell, frozen in all kinds of ridiculous poses.
One was holding up a stool, another had someone by the hair, and a third had someone else's arm in his mouth.
Everyone turned to stare at the entrance.
When they saw the orange-haired man, his face furious and his aura terrifying, alarm flashed across their faces.
"I-it's Gildarts! He's back!"
Someone called out, and the hall fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Gildarts panted, his chest heaving as he swept a fierce gaze across the room, looking ready to devour them all.
In the awkward, oppressive silence, a slightly aged voice, tinged with drunkenness, came from the bar.
"Well... if it isn't Gildarts. You're back already?"
Lu Chongwei followed the voice with his eyes.
A short old man in a ridiculous clown outfit sat on one of the bar stools.
He held an enormous mug of beer. His face was flushed, and his eyes were bleary. He'd clearly had quite a few drinks.
He looked like anything but a respectable person.
And yet, the moment this seemingly inconsequential little old man spoke, most of Gildarts's blazing fury vanished.
Gildarts reined in his aura, his trademark hearty smile returning as he strode toward the bar.
"Ah, Master! Long time no see!"
As he walked, Gildarts turned and waved at Lu Chongwei, who was still standing there in a daze. An awkward but polite smile crossed his face.
"Um... Lu Chongwei, come over here! Don't mind what just happened. They're just... uh, trying to strengthen their bonds in a slightly more intense way!"
Lu Chongwei stood there, listening to that lame excuse, and could practically see a flock of crows flying overhead.
Strengthen their bonds?
Smacking each other with stools and spitting in one another's faces counted as strengthening their bonds?
That's a little too hardcore!
He felt like he'd been conned—like he'd fallen into a pit so deep he'd never climb out.
But seeing how desperately Gildarts was trying to change the subject, Lu Chongwei could only sigh and follow him.
He was already here. It was too late to turn around and leave now, wasn't it?
Even if this place was a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, he'd have to brave it today.
The two crossed the wrecked hall. The guild members parted to let them through, eyeing the black-haired youth following behind Gildarts with curiosity and respect.
Before you continue