The next few days for Lucas followed a simple pattern—hunt, grind, level up.
He wasn't about to waste a single day's worth of progress.
Still, there were things even he couldn't ignore—like spending time with Amelia Su. After all, she had openly joined the Tower Demolition Team Guild largely because of him. That kind of loyalty wasn't something Lucas took lightly. It moved him more than he expected, and made him genuinely fonder of her.
If Lucas wanted to build the strongest strategy team in the future, then fostering a good relationship with an SS-level Holy Shield Knight like Amelia was a priority. She wasn't just a guildmate now—she was practically a partner-in-arms.
And she had a way of making her admiration obvious. She called him Brother Lucas without hesitation, sought him out to talk, and sometimes just wanted him to listen to her worries.
He liked her quiet, introverted nature, but he also wanted to help her overcome it. She had a tendency toward social anxiety and low self-esteem—always speaking softly, avoiding eye contact, and freezing up around strangers. When she was with him, she relaxed a little, even saying that his presence made her feel safe and calm.
But with others? She still shrank back into her shell. Lucas could only hope that, over time, she'd grow more confident.
---
There were also guild matters to handle.
Lucas and Amelia had planned to invite some of their former teammates into Tower Demolition. Unfortunately, they were too late—two of the three had already committed to other guilds.
The priest girl they'd known was recruited almost immediately on day one.
The swordsman who once shielded Amelia from attacks had been approached by another guild and agreed within a day.
Only the shield warrior remained uncommitted.
When Danny Quinn and Chris Morgan tracked him down, he agreed on the spot. Lucas, using his vice president authority, sent the official invitation. His name was Huang Xin—a solid player from an ordinary family, though not as financially well-off as Danny.
---
Danny, Chris, Zhao Qinghe, and Huang Xin soon began scouting for a new priest to join their party. Rumor had it they already had their eyes on someone promising among this year's recruits. With Zhao Qinghe's S-level Contract Summoner abilities, the team's overall power had increased significantly from before.
---
Then there was Alexis Lane.
When Lucas learned she had joined Tower Demolition, he was honestly surprised. She clearly had better offers available—her S-level Frost Mage with a hidden combat class was the kind of talent guilds fought over.
But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. She and Amelia Su were former teammates and even roommates, and their friendship seemed solid. Pairing Alexis's glass-cannon power with Amelia's tank-like Holy Shield Knight was perfect synergy.
What Lucas didn't realize was that Alexis's decision also had something to do with him.
Amelia, for her part, was thrilled—she'd get to keep her original team intact. In fact, she managed to invite all three of her old teammates to join Tower Demolition without changing a single lineup position.
Jade Walker had even suggested several S-level newcomers with stronger raw output or better healing abilities, but Amelia politely declined. Whether it was loyalty or social anxiety, she clearly preferred working with people she already knew.
Lucas didn't interfere. If Amelia was happy with her team, that was all that mattered. And honestly, her old teammates were lucky to keep clinging to her shield—they knew exactly how valuable their spot was.
---
About a week later, recruitment for the year finally closed. Every freshman had made their choice, and Tower Demolition called its members back to headquarters for a grand welcome party.
As the champion of the freshman competition and one of the most talked-about recruits in years, Lucas was obviously invited on stage. That alone would have made him the center of attention—but he was also Jade's freshly appointed vice president.
---
On the day of the celebration, Lucas and Amelia stood side by side under the bright lights of the guild hall's main stage.
Jade Walker herself introduced them, and the reaction from the audience was immediate—every member now had a face to put to the name "Lucas."
---
It wasn't just that he was handsome and highly recognizable. He carried himself with easy confidence, spoke with humor, and gave off an energy that naturally drew people in.
In contrast, Amelia stood quietly, saying almost nothing. She was slender, almost delicate-looking, and her quiet demeanor made her easy to overlook.
For those who didn't know better, it would have been easy to assume that Lucas was the SS-level talent and Amelia the S-level.
---
This wasn't because Amelia lacked presence—it was because Lucas's presence was overwhelming.
But Amelia didn't mind at all. In fact, she seemed relieved not to be in the spotlight. While Lucas spoke and smiled, she simply watched him, eyes bright and unblinking. She didn't even try to hide her admiration.
And she wasn't alone. Many in the crowd found themselves thinking the same thing Jade Walker was silently realizing—Lucas had the kind of charisma that could lead a guild.
Jade's confidence in her choice solidified. Even the veteran members—some of whom were stronger, even at third-tier awakening like Jade herself—didn't question his promotion.
Lucas had already broken the all-time points record in the Secret Realm, taken the freshman championship, and in one unforgettable moment, wiped out an entire five-man S-level team in a single move.
---
It was the kind of dominance only Jade herself had shown back in her early days.
And among Kyoto University players, everyone understood what that meant. This wasn't just potential—it was a future threat to every rival guild.
No one dared to openly challenge him. The atmosphere in Tower Demolition stayed warm, unified, and proud.
---
After making his public debut, Lucas didn't bask in the glory. He didn't linger at headquarters, soaking in the perks of his vice president title. Instead, he went right back to doing what mattered most—grinding for power.
Because he knew the truth:
> Strength was the foundation of everything.
Titles could be given. Reputation could fade. But real strength had to be earned.
And Lucas was determined to keep earning it.
Day by day, his level climbed higher, the bar filling faster than most players could believe. And soon, his rapid progress would push him to…
[To be continued…]
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