God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 527: Joining Chaosknight

For a brief moment, Gabriel's gaze remained on the armored individual before he turned his attention back to the gathered group. A flicker of annoyance crossed his features upon recognizing ChaosCleric among them.

However, as if the other player wasn't worth his continued focus, Gabriel’s eyes returned to the armored figure beside him. He was already acquainted with ChaosCleric and possessed knowledge about the typical members of ChaosKnight, but this newcomer was an unknown. This fact alone was enough to halt his intended departure, keeping him rooted to the spot.

Debris still swirled in the air around the devastated structure, and the street was littered with shattered stone, pools of blood, and the remnants of a once formidable organization that had instilled fear in players.

Gabriel stood amidst the chaos, his attire soiled, his demeanor composed, and his presence exuding an aura so potent that even those who had narrowly escaped the collapse hesitated to make any significant movements.

A subtle movement indicated ChaosCleric swallowing nervously, while the player accompanying him stood rigidly, eyes wide with apprehension. Neither had forgotten Monkey Paradise, nor had they forgotten the fearsome reputation of White Phantom. He had a history of player massacres, and now, he had single-handedly eradicated Black Star. The proximity to him made the very air feel suffocatingly dense, rivaling the dust cloud surrounding them.

Silence stretched for several moments. ChaosCleric appeared to be struggling to formulate his thoughts, while Vv remained utterly still, the armor concealing any visible emotion and lending the figure an even more enigmatic appearance.

Gabriel noted this detail as well. The inability to discern the eyes or perceive the face intensified his burgeoