I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

55 – 10# Creta Guild (6)

Creta Guild officially became a subsidiary of the Iron Shield.

At first, Isaac naturally rejected Asterios’ request. There was a reason for that, and besides, no one had died, so it was reasonable to refuse.

However, Asterios didn’t give up. He had directly confirmed Isaac’s unwavering will, as strong as steel. Moreover, the members of the Iron Shield Guild also supported his decision.

“A man should be able to accept someone who has surrendered.”

“Those people. Each and every one of them is ridiculously strong. Seriously.”

“Indeed, if it’s Creta Guild, we’ll have incredible power. Master.”

Even Cain and Hans, who were very particular about accepting new members, and even Zieg, who highly valued Creta’s power, were impressed. Isaac had no choice but to accept them as a subsidiary.

The members of the Creta and Iron Shield Guild, including Asterios, were relieved by Isaac’s decision. At the same time, they were amazed by his noble character once again. Indeed, he was in a different dimension.

Usually, after winning, they wouldn’t be able to get back up and would be oppressed or restrained. But he understood them and didn’t want to restrain them.

If this wasn’t nobility, what was?

“Harem and loyalty cannot coexist.”

Although Isaac’s thoughts were quite different from theirs.

Ironically, the difference in his thoughts made Creta feel Isaac’s charisma and nobility even more. Even Asterios was overwhelmed by his powerful strength.

However, he didn’t wield that power recklessly.

Instead, he showed a noble understanding of others.

This was a warmth that couldn’t be found in Gideon recently. So, Creta was in a very excited atmosphere, unable to believe they had lost in the final battle.

“Bring out the liquor and meat! Today is a celebration!”

“Woohoo!!”

“How long has it been since we’ve had a celebration?”

“A celebration? Suddenly?”

“Yes! There’s a lot to discuss, isn’t there? Then, it’s only natural that liquor shouldn’t be missing from the table!”

“But there’s nothing here?”

It was natural for Zieg to have a questioning expression. Including all the Creta Guild members, there was no sign of liquor or meat that would suggest a celebration.

“Hmm… So…”

“Master, just a minute.”

“Hmm? Ah… Oh, I see what happened.”

“So?”

Asterios, who was about to say something thoughtlessly, was stopped by Delan, who was standing next to him. Asterios, who had heard Delan’s whisper, looked flustered and came up with a plausible excuse.

“No, didn’t my head resemble a cow’s?”

“That’s true.”

“But my wives are from the Malakai tribe, a species of centaurs. What a coincidence! Haha!”

“…….”

Was he seriously using that as an excuse?

Zieg, who was staring at Isaac’s side with a deadly gaze, and even the four women who had appeared next to Asterios, let out a sigh.

“Four centaurs, you say? Hmm… Now that I think about it, I do see that characteristic.”

Fortunately, Isaac didn’t seem to notice that part. Asterios felt relieved by Isaac’s relatively calm reaction, but also had a hint of doubt.

Maybe.

Had he not noticed yet?

Was it possible that a man who had obtained such power wouldn’t be able to see through such a simple thing? If that wasn’t the case, then something very powerful must be intentionally hiding its eyes…….

“Is this an overinterpretation?”

Asterios shook his head to get rid of the unnecessary thoughts. He didn’t know why he had thought that, but maybe he was just the type to be oblivious to such things from the start.

“Anyway, the important thing is the celebration! Let’s raise our glasses together!”

“What, if we’ve formed an alliance, it’s not bad to enjoy ourselves together, is it?”

“I knew you’d say that! Then let’s do it!”

Asterios stretched out his palm towards the sky, just like when they first met, as if creating a labyrinth. In reality, Asterios’ actions were creating a labyrinth.

“People only recognize labyrinths as fearful existences.”

“Isn’t that the case in reality?”

“It’s undeniable. But if you use it well…”

“?!”

“It’s a magnificent castle, isn’t it?”

The rocks began to rise from the ground, assembling themselves like a puzzle. Soon, a massive fortress stood before them. Cain’s eyes widened in awe as he spoke.

“Crazy. Is it possible for the power to create a labyrinth to be applied like this?”

