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Chapter 669 Golden Shield

　　Mirani Tate was the son of craftsmen, but he never wanted to pursue that path. Although saddened by his decision, his father and mother didn't enforce their profession on him. For this, Mirani always felt grateful to his family.

　　The guild, Future Shield, became one of the top-ranking ones in Kera. Mirani Tate became among the most respected guild masters, although his guild had a single branch. However, a single decision of his caused his guild to cease existing.

　　It was their peak, and their confidence couldn't get higher. Although an international guild had entered the arena, Mirani had absolute confidence in his shields. A dungeon break was reported on a certain day, and it was said that this particular dungeon was filled with artifacts.

　　"This is our chance to become a renowned guild!"

　　That was their mindset, but the reality could not be crueler. Since this dungeon break happened in an unassigned dungeon, the kingdom allowed the guilds to take whatever they wished as long as they contributed.

　　A guilds war ensued, and a single swordsman took out his guild. He was even weaker than they were, but none of them could defeat him. A title emerged after that battle for that single man: Rankless.

　　A man who makes ranks unimportant as he challenges stronger foes to bring them down. He could weaken others by interfering with their mana, making them almost without any. This man belonged to Everlasting Stream, and Mirani learned that after his defeat.

　　"You are the first ability user to have a shield that can block anything," said the man with a surprised smile. "I know I have destroyed your guild, but… how about we fight together?"

　　Mirani thought the man was mocking him, but his eyes were sincere. However, his pride could not take it, and Mirani attacked again and again. Regardless of the times that he tried to kill the man, the latter did not strike back.

　　"Are you pitying me, the fool who thought he could win?" asked Mirani while lying on the ground. "A nobody from the big guilds is enough to defeat us all! So what is the meaning of all the training?"

　　"A few months ago, no guild wanted to take me," smiled the man as he sat beside Mirani. "However, I awakened this ability of mine now. Everlasting Stream threw me an olive branch, and this is my first job. I still need companions for my party."

　　"Who would want to be a member of your party?" spat Mirani and a mouthful of blood came out. The man heartily laughed as he returned his sword to its sheath.

　　"My name is Seref, and my last name is Silvera."

　　"That is a weird way to introduce oneself," frowned Mirani as he stared at the orange-tinted sky. "I don't want to give you my name."

　　"Do not be so harsh, Mirani," said Seref with a smile. "I did not kill any of your comrades, only knocking them out. We are just two awakeners who want to feed our families. Do you have any kids?"

　　"…two," said Mirani after a pause.

　　"I have two as well!" grinned Seref as he hurried to take a photograph from his wallet, showing Mirani two kids no older than five. "These two are my everything," said Seref with a soft glint in his eyes.

　　"What an odd man," said Mirani as he glanced at Seref. "We are still enemies, you know. It would be bad if I were some psycho who attacks kids."

　　"A father can never harm another's children," grinned Seref. "Furthermore, you can protect. I know your last name too. It means shield, right?"

　　"In some language that I don't know."

　　"A man who is destined to protect others cannot harm the innocents," smiled Seref as he returned the photo to his wallet. "Join me, Mirani. Protect me; I will be the ship that takes you through life."

　　Mirani's heart started beating as he listened to those words. It was a promise that he had never heard before. A ship that takes another through life? What kind of man can promise such a thing?

　　"…can my guildsmen join?"

　　"I don't need that many for my party, but they can join Everlasting Stream, Kera's branch. I'm sure Master Azkavan wants some recruits."

　　Mirani closed his eyes, and after a few moments, he decided what his next chapter would be. This was the end for his guild but the beginning of a new path for him. However, his goal never changed: to go adventuring!

　　After that, Mirani became the right-hand man of the newly formed party, Golden Shield. Seref named it as such because he felt guilty for taking down Mirani's guild and causing them to disband. This, again, made Mirani think he chose the right leader.

　　"What does Golden mean?" asked Mirani after a few cups of spiritual alcohol. Seref smiled and twirled the drink in his glass before drinking it.

　　"Golden is the future," said Seref with a flushed face. Mirani blinked in confusion, making the drunk man continue. "You know how mana has different colors?"

　　"Ah, some hypothesize that each color represents a function."

　　"Have you ever seen a man who uses golden mana?" asked Seref while squinting his eyes. Mirani frowned and tried to think of an answer before he shook his head in denial. "In the future, that color will be the most powerful!"

　　"What does it represent?" smiled Mirani as he poured himself a glass. At this point, he realized that his friend was drunk. He might be dreaming of an innovation or a new technique and wish to be entertained.

　　"It represents…" sobered the drunk man in front of Mirani, making him nervous. Seref stared into his eyes with a smile before slowly revealing what Mirani never understood. "It represents creation!"

　　After that night, Mirani never heard Seref mention that thing. Therefore, he assumed it was a drunk man's reverie and simply dismissed it.

　　New members joined their party after every battle, making it hard to keep track of them. However, all of them were handpicked by Seref, the beloved of their guild. Master Azkavan never refused his request, and that was for a reason: Seref never loses.

　　After a few years, Golden Shield became the most powerful party in Kera and the second most powerful one in Everlasting Stream. If not for Master Azkavan, the number one spot would have been theirs.

　　The man behind their rise was respected by every member, almost to a worshiping degree. Mirani watched from the sides as Seref toasted another victory, smiling on his face. It was a gentle and childish smile that revealed his true self: a boy who never grew up.

　　On a particular day, when the sun did not shine on Kera, Seref summoned the Golden Shield party. It was in the bar that they always celebrated inside, but the mood was gloomy. Seref was sitting in the far corner when the members arrived, and there was no one other than them.

　　"All of them are here, Seref," said Mirani. "However, I couldn't reach the Sleepy Monk."

　　"I will invite him myself," smiled Seref before he stood up and patted Mirani's shoulder. "Thank you, old friend."

　　Mirani could sense something was amiss, but Seref began telling them what he wanted to do today. This was not an assigned dungeon or task by the guild but something that Seref wished to conquer.

　　"I know that Avarice is one of the infamous dungeons that are impossible to conquer," said Seref with a smile as he walked between them. "However, it has been my dream to challenge it. I cannot think of anyone else but all of you, my strongest companions, to make a name for ourselves. Are you with me?"

　　"Of course, we are not!" said a swordsman. "However, we cannot run away from a challenge, can we?" laughed the man heartily.

　　Mirani watched as one after the other agreed to follow Seref into the dungeon that made Kera famous worldwide. In the end, Seref turned toward him and offered his arm.

　　"You are the only one left, Mirani," grinned Seref. "Are you going to let me be your ship for one last time?"

　　"Now, and forever," smiled Mirani as he held his arm. "You all can rampage as much as you want because no matter what enemy we face, I will be there to protect all of you!"

　　The rest of the party laughed in relief because Mirani had always protected them throughout their battles. However, Mirani Tate never knew that he would fail to keep this promise this time.