I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

2 – 1# A Guild Like Family (2)

The opposition of a genius is not an ordinary person, but a fool.

Realizing the reality at an age when one wants to believe they are special is an incredibly painful experience. But I couldn’t help it. Once I saw it, I couldn’t forget, and I even strived to exceed it.

In front of true geniuses, I could only be compared. I couldn’t achieve any swordplay. Pulling out a sword from its scabbard was all I could do. I couldn’t do anything more.

It was a talent that didn’t even allow me to swing a sword lightly. A talent that couldn’t defeat anything with a sword. My instructor evaluated it as a talent that seemed to be hated by the sword itself.

I wished that I had at least been born with mediocre talent. Then at least I would have received rewards for my efforts. I had resented the sky while thinking such thoughts.

But in the endless despair.

I finally realized.

That I was just running away.

The only swordsmanship permitted to me. It doesn’t go beyond merely drawing the sword from its sheath. The only thing I can call swordsmanship. But I had to admit it.

If this is the only talent I possess.

Crafted into a weapon that no one else can reach.

To prove myself to everyone who laughed at me.

Of course, it’s all just a concept!!

* * *

Gideon.

The city of heroes and myths. It was no exaggeration to say that most stories of heroes who defeated monsters, vanquished demons, and won beauties originated from here.

And unsurprisingly, even now in Gideon, countless heroes were daily crafting their own myths. But, as is typical, where there is light, there is also the darkness.

While some lived the brilliant life of a hero, on the flip side, there were those who died and were tragically forgotten. It was a natural story. Not everyone could become a hero.

The city of heroes and myths.

Also known by another name.

The tomb of heroes and myths.

In that case, at least we should make an effort not to dig our own tomb. Isaac thought as he walked with guild members. The existence blocking the path of heroes was such a presence.

Monsters that could instantly take the life of even the most skilled hero. Even if it was a goblin, known as the weakest monster, there was no reason to let down one’s guard.

Even the weakest monster, a goblin, was a reality that ordinary villagers couldn’t handle properly. That’s why heroes existed. To deal with monsters.

“It’s fortunate that the distance is close.”

“I heard the top guilds can easily teleport.”

“How can we compete with them on the first move?”

“I-I know! I just said it!”

In response to Hans’s jab, Sofia blushed and snapped. As Isaac had said, the guild of the Iron Shield had just been established. Comparing it to a giant guild was meaningless.

“That’s enough talk about fighting. They’re coming.”

Although he didn’t mind watching the pleasant spectacle of love and fight, unfortunately, it couldn’t continue. Uninvited guests had appeared. Isaac raised his hand.

Showing the left hand was a signal that enemies had appeared. Just a moment ago, the atmosphere of the guild members who were laughing and chatting lightly changed instantly.

“Sofia, their positions and numbers?”

“They’ve completely surrounded us. The number is roughly around 20.”

“Quite a lot.”

Although Sofia, a half-elf, was not at the level of a pure-blooded elf, she had a much longer range of detecting presence in the forest than an ordinary human. In other words, she was an excellent scout.

“Even so, they’re just goblins.”

Hans, who made the atmosphere tense by listening to the enemies’ positions from Sofia, stepped forward. The sturdy greatsword on his shoulder swung like lightning. Simultaneously, a massive ambush occurred.

With a force that seemed to split the forest, the onslaught poured forth, sweeping away everything in its path—trees, soil, and even the goblins. I already knew, but witnessing it firsthand was astonishing.

“Sophia, how many are left?”

“Five. They’re fleeing.”

“Looks like they sent scouts.”

“Seems that way. Quite audacious, I must say.”

To conceal his inner turmoil, Isaac played the role of a calm commander to the best of his ability. Given the sight of such an onslaught, it was inevitable to feel shaken.

But who was Isaac? A true concept enthusiast, willing to stake his life for the concept. Suppressing his inner turmoil, Isaac calmly considered the next move.

“Cowards openly surround us instead of fleeing at the sight of us. It means their lair has significant firepower.”

