The morning sunlight filtered through the narrow window of Minwoo's modest apartment, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Kinro, now grown to the size of a large hawk, stretched its wings and let out a soft, melodic chirp. The dragon's scales shimmered in the light, shifting between hues of deep black and faint crimson, a living reminder of the power and danger now intertwined with Minwoo's fate.
Minwoo lay back on his cot, muscles aching from days of rest and healing. The Bakura Dagger rested on the small wooden table beside him, its red gems pulsing faintly—as if it were alive, waiting for its next command. Despite the steady pulse of the dagger's energy, Minwoo's mind was restless. He could no longer simply think of surviving; his thoughts were consumed by what lay ahead.
Starting a guild.
The words felt heavy but thrilling, a promise of something more than the endless grind of D-rank missions. For years, he'd been an underdog, overlooked and underestimated. Now, with Kinro by his side and the Bakura Dagger in hand, he had a chance to build something new—something that could change the game.
He sat up, running a hand through his messy black hair. Outside, the city of Tokyo bustled with adventurers of every rank and skill level, their auras lighting the streets like neon signs. But Minwoo felt isolated, still weak from his injuries and unsure where to begin.
"Kinro," he said softly, "if this is going to work, I need people. Allies. Fighters who won't just follow strength, but who believe in something more."
The dragon fluttered its wings and hopped off the sill, circling the room with a faint glow emanating from its eyes. Kinro's presence was comforting—a living bond forged in battle.
Pulling a fresh scroll from his desk, Minwoo began sketching a symbol—a fang shadowed by wings—his emblem for the new guild. It was simple, but to him, it represented a promise of protection and power.
Guild of the Shadow Fang. It sounded better aloud than on paper.
The following day, Minwoo limped into the guild hall, the familiar buzz of adventurers filling the air. Rin was at the front desk, her calm eyes lighting up when she saw him.
"You're back," she said, handing him a cup of herbal tea. "Word travels fast. People are already talking about the 'Shadow Fang.'"
Minwoo took the cup gratefully. "I didn't expect that."
Rin smiled wryly. "In this city? Nothing stays quiet for long. You're either legendary or a target. Maybe both."
He glanced around the crowded hall. Adventurers of all ranks mingled—some glancing at him with curiosity, others with thinly veiled suspicion. The guild was a maze of alliances and rivalries, and Minwoo knew his biggest challenge would be earning trust.
Rin leaned closer. "If you want people to follow you, you'll need more than just stories. You'll need strength and loyalty."
Before Minwoo could respond, a tall figure approached with confident strides. His eyes were sharp and calculating, and a faint aura of power flickered around him.
"You must be Minwoo," the man said, extending a hand. "I'm Jin. I've been watching your fights. That domain ability—it's rare, dangerous. I want in."
Minwoo hesitated for a moment before shaking the offered hand. "Alright, Jin. Welcome to the guild."
Jin quickly proved himself invaluable. His swordplay was precise and deadly, complementing Minwoo's shadow powers and Kinro's aerial support. The two trained for hours each day, pushing each other beyond their limits. At night, they pored over maps and mission reports, planning for the future.
One evening, as the city lights flickered outside, Kinro curled up on Minwoo's lap, purring softly. Jin sat across from them, sharpening his blade thoughtfully.
"We're going to need more than just brute strength," Jin said quietly. "If you want to survive the politics of this city, you'll need intelligence, strategy, and connections."
Minwoo nodded slowly. "I know. That's why I want you with me. You think ahead."
Jin smirked. "I also know how to read people. We'll find others like us—those who've been underestimated but have something to prove."
The idea was simple but daunting. Finding loyal allies in a world full of betrayals and power plays wasn't easy. Yet for the first time, Minwoo felt a spark of hope.
Two weeks later, the guild elders summoned Minwoo for a private meeting. The hall where they gathered was cold and imposing, the walls lined with ancient tapestries and glowing runes.
"You've made waves," one elder said, his voice low and measured. "The Bakura Dagger and your domain ability have caused unrest. Some see you as a threat."
Another elder, a woman with sharp eyes, leaned forward. "But we also recognize your potential. If you want to lead, you'll need more than raw power. You'll need trust, discipline, and a vision."
Minwoo met their gazes without flinching. "I'm not just trying to survive anymore. I want to build a guild that changes the rules. One where the underestimated find their place."
The elders exchanged silent looks. Finally, the first elder nodded. "Then prove it. Build your team. We will watch."
As Minwoo stepped out into the fading light of the evening, his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice.
"Minwoo."
He turned to see a young woman with sharp features and bright green eyes standing at the edge of the guild hall. Her armor was sleek and worn from battle, but her expression was steady.
"I'm Lira," she said. "I'm a healer and tactician. I heard about what you did in the dungeon. Your domain—it's incredible."
Minwoo felt a flicker of relief. "I'm building a guild. Would you consider joining?"
Lira smiled faintly. "I've been looking for a leader with guts. Count me in."
With Jin and Lira by his side, Minwoo's confidence grew. Together, they trained, strategized, and recruited quietly. Word spread of the new guild rising from the shadows—one where outcasts and underestimated adventurers could thrive.
One night, as Kinro slept curled around Minwoo's feet, the three sat in the dim light, planning their first official mission as a team.
"Tomorrow," Minwoo said, voice steady, "we take on a B-rank quest together. It's dangerous, but it will show the guild what we're made of."
Jin grinned. "Finally, some real action."
Lira nodded, her eyes sharp. "We're ready."
The next morning dawned cold and gray as the new guild stepped out into the city's labyrinthine streets. Minwoo tightened his grip on the Bakura Dagger, feeling the pulse of power resonate through his veins. Kinro soared above them, wings casting flickering shadows over the walls.
As they approached the mission's starting point—a collapsed subway tunnel rumored to be infested with hostile creatures—the weight of their decision settled on Minwoo's shoulders.
This was no longer about survival. This was about proving their place in a world that had always counted them out.
"Let's show them what the Shadow Fang can do," Minwoo whispered.
Kinro chirped loudly, diving into the air as the team moved forward together, ready to face whatever darkness awaited.