LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 150: Celebration
Lilo brightened up. "You should come back to the Phoenix Celestial Guild estate with us. It's about time you met the others."
"Alright," August responded with a nod. "Lead the way."
...
...
The transition from the chaotic battlefields of Tagharium to the peaceful expanse of Gallorn Kingdom was like stepping into another world.
The road wound through golden fields and tranquil villages as each step took August closer to the fabled Phoenix Celestial Guild Estate.
As they crested a hill, the estate came into view, spreading across the horizon like a small city.
The estate was massive, surrounded by high stone walls and patrolled by elite NPC guards. Within its borders were multiple buildings, each designed with intricate architecture. Training grounds, workshops, mage towers, stables filled with glowing mounts, and even a marketplace dotted the landscape.
At the heart of the estate stood the Main Guild Hall, a tall fortress-like structure bearing the emblem of the Phoenix Celestial Guild—a fiery phoenix rising triumphantly.
Boris grinned as he gestured toward the estate. "Welcome to the home of Phoenix Celestial. Impressed yet?"
"It's… bigger than I expected," August admitted while scanning the surroundings.
"Bigger and better," Lilo chimed in with a smirk. "You're about to see why this guild is one of the top-tier groups in Enders Light."
The gates swung open as the group approached. The guards saluted Lilo, Boris, and Ezran as they entered.
Inside, the estate was swamped.
Players trained in the courtyards with NPC knights... Mages studied ancient tomes in an open library... Merchants called out their wares in the marketplace, offering rare items and potions for discounted prices...
Guild members had gathered in the courtyard to welcome back Boris, Ezran, and Lilo.
A table lined with virtual feasts and celebratory drinks was set up as a tradition for welcoming returning victors.
"You made it!" a guild member exclaimed while clapping Boris on the back. "We saw the World Announcement. You three are legends now!"
Ezran blushed under the attention, muttering, "It was really Aleman who did most of the work…"
Lilo raised her glass playfully. "A toast to us—and to Aleman, the MVP of the battle!"
The crowd turned to August in admiration. Though he wasn't part of the guild, his feats on the battlefield had not gone unnoticed.
---
System Notification:
[ Reputation with Phoenix Celestial Guild increased significantly. ]
---
They all drank the alcohol together and chatted briefly in high spirits.
[ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ]
[ +2 Energy Points ]
[ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ]
[ +2 Energy Points ]
[ You Have Consumed Grape Beer ]
[ +2 Energy Points ]
"Oh these are pretty good," August said while downing another glass.
"I know right? I can feel the taste in my real mouth," Lilo jumped up and down excitedly.
A a group of Phoenix Celestial Guild members soon approached the gathering.
At the forefront were Captain Darric, a warrior in dark silver armor, and Captain Selene, a mage whose shimmering robes seemed to shift colors with every step.
"So, this is the infamous Aleman," Darric voiced with a welcoming tone as he extended a hand. "The man who took down a city level sorcerer. You've been causing quite the stir."
August shook his hand firmly. "It wasn't just me."
Selene smiled faintly while fixing her gaze on August. "Aria mentioned you before she left on her mission. She said you'd be… interesting."
---
System Notification:
[ You have entered the Phoenix Celestial Guild Estate. Reputation with the guild has increased. ]
---
Lilo leaned over to August and whispered, "Aria always asks about you."
"Too bad she's not here," August replied.
"She's off with her team—Drask, Gareth, and the others—on a high-level mission," Darric explained. "But she'll be back soon."
"Come with us... We have much to discuss," Captain Darric called out to August.
...
The group entered the main guild hall which was filled with grand halls, meeting rooms, and trophy-lined corridors.
At the center of the main hall was a massive circular table, around which several captains and officers discussed strategies.
Darric gestured for August to sit. "We've been watching you, Aleman. Your feats speak for themselves—the Ogre's dwelling, the Swordking Dungeon, Malrik, and your very recent tier 2 transformation. You'd be a valuable addition to our ranks."
Selene nodded. "Phoenix Celestial offers resources, alliances, and protection. Joining us would elevate your game in ways you can't imagine. Not to mention that you will be booted up the ranks immediately and start with a particular sum as salary."
August leaned back."I appreciate the offer. Really, I do. But I'm not looking to join any guilds right now."
Darric frowned, clearly displeased. "Do you understand what you're passing up? We're not just any guild. We're the top-ranked group in Gallorn and among the best in Enders Light."
August nodded. "I know. And I respect what you've built here. But I work best on my own. It's not about the perks or the prestige. It's about freedom."
Selene tilted her head, studying him. "Even knowing that Ice Queen herself is interested in you?"
"That's flattering," August replied with a faint smile. "But my answer's still the same. That doesn't mean we can't work together. If you need my help, I'm open to collaborations."
Stay tuned to empire
Darric sighed while crossing his arms. "You're either incredibly bold or incredibly foolish. But I'll respect your decision—for now."
Selene smiled faintly. "It seems you're not easily swayed. The Ice Queen will want to speak with you when she returns."
Lilo nudged Boris. "Told you he wouldn't join. He's impossible to tie down."
Boris chuckled. "Classic Aleman. Always doing things his own way."
Ezran simply smiled. "It's what makes him Aleman."
---
As August made his way out of the guild hall, Darric called after him. "Remember, the door's always open. If you ever change your mind, Phoenix Celestial will be here."
Selene added, "And don't forget, you still owe our Ice Queen a conversation."
August glanced back, giving a casual wave. "I'll keep that in mind."
Lilo hugged him briefly at the gates. "Don't be a stranger, alright?"
"Not a chance," August replied with a smirk.
Boris clapped him on the back. "Stay safe out there, legend."
Ezran gave a shy wave. "See you soon, Aleman."