"Guildmaster," Melina greeted with a slight nod.
The receptionist—Regent Genevieve—acknowledged her, her voice calm but commanding. "You have done good work. We now have leverage over Red Fate." Her gaze shifted toward Asher, her sharp eyes analyzing him. "And you, Asher. You did well."
" but it was reckless move" She added as Asher shrugged.
Asher merely shrugged, unfazed by the comment. "Reckless, sure, but effective."
Genevieve narrowed her eyes slightly, but there was a hint of amusement in them. "Effectiveness doesn't excuse carelessness. If you had failed, you would have died, and we would have lost a valuable asset."
"Asset?" Asher repeated, scoffing. "I don't recall signing up to be someone's pawn."
"You're not a pawn," Genevieve corrected, "but you are someone with potential, and potential must be cultivated, not squandered." She turned and gestured for him to follow. "Come. There are things we must discuss in private." New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
Melina smirked at Asher. "She likes you."
Asher rolled his eyes but followed Genevieve nonetheless.
The group walked through the guild hall, past curious onlookers whispering about the recent events. Some murmured his name with admiration, others with wariness. His infiltration and destruction of Red Fate's base had spread fast.
Finally, they entered a large chamber, the doors shutting behind them.
Genevieve took a seat behind a grand wooden desk, fingers tapping against the surface as she studied him. "Tell me, Asher… what do you intend to do next?"
"What do you mean?" Asher asked as she looked at him.
"Do you know how many spies we've sent to infiltrate Red Fate? Yet none were able to locate their base. But you did it easily, as if the curse placed on it never worked."
"Curse?" Asher raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean that blessing-like one? Well, it did affect me, but I turned my body into blood and protected myself from the piercing spikes that grew out of me," he explained, shrugging as if it was nothing.
Genevieve sighed. "I guess that was the loophole they never thought of. Complete elementalization of one's body is a powerful concept—one that only a few geniuses can even begin to understand. That's why we needed spies with such capabilities."
She leaned back in her chair. "I've noticed something, Asher. you are surging through the ranks unnaturally fast."
Asher remained silent, listening as she continued.
"When we first met, you were just an A-ranker. Now, in mere months, you've reached SS rank. Even if you're talented, such rapid growth isn't always a good thing," she warned, watching his reaction closely.
Asher simply nodded. My foundation is as strong as adamantium thanks to my abilities. Of course, you wouldn't know that. He inwardly thought to himself before replying, "I advanced so fast because I obtained a legacy—one from a place called the God of War's Cavern. After defeating him, he passed his powers to me, which led to my rapid growth."
Genevieve's eyes narrowed slightly. "You passed the War God's trial? That is… something remarkable."
She paused before adding, "We have information on at least three more War God trial locations. If you're willing to share where you found yours, we can offer you the coordinates of one in exchange. As for the remaining two, you may have to take on similar tasks for the guild."
Asher leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "Three more War God trial locations?"
"What about the rewards? Are they predetermined?" he asked.
She shook her head. "War God trials are randomized. Even if two people enter the same trial ground, they won't necessarily receive the same reward. We don't know if there's a final one or a specific grand reward. What we do know is that only those who pass these trials are considered geniuses."
She gave him a knowing look. "And now, thanks to passing one, you've been added to that list."
"Have you passed one?" Asher asked as he eyed her.
"All three," Genevieve replied, crossing her arms.
Asher raised an eyebrow. "I see… so the Guild was in cahoots with Red Fate, and you were working as a spy there?"
She nodded. "Yes. We had reports of advanced-rank adventurers going missing, yet the Guild's branch wasn't doing anything. So they sent me. I infiltrated their ranks and remained until I was appointed as a suitable leader."
Asher nodded in understanding.
"So, are you willing to share the location of your trial?" she asked.
Asher nodded and said while giving her the location. "Reaching one is difficult, you know."
She let out a small chuckle. "All War God trials are like that. The first test is always reaching the War God—that alone determines whether you're worthy." She leaned forward slightly, handing him a slip of paper. "Choose your location carefully."
Asher took the map and examined it. "Each one is set in a different type of terrain, just like the one you gave me," she explained.
He scanned the three marked locations:
A land covered in black shadows, shrouded in eternal darkness.
After a moment of consideration, Asher tapped the Poisonous Swamp. "I'll choose this one," he said. Thanks to his abilities, he was immune to toxins, making it the most strategic choice.
Genevieve nodded as she took the map back. "A wise choice. The Poisonous Swamp may be treacherous, but if you have immunity to toxins, it will give you an advantage. However…" She narrowed her eyes. "The War God's trials are never as simple as they seem. Poison may not be your biggest challenge there."
Asher smirked. "I wouldn't expect it to be easy. If it was, it wouldn't be worth my time."
Melina, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chuckled. "I like your confidence, but don't get cocky. The War God doesn't just test strength—he tests resolve. You'll have to prove you're worthy of wielding his techniques."
"I already proved myself once," Asher said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll do it again."
Genevieve handed him a sealed envelope. "This will grant you passage through the Guild's restricted zones. There are creatures in the Poisonous Swamp even S-rank adventurers avoid. Don't get careless."