After countless events that shook the balance of Christope, morning finally arrived.
Rey was currently on his way to meet Alex.
The streets felt different today—heavy, tense. As he walked, Rey noticed a large crowd gathered around the Adventurer Guild’s main building. Voices overlapped, whispers spread, and uneasy expressions filled the air.
Something big happened…
Rey frowned inwardly.
As he approached the guild area, a familiar voice suddenly called out—
“Rey… I’m over here!”
Rey turned his head and immediately recognized the person waving at him.
Alex.
Rey quickly moved toward him and leaned closer, whispering sharply beside his ear.
“Hey… I already told you, didn’t I? Call me Ace when we’re in public. Especially when there are this many people around.”
Alex stiffened for a moment before scratching his head awkwardly.
“Ah—sorry, sorry. I forgot.”
After apologizing, Alex gestured for Rey to follow him. The two of them walked away from the crowd and headed toward a quiet spot Alex often used as a meeting place.
Once they arrived, Alex looked at Rey carefully.
“So… how have you been?”
Alex’s tone shifted, becoming more serious.
“I’ve heard rumors. People are saying that many powerful clans have started paying attention to you.”
Rey waved it off casually.
“Just empty rumors.”
He deliberately acted indifferent—like an ordinary adventurer who had no interest in politics or power struggles.
Alex narrowed his eyes slightly before speaking again.
“Rey… do you know about what happened a few days ago?”
Rey shrugged.
“I heard a few things, but nothing too clear.”
Alex stepped closer, lowering his voice. His expression hardened.
“Then listen carefully. This is confidential.”
Rey didn’t interrupt.
“Clan Glory has fallen.”
Rey’s eyes widened slightly.
“What?”
“Their leader touched someone he should never have touched—someone from a noble family. The Arden Family.”
Alex paused, letting the weight of the name sink in.
“They hold the title of Duke.”
Rey clenched his fist slowly.
“Because of that, all of Clan Glory’s assets were seized. Completely.”
Alex continued,
“And I’ve also heard that after this… other major clans are next.”
Rey deliberately showed a shocked expression, even though he already knew the truth.
“Where did you get this information?”
“And isn’t the Adventurer Guild supposed to intervene in situations like this?”
Alex smirked faintly.
“Hey—did you forget who I am?”
He tapped his temple.
“Internal information like this is practically at my fingertips.”
Then his expression turned grim.
“As for the Adventurer Guild… I heard the Guild Leader has been stripped of his authority.”
Rey’s breathing paused for a split second.
“He was replaced.”
Rey stared straight at Alex.
“Replaced by who?”
Alex answered calmly—
“Victor.”
Rey’s pupils shrank.
“Victor is now the new Guild Leader.”
Alex added,
“And you want to know what’s even more terrifying?”
Rey suppressed the turbulence in his heart.
“What?”
Alex leaned in even closer.
“Lord Willson was expelled from the Guild.”
Rey’s heart dropped.
“Victor himself carried out the expulsion.”
Alex’s voice lowered to a whisper.
“And it turns out… Victor is a noble closely connected to the Arden Family.”
Rey clenched his teeth.
“So… he was a spy?”
“A pawn placed there to bring Willson down?”
Alex nodded slowly.
“Exactly.”
He took a deep breath.
“But that’s not all.”
Rey remained silent.
“The nobles have started moving.”
Alex’s words were sharp.
“Every successor candidate of the noble families has formed a party… and they’re all joining the Adventurer Guild.”
Rey’s expression darkened.
“But nobles aren’t allowed to directly interfere with the Adventurer Guild.”
Alex scoffed.
“That rule only applies to ordinary nobles.”
He stared straight at Rey.
“The Arden Family is the true ruler of Christope.”
“The royal family is nothing more than a decoration—tools they use.”
Rey’s gaze turned icy.
The Arden Family…
One day… I’ll make you pay.
Marek… I will never let you walk free.
Rey looked back at Alex.
“So… do you have any other information?”
Alex exhaled slowly.
“Of course I do.”
His voice turned grave.
“Clan Aegis was pressured by the nobles yesterday.”
Rey stiffened.
“Lord Drax and Lord Willson attended a closed meeting to discuss it.”
Alex continued,
“After that meeting, Lord Drax was ordered to leave Clan Aegis.”
Rey’s eyes widened.
“If he refused,” Alex added coldly,
“Clan Aegis would face total destruction.”
Alex clenched his fist.
“They even offered compensation.”
