Cecilia Rosenberg was a breathtaking young woman with her hair as blue as a rose, long, delicate eyebrows like petals, and a face as radiant as the shining moon.
Coupled with her unyielding temperament and a flowing blue battle dress, she looked like a warrior maiden straight out of a dream—the kind that captivated the hearts of young men.
She moved with the elegance of nobility, her presence as refreshing as a soothing breeze against her heart-shaped face.
Without hesitation, she casually stepped beside Raizel, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
To the others, this was nothing short of shocking.
But their classmates?
They weren't surprised.
Because, as unbelievable as it sounded—Raizel and Cecilia had been friends since college.
That was exactly why jealousy and resentment surrounded Raizel, and why no one was willing to be his friend.
Even those who might have wanted to befriend him kept their distance, fearing bullying and retaliation.
And at the heart of this hatred was none other than Alastor Damian—the son of a Vice-Guildmaster from an established guild.
Back to the present…
Raizel's sudden hair color change had caught everyone off guard—including Cecilia.
Her elegant brows furrowed slightly in suspicion.
"What happened to your hair, Raizel?"
Victor met her gaze, taking in her tempting beauty. Her skin was as soft as a peach, and her lips painted with a mesmerising red.
His heart was beating fast. Not because his own infatuation, rather his predecessor's.
Regardless, he somehow managed to steady his racing heart.
Suppressing the lingering emotions of his predecessor's infatuation, he kept his expression calm.
Then, doing his best to match Raizel's usual tone, he responded:
"N-No, nothing, Miss Rose. I just had… an accident in the game. That's how I ended up with these changes."
"Huh... really? Anyway, it's good that you survived too, Raizel. I was really worried..." Cecilia said, exhaling a sigh of relief.
Alastor snorted. "Careful, Cecilia. He could be possessed by a Dark Magus as well."
Cecilia didn't spare him a glance.
Instead, she asked Raizel, "Which guild are you going to join, Raizel? What level have you reached?"
"Level 9, Miss Rose," Raizel admitted honestly.
Hearing his answer, Alastor and the others nearby were stunned, including Cecilia.
But his next words astonished them even more.
"Will that be enough for applying to the Apex Guild?" he asked innocently.
Alastor was fuming mad because of the blatant lie the mongrel was spreading.
"Whoosh!"
Naturally, as usual, he didn't use his mouth. His hand went straight for Raizel's face, aiming to wipe off the smirk.
"Whoosh!"
Victor caught the fist right before his face by reflex. Then he smirked, enjoying the shock on Alastor's face.
"What's wrong? Why so heavy-handed all of a sudden?" he taunted.
Cecilia was stunned, suddenly seeing a new version of Raizel. He somehow changed. And it was good change.
The onlookers were equally speechless after seeing the small confrontation between them.
"What just happened?"
"Did that nerd just block Alastor's punch? Am I seeing things right?"
"Dang.. Is it really true that Raizel is now at level 9?"
"Wow... This is getting interesting..."
"Hey, don't judge so soon. Maybe Alastor hadn't used his all of his strength. And Raizel could lying about his level too. There's no way he could reach level 9 within just three days."
"Yeah, moreover, level 9 won't make it to the Apex Guild anyway."
Amidst the disbelieving chatter, Cecilia showed a doubtful look.
"That's really impressive, Raizel. But are you telling the truth?" she asked in a low voice, a little skeptically.
Victor nodded. "Yes. You know I don't lie, Miss Rose."
Cecilia didn't know what to say anymore.
Just then, a call came from one side.
"Cecilia, come here!"
The tone was strict and loud, coming from a middle-aged man with an intimidating appearance. He was definitely not a player.
Victor recognized him immediately. He was Cecilia's father, who wasn't so favorable of their friendship.
Cecilia gave Raizel an apologetic look.
"I have to go now, Raizel. Good luck with your application. I will be waiting for you in Apex Guild too."
Victor watched her leave, feeling an inescapable pull deep in his heart, as if his entire being longed to stay close to her.
But sadly, these were not his original feelings. He knew he had to let them go, little by little.
Besides, Cecilia probably had no romantic interest in Raizel. It was just his own assumption—or perhaps what others believed.
She was a prodigy, confident in her ability to secure a place in Apex Guild, one of the most prestigious guilds.
Alastor, his arms now crossed, shot Victor a final hateful glance before turning to leave toward his own guild.
Victor remained where he was, waiting patiently for the Apex Guild officials to arrive, just like the other top talents.
The Big Five guilds had not yet appeared, so naturally, the most talented players were holding out for them.
Meanwhile, average and lower-ranked players submitted their applications to smaller guilds, eager to secure a spot before recruitment closed.
From the spectators' area, Raizel's parents grew increasingly worried as they watched him standing alone.
"Why is our son just standing there like a fool? Did he get hit on the head?"
"Dad, look up! In the sky!"
With their daughter's call, their attention was suddenly drawn to the sky.
"Buzzz, Buzzzzz, Buzzzz!"
Under everyone's astonished eyes, five advanced flying battleships with shiny structures and unique designs rumbled through the sky, hovering right above the platform with an intimidating noise in a grand entrance.
Everyone paused, their eyes widening at the grand show of power and prestige.
They were shocked, stunned, and speechless, even the smaller guilds' officials.
Because each one of them recognized who they were.
The Big Five had arrived.