"You... what did you just say?"

The Guild Leader looked at me, as if unable to believe it, and parted her crimson lips slightly.

"I've decided. I'll help you seize the throne of the 'Emperor'."

Some things only bear fruit through effort. Isn't that what this game is about? Gathering like-minded companions to grow together, grow stronger together, and become the strongest in the world.

"Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh?~"

She covered her mouth with both hands. Her astonished gasps echoed through the entire forest.

"In this life, I swear to make you king. With my blood, I shall carve your domain."

I lowered my head like a Western knight taking an oath and kissed the back of the Guild Leader's hand.

Damn it! Why does the touch feel so real in a game?

Her skin was smooth as milk, tempting me to lick it!

"Eh!"

The Guild Leader snapped back to reality, startled. She yanked her hand away and stumbled back several meters like a frightened kitten.

"...

I stroked my chin, watching her, and asked a serious question.

"Could it be that the Guild Leader is really bad at interacting with men?"

"N-not good at contact? I-is it my fault?!"

She averted her gaze, blushing deeply. Her hands fidgeted with her staff, clearly nervous.

Hmm, she was so cute it was practically tempting trouble.

"No, no. Pure maidens like you are rare these days. Besides, don't you have a boyfriend?"

"O-of course! Even with a boyfriend, I stay pure! No H-stuff before marriage!"

The Guild Leader pouted, her face scrunched up like >_<.

Even in-game, her cheeks flushed all the way to her ears.

"Forget it. Let's go recruit members at the tavern."

Pushing further would make her die of embarrassment. Though she could afford more confidence.

"I-I won't go to a tavern."

"Could the Guild Leader be some sheltered noble lady?"

Was she faking it? Such naive young ladies were incredibly rare.

I observed her like a rare animal.

"D-don't stare! E-even I've been to a karaoke bar!"

"So impressive. So impressive."

I clapped my hands.

Nowadays, even minors go there often. For her, it felt like breaking a limit—truly astonishing.

"What's that look for?! Hmph, I'm logging off to organize documents."

"Documents? Are you working already?"

"Mm."

She fell silent, fingers anxiously intertwined, gaze darting away.

"Are you pretending to be mature because you fear places like taverns?"

She froze, utterly shocked.

"N-no! It's student council work!"

As she finished, her character dissolved into data and vanished. Clearly logged off.

"Uh."

The student council? She was a diligent, virtuous student. "Unexpectedly" wasn't quite right.

Probably from an upper-class family. Her demeanor gave it away.

"Whatever. I'll recruit companions at the Adventurers' Guild first."

The title "Emperor" meant glory and power.

I genuinely wanted to push her onto that throne. For our two-member guild, it seemed like a fairy tale.

But taking the first step mattered. The rest would follow.

2

The Adventurers' Guild gleamed in vermilion. Outside, it resembled an igloo. Inside, the atmosphere was fiery and intense. It felt like stepping into a fantasy tale.

Adventurers drank fiery liquor, sharing unheard-of stories. They boasted or flattered each other.

Like typical fantasy novels, bounty quests and player-posted missions were available.

I found a seat, ordered a Martini, and sipped it.

Closing my eyes, I soaked in the noise. It truly felt like another world.

Cough, cough—

The drink packed a punch. My throat burned like fire.

Many game mechanics mirrored reality.

Monsters dropped cooking ingredients. Master chefs made unforgettable dishes.

Monster materials forged unique gear. Players could name their own equipment.

Recently, a forum post went viral. A player forged an Excalibur with rare materials. It looked like King Arthur's sword. Stats-wise, it was only purple (rare).

The five senses had set ratios.

Taste: 100%. Pain: 10% to 30%. Hearing and sight varied by profession.

High taste settings let players savor unreal flavors.

But how to recruit members?

Option one: shout for recruits in the guild. I'd seem like an idiot.

Option two: post an announcement. It might be treated like a quest.

Option three: act like a mysterious big shot. Wait for bites.

This one worked. If no one asked, not my fault.

I watched the world channel's recruitment spam. Hesitated long. Then pulled my hand back.

I really wasn't good at soliciting people.

"Let the willing take the bait. Let the willing take the bait. Let the willing take the bait."

I consoled myself.

"Hey there, what's troubling you?"

A stunning beauty in flashy attire approached, raising her wine glass.

Violet, Level 27 Wind Mage.

At that level, she must be in a top raiding party. Most players couldn't reach it yet.

"Thinking how to recruit guild members."

"Oh, members—not just party members?"

She smiled. Her noble attire accentuated her beauty. Elegant movements gave her an aristocratic air.

"Mm."

I nodded, clinked glasses, and drank.

This felt like a bar pickup. Should I charm her? Recruit her?

Just kidding. That'd feel like deception. Someone her level wouldn't join us.

"So, young man, need a high-level mage?"

She sipped her wine, laughing lightly. Her smile was alluring. Flushed cheeks glowed under the lights.

"I do. But only a powerful mage like you. Waiter, bring her a Fragrant Orchid."

"Hehehe, you're amusing. What level is your guild?"

"Level one. But it will be the continent's number one."