Rey felt a chill run down his spine.
“And they already prepared a replacement.”
Alex spoke the final blow.
“The new Clan Leader will be from the Arden Family.”
Rey’s voice dropped.
“Again… the Arden Family.”
“Do they create their own laws now?”
Alex nodded without hesitation.
“They always have.”
“They can change the laws whenever they want.”
“The royal family doesn’t dare to oppose them.”
Alex continued,
“Other noble families follow Arden’s commands—not the crown’s.”
He paused before delivering the final piece of news.
“Clan Obsidian will be absorbed as a subordinate of Clan Aegis.”
Rey’s heart sank.
“The Arden Family wants only two clans standing alongside the Adventurer Guild.”
“All other clans…”
Alex’s eyes hardened.
“…must be destroyed.”
Rey spoke quietly.
“That means…”
Alex nodded.
“Clan Rose is next.”
Rey clenched his fists.
I can’t be late.
Rey looked directly at Alex.
“Alex… do you want to join me?”
Alex blinked.
“Join you?”
“What do you mean?”
Rey took a deep breath and told him everything.
About forming a new clan.
About entering Floor 7.
About raising Christope into a higher-tier nation.
About making the people stand behind him.
And finally—
About obtaining the noble title.
“I will become a Duke.”
Alex froze.
His mouth fell open.
“…What position do I get?”
He chuckled lightly, half joking.
“Do I become a high-ranking officer?”
Rey burst into laughter.
“Of course, Alex.”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“You’ll be one of my core executives.”
“We’ll combine our strength and skills—just like five years ago.”
“When we were Top 3 in that RPG.”
Alex laughed loudly.
“Hahaha! Good!”
“I’m in.”
Then his expression turned serious.
“But I have one condition.”
Rey raised an eyebrow.
“What is it?”
Alex’s eyes gleamed.
“If we meet other Players…”
“Especially the Top 3 from the VRMMO.”
“You must let me fight them.”
Rey smiled.
“Don’t worry.”
“I can’t wait to see them either.”
“I want to witness our prime strength once more.”
Alex laughed again.
“Then it’s settled.”
“Now we need to register our clan.”
He looked at Rey.
“So… do you have a name?”
Rey smiled calmly.
“Of course.”
“Clan Origin.”
Alex’s eyes widened.
“For Players?”
Rey nodded.
“I already have supporters.”
“And other executives—besides you.”
Alex stared at him in shock.
“Already?”
“Who are they?”
Rey chuckled.
“You’ll find out later.”
“A surprise.”
Alex sighed.
“Alright.”
“What about members?”
“Minimum requirement is 20.”
“I have 10 people.”
“Including you and your party, that makes 15.”
“I’ll handle the remaining five within three days.”
Rey laughed.
“No need.”
Alex frowned.
“What?”
“We already have more than 30 members.”
Alex froze.
“…What?”
“From where—”
Rey cut him off.
“Like I said.”
“Surprise.”
Alex shook his head.
“Fine, fine.”
“I’ll wait.”
The two of them walked toward the Adventurer Guild.
Inside, they encountered Victor.
Victor’s eyes narrowed as he saw Rey.
Ace…
The boy who forced the Arden Family to move…
And made me Guild Leader.
Thank you, foolish child.
Even if your strength surpasses mine…
You will never oppose the Arden Family.
Victor smiled.
“Ace.”
“What brings you here?”
Rey returned the smile—bright and polite—while suppressing his rage.
“Hey, Victor.”
“Yes.”
“I need to meet Lord Willson.”
“There’s something I need.”
Victor smiled faintly, his posture relaxed as if everything was already under his control.
“Oh… Lord Willson is in his office.”
“Please go up.”
“Would you like me to escort you?”
Rey returned the smile politely.
“Thank you, Victor.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“My companion and I can go by ourselves.”
Victor nodded calmly.
But deep inside—
Brat…
You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?
It doesn’t matter.
Once I fully take over this Guild…
Your party will be crushed.
And those three women…
I’ll take them for Lord Marek.
And then… I’ll make them my own toys.
Victor’s smile never faltered.
Rey felt it.
The murderous intent.
The malice.
The filth hiding beneath Victor’s refined appearance.
But Rey restrained his aura completely.
His face remained bright, cheerful, harmless.
He turned and walked toward Willson’s office with Alex beside him.
Each step echoed softly in the corridor.
When they finally reached the door, Rey raised his hand and knocked.
Knock. Knock.
A moment passed.
