[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-17":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828554,2432,"Chapter 17: A Guild Built Like a Battlefield","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-17",17,"\u003Cp>A Guild Built Like a Battlefield\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After explaining a portion of his plan to Videl and Lane, Victor received nothing but silence in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s sapphire eyes narrowed slightly. Lane’s expression remained calm, unreadable as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They both understood what he was implying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was gambling on timing. On reputation. On human nature. On pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many moving parts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many coincidences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl exhaled softly. \"You’re assuming a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor only shrugged, golden eyes glinting. \"I always do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane tilted her head slightly. \"And you’ve never failed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So in the end, they trusted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They always did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Adventurers Guild stood at the center of Fantom City like a silent war monument. Smaller than the knight academy, yes — but heavier. More grounded. The stone was darker. The structure thicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor slowed his steps slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air around the building shimmered faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defensive magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Layered. Interwoven. Reinforced with multiple spell matrices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips curved slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t just a guild hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a fortress within a fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destroying it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his current strength — roughly five percent of what he once possessed as Anos — he could do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it would cost too much mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And whoever designed these defensive formations...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s pulse quickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the trio stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guild hall was loud — laughter, clanking mugs, armor scraping wood, boots dragging across stone floors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of eyes turned toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just another group of kids chasing glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not properly equipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not worth noticing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veterans didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already learned the only truth that mattered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A great adventurer isn’t the one with the best weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s the one who survives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you wake up tomorrow, you’re good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don’t — you were never that great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the young ones?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aspiring adventurers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The recently successful rookies drunk on their first victory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First — they saw Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rusty armor. Cheap make. Slightly worn leather straps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then they actually looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long golden hair tied loosely behind her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright sapphire eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graceful figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heroic presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t just pretty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they looked at Lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elegant curves that her simple attire could not hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm, dangerous beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind that made men swallow unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then there was Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ridiculous number of hunting knives strapped around his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking almost absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a boy who wandered in by mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rookie group laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at that armor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He looks like he robbed a barn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does he have that many knives? Planning to cook dinner?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their laughter shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they were looking at the girls now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they weren’t subtle about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s fingers tightened around the hilt at her waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane’s gaze darkened just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veteran adventurers didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guild rules were strict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You don’t touch anyone inside without cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the aspiring adventurers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t fear consequences yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of five approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well-equipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Organized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two frontliners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A healer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked legitimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their leader carried a massive greatsword across his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t look at Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t look at Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were on Lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor moved first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocking his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatsword wielder frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no business with you. So get out of my way while I’m still being nice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand rested on his blade’s hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor didn’t even look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he turned slightly and addressed one of the receptionists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me, guild lady.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist blinked, surprised he was speaking so casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If someone attacks me, and I kill him in self-defense, is that alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire surrounding area went quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered professionally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. If they attack first, no matter if you kill him, you will not be held responsible... That is, if you have witnesses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then glanced lazily at the greatsword wielder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hear that, small fry? If you don’t want to die, you better back off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"HAHAHA! You think you can take me on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor finally looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes flat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only can I take you on. I can kill all of your friends as well. So if you’re coming — then come already.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thief twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knife flashed from his sleeve—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An arrow snapped through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knife flew from his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane lowered her bow calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t help me, Lane. I’ll do this myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded once and stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatsword wielder roared and swung downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Full force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enough power to cleave stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade descended like judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor raised one finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pinky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana coated it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatsword trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t move an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps filled the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey boss... why did you stop?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finish him off!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boss’s face turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veins bulged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was using everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panic rippled through his team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it — all attack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor smiled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was exactly what he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One overwhelming show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the entire guild would understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl watched with clenched fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment they walked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She believed people could change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She believed in second chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she were stronger...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could’ve stopped this before it began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could’ve talked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disarmed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beaten them without killing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone deserves a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Don’t they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she wasn’t strong enough to change Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that truth hurt more than anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lane’s gaze shifted briefly toward Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could see the conflict in her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hero and woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Justice and love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor couldn’t hear her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could, he would have scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second chances?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered heroes who spared demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons who slaughtered villages afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Millions dead because someone believed in redemption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hypocrisy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weakness disguised as virtue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t know her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only knew one thing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was about to make sure no one in this guild ever dared look at Lane...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or Videl...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like that again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Victor was fully focused on how to show these men and the people in the guild that he is not someone anyone would want to mess with.\u003C\u002Fp>",1087,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.650Z",1,"novelbin.me","953dc8428d2f1370b46851b01816b787694e2ea9938028dab7482965fc5a827a","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-18","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-16",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]