Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons
Chapter 434 434: Sarah Draketower's decision

Sarah tilted her head in interest, her eyes sharpening with curiosity. Arthur wasn't backing down, and the fact that he knew what she wanted and still didn't retreat meant he indeed had some confidence to back it up with.

"What's your new proposal? You're intriguing me," she said, then paused, waiting for him to reply.

Arthur remained smiling before continuing, his expression carrying the confidence of someone who held all the cards.

"I want you to join my guild."

Sarah's eyebrows rose slightly. That wasn't what she'd expected. "Your guild? Power Guild?"

"Not as a regular member," Arthur clarified, raising a hand to forestall her immediate questions. "As a special recruit. Someone who receives all the benefits without the usual obligations."

He began pacing slowly, his tone taking on the cadence of someone laying out a carefully constructed offer.

"You've heard about our guild's manifestation benefits, haven't you? The enhanced experience rates that allow members to level faster than anywhere else in Caldera?"

Sarah nodded slowly. Everyone in the academy had heard the rumours. Power Guild members were advancing at unprecedented speeds, gaining levels and skills that should have taken months to acquire.

"Those benefits would accelerate your personal growth significantly," Arthur continued. "But more than that, we have a skill-sharing system. Members can temporarily grant portions of their abilities to others, allowing for rapid learning and adaptation."

He stopped pacing and faced her directly. "Imagine accessing skills from people you've never met. Skills that would take years to discover on your own or get at all. All available through our network."

Sarah's interest was clearly piqued, but she remained cautious. "What about the obligations? Guild membership usually comes with mission requirements, weekly obligations—"

"Nothing," Arthur interrupted smoothly. "No missions. No weekly tasks. No mandatory participation in guild activities."

Her eyes widened slightly. That was... unprecedented.

"While other members complete missions and follow our standard operating procedures to earn their enhanced benefits, you would enjoy them immediately. No strings attached. The only thing that you cannot do is harm the guild or its members. Other than that, you are free to enjoy the benefits. This offer that I'm giving you is not only because of the herb, but because of the friendship we developed in the past few days and your ambitions."

Arthur's smile deepened as he watched understanding dawn in her expression.

"You see, Sarah, I recognise what you're building. You're not interested in temporary power boosts or quick fixes. You want sustainable growth, the kind that comes from dedicated personal training and academic focus. Guild obligations would only distract from that pursuit."

He gestured toward the academy walls visible in the distance.

"Your priority is your studies, your personal development, and whatever goals you have. I'm not asking you to change any of that. I'm simply offering to accelerate the process."

Sarah was quiet for a long moment, her mind working through the implications. Access to Power Guild's legendary experience bonuses without any of the typical responsibilities? It sounded too good to be true.

"Why?" she asked finally. "Why offer me such favourable terms? This is worth more than my herb,"

Arthur's expression became more serious, though the smile remained at the corners of his mouth.

"Because talent like yours shouldn't be constrained by bureaucracy. You have the potential to become one of the strongest mages of our generation, but only if you're allowed to develop at your own pace, in your own way."

He spread his hands slightly.

"Power Guild benefits from having strong allies, even if they're not actively participating in daily operations. Your success reflects well on us. And frankly, having someone of your calibre as a part of my guild, even without participating in normal guild stuff, isn't the worst investment I could make.

Because I'm sure, once you complete your goals, you will not leave my guild, that's how confident I am."

Sarah's eyes narrowed as she processed his words. The honesty was refreshing, even if it revealed calculated motivations.

"You're not doing this out of altruism," she observed.

"I never claimed to be," Arthur replied with a slight shrug. "But that doesn't make the offer any less beneficial for you. Mutual advantage is the foundation of all lasting partnerships."

Sarah found herself nodding slowly. She had indeed been wanting to join his guild after hearing about its manifestation benefits, but the one thing that had stopped her was the other rules—completing missions and various other obligations that would hinder her focus on personal training, academy studies and her own goals.

The enhanced experience rates alone would accelerate her development significantly. Combined with access to skill-sharing techniques, she could potentially advance months ahead of her current trajectory.

But then Arthur added something that made her eyes widen further.

"Oh, and you keep the Flame Orb anyway."

Sarah's composure cracked for the first time, genuine surprise flashing across her features.

"What?"

Arthur's smile became almost predatory in its satisfaction.

"Consider it a signing bonus. You've impressed me with your long-term thinking and principled approach to power. That kind of character deserves recognition."

He held up the glowing orb, its internal flames dancing hypnotically.

"Use it when you need immediate firepower for a specific challenge. Store it as a trump card for emergencies. Integrate it into a weapon when you find the right crafter. Whatever serves your goals best."

Sarah stared at the artifact, her mind reeling. She would get everything—the guild benefits that would accelerate her natural development, the freedom to pursue her own training regimen, and the powerful orb as backup for critical moments.

It was an offer that addressed every concern she'd had while providing benefits she hadn't even dared to hope for.

"This is..." she began, then stopped, searching for the right words.

"Overwhelming?" Arthur suggested with amusement. "I understand. It's a significant decision."

Sarah shook her head slowly, her expression shifting from surprise to determination.

"No, it's perfect."

She extended her hand toward him with steady confidence.

"I accept your proposal, Arthur. All of it."

Arthur's smile broadened into something genuinely pleased as he clasped her hand in a firm handshake. The deal was sealed, and both parties had gotten exactly what they wanted.

"Welcome to Power Guild, Sarah Draketower. I think this is going to be a very profitable partnership for both of us."