Newbie's Quest: Awaiting Challenge
Chapter 35: The real intention

The Alice replica, a labyrinth of mystery and challenge, bestowed upon its conquerors three distinctive and coveted rewards.

The first was a portable door, a marvel of magical engineering. This artifact could resize at will, making it not only convenient to carry but also a formidable shield in the shape of a rectangular bastion.

The second treasure was an infinite refill water bottle, a boon for adventurers and wanderers alike. For those who tread the rugged paths of distant lands or dwell in the realms of poverty, this vessel promised an endless supply of life's most vital resource.

Lastly, a downgrade card, a boon particularly cherished by the less seasoned warriors. This magical card, when used, would reduce the difficulty of a replica by a single tier, offering a glimmer of hope and success where there was none. Ethan Walker, the intrepid explorer of virtual realms, claimed these three treasures as his own. His journey through the S-rank replica had yielded no subordinates worthy of recruitment, for the only adversary he faced was a grotesque, animated painted corpse. This creature, more a nuisance than a threat, lacked the appeal or challenge to warrant Ethan's interest in recruitment.

With the mission accomplished, Ethan, ever the pragmatic strategist, converted his spoils and subordinates back into data, storing them securely in his bracelet. With a nonchalant air, he prepared to make his exit from the iconic White Tower, his silhouette a calm contrast against the building's grandeur.

The audience, witnessing this feat through the lens of the live stream, was left in a state of stunned disbelief. Their comments flew across the screen in a flurry of astonishment and admiration.

"Is this the end already?"

"A mere thirty minutes, yet my heart raced as if it were hours..."

"Ethan Walker, effortlessly conquering the Emerald Tempest Guild's marked replica in such a short span!"

"More awe-inspiring than the replica itself is Ethan's unparalleled prowess."

Even the key members of the prestigious guilds, veterans of countless replicas, found themselves dumbstruck by Ethan's achievement. Within the halls of Eternal Dynasty, whispers and murmurs filled the air as the members gathered, their eyes reflecting a mix of respect and fear.

"Such a fearsome newcomer."

"Never have I seen such a direct, forceful approach to a replica."

"Could this herald a new era where brute force trumps the art of puzzle-solving?"

"But let's be realistic; not everyone possesses Ethan's extraordinary strength and stamina. Could you endure being pursued by relentless monsters for half an hour?"

Natalie Clark, once a mere spectator, now wore a look of serious contemplation. "I need to have a word with the captain."

"For what purpose?" inquired a teammate.

"We should consider bringing Ethan into our fold."

"But isn't he leading his own guild now?"

"If recruitment fails, we may have no choice but to eliminate him."

"Don't lose your head over this. Destruction isn't the only solution to unattainability."

"You're missing the bigger picture," Natalie retorted, her seriousness giving way to a hint of concern. "If Ethan ever decides to target us, we'll face unprecedented challenges."

The Emerald Tempest Guild felt this looming threat acutely. In the wake of the Alice replica's conclusion, a heavy silence hung over them. The members, utterly intimidated by Ethan's display of might, found themselves voiceless before their stern leaders. It was akin to a master thief audaciously plundering right at their doorstep, and then vanishing into the night, untouched and triumphant.

Isabella Martínez, her frustration simmering beneath a calm facade, clenched her teeth in barely concealed rage. "This Ethan... his audacity knows no bounds!"

As the deputy leader's words echoed through the hall, murmurs of agreement rose among the ranks.

"Indeed, forsaking the art of puzzle-solving for sheer brute force, what sort of approach is that?"

"Perhaps it was mere luck, the monsters in that replica weren't particularly formidable."

"I agree..."

The collective agreement swelled, becoming a chorus of indignant voices, each member bolstering the other's resolve. Their criticism of Ethan's unconventional methods grew louder and more impassioned.

Amidst this uproar, James Mitchell stood slightly apart, a lone voice of reason in a sea of discontent. He felt a pang of injustice on Ethan's behalf and yearned to speak up in his defense. Yet, he remembered the advice given to him earlier, urging restraint, and chose to remain silent.

In the midst of this charged atmosphere, a subtle, yet authoritative tap resounded on the table. It was enough to command attention, yet gentle enough to not startle. All eyes turned to Henrik Jensen, their esteemed captain. Henrik rose to his full height, his presence commanding the room. He turned to address his team, his tone imbued with a grave seriousness. "To dismiss the achievements of others in the replica as mere flukes is nothing short of arrogance. Remember, every survivor of the replica has proven their worth and ability. Instead of squandering time in idle gossip about others, it would be wiser to invest that time in self-reflection and learning. Tell me, have you all meticulously reviewed the last replica's playback?"

Henrik's words were a clarion call to action. Immediately, the team members sprang into action, each attending to their prescribed tasks. Those who needed to focus on physical training did so with renewed vigor, while others turned their attention to the replay analysis. The training room, once a hub of discontent, now buzzed with focused energy. Only after this renewed sense of purpose was firmly established did Henrik make his exit.

Isabella Martínez watched him go, a mix of respect and a lingering desire to speak lingering in her gaze. She contemplated calling out to him, but the aura of determination around him was palpable, dissuading her. Before leaving, Henrik paused to give James Mitchell a significant look, a silent communication that left James pondering its meaning.

Outside the White Tower, Ethan Walker made his discreet exit, skillfully evading the prying eyes of media and adoring fans. He slid into a nondescript black sedan, a stark contrast to the flamboyance usually associated with his stature. Behind the wheel was Emily Johnson, her cap casting a shadow over her expressive eyes. She couldn't help but marvel at the unfolding events between Avalon Guild and Emerald Tempest Guild, relishing the drama as a refreshing change of pace. Yet, her playful nature couldn't resist a teasing jab at Ethan. "Look at you now, commanding such respect that even a star player like me is your chauffeur."

Ethan, ever the picture of calm, responded with a light-hearted promise, "When fortune smiles upon me, you'll share in the bounty."

Emily laughed, a mix of skepticism and amusement in her voice as she navigated the vehicle through the city's labyrinthine streets. "Just make sure those promises aren't empty," she chided. "Who are you messaging now? What's your next move?"

"Do you have Henrik's contact details?" Ethan inquired, his focus already shifting to his next strategy.

"You'll have to ask Alex; Henrik isn't one for socializing."

"Understood."

As evening descended, Ethan finally obtained Henrik's contact information from Alex Johnson and sent a tentative friend request. Henrik, fresh from training and a shower, noticed the illuminated screen of his phone - a friend request from Ethan Walker. He sat on the edge of his bed, weighing the decision for a moment before accepting.

His phone, now resting on the bedside table, was a silent witness to his contemplation. He was about to review the day's replica playback when a series of notifications broke the silence - messages from Ethan.

"Hello, Captain Henrik, this is Ethan Walker," the message read, a straightforward greeting.

"Forgive the intrusion. I have a matter that requires your counsel," the next message continued, courteous in tone.

"My interest lies in recruiting James Mitchell from your guild. May I inquire about your stance on this, Captain?"

Henrik read the messages with a thoughtful expression. Before he could formulate a response, another message arrived.

"If we can't reach an agreement, I might have to challenge your Guild's replica 547 tomorrow."