Then the door slowly opened.
Rey’s eyes narrowed.
Inside the room stood familiar figures—
Tristan.
Eris.
Vincent.
And Drax.
The atmosphere was heavy.
The moment Rey stepped inside, the cheerful expression vanished from his face.
His eyes turned sharp.
Cold.
He and Alex entered the room and closed the door behind them.
Willson and Drax looked at Rey.
Their expressions were strained.
Tired.
Filled with sorrow and pressure.
Rey sat down and spoke immediately.
“Willson.”
“I’m here today because there’s something important I need to discuss.”
Willson clenched his fists.
“Ace…”
“I…”
His voice trembled.
“I’m sorry.”
He lowered his head.
“I couldn’t fulfill your request.”
“I couldn’t give Marek the punishment he deserved because—”
Before Willson could finish, Rey cut him off.
“Willson.”
The room stiffened.
“I want to create my own Clan.”
Silence.
Absolute silence.
The air itself seemed to freeze.
Willson’s eyes widened.
Drax froze completely.
They stared at Rey as if they had misheard him.
Tristan and Eris exchanged a glance—
Then stepped forward.
“We’ll join the Clan you create.”
“Both of us.”
The shock deepened.
Now Willson, Drax, and Alex were staring at them in disbelief.
Alex turned slowly toward Rey.
Rey already knew what Alex was thinking.
He smiled faintly.
“Surprise.”
“Now you know where the extra members I mentioned earlier came from.”
Alex froze.
Then—
His eyes sparkled.
A wide grin spread across his face.
“Hahahahah!”
“Good, Rey!”
“This is how it should be!”
“You really work fast, just like an old friend should!”
Rey sighed and rubbed his forehead.
Eris stiffened.
She realized immediately—
Alex had just exposed a massive secret.
Everyone turned toward Rey.
Willson frowned.
“Rey?”
“Who is that?”
“Ace…”
He hesitated.
“Is that your real name?”
Rey felt his head spin.
Alex’s recklessness had caught him off guard.
With no other choice, Rey explained everything.
About Ace being a pseudonym.
About hiding his true identity.
About why he needed secrecy.
Tristan, Vincent, Willson, and Drax listened carefully.
Their expressions shifted from shock… to understanding.
Rey looked at them seriously.
“I ask you all to keep this secret.”
“Do not tell anyone.”
“Not even your most trusted subordinates.”
They nodded without hesitation.
“We understand.”
“We’ll protect your secret.”
Rey glanced at Alex.
Alex looked away with an innocent expression.
Rey sighed deeply.
“Hahhh…”
“He really loves causing trouble.”
Then Rey turned back to Willson.
“Willson.”
“Can you register my Clan?”
Willson laughed suddenly.
“Hahahahaha!”
He stood up.
“From this moment on…”
“I, Willson, will become a high-ranking officer of your Clan, Rey.”
He smiled.
“May I call you by your real name?”
Rey widened his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Of course.”
“Just not in public.”
He paused.
“So… you’ve decided to join my Clan?”
Willson nodded firmly.
“Of course.”
“I can’t wait to see how you’ll move this Clan.”
“And how you’ll raise Christope’s name in the eyes of the world.”
Inside Willson’s heart—
He’s a Player.
His growth speed will surpass all of us who were born in this world.
My choice… is the right one.
Vincent and Drax stepped forward together.
“We want to join your Clan too, Rey.”
Vincent clenched his fists.
“The ones who destroyed my hopes…”
“Even my most trusted subordinates stabbed me in the back.”
His eyes burned with hatred.
Drax spoke quietly.
“I no longer have a place in Clan Aegis.”
“I gave them everything.”
“Yet they chose an outsider over me.”
“So I left.”
Rey looked at all of them.
His voice was steady.
“Don’t worry.”
“By joining my Clan…”
“I will provide you with equipment, housing, strength, and war strategies.”
He gestured toward Alex.
“Let me introduce my closest friend.”
“Alex.”
“He’s also a Player, just like me.”
Alex stepped forward, grinning.
“For strategy and Spy…”
“You can rely on him.”
“He’ll be a high-ranking officer just like you.”
They greeted Alex respectfully.
Alex laughed loudly.
“Hahahaha!”
“The noble families don’t even know who I really am.”
“Don’t worry.”
“Once we form this Clan and clear Floor 7…”
“They’ll pay for betraying you.”
Rey turned to Willson with a serious gaze.
“So, Willson.”
“Can you register my Clan?”
