Chapter 104: [Bonus Chapter] Xiaxia’s Plea "Please, Xin, consider joining our guild!" Xiaxia’s imploring voice echoed through the room, carrying a mix of earnestness and desperation.
Xin’s response was unwavering and a resolute, "No."
With the door securely locked and his shoes removed, he brushed past Xiaxia, his focus shifting to organize his things and take a bath.
Undeterred, Xiaxia persisted, determination lacing her words. "Then, at least try to convince Hilda to join us."
Xin’s attention remained fixed on his belongings as he organized them in the living room. His response was measured and steady. "I’ve made it clear –– that was a one-time favor."
Xiaxia’s determination, however, showed no sign of waning. Her voice carried a hint of hope. "But you two could bring immense strength to our guild."
Still engaged in his task, Xin’s gaze didn’t lift to meet Xiaxia’s eyes. "It was a one-time favor," he repeated.
Xiaxia’s resolve was unshaken. "That’s all I’m asking."
"And my answer remains the same."
Xiaxia’s determination clashed with Xin’s steadfast decision, creating an undercurrent of tension.
Xiaxia’s voice shifted, her words revealing her thoughts. "You know, it’s not just about your help in that war. Snow Angels could benefit from your abilities."
Xin finally paused in his task, his gaze shifting to his sister. "Don’t let one victory fool you into thinking you’re invincible," he cautioned. "War is unpredictable. You won because Doom Serenity underestimated you. That won’t happen again."
Xiaxia’s gaze wavered, her confidence faltering under Xin’s sobering words. "I understand that, but . . ."
Xin stood to his feet and went towards another part of the house while Xiaxia followed close behind.
A pause hung in the air as they stopped in front of the bathroom.
"There’s another guild –– slightly higher ranked than us," Xiaxia started. "They’ve challenged us."
Xin’s gaze locked onto Xiaxia’s, his face unreadable. "I told you, don’t accept challenges until your guild is strong enough. You can’t rely on underestimation every time."
"I get it, but . . ."
A trace of exasperation colored Xin’s voice. "You’re not thinking of taking them on, are you?"
Xiaxia looked away, her voice hesitant. "Well . . . they’re not that much stronger than us. And a challenge could help us climb the rankings."
Xin’s gaze held a sternness that matched his tone. "Don’t risk it. Remember, your legend-grade equipment makes you a target. They challenge you because they want those items."
Xiaxia’s voice was tinged with frustration, a hint of her stubbornness showing. "I know, but . . ."
Xin’s interruption was firm, his gaze unwavering. "You can’t afford to be reckless. Not right now when players are pouring into your guild. One wrong move and that could change and you’re back to square one. Wait until your guild is strong and ready."
Xin’s gaze remained locked onto Xiaxia’s as he delivered his final point. "You’re the guild leader now. Your decisions affect everyone. Make choices that will lead to your guild’s true growth, not just temporary victories and reckless decision that could jeopardize everything you have built."
Xiaxia’s sigh carried resignation. She knew that she couldn’t change Xin’s mind once he started to spew longer sentences.
"How’s the legendary-grade equipment I gave you?" Xin changed the topic, his gaze intent as it settled on Xiaxia, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You haven’t lost it, have you?"
A wry smile tugged at Xiaxia’s lips as she shook her head. "No, I’m not that careless. I’m only going to use it for the most important battles. I can’t afford to risk losing it during casual adventuring."
Xin’s eyebrows raised a fraction, his expression curious. "Why not stash it in a bank? That way, no one can steal it from you."
A thoughtful pause hung in the air before Xiaxia sighed, her shoulders sagging with reluctant acceptance. "I suppose that’s a sensible idea. I’ll have to open a bank account then."
"You really don’t have much of a choice here," Xin responded. "And what’s your reason for opposing it in the first place? You’re running a guild, Xiaxia. Security is crucial."
A half-hearted shrug accompanied Xiaxia’s reply. "I know, but paying a monthly fee for it . . . I’m not too keen on that."
Xin regarded his sister with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "That’s your main concern?"
"Well, yes!" Xiaxia’s defense was swift as she exclaimed, "It’s expensive, okay? Especially that we’re tight on budget and don’t have any sponsors and backing. Plus, there’s the whole influx of new members and challengers. I have my hands full at the moment!"
"You don’t have any backing and sponsors yet? Despite your two hundred ranking?" Xin asked.
Xiaxia was slightly embarrassed. "We’ll no . . ."
Xin thought for a moment before he replied with a straight tone, "That’s understandable. You only won the two hundredth rank because Doom Serenity underestimated you. You still need to prove yourself and win some wars."
Xiaxia’s face lit up. "Then . . ."
Before she could finish her sentence, Xin interjected.
"Speaking of challenges, be wary of accepting them. Many just want to exploit your legendary-grade equipment. Stall them until your guild is truly prepared. Better yet, don’t accept any challenges right now."
"I’m aware of that," Xiaxia admitted, tapping her index fingers together, her voice dropping to a murmur. "If only you and Hilda would join . . ."
Xin’s response was firm, his tone resolute. "I have other things to do."
"Could you at least talk to Hilda about it?" Xiaxia’s eyes held a glimmer of hope despite her uncertainty about who Hilda really was. She knew she was powerful, at the very least.
"Why not ask her yourself?"
A faint pout played on Xiaxia’s lips. "She’s more likely to agree if you do it."
Xin’s gaze remained steady, his words uncompromising. "If you rely solely on others, your guild will never truly flourish."
A crestfallen expression replaced Xiaxia’s hopeful one, her voice almost a mumble. "It would be so much easier if you joined us."
"I have matters to take care of. And it would be easier to earn money if the two of us are working separately."
Xiaxia grumbled, and she could do nothing when Xin entered the bathroom and slammed the door on her face.
"Can you do that while being in our guild?" Xiaxia hollered behind the door.
"Maybe, but not this time. I prefer not to be stuck in a guild."
"It’s my guild, and you can have your freedom!"
"My answer is final."
". . ." Xiaxia could do nothing but shook her head and walked back to the kitchen to tend to her cooking.
"How heartless . . . ," she muttered.