"Eli, you simply need to take charge as head of the coalition."
"You're telling me to establish an entirely new guild?"
I had anticipated something like this, but it felt nearly impossible. How could anyone increase a guild's tier that rapidly overnight? Just registering to participate in tomorrow's castle siege required reaching at least level 5.
Trying to finish various guild quests and gather sufficient points in a single night was like trying to pluck a star from the sky.
"No, you just need to step up as leader of the alliance."
"An alliance?"
I couldn't help asking, as that terminology wasn't commonly used in Blue Sky.
"Once a guild attains level 10, it unlocks the privilege to retain its current structure while forming an overarching master organization."
"So you mean it functions as the grand coalition."
"Exactly! Which means when the new coalition is created, Volcano will operate under the banner of that master alliance."
"So it's an authentic structural bond, rather than just an informal title?"
"Yes! And I want you to assume command of that master alliance."
"Master of a grand coalition... Mmh."
A commander over a coalition that includes a massive force like Volcano. I was well aware of how weight-heavy that title would be.
I was already feeling overwhelmed by my new duties as Duchess, so adding another massive leadership role made me quite anxious.
"Please don't refuse! In my view, this is truly our best option!"
Noticing my hesitant look, Katalina quickly spoke up again to persuade me.
"Even if I accept the role of alliance leader, can all these procedures truly be finalized in a single day? And shouldn't you consult your guild officers to see if they approve?"
"It's entirely feasible, which is why I proposed it!"
Katalina answered with absolute assurance. Even though she was finalizing a major decision without conferring with her officers, she didn't seem concerned at all. I suppose that was the perk of being an absolute ruler over her guild.
Since the primary corporate sponsor for Volcano was owned by Katalina's family and she personally held a 60% stake in the guild, no one could realistically oppose her. Whenever an officer challenged her views, she would joke about settling it at the colosseum, but I knew very well she was capable of turning that joke into reality.
"All right, I'll accept the position of alliance leader."
"A wise choice!"
"Then I suppose we should log into the game first?"
"Yes!"
After slipping into more comfortable attire, Katalina and I stepped into our respective capsules.
My previous exit point was at my London residence, whereas Katalina had logged off from the fortress in Liverpool.
This was one of the hidden features of the 'Ring of Promise'—it allowed you to track the exact coordinates of the other wearer. It was basically a system exploit, but because the function was so convenient, I pretended to be completely oblivious. It wasn't game-breaking anyway, and even if developers caught on, I could just claim I had no idea.
I fully intended to utilize it as long as I wasn't caught red-handed.
[Eli, I'm going to summon you to Liverpool Castle, so be ready.]
[Got it.]
Shortly after Katalina sent her message, the transfer sequence initiated. Even though we could only trigger it once per day, it remained an extraordinarily handy ability.
Once again, I arrived inside the grounds of Liverpool Castle. Unlike before, there were far fewer people wandering the hallways. Had something occurred? I hoped nothing bad had happened as I walked alongside Katalina.
The destination Katalina brought me to was a terrace structure housing the lord's executive study. Sunbeams glinted off the glass door, creating a brilliant gleam.
"Wait a moment."
Katalina paused briefly as we reached the entrance.
[Guild Master Merlin of Volcano is officially transferring territorial authority to Artoria, Supreme Commander of the Alliance.]
A system prompt appeared before me.
[Do you accept? Yes / No]
Naturally, I chose 'Yes'.
[Congratulations! You have earned the title 'First Lord of the Server'. You gain +5 Bonus Stats and +50% EXP.]
"Eli, you earned a title, didn't you?"
"Yes. 5 extra stat points and 50% extra EXP."
"Ugghh, I'm so jealous!"
It was a bit unfortunate since Katalina was originally meant to claim that accolade, but I ended up receiving it instead. Still, I was genuinely thrilled to grow even stronger.
"Thank you for setting everything up so I could receive this."
"Ugh... You owe me big time, okay?"
"Of course, of course."
I teased Katalina while she pouted, wondering why she had brought me to this specific spot.
"Hmph, anyway. Have you decided on a name for our coalition yet?"
"I haven't even had time to think of one."
"Then you'd better come up with something fast."
"What?"
Passing by me as I stood there confused, Katalina opened the terrace door and pulled me inside by my hand.
"Whoa..."
As I was pulled along, I finally understood why the rest of the castle had felt so empty. The massive parade grounds situated right beneath the terrace was packed with an immense crowd. Since entry was strictly restricted unless invited or belonging to the controlling faction, everyone gathered here was clearly a member of Volcano.
"Thank you all for waiting so patiently! As of this moment, Volcano officially operates under our new master alliance!"
"Oooh!!"
It seemed the members already expected this outcome, as shouts of eager acceptance rather than surprise or protest echoed through the grounds.
"And standing beside me is our Alliance Leader, Artoria!"
Goodness. It hadn't been that long since I delivered a public speech, yet here she was putting me on the spot again. I was definitely thrown off, but I didn't want to ruin the moment Katalina prepared. Besides, I owed her a lot, so I stepped forward without complaint.
"Hello, members of Volcano. I'm Artoria."
"Wooo!!"
"Artoria!"
The crowd cheered and chanted my name loudly. Being the center of all that praise felt truly humbling.
"Though I may not fully deserve this role, I'm glad to stand alongside Volcano. I promise to give my all until every single enemy of Volcano is completely crushed!"
"Woooo!!"
I got so swept up in the mood that I instantly realized I made a slip of the tongue. I should have specified that only Shining and Chaos were the ones to be punished...
"Eli, it's all recording nicely~"
Katalina seemed to notice my blunder, waving the recording device in her hand with a mischievous grin. She really was thorough when preparing things like this.
"Thank you for that inspiring greeting, Alliance Leader Artoria! Now, Lady Artoria, would you like to officially name our coalition today? Or shall we open it up to suggestions from our members?"
I didn't quite expect those options. Leave it to the members? I suddenly realized Katalina's strategy. This was all a script she had orchestrated for everyone to follow, including me. She knew I couldn't come up with a proper name on the spot. Why? She knew I found the position overwhelming enough, so if I made a mistake and ended up a laughingstock over a bad name, she wanted to share that responsibility across the entire guild rather than leaving it on me alone.
Though I was a little annoyed at her setting this up, there wasn't much I could do about it. I gave up trying to get back at her for this.
"I'll leave the decision to our members."
Katalina's smile broadened as if she already anticipated my answer.
"Everyone, our Leader has granted you the honor of deciding our coalition's name! I'll count to three, and on three, everyone shout out the name you've chosen!"
"One."
"Two."
I wondered what name they would pick? Admittingly, I fell right into her trap and was genuinely curious, focusing intently on Katalina as she prepared to count three.
She must have possessed unnaturally sharp instincts, as she noticed my intense focus and intentionally delayed her final count by an extra beat.
"Three!"
And at last, as the number three echoed out...
"Camelot!"
A deafening roar from the assembled members shook the air, echoing across the entire span of Liverpool.