Willson nodded.
“Yes.”
“I’ll do it right now.”
He paused.
“What’s the Clan’s name?”
Rey answered firmly.
“‘CLAN ORIGIN.’”
“You’ll be the Clan Leader, Willson.”
Willson froze.
“Rey… are you insane?”
“This is your Clan!”
“Why am I the Leader?”
Alex laughed.
“Hahahahaha!”
“Willson.”
“You don’t know about us, do you?”
“Let me explain.”
Alex’s expression turned serious.
“In our original world…”
“We were among the Top 3 Players.”
“Feared.”
“Respected.”
“So you understand now, right?”
“Why Rey handed leadership to someone from this world.”
Willson and the others finally understood.
Willson nodded slowly.
“Alright.”
“I’ll accept this responsibility.”
He hesitated.
“But may I ask one thing?”
Rey nodded.
“Go ahead.”
Willson looked straight into Rey’s eyes.
“Do you and Alex…”
“Have enemies in your original world?”
Alex scratched the back of his head and answered casually, yet there was an unmistakable confidence in his tone.
“Yeah… you could say that.”
“But it’s more like haters who were jealous of our strength.”
Willson nodded slowly.
The others also came to understand one thing—
Rey and Alex were not ordinary individuals.
They were powerful existences in their original world.
What they did not know, however, was that the world Rey and Alex spoke of…
was once a game.
After the conversation settled, Rey stood up.
“Alex.”
“Let’s go to Clan Rose.”
Tristan, Vincent, and Drax followed Rey and Eris without hesitation.
This gathering was no longer just a discussion.
It was preparation.
Preparation to establish the new Clan Rey envisioned.
Meanwhile, Willson wore a satisfied smile as he began the process of officially registering the new Clan.
Clan Rose — Front Gate
As Rey and the others approached Clan Rose, the atmosphere felt wrong.
Too noisy.
Too tense.
At the front gate, many unfamiliar figures had gathered.
They wore luxurious clothing adorned with noble insignias.
Several of them sat proudly atop warhorses—massive beasts clad in extravagant armor, decorated so elaborately that it bordered on arrogance.
The moment Rey’s group arrived at the gate—
They heard raised voices.
An argument.
Evelyn stood at the front, her expression furious yet restrained.
Vincent immediately rushed toward her.
Only then did Rey fully grasp the situation.
These were nobles.
Nobles from the Arden Family.
Among them—
Two individuals stood out.
They were the newly appointed Leaders of Clan Aegis and Clan Obsidian, replacing Drax and Vincent.
One of the nobles, sitting atop a horse, spoke loudly—his voice filled with disdain.
“Clan Rose…”
“Today, your Clan will be erased from this country.”
His eyes swept across the gate.
“Those inside have two choices.”
He raised two fingers.
“First—pack your belongings immediately.”
“Do not bring any valuables from this Clan.”
His lips curled into a smile.
“Second—join the new Adventurer Guild.”
“Strengthen the Guild alongside Clan Aegis and Clan Obsidian.”
Evelyn clenched her fists.
“I reject that proposal.”
Her voice was firm.
“The Leader of Clan Rose is not here.”
At that moment, Evelyn noticed Vincent approaching.
Her eyes widened.
Joy flickered across her face.
Vincent—
The man she loved the most—
Had arrived at the moment of crisis.
Vincent stepped forward and glared at the nobles.
“You already destroyed Clan Glory.”
“You seized Clan Aegis and Obsidian from me.”
His voice trembled with restrained rage.
“Are you still not satisfied?”
“Do you now wish to destroy Clan Rose as well?”
The new Leader of Clan Obsidian burst into laughter.
“Hahahahaha!”
He tilted his head mockingly.
“Hey—can someone tell me who this guy is?”
His smile turned cruel.
“Didn’t he get kicked out of his own Clan?”
He snapped his fingers exaggeratedly.
“Oops—my mistake.”
“I forgot.”
He leaned forward.
“I was the one who kicked him out.”
“And took over his Clan.”
Vincent’s eyes burned.
“You bastard…”
“You used the name of the Arden Family to bring me down.”
The Obsidian Leader smirked arrogantly.
“Of course I did.”
“I am from the Arden Family.”
He lifted his chin.
“So naturally, I use the Arden name.”
Then he sneered.
“Now kneel.”
“Call me the Leader of Clan Rose.”
Rey watched everything from behind.
His expression darkened.
The nobles’ arrogance grated against his patience.
