[System Response Initiated]
Reeve lay back on his bed, one arm beneath his head, eyes fixed on the faint glow of moonlight leaking through the window.
"Guilds," the System said calmly.
"They are not merely organizations. They are identities."
Reeve didn't interrupt.
"There are many types," the System continued.
"Combat-focused guilds prioritize strength and discipline.
Exploration guilds value survival and adaptability.
Information guilds trade in secrets.
Support guilds exist to sustain others—healers, enchanters, strategists."
Images surfaced faintly in Reeve's mind.
Groups moving together.
Not large armies.
Small, efficient units.
"A standard combat party," the System explained,
"often consists of two healers, three attackers, and one adaptable role."
Reeve frowned slightly.
"Adaptable?"
"Someone who fills gaps," the System replied.
"A controller. A manipulator. A wildcard."
Reeve smiled faintly.
"Sounds troublesome."
"Such roles often are," the System agreed.
There was a pause.
"Guilds are ranked," the System added.
"But rank is not determined solely by strength.
Reliability. Information control. Political influence.
These matter more than raw power."
Reeve exhaled slowly.
"So even here," he murmured,
"it's not about how strong you are… but how useful you look."
"Correct."
Silence returned to the room.
Reeve stared at the ceiling.
"Good," he said softly.
"I don't like standing out."
The System did not respond.
But somewhere deep within—
Something acknowledged that statement.
On the rooftop, Kaelith still hadn't moved.
The moonlight painted his silhouette in silver, softening the sharp edges people usually noticed first.
"You look… normal today."
The voice came from behind him.
Kaelith didn't turn immediately.
Elaryn stepped closer, her presence light but unmistakable.
"Normal?" he repeated.
"Yes," she said.
"Not tense. Not guarded."
He finally looked at her.
"Perhaps," Kaelith replied,
"I'm tired of being on guard."
Elaryn studied him quietly.
"That's rare."
Kaelith looked back at the moon.
"So is peace."
They stood side by side, neither filling the silence.
After a moment, Elaryn spoke again.
"Do you trust him?"
Kaelith didn't ask who.
"I don't know," he answered honestly.
"But I don't feel the need to oppose him."
Elaryn's lips curved slightly.
"That may be the most dangerous answer you could give."
Kaelith smiled faintly.
"Or the most human."
The moon continued to watch.
Unjudging.
Unmoving.
As if waiting to see which path would be chosen.