Guild Meeting
Chapter 1
The guild courtyard fell silent as a colossal map flickered to life in the air, projected by glowing magical crystals. Paths, mountains, enchanted forests, Puff City, and unfamiliar regions all unfolded before the eyes of the gathered Seekers.
A young man with violet hair adjusted his glasses slightly before speaking in a calm, steady voice.
Varin
Strategy Master
Listen closely. This is a special briefing from me… and I won’t repeat myself.
He pointed toward the center of the map.
Everything you see here is the Puff Kingdom.
And this spot—right here—is where we are now: Puff City, the capital.
It’s surrounded by several layers of outer enchanted forests.
Further out are extreme natural zones, fog forests, deserts, volcanoes, oceans, frozen mountains, and coastal regions.
You’ll notice we’ve already explored more than half of the entire kingdom.
He paused briefly before continuing.
We call the areas already surveyed the White Zone fairly safe, with a high diversity of wildlife
Then Varin slid his finger over the blank, unmarked areas.
And these areas… are the parts of the map we still can’t fully chart.
A faint crease formed between his brows.
They’re divided into the Gray zone and the Dark zone.
The Grayzone is protected by mysteries, ancient magic, or certain mechanisms not lethal, but not easily accessible either.
The Darkzone… is where high-level monsters dwell, or where the terrain is so dangerous that no one who enters ever returns to tell the tale.
He pointed at the Darkzone on the map like he was confronting an arch-nemesis.
No matter how dangerous it is… we in the Strategy Faction will map every last corner of it, no matter how many years it takes.
Lucky for all of you…that I’m here.
Varin then gestured to the glowing ring encircling the entire map.
And this—
is the Barrier that marks the boundary of the Puff Kingdom.
It prevents outside creatures… including Seekers like us… from passing through. To go beyond it, you need—
At that exact moment, a bright, cheerful voice cut him off…
Alley
Tech Master
A tiny inventor burst forward, shoving Varin right out of the frame. She raised a screwdriver-shaped Keystone high above her head as if she might chuck it at someone for fun.
OKAY— my turn!
She lifted the Keystone triumphantly above her head.
To pass through the Barrier, you need this! A Keystone forged by certified Keystone smiths… which, obviously, means us —the Tech Guild!
She narrowed her eyes proudly
It’s an extremely delicate work!
Just a tiny mistake and… BOOM! You’ll be coughing up smoke for three days~
She laughed brightly, like explosions were just part of her daily routine.
Alley leaned in closer, as if revealing a world-shattering secret.
The main material is the Magic Crystal found all over the Puff Kingdom. Everyone knows that much.
But the truth is— These crystals have a will of their own!
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
A Seeker coming into possession of one… perhaps might not be a coincidence at all.
Maybe it’s Destiny!
She pointed the tip of the crystal at everyone dramatically.
Sure, you all forge your own Keystone the first time, but professional smiths like us can ‘hear’ the emotions of the crystal
We know how it wants to be shaped, what form will let it work best with you.
She winked confidently.
How much power a Keystone can unleash…… Half of it comes from this forging process!
That’s right, your Keystone still has plenty of room to upgrade!
She spun her Keystone in a flashy display of technique.
Of course, we suppress the raw crystal’s power before handing it over.
Otherwise, the guild would be exploding every hour~
She blinked mischievously.
And the coolest part—you can use your Keystone to open a direct gateway straight into Puff City!
It’s like having your own private magic train.
Plus! It doubles as a navigation system back to your guild!
Alley proudly placed both hands on her hips.
Amazing, right? This is what we do!
Lore: How a Keystone Is Made
1. Obtain Raw Magic Crystal
A Seeker must first acquire a raw crystal, which is never easy.
2. Reduce Power / Cut & Refine / Stabilize Magical Intensity
Use whatever means to temper the crystal’s raw energy to a level a Seeker can withstand without… exploding.
3. Forge the Keystone
This is the shaping phase.
Keystone smiths ’listen’ to the crystal’s will and shape it to match the Seeker. As a result, the Keystone can draw out its power far more efficiently. Still, for the very first forging, you may still have to depend on your own skill.