Before Rey could step forward—
Eris spoke first.
“I am the Leader of Clan Rose.”
Her voice rang clearly.
“So tell me.”
“Why are you all here?”
From inside a luxurious carriage behind the nobles—
A deep, heavy voice echoed.
“I want Clan Rose dissolved.”
“Or you join us.”
Eris did not hesitate.
“I’m sorry.”
“Clan Rose has already been dissolved.”
Her words shocked everyone.
“However, this building…”
“And everything within this territory…”
She stared straight at the carriage.
“Now belongs to someone else.”
“All assets in Clan Rose’s territory have already been purchased.”
Evelyn froze.
Vincent grabbed her hand tightly and whispered.
“We’ll all be together again.”
“Just like before.”
Evelyn trembled—then smiled.
She was finally relieved.
Eris had accepted Tristan.
Before this, because of their strained relationship—
Clan Rose and Clan Glory were like cats and dogs.
Always clashing whenever they met.
From inside the carriage, a soft chuckle sounded.
“Oh?”
“Then who is this person?”
The voice turned cold.
“I wish to meet them.”
“Because we will take over this entire territory.”
“This is the King’s order.”
Eris stepped forward angrily.
“Hey!”
“I bought this territory with the sweat and effort of every Clan Rose member!”
The voice laughed loudly.
“Hahahahaha!”
“But the Arden Family wants this land.”
“We’ll compensate you.”
“Three upper-tier mana stones.”
Eris’ eyes widened.
“Three mana stones?”
“Are you mocking me?”
“I bought this territory for nearly six upper-tier mana stones!”
“And now you’re offering half?”
“Don’t joke with me.”
The voice paused.
“Then how much do you want?”
Rey stepped forward calmly.
“Ten upper-tier mana stones.”
Everyone froze.
Absolute shock rippled through the crowd.
Moments later—
Laughter erupted from inside the carriage.
“Hahahahaha!”
“Ten upper-tier mana stones?”
“Now you’re the ones mocking me.”
The voice turned sharp.
“Hey.”
“Are you trying to rob the Arden Family?”
Before Rey could reply—
The sound of hooves thundered forward.
Willson arrived on horseback.
The moment he saw the nobles at Clan Rose—
He understood everything.
Willson dismounted and walked toward Rey and the others.
From the carriage, the voice spoke again.
“Willson.”
“Did you come here to stop the Arden Family?”
Willson shook his head.
“No.”
“I came to meet someone.”
“And to make an announcement.”
The noble scoffed.
“Oh?”
“What announcement?”
Willson took a deep breath.
“I will step down as Guild Leader starting today.”
Gasps echoed.
“I will leave the Adventurer Guild today as well.”
Silence.
“And I will join Clan Origin.”
His voice grew firm.
“A newly established Clan.”
“Registered and officially approved by the King himself.”
Eris immediately followed.
“Clan Rose will merge with Clan Origin.”
“Clan Origin will use Clan Rose’s territory as its base.”
The world stopped.
No one had expected this.
Clan Rose joining a new Clan.
Lord Willson joining that same Clan.
This was explosive news.
From the carriage—
A killing intent erupted.
An overwhelming aura burst forth.
The pressure crashed down on everyone.
Tristan, Drax, and Willson stiffened.
They hadn’t expected—
This man’s strength had surpassed Willson’s.
The pressure grew heavier.
Evelyn and Vincent struggled to stand.
This aura…
Was already at Level 90.
Vincent’s eyes widened.
This aura…
It’s the same as Rey’s back at Clan Aegis…
Alex dropped to one knee.
Sweat poured down his face.
He looked at Rey in disbelief.
Rey stood still.
Unaffected.
Alex whispered shakily.
“Rey…”
“You…”
“Don’t you feel it?”
Rey glanced at him calmly.
“Power this weak can’t scare me.”
“Are you okay?”
Alex glared at him.
“Hey!”
“Can’t you see me kneeling here?”
“Does this look okay to you?!”
Rey ignored him.
His gaze shifted toward the carriage.
Then—
He released his aura.
A dense, suffocating presence erupted from Rey.
It surged outward like an invisible black wave.
The noble’s pressure was forcibly crushed.
Warhorses screamed in terror.
The ground beneath them cracked faintly.
From inside the carriage—
The laughter vanished.
The voice trembled.
“…Who?”
“Who dares to challenge the Arden Family?”
Rey remained silent.
But her gaze was cold.
Her aura was so powerful it felt oppressive
