My Charity System made me too OP

"She is Meryl Raven, the vice leader of the Graceful Phoenix Guild," Brook said as Drake glanced at her back, then at Liam.

"She's got more muscle than my companion," Drake said quietly.

Brook chuckled. "She does have that. Though, the rest of the Phoenix members are truly beautiful. Just make sure you don't fall for any of them when we meet their guild leader," Brook said with a grin.

Drake nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Don't worry. I've got my priorities straight."

Brook led the group as they followed Meryl Raven, the vice leader of the Graceful Phoenix Guild. Their goal was clear: to negotiate for a partnership in raiding the Bow Revenant, a task the Phoenix Guild had attempted but failed to complete.

As they moved through the bustling streets of the Imperial City, Brook spoke in a low tone. "Graceful Phoenix has tried twice already, but the Bow Revenant's abilities are a nightmare to counter. Their guild leader is proud, but they're running out of options. If we play this right, they'll agree to our terms."

Drake nodded, his expression calm. "What's their guild leader like?"

Brook hesitated before replying. "Lucius Everflare is... intense. He's a master tactician, but his pride matches his skill. Convincing him won't be easy, even with their losses."

Yelena smirked. "Then it's a good thing we have Drake. His track record speaks for itself."

As they approached the Phoenix Guild's headquarters, Meryl turned to face them, her sharp eyes scanning the group. "You're persistent," she said, her voice steady but guarded.

"We've got a proposition for your guild," Brook said, stepping forward. "We know about your struggles with the Bow Revenant. We can help."

Meryl's gaze flickered with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "And what would you want in return?"

Drake stepped forward, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence. "We want the Bow Revenant's head. That's all. The rest of the rewards, including the dungeon chest, are yours to keep."

Meryl crossed her arms, considering the offer. "You're asking for a lot. The head is one of the most coveted items—it's tied to the revenant's power."

"We know," Drake replied, his tone firm. "But we've already taken down the Sword Revenant. You've seen what we can do. With us, you'll succeed. Without us..." He let the implication hang in the air.

Meryl stared at him for a moment before nodding. "Fine. I'll take you to Lucius. He'll make the final decision."

Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

With that, the group followed Meryl into the grand hall of the Phoenix Guild, ready to make their case to its formidable leader.

The grand hall of the Graceful Phoenix Guild exuded elegance and power, with its high vaulted ceilings and banners depicting flaming phoenixes in flight. The air was heavy with the scent of polished wood and incense, and the muffled sound of guild members sparring echoed faintly through the halls.

Meryl led the group with an air of authority, her movements precise and deliberate. "Lucius isn't one to make decisions lightly," she said, her voice low enough for only Drake and the others to hear. "He'll challenge your motives, your strategy, and your strength. Be prepared."

Drake gave a small nod, his face unreadable. Yelena, however, chuckled softly. "Sounds like my kind of meeting," she quipped, earning a grin from Brook.

When they reached the central chamber, a pair of ornate doors opened, revealing the guild leader himself. Lucius Everflare stood at the far end of the room, surrounded by advisors and elite guild members. He was tall and imposing, with a piercing gaze and a mane of fiery red hair that matched the gilded armor he wore. A glowing longsword rested against the arm of his intricately carved chair, a subtle reminder of his prowess.

Meryl approached and saluted. "Guild Master, these are the adventurers who defeated the Sword Revenant. They've come to propose a partnership for the Bow Revenant raid."

Lucius leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in Drake, Yelena, Liam, and Brook. "Defeated the Sword Revenant, did you?" he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Impressive—if true."

"It's true," Brook said confidently. "I was there. Without them, the raid would have failed. They led the charge and claimed the revenant's head."

Lucius's gaze shifted to Drake, scrutinizing him. "And what do you want from us?"

Drake stepped forward, his posture relaxed but resolute. "We want the Bow Revenant's head. That's it. The rest of the rewards are yours to claim."

The room fell silent as Lucius studied him. "And why should I entrust you with something so valuable? My guild has tried twice, and while we've failed, we've gained critical intel. Why not make a third attempt on our own?"

Drake's lips curled into a faint smile. "Because you know as well as I do that intel isn't enough to guarantee victory. You've already lost resources and people. How many more can you afford to lose?" He paused, letting his words sink in. "We've proven our capability. With us, you'll have a much higher chance of success. And if you insist on going it alone, well... let's just say the competition for dungeon raids isn't going anywhere."

Lucius's jaw tightened, his pride clearly battling with reason. "You drive a hard bargain," he admitted. "But if you're as skilled as Meryl and Brook claim, then perhaps this alliance is worth considering."

One of Lucius's advisors leaned in, whispering something in his ear. After a moment, Lucius stood, his fiery presence dominating the room. "Very well. We'll join forces for the Bow Revenant raid. But mark my words—if you fail to pull your weight, there will be consequences."

Drake didn't flinch. "Understood."

Lucius extended a hand. "Then it's a deal."

Drake shook his hand firmly. "Let's finish what you started."

As the group left the chamber to prepare for the raid, Meryl walked beside Drake, her expression unreadable. "You handled that well," she admitted. "Lucius doesn't often make concessions."

"I don't give him much of a choice," Drake replied with a smirk.

Brook laughed. "I'm starting to think you'd make a good guild leader yourself."

Drake shook his head. "Not my style. I prefer being the one who gets things done."@@novelbin@@