“Should Hans and I scout ahead?”

“No, first, establish a defensive position in the village. Scout only after ensuring thorough preparation.”

Isaac, not wanting to lose such skilled individuals, blocked every possible scenario. Of course, Sophia and Hans were unlikely to fall victim to goblins, but just in case.

There’s always a chance. And what if goblins are attacking right now, even with them being the heroes? What about the villagers who are not as strong? Sophia apologized.

“Sorry. I didn’t think that far.”

“Don’t worry about it. Dealing with this is my responsibility.”

“Why… Why do you seem so reliable today?”

“Isn’t this my first task as a master? It’s only natural to steel one’s resolve.”

“True. It would be inconvenient if you didn’t.”

Sophia was surprised by the unusual sight of Isaac, but after hearing Hans’s words, she nodded in agreement. Isaac himself was secretly startled at having his true identity exposed.

There were several goblin attacks afterward, but they were mostly easily dealt with. Only then did they realize that the condition of the village they finally reached was much worse than expected.

“The smell of blood is overwhelming.”

“The corpses haven’t been taken care of.”

“…Probably couldn’t be.”

Isaac had already read the novel. The village of Veltas was completely isolated by goblins. As a result, they couldn’t even recover the bodies, let alone find proper food and weapons.

In the end, the exhausted Veltas village was mostly annihilated by the goblin invasion. The only survivors were Zeke and his younger sister.

But that was only Isaac’s story. To others, it seemed like he had instantly grasped the entire situation with just one glance.

“What’s with you, Master? You seem so reliable!”

“Serious Isaac is something new.”

“Enough with the jokes. Let’s go inside.”

Annoyed internally, Isaac was deliberately urging the guild members forward. Behind the crude barricade made of stacked logs, a young man from the village shouted.

“Stop! Who are you people?!”

“I am Isaac, the master of the Iron Shield Guild. I came here to resolve the goblin subjugation request.”

“Iron Shield? Th-then, are you from Gideon?!”

“Yes.”

He seemed unfamiliar, probably because he was still relatively unknown. It would be quicker to explain that he came from Gideon rather than relying on the name Iron Shield at the moment.

The situation seemed more desperate than expected. The crude barricade’s door, which had been tightly closed, quickly opened. Isaac and his guild members entered the village.

The village situation was much worse than anticipated. While the outside was filled with corpses, the inside was filled with injured people, most of whom seemed severely wounded.

“It looks like the Pazan soldiers’ camp.”

“Hans, refrain from such remarks. They are individuals who have risked their lives to protect their families.”

“I misspoke. I apologize.”

Isaac’s cold voice pierced through like an arrow. Considering the decision to hold onto weapons even in such a desperate situation, Hans thought his apology was warranted.

“Seems like sitting in the guild master’s seat does that to a person. Isaac has become more solemn compared to before.”

Isaac used to be a carefree man. Hans had wondered if such a person could handle being a guild master. It seemed like his worries were unfounded.

“Did I just say something kind of cool?”

If Isaac’s thoughts could be read, he might have dismissed the evaluation from earlier. Anyway, thanks to the guidance of the young men, Isaac finally arrived at the village chief’s house.

“I truly didn’t expect you to come. I had given up hope.”

“Sorry for being late. And, my respects.”

“Huh…?”

Isaac bowed his head fearfully and raised his right hand to his chest. At that unexpected moment, the village chief couldn’t grasp the situation.

“The sacrifice of those who fell to protect their families and neighbors. I will never take it lightly.”

There was clearly strength in his words, a weight that could engulf the surrounding atmosphere. The village chief realized it anew. This was what a hero was. Why? Tears flowed.

“Yes! Leave it to us! We’ll crush those goblins for sure!”

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“First, Dig and I will take care of the barricades.”

“What? Isn’t that an incredibly difficult task?!”

“Shut up and follow me. Newcomers talk too much.”

Motivated by Isaac’s words, the guild members also began to actively step forward. To protect the village and to avenge the goblins. The fight had just begun.