“It’s even more enormous and sturdy than Salen’s fortress.”

“It’s an honor to be compared to Salen. And to answer your question, it depends on how you perceive the labyrinth.”

The endless labyrinth stretched out before them, its walls towering high enough to block out the sky. Everything about it was suffocating to him.

Minos

Minos

He gave his axe the name of his mother. And to the guild where his family lived, he gave the name of his father. Was it a reminder of his revenge, or a longing for his parents?

Asterios still hadn’t found the answer to that question.

But it didn’t matter if he couldn’t find it.

With delicious liquor and trustworthy comrades by his side, wasn’t that enough?

* * *

Asterios’s power, Labyrinthos, was a very unique ability among the powers.

To be precise, it was a power that could create something deeply perceived as a labyrinth by Asterios. The problem was that it also included the “fortress” that trapped Asterios within it.

Thanks to that, Asterios could create not only labyrinths but also fortresses using Labyrinthos. And one of the effects of Labyrinthos was to block external interference.

“That hateful Hades can’t even monitor us through Labyrinthos.”

“Is Hades monitoring us?”

“It’s only natural that we don’t know. Hades has the entire Gideon in his sights.”

The interior of the fortress was more cramped and cozy than expected. The guild members had decorated the labyrinth that Asterios had envisioned with all their heart. At least they could live here.

Asterios guided the Iron Shield members to the guild’s quarters, which were structured like a complex labyrinth. It was more like a prison than a fortress.

“I think I understand why Asterios perceived this place as a labyrinth.”

“It’s even more complicated than an ordinary labyrinth.”

“It was actually used as a prison, where prisoners were fed to me.”

“That’s right.”

“Is that all? Aren’t you going to criticize me?”

The unexpected reaction was only natural. The condition for entering the Creta Guild was to listen to Asterios’s words and make your own decision. If you were okay with it, you could join, but…

If you said you couldn’t do it with the cannibalistic tribe, then it was unfortunate, but you had to leave. That was Asterios’s entrance condition. However, Isaac said it as if it was a matter of course.

“You wouldn’t have eaten them, would you?”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I’ve already fought them with my fists. I can tell that much.”

“In fact, I already knew it from the novel, but…”

Even Isaac hadn’t read the setting book or various goods, and even the side story featuring Asterios as the protagonist. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have known it until now.

“Is that so? Can you really know that?”

It was only natural that Asterios, who had no idea about it, would burst out laughing. It was a strange feeling. A smile spread across his lips, and tears seemed to well up in his eyes.

The four women by his side consoled him, grasping his hands and shoulders. They made him realize that he was no longer alone.

“This is ridiculous.”

Of course, it’s true that Isaac, a member of the Sunae faction, might think that way. But unless someone gets hurt, he wouldn’t intervene in others’ preferences or lifestyles. He just cursed and moved on.

“We’ve found like-minded friends! Let’s celebrate with our hearts’ content today, without a care!”

With Asterios’ declaration, people started mingling and drinking. The Creta Guild members, in particular, had too many questions to ask the Iron Shield members.

Zig tried to avoid the attention of the crowd and found Master, who had suddenly disappeared. Master was… here.

Somehow, Zig managed to find Master in the crowded square. Master was drinking alone on the fortress balcony.

“You’re here, Master.”

“Zig, why aren’t you drinking more?”

“I’ve had enough.”

“Is that so.”

Zig couldn’t say a word, watching Isaac drink with his arms crossed, feeling somewhat awkward. It wasn’t like Isaac had done anything wrong, but something felt off.

“Why didn’t you agree to the strategic marriage?”

Zig still had to ask.

Isaac gazed at Zig silently, as if taken aback by the sudden question. For a moment, it seemed like Zig had asked too directly. Isaac’s tightly closed lips parted.

“Marriage is a vow to love one person no matter what happens.”

“…….”

“And isn’t life too short to love only one person?”

Zig felt a unique emotion from Master, one that only he could sense. Master was protecting his family, but at the same time, he had rejected it out of personal feelings.

And in that moment, Zig realized the reason.

Zig could finally feel at ease.