The Stardust Guild interior was breathtaking.
Floating books.
Staircases made of shimmering dust.
Training rooms with gravity set to lunar levels.
Dozens of members practicing spells, sword techniques, and digital arts.
At the center stood the Guildmaster.
A man with silver hair tied in a loose braid, wearing robes embroidered with galaxies. His eyes were pure white, glowing faintly.
He turned toward Riley without being introduced.
"Riley Cross. The boy who should not exist."
Riley coughed. "I get that a lot."
The Guildmaster stepped closer, gaze piercing.
"Your glitch… it is not random. It is a message."
"A message?" Riley said weakly.
"To the Tower.
To the world.
To the AI that governs everything."
Aeris blurted, "Do you know why he's breaking everything?"
The Guildmaster nodded slowly.
"Yes. But if I tell you now, you will die before reaching Floor 50."
Riley paled.
"That's not comforting!"
"Knowledge is deadly here," the Guildmaster said.
"But I can give you protection.
And a task."
He extended a shining badge shaped like a collapsing star.
"Join the Stardust Guild, and we will protect you from the Syndicate."
Riley looked at his friends.
Aeris nodded.
Kaela shrugged. "As long as I can fight."
Lyria beamed. "We're family now!"
Nyra added simply, "I follow user."
Riley took the badge.
A pulse of light engulfed him.
STARDUST GUILD MEMBER: RILEY CROSS
The Guildmaster smiled faintly.
"Welcome, anomaly."