4. Register at a Guild Center (outside Puff Kingdom)
Once ready, the Keystone must be officially registered at a human-world Guild Center.
5. Two Ways to Enter the Puff Kingdom
- Use the Navigate Crystal at a Guild Center
- Touch the Barrier directly (…if you had the courage)
Either way, you will always arrive at the Seeker Guild in Puff City…Though your landing spot might be a bit… wonky, since the magic tech isn’t exactly stable yet.
6. The Keystone Has No Teleportation Power of Its Own Teleportation is created by Tech Faction magic. A Keystone is only the “unlock code” that activates the gateway.
7. The entire Puff Kingdom’s Barrier Is Created by the Puff Castle
Faluna
Animal Master
The young woman beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
My turn! And my part is… all the living creatures in the Puff Kingdom!
She wiggled her ears playfully, looking like she might melt from pure joy.
Especially Pufflings… they’re the cutest beings in the whole world! Cute in a way that— that— there are just no words for it!
Faluna took an excited breath before continuing.
Besides Pufflings, there are three major groups of creatures living here!
1. Magical Creatures
Magical creatures are strictly animal-shaped beings; there are no humanoid-like species such as werewolves, trolls, or goblins.
They’re similar to normal animals from the outside world…But thanks to the power of the Puff Kingdom’s Magic Crystals, they transformed into magical beings.
She spread her arms wide for emphasis.
They range from tiny critters to gigantic beasts, and you can find them everywhere!
Their abilities vary wildly for example:
- Ice wolves that breathe freezing mist.
- Hypnotic rabbits that make you drowsy just by looking into their eyes.
They’re not always aggressive! You just need to know how to understand them~
2. Elementals
Elementals don’t have fixed forms, but they usually take on simple, uncomplicated shapes.
These are living forms of natural elements born from the forces of earth, water, wind, fire, or even ancient magic condensed into shape.
They’re usually shy and don’t interact much with others. They prefer staying near places overflowing with natural energy or areas dense with magical power. Sometimes they like to cause a little mischief, but they’re totally harmless!
She chuckled softly, amused.
3. Ancient Insect Tribe
Very little is known about them at this time.
They’re incredibly intelligent!
They have their own language and culture. They work together as a large, organized society with a caste system truly a complex species!
We still don’t know where their main settlement is. They’re rarely seen… but people suspect they might live somewhere in the Darkzone.
She tilted her head thoughtfully.
We can’t communicate with them very well yet… But I believe that one day, we’ll really be able to understand each other!
A deep, steady voice cut through Faluna’s excited rambling about cuteness.
Noct
Fighter Master
Don’t believe everything Faluna calls ‘cute.’
Some of those things will claw your head right off.
He crossed his arms, speaking flatly.
Most magical creatures… often attack Pufflings. Elementals sneak in to eat crystals or Puff homes.
And the insects—don’t even get me started. Those things will catch you and roast you alive.
Noct let out a short sigh, like it was all too familiar.
Even though Puff City has a weak protective charm to keep creatures away… every now and then, something still manages to slip through.
His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
And that’s where we, the Fighter Guild, come in. Inside the city, outside the city, during expeditions, we protect Pufflings and every Seeker out there.
He stepped forward and tapped different points on the map as he explained.
We rank monsters from C to S.
from friendly types… all the way to those that are dangerous just by breathing.
Monster Danger Classification
- C-Rank: Harmless, Pufflings fall under this category.
- B-Rank: Not dangerous unless provoked. Mostly elementals.
- A-Rank: Hostile and potentially lethal. Usually magical beasts; these often ambush Pufflings for reasons we still don’t fully understand.
- S-Rank: Extremely dangerous. Do not engage alone, escape if possible. Most are ancient insects or creatures that slipped out of the Darkzone.
Noct pointed his sword toward the purple region on the map.
The Darkzone is home only to S-rank monsters. That’s why the area remains unexplored.
Some people talking doesn’t work… so we speak with our blades instead.
