Chapter19-The Targeting by Rock Guild

As the details of the jade pendant unfurled before him, astonishment graced Sebastian's face. 

It was an emblem reserved only for captains. 

Simultaneously, his gaze caught the pendant's footnote. "Yomu? Master, do you know of him?"

"I'm not familiar with the Legion of Cataclysm," old Arthur replied with a dismissive wave.

"Where should I seek information about him, then?" Sebastian ventured, seeking a lead. 

The Legion of Cataclysm's lore was scarcely detailed even in the forums. 

At this point, his only avenue was seeking intelligence from in-game NPCs.

Hearing this, old Arthur cast him a sidelong glance, saying nonchalantly, "Kid, if it wasn't for my favorable impression of you, I wouldn't even consider sharing."

A jolt of realization struck Sebastian. Thankfully, he held a good standing with the old blacksmith; otherwise, uncovering Yomu's trail might've taken ages.

"Please, master, share your wisdom," Sebastian pleaded earnestly.

"Consult the village chief. He would certainly know," Arthur divulged the crucial tidbit.

"Thank you, master." Armed with this clue, Sebastian expressed his gratitude and departed the blacksmith shop. 

Stepping out, he cast a glance at the sky, realizing the timing might be unfavorable to approach the village chief; it could potentially sour their relationship. 

He decided to try his luck come morning.

Resigned to this, Sebastian began his journey back.

"Boy, halt!"

A shrill voice abruptly interrupted his thoughts. 

Turning, he found himself confronted by a man clad in gleaming golden armor, brandishing a greatsword. 

The man's eyes blazed with intent as he advanced rapidly. 

Once squarely in front of Sebastian, he exuded arrogance, declaring contemptuously, "Kid, by crossing the Rock Guild, you've sealed your fate."

Sebastian cast a sidelong glance at his interlocutor, smirking at the player with the ID 'Playboy', "I was wondering who dared confront me. Turns out it's the fellow too scared to enter the daytime arena."

The barb hit its mark, visibly stinging Playboy. 

His face contorted in anger, and with dark eyes fixed on Sebastian, he growled, "ShepherdWind, I challenge you to a duel!"

The Rock Guild's daytime defeat had left their guild leader, WindSovereign, seething. 

He issued an immediate decree: to hunt down the North Wind Team player named "ShepherdWind" – Sebastian – at any cost. 

A hefty reward awaited anyone who succeeded. 

Had it not been for Sebastian, Rock Guild's plan would've gone off without a hitch. 

Now, not only had they failed to halt the North Wind Team, but they themselves were barred from participating in tomorrow's dungeon raid.

In the aftermath, WindSovereign sent his minions far and wide to trace Sebastian's whereabouts. 

However, Sebastian had spent the entire day outside the village, only to be spotted recently by Playboy, the Berserker.

On hearing Playboy's challenge, Sebastian wordlessly turned on his heel and walked away.

"Halt!" Playboy's shout echoed behind him.

But Sebastian remained nonchalant, fully aware that no combat was allowed within the village bounds. 

No one could deter his exit. Moreover, it was clear as day: if Playboy avoided the daytime face-off yet eagerly sought a nocturnal confrontation, he had a trick up his sleeve tailored for Sebastian.

Regardless of Playboy's indignant calls, Sebastian continued unperturbed.

"Damn it."

Once Sebastian vanished from view, Playboy's fists clenched, his rage palpable. 

As Sebastian had anticipated, Playboy had indeed prepared something specifically for him, having splurged a whopping 120 gold coins on it – equivalent to 120,000 dollars! 

And yet, Sebastian evaded his provocation, leaving Playboy livid.

"You'll regret this," Playboy muttered, striding in the opposite direction.

Little did he know, as soon as he left, Sebastian re-emerged. 

Silhouetted in the night, he fixed his gaze on Playboy and discreetly trailed him.

The frustrated Playboy ventured beyond the village limits, aiming to vent his anger by slaying monsters. 

Shortly, he reached a leveling zone and charged forth, greatsword in hand. 

But at that moment, from the depths of the night, a white silhouette lunged at him with astonishing speed. 

By the time Playboy sensed the ambush, the figure was right before him. 

Confronted by the menacing visage of a massive wolf, Playboy's face paled. 

In a panic, he positioned his greatsword defensively before him.

Breeze, just inches away, opened its gaping maw and exhaled a chilling frost breath. The biting gusts roared out, and the sheer coldness made Playboy shiver involuntarily.

-125

That very attack cost him over a hundred damage points and saddled him with a [Frostbite] debuff.

"Damn beast!"

He roared, attempting to retaliate, but Breeze didn't afford him the chance. Razor-sharp claws sliced through the air, striking Playboy's cheek with unerring accuracy.

-154

The talons tore through the skin, leaving behind a grotesque gash. 

A wave of sharp pain washed over Playboy, making him cry out. 

He was sent flying to the side, landing heavily on the ground. 

Clutching his face, he cast a venomous glance at the snow wolf.

At that moment, Sebastian slowly stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips.

"ShepherdWind!"

Playboy hissed the name through gritted teeth, struggling to his feet, poised to attack.

"Calm yourself; I don't intend to kill you... yet."

Sebastian approached, with Breeze snarling by his side.

"So you stoop to this level!" Playboy shouted angrily. "Resorting to ambushes!"

Outside the village, players could attack each other. 

However, it was typically avoided because it fostered animosity and was a waste of time. 

Only the gravest of grievances would drive players to such actions.

In response to Playboy's words, Sebastian simply replied with a serene expression, "What was your trick against me?"

"Hmph, you think I'd reveal that to you?" Playboy sneered.

"It's fine if you don't. But for a player like you, losing a level must sting quite a bit," Sebastian mused aloud.

Playboy's eyes darkened, and he snapped, "Even in death, I won't divulge anything to you."

With that, he suddenly lifted his greatsword, and with a swift motion, struck it against his own head.

-9999

Fatal blow!

In the next instant, Playboy disintegrated into a shower of light particles.

Sebastian's gaze grew somber.

That fellow... has some backbone.

Beside the Darkstone Resurrection Stone, a flash of light signaled Playboy's return. 

His expression dark, he muttered, "ShepherdWind, I'll remember you." 

A murderous glint appeared in his eyes as he headed towards Rock Guild's base.

On the other hand, Sebastian felt a pang of regret.

However, it was clear to him now that the Rock Guild had him in their crosshairs.

Sebastian decided not to inform Mia about this incident. 

He wanted to handle it himself.

Glancing at the night sky and realizing that in his game chamber there was no need to worry about real-time constraints, he set his sights on the Rock Guild.

If they sought him out, he couldn't just stand idly by, could he?

With that, Sebastian returned to Darkstone and made his way directly to the guild building.

Rock Guild?

Tonight, let's play a proper game.