Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons-Chapter 308: Power

"I find honesty refreshing. Power is what guilds seek. Power is what we offer."

"And what power do you bring to Caldera that we don't already possess in abundance?"

Sauron's challenge filled the chamber.

Here it comes.

Before Arthur could respond, Minister Caldwell cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should follow protocol. The formal presentation, then questions from the established guilds."

"Protocol exists for a reason," Arch-Healer Thornwyck agreed, stroking his silver beard. "Let us hear the young man out."

Sauron waved a dismissive hand. "By all means. Let's hear what warrants disrupting centuries of balanced governance."

All eyes turned to Arthur. The air thickened with anticipation and thinly veiled hostility.

They expect me to be intimidated. To stumble under the weight of their combined scrutiny.

Arthur rose from his seat, the movement unhurried yet commanding. He'd rehearsed this moment countless times, mapped every potential reaction, prepared for every contingency.

"Honored council," he began, voice pitched to carry without seeming forceful. "I come before you not to disrupt, but to enhance."

He moved around the table slowly, each step measured.

"Caldera stands as a beacon of civilisation in Armageddon—a testament to what cooperation and organisation can achieve."

Arthur gestured toward each family representative in turn.

"The Ashencrofts maintain the royal bloodline's influence. The Draketowers control the military. The Gilderhavens manage mercenaries and hired power. The Thornwycks oversee healing and medicine."

He completed his circuit, returning to his place.

"A perfect balance of four pillars. So why add a fifth?"

The question hung in the air. Seraphina's lips curved upward.

"Because what's coming will test even this perfect system beyond its breaking point."

Sauron frowned. "What nonsense is this?"

Arthur's expression remained perfectly composed. "Not nonsense. More like preparation."

He placed both hands on the table, leaning forward slightly.

"The monster hordes grow stronger with each passing month. Realms spawn with increasing frequency. Even S-rank talents struggle against the newest threats."

Sauron's eyes narrowed. "You speak as if you have special knowledge of Armageddon's systems."

"I am merely saying the obvious, this isn't new knowledge to any of you," Arthur countered smoothly.

Arch-Healer Thornwyck tapped his fingers against the table. "And what, precisely, does your guild offer that ours does not?"

Arthur's smile deepened, carrying an edge that hadn't been there moments before. "This isn't just about offering what's not needed."

"However, in regards to what my guild offers that you don't..." Arthur let his gaze sweep across each face at the table. "I leave that for new members to discover for themselves."

'Bold. Dangerously bold.' Seraphina thought with a smile still on her face.

Sauron's face darkened. "You come before this council requesting recognition, yet refuse to reveal your capabilities?"

"I reveal what matters." Arthur's voice remained level. "My guild's manifestation speaks for itself. The rest?" He shrugged.

"Trade secrets have value only when kept secret."

Sauron's black eyes glittered. "An interesting philosophy. And if we decide your secrets aren't worth the disruption you represent?"

"Then you lose nothing by maintaining the status quo." Arthur spread his hands. "But if I'm right about what's coming, maintaining that status quo becomes... problematic."

Minister Caldwell cleared his throat. "The king's position remains unchanged. Power Guild has demonstrated unprecedented growth and capability. His Majesty sees value in... diversification."

Seraphina laughed at the minister's response.

"Diversification...I like that answer."

As he was talking, Arthur made sure to keep his gaze focused on the four patriarchs in front of him.

He was observing to see if any of them would show a reaction that might hint at their position.

But they were all shrewd, old foxes.

Sauron, despite his aggressive tone and hostility, Arthur did not place him as the main culprit.

He is quite high on my suspicion list, but it's not guaranteed. The person who was spreading those demonic pills must be one of those four. Otherwise, it wouldn't have spread so easily without anyone noticing.

Whilst the others were also difficult to tell.

The Thornwycks might be involved since they are knowledgeable about pill concatenation from their medical background.

"Perhaps," Arch-Healer Thornwyck said slowly, "we should discuss the practical implications. Guild recognition carries specific privileges. Resource allocation. Territory rights."

"All of which our guilds have earned through centuries of service," Sauron growled. "This upstart appears one day and demands equal standing?"

Arthur's smile never wavered. "I demand nothing, Mr. Ashencroft. Whatever the crown gives, I will be happy with. Or..." He paused, letting the silence stretch like a blade. "Are you not satisfied with the crown's decision?"

The words hit their target with surgical precision.

Sauron's jaw tightened imperceptibly.

Around the table, the other council members looked at Arthur with interest.

Checkmate.

The Ashencroft patriarch found himself trapped in a web of his own making. To object would be to challenge royal authority. To agree would validate Arthur's position.

Either path led to defeat.

He could only hope that the crown would not favour Arthur too much.

Minister Caldwell's lips twitched with a hint of approval. The crown's representative recognised political manoeuvring when he saw it.

He's good

"The Ashencroft family has always supported the crown's wisdom," Sauron said finally, each word carefully measured. "My question was one of... procedure."

Arthur inclined his head graciously. "Of course. Procedure matters."

He's backing down. Good.

Seraphina watched the exchange with predatory interest. Her dark eyes darted between Arthur and Sauron.

"How refreshing," she murmured. "A guild master who understands political nuance."

Arthur studied the Ashencroft patriarch's mask-like expression.

He knows I outmanoeuvred him, but he's already planning his next move.

Minister Caldwell opened an ornate folder, its royal seal gleaming under the crystal lights. "Given the... consensus... regarding His Majesty's position, shall we proceed to formal recognition?"

The question was like incense—sweet but suffocating.

Arch-Healer Thornwyck stroked his silver beard. "The precedents are clear. Manifestation grants recognition rights. The crown supports recognition. Unless there are formal objections..."

No one spoke.

They can't object without revealing their true concerns. That I'm too powerful too quickly. That I threaten their careful balance.