But when it’s to protect the Pufflings, we give it everything we’ve got!
Selene
Botanist Master
A soft, gentle voice rose from behind.
As everyone has mentioned… You probably know by now that most creatures in the Puff Kingdom attack with magic.
She stepped forward gracefully, though a faint blush lingered on her face.
That’s why we in the Botanist Guild created the white Seeker cloak.
She lifted the hem of her own cloak slightly for everyone to see.
It’s made from a special type of cotton and silk. It helps lessen the effects of magical attacks to some extent.
It doesn’t block everything…But it’s certainly better than exploring without any protection.
…Even if certain high-ranking members like to ‘modify’ their cloaks until there’s almost nothing left of them…
Selene narrowed her eyes slightly. She let out a small sigh before continuing.
Besides that, our Botanist Guild also manages Puff City’s central hospital and its potion laboratories.
Screening for illnesses you may have picked up during expeditions is very important.
You wouldn’t want to bring anything back and infect our little Pufflings… would you?
Once she finished, she quickly bowed her head, as if embarrassed to speak in front of so many people.
Then hurried off the stage, leaving behind an air of quiet elegance and softness.
A deep, booming voice cut in perfectly, as if he had been waiting for the exact moment.
Bronn
Culinary Master
If you don’t have good food in your bellies, how’re you supposed to fight or get any work done?!
He burst into loud laughter, startling several people in the room.
We handle all the guild’s supplies, storage, planning, and even going out to hunt for ingredients ourselves!
And why do we have to gather them on our own, you ask?
Hands on his hips, he squinted suspiciously at Noct and Selene. He shrugged dramatically and spoke loudly.
Because sometimes those Fighters ruin the best parts of the ingredients!
One swing and—poof!—the good cuts are gone!
Then he shot Selene a playful look.
And the Botanists only care about the medicinal properties. That’s why all your potions taste so bitter! Try seasoning them once in a while!
He laughed once more, then lifted the tray of food he had set behind him to show it off.
Right now, we’re testing new dishes made from Magic Crystals same kind the Pufflings eat!
He pointed proudly as he named each plate.
Crystal Burger.
Crystal Steak.
And even… Crystal Sashimi!
The recipe has been refined to be as tasty and safe as possible, but don’t eat too much.
Human bodies aren’t made to digest crystals after all! You’ll end up with quite the stomachache.
Finally, he raised both hands and shouted:
All right! Your heads must be ready to explode from all the briefing, yeah?
Then go eat the food I’ve prepared!
I guarantee it’s so good you’ll forget you were ever tired!
Suddenly, the Guild Master appeared out of nowhere.
Well, well—what’s going on here? A party?
He casually picked up a plate.
Bronn! Eating contest rematch, round three! We never settled the score last time!
Bronn’s booming laugh rattled the table.
Ha! I wasn’t even serious last time. Come on then, boss man!
Faluna and Selene could only hold their heads in their hands, as if they already knew exactly how chaotic this was about to get.
Noct chuckled under his breath, while Alley immediately jumped and cheered.
Hey! Come on! Place your bets! I’m going all-in on the Guild Master!!
Varin rolled his eyes and just kept eating alone in his corner.
Not long after, Poki and Aria walked in with a giant bottle of crystal drink.
Mind if we join?
I just got something good from Sugar!
Oh! Aria, didn’t expect to see you here. You usually hate this kind of event.
I’m here to pick up your sorry ass, Master. Last time you got drunk, you threw up everywhere, including on a Puff.
The entire room fell dead silent for one second—then erupted into explosive laughter.
And just like that…
What was supposed to be a formal briefing turned into a full-blown guild party.
Truly Puff Kingdom style.
Don’t forget to help out your favourite Faction Master as much as you can!
>>Guild Faction Quest<<
End of Guild Meeting
Characters in this Story
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varin Varin
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guild-master Guild Master
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aria Aria -
poki-bloodfallen Poki -
selene Selene
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noct Noct
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faluna Faluna
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alley Alley
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bronn Bronn