Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

Thinking about several figures, none seemed quite right for what he needed. Gates was powerful, but Arthur wasn't sure if their alignment of interests would remain permanent. Other figures in his mind showed promise, but none had the perfect combination of strength and unquestioning loyalty that this opportunity demanded.

As Arthur pondered, the Flamefang Tiger approached him, nudging his hand with one of its massive heads. Arthur absently scratched behind its ear, earning a rumbling purr that vibrated through the cavern.

"The right candidate will present themselves eventually," he murmured.

For now, the hidden realm would remain sealed, its power untapped but secured. A resource to be deployed at the perfect moment. Arthur had learned patience through hardship—he could wait for the ideal recipient.

Arthur glanced down the path where the bear had fled with its cub. It was likely still hiding deeper in the cave, nursing its wounds. By all logic, he should finish the hunt. Epic-ranked beasts at level 20 yielded an epic item, and leaving enemies alive was rarely wise.

But something stopped him.

"I will let it go. By trying to hide in this cave, it allowed me to find this opportunity." Arthur smiled faintly. "A fair trade."

Sometimes, mercy could yield unexpected dividends. And who knew? The bear might become stronger, providing a more valuable hunt in the future.

"Guard well," he instructed his summons one final time. "Let nothing disturb this place until I return."

The four beasts all responded telepathically.

Arthur's communication device chimed with a notification. It was Gates.

Gates: 'Bringing my subordinates to the guild hall. They're eager to join. ETA 20 minutes.'

Arthur's eyebrows rose slightly. Gates was moving faster than expected. Good. The sooner they established a strong core membership, the quicker they could begin taking on lucrative contracts.

"Okay," he replied simply.

"Time to return."

With Regulus's hidden realm secured, Arthur could focus on building his power base in Caldera. The guild would be his public face—his legitimate source of influence—while he quietly pursued his private agenda.

With a thought, Arthur activated his Space talent once more. Reality bent around him, the cave walls seeming to warp and distort. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, teleporting directly to his guild hall in Caldera.

Arthur glanced around the empty hall.

"One day, it will become bustling, just like the top guilds in this city. No, in fact, it will become better."

He walked to the center of the room, mentally planning his next steps.

After ten minutes of planning, Arthur heard footsteps approaching the entrance. The massive double doors swung open, revealing Gates and four figures behind him.

Arthur's eyes landed on them, studying the newcomers.

Two of them appeared to be in their late thirties. Another looked quite young, early twenties perhaps, with an eager energy about him. The fourth was somewhere in between, watching everything.

Gates walked forward with confident strides and shook hands with Arthur. The handshake was firm, businesslike—a gesture between partners rather than master and subordinate.

Arthur had already spoken to Gates about his second identity as Fateless. He'd revealed this crucial information for two reasons: first, because his plans required it, and second, because Gates had proven himself a shrewd businessman whose interests aligned with Arthur's own.

It was a calculated, but necessary risk.

Even so, Arthur had been explicit—no one else was to know that he was Fateless. Not even these new recruits Gates was bringing into the fold. That secret remained between them alone.

"Guild Master Azarel," Gates announced formally, using Arthur's chosen guild name. "These are the new members I mentioned."

Gates gestured to the tallest of the group, a man with broad shoulders and a face weathered by years of sun and battle. Gray streaked his once-black hair, and a scar ran from his left temple to the corner of his mouth, giving his face an asymmetrical quality that somehow enhanced rather than detracted from his commanding presence.

"This is Oliver Blackthorn, captain of my bodyguards in the real world. His talent is Unyielding Shield. A B-Rank talent."

Oliver stepped forward. He wore heavy armor, seemingly of the rare rank.

"Guild Master," Oliver said, extending a calloused hand. His voice was deep, carrying the natural authority of someone accustomed to command. "It's an honor to join Power. Mr. Gates speaks highly of your vision."

Arthur nodded, shaking hands with him.

"Oliver left the military service after questioning its handling of the southern border conflicts," Gates explained. "He brings twenty years of tactical experience."

What Gates didn't say, but Arthur immediately understood, was that Oliver represented their shared interest. Gates was showing Arthur that he had chosen the right partner.

"The military's loss is our gain," Arthur replied, meeting Oliver's steady gaze. "Your experience will be invaluable."

Oliver stepped back with a slight bow, and Gates motioned to the second man—shorter, wiry, with quick eyes that never stopped moving.

Unlike Oliver's formal bearing, this man seemed perpetually coiled, ready to strike or flee at a moment's notice. His wiry frame barely contained the energy that seemed to vibrate through him.

"This is Archie Whispertooth, a former martial arts champion. His talent is also a B-rank talent, Enhanced Speed."

Arthur raised his eyebrow. Archie had the same talent as Jack from the village. The coincidence caught his attention immediately.

'Interesting. It seems like Superhuman talents like enhanced strength, enhanced speed and such aren't exactly rare. Despite being a B-rank talent,' Arthur thought but kept his face neutral.

Archie bounced on his toes, then suddenly appeared at Arthur's side, hand extended. The movement was quick in the eyes of the people in the room, but not to Arthur.

"Honor to meet ya, Guild Master." His words tumbled out rapidly, matching his physical energy.

Gates turned to the youngest member of the group, a slender young man with a shock of vibrant blue hair that had to be dyed. Unlike the others, his expression was open, enthusiastic, almost bouncing on his heels.

"And this is Alfie Brighthand, the human prodigy. Graduated top of his class at the best university. His talent is..."