While the situation was a mess, it wasn't anything the guilds couldn't handle. Especially with the presence of Evelyn Cessna.
Swoosh—!
She quickly moved, her figure flickering. One second she was here, the next second she was there, saving civilians in the time of crisis.
"She's changed."
A deep voice echoed beside Yi Jihyeon. It was her Guild Vice–Leader, Leon Viesse.
"Right? To think that gloomy kid from back then would change so much."
A smile spread across Yi Jihyeon's face as she spoke those words.
"To think she'd surpass us so soon."
Leon Viesse wasn't any more than correct. Yi Jihyeon and Leon, being an S+ ranker, were at their limit. They couldn't progress anymore, unlike Evelyn.
The two were already pushing thirty, there was no more hope for them. Evelyn on the other hand, was still 24 years–old, and was already an SS– ranker.
So far, there had only been thirty or so rankers, and military men alike, who had broken through the SS– rank.
And unfortunately, the two weren't a part of the list.
But still, with their achievements, they had managed to push Blood Crescent Moon to the top.
"But have you heard about the news, Guild Leader?"
"What news?"
"It's been making waves online. A new S–ranker who awakened at only 17–years old."
"What?"
Yi Jihyeon's attention flicked abruptly from the monsters—to Leon.
"You're kidding?"
"Well it's only a rumor. Nothing's confirmed for now."
"It's probably bullshit."
Yi Jihyeon cursed. There was no doubt in her mind it wasn't anything but a hoax. She didn't want too much TV since she hated propaganda.
'Ah.'
Then, a thought flickered in her mind. Turning towards Leon, she asked.
"What's the basis for this rumor? How did it emerge?"
If it were some random user on the internet, it was obviously bullshit. But if it came from a valid source, then it was worth peering into.
With a calm and collected expression, Leon responded.
"An employee from the main guild."
"...."
Pursing her lips, Yi Jihyeon's mouth opened, but no words escaped. She was speechless. If it came from the main guild, then it had to be true.
"Apparently, there was a fuss in the main guild. Some employee was screaming 'An S–rank!?' Some of the rankers heard this, and started coming up with their own theories."
"How'd they know it was a 17–year old then?"
"Apparently, some of the documents were leaked. The name was blurred, but everything else was documented. Though the post was taken down as soon as it was leaked."
Yi Jihyeon pinched her chin, mulling over Leon's words. It seemed way too convenient that the name was blurred.
"And what did the documents say?"
"An Imperial Academy cadet. 17–years old. The class he was in. Just a typical student identification."
The realization washed over Yi Jihyeon. This was no mere hoax. It was obviously intentional. As if the main guild wanted to promote such a fact, but didn't want the kid's identity revealed.
Most probably, to ignite hope to the people that a new superstar was emerging.
After all, the death of Lucian Frost struck a heavy blow to Holy Britannia. This was especially so, as Milis saw this as an opportunity to finally scheme against them.
Yi Jihyeon clenched her fist upon pondering that fact.
"Reminds you of him, doesn't he?"
"...."
***
"Miss Evelyn and Miss Vanessa?"
"Reina?"
"Reina?"
Evelyn and Vanessa spoke in unison. During one of Evelyn's fights, she had encountered Vanessa somewhere.
The two worked together to help civilians evacuate. Just as they were about to return to the battlefield, a familiar figure suddenly appeared.
It was Reina Ataraxia. Their junior during their time in Incandescent Flames.
Now, a commander for the Special Force Guild.
"Miss Vanessa is one thing, but I haven't seen you in a while, Miss Evelyn."
There was a hint of joy in the way Reina spoke.
"One thing.... What's that supposed to mean?"
Vanessa frowned.
"You're always trying to recruit me, Miss Vanessa....."
"I told you, that guild isn't good. I don't want to see my junior slaving away for a guild with such a huge debt."
There was an issue in the past that forced the Special Force to accumulate such a huge debt.
Of course, it was none other than the Dimensional Tower expedition. Although that was the case, every guild that participated in the subjugation accumulated a substantial amount.
But the Special Force, being a rather small guild, took a huge blow financially.
But the guild that took the full brunt of it all was the previous top guild, Incandescent Flames. The guild had accumulated an insurmountable debt, to the point where the guild collapsed.
The loyal members on the other hand, had no other choice, despite their loyalty.
....Because the guild leader died in action.
"That might be true, Miss Vanessa. But I have no intention of abandoning my guild mates."
Because for Reina, the Special Force was her family. The only guild that took her in when she branched out from Incandescent Flames three years ago.
She had no regrets in her decision, especially now when Incandescent Flames were no more.
"My offer still stands, Reina. Full perks with privileges including the guild members you want to take with you."
Vanessa winked at her.
"Think about it."
Reina could only sigh and shake her head. Vanessa was too stubborn. But her persistence was understandable.
Because Vanessa's guild was run by her brother, another SS–ranked superstar.
That being said, the three worked together and killed all the monsters invading the area.
All of a sudden, an announcement sounded out from somewhere.
—Attention, attention!
—Iron Fist Guild–Leader Alan Ross. Your presence is requested by the Imperial Army. Please return to Imperial Academy once you hear this message!
It seemed like there was an issue.
Evelyn, suddenly alerted, looked at the two women.
"I need to go."
"Of course."
"We'll handle things from here, Miss Evelyn."
Immediately, Evelyn's figure vanished, golden particles fluttering in the air.
Soon, she appeared before the familiar sight of Imperial Academy.
"Huu...."
She clenched her chest. For some reason, it felt tight. But it was most probably the backlash of expending too much of her mana after a short hiatus.
That being said, Evelyn entered the building.