The guild's cheers slowly subsided as everyone began to pay attention to the story. A brief lull ensued. Vren and Lephiron looked into each other's eyes, their expressions constantly changing. Eventually Vren gathered all his courage and asked a fateful question:
"In order to save me... Did you pledge your life to the moon goddess?"
"Yes..."
Lephiron's voice was quiet, but it drove right into everyone's hearts. Vren's body trembled, his eyes showing more pain then when the curse tried to kill him.
He reached out with his hand but didn't dare to touch his beloved. Dark elves had forsaken the moon goddess but simultaneously her power was what they feared most in the world.
But suddenly Vren felt a hand embracing his own. The skin was cold, but it gave Vren an unprecedented feeling of warmth. Tears threatened to come out of his eyes.
A few seconds passed when Lephiron seemed to feel a distant call. Her eyes showed reluctance, her hand squeezing Vren's.
"I... I have to go."
"Lephiron..."
"I don't know if we can see each other again."
"Where will you stay?"
"The temple of Lounaamil."
Lephiron let go of Vren's hand as a gentle, cold power embraced her skin. She looked at Vren with longing in her eyes before turning her head and walking out of the valley. The light around her became stronger until it suddenly disappeared together with the beautiful half-elf.
Vren struggled to prop up his body. His eyes grew vacant, starring into the distance.
A few seconds later he shook his head, coming back to reality.
"Why can't I serve the moon goddess as well?"
Vren's voice was a quite whisper, but it reached the ears of everyone, announcing his heretical aspirations. The guild members could feel his strong emotions, admiring his resolve.
Vren took a deep breath, turned around, and faced Dream Avenue.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without your intervention this curse would have consumed me sooner or later."
Vren wore a smile on his face and waved his hand. Suddenly various sparkling items appeared, scattering throughout the valley.
"Here, this is what we retrieved from the tomb of King Nightgift. I promise it isn't cursed!"
Vren's laughter echoed through the valley although it sounded rather forced. Afterwards he didn't stay any longer, turning around and leaving with determined steps.
The guild members looked at the items surrounded by sparks of all colours, eagerly beginning to loot as a notification appeared in front of everyone.
[Congratulations on achieving the first kill of the world boss 'Vren Solganoh'.]
[Your accomplishment is worthy of being remembered.]
[You can choose to name your team or stay anonymous.]
Immediately a new wave of excitement surged through the crowd. Wasn't this why they joined the guild? To be the first? Cheers and happy smiles bloomed everywhere.
Only Liam looked at the notification in deep thought. There was something about these kinds of announcement he already wanted to change in past life, but was unable to do so without a way to communicate with C.
But now...
Hey, C! Can I suggest something?
[Players Liam. Please speak.]
You know how guilds used to enter these convoluted names trying to encompass all their sponsors in the announcement?
[…]
Don't you think we should change that? Just one additional line would be enough.
[Fate of Crunaboul is not about personal enrichment, player Liam!]
Liam was surprised to read this. When C brought him to this new world, he still pondered about its purpose but after integrating into his new life he was soon distracted.
Now that C dropped such a hint, he naturally grew curious.
Can you tell me more?
[…]
If you give me more information, I can make better plans for the future. Whatever you want me to do, this should be beneficial for both of us.
[You will know in due time, player Liam.]
Liam rolled his eyes, but he didn't delve deeper into it, bringing the topic back to his first suggestion.
Look, you say it's not about personal enrichment and I respect that. However, this is just how the world works. Money means power. If the sponsors are happy, the game will attract even bigger attention.
[…]
C fell silent for a second until an additional notification appeared before Cyclone, who was just about to type in their name.
[You can add the names of benefactors to the announcement.]
Cyclone was taken aback, blinking her eyes. She needed to discuss with her friends to realize that this was perfect for thanking their sponsors.
"Wow, well done C! So thoughtful!"
Liam's mouth twitch listening to Cyclone praising the AI. But he was glad that C followed his suggestion at least.
[Server Announcement:]
[Please congratulate Dream Avenue on achieving the first kill of the world boss 'Vren Solganoh', a feat worthy of being remembered!]
[Dream Avenue thanks Colville Constructions, St. Fabre, Dourand Electronics, Cherry, and Malney & Sons for their generous support.]
When the server announcement reached the global chat, most players weren't surprised. The rumour that Dream Avenue was fighting a world boss had been going around for a while. But it caused many to sigh in amazement as Liam and his friends continued to advance, making it difficult for others to catch up.
The business world on the other hand erupted in an uproar reading the last line in which Dream Avenue gave a shout-out to their sponsors. Many companies immediately held meetings discussing what this meant for the future.
Meanwhile the members of Dream Avenue were revelling in joy, continuing to loot as another announcement reached them.
[Accomplished achievement: Salvage the cursed tomb raider.]
[Received title: Savior of unfortunate love.]
[Effect: History +3, Religion +3]
[Learn from the tragic fate you witnessed and don't repeat their mistakes.]
Some players were confused by the titles effect, prompting Liam to explain. These stats, just like Arcana, Nature, etc. represented one's knowledge of the world and came in handy in special situations.
Liam's friends inquired some more and finally understood that a while ago the reason why Master Eronson chose to impart the [Transfer] skill to Silver Blade was because of her Knowledge stat.
It allowed them to see these kinds of stats in a more favourable light. However, compared to the title everyone was more excited about the loot.
[Sun's Knight: Please put the loot in the guild treasury. You will receive appropriate compensation.]
Sun's Knight hadn't joined the battle but through the chat he could still figure out what was going on. He knew that with such an order he would occur much displeasure.
But the clever manager figured he was the best among the higher ups to draw the hate. The image of Hotpot had to be protected, serving as the beacon of the guild.
Many guild members wore disgruntled expressions but entering a guild was the same as signing a contract and would be enforced by C.
Tier 1 and tier 2 members were still better of as they received wages, but the rest had to work for contribution points. The additional freedom they enjoyed as compensation didn't improve their moods at the moment.
[Bleary Mirage: I can understand you guys, but there is no need to be reluctant. Who knows if the item you pick up is even suitable for you? Isn't it better to buy the perfect item from the guild treasury?]
[Cyclone: Mirage is right! With the contribution points you receive from participating in the raid today you can surely buy the item you want!]
[Balm: Soon we will organize dungeon teams to provide you with high-quality items! At that time everyone will find something they like!]
Liam and his friends did their best to wipe away the displeasure in everyone's hearts and their words seemed to achieve the desired effect. The guild members showed less reluctance as they placed the loot in the treasury.
Soon the floor was picked clean. Everyone gathered in the valley, talking animatedly while waiting for new orders.
Liam knew that a last step waited for them before this raid could be called successful. They had to safely reach a town with a teleporter.
Gathering the group leaders he opened a brief discussion. He allowed them to decide if the guild should go as a group or disperse. The second option bore quite the risk for the individual members but with the loot in the guild treasury they could even seek out fights if they wished.
The group leaders though choose the first option, asking Liam to lead them. The latter had no complaints and left the valley with the big group.
He didn't wander deeper into the Duchy of Saint Erven, certain that the first guilds must have arrived. Instead, he led them towards the border, choosing obscure paths which weren't discovered yet by the players.
Along the way they got into a few fights against monsters but with such a large group there was no tension.
Soon they safely entered the neighbouring Great Banmer Kingdom. When the large group arrived at one of the border towns it caused another stir, letting other guild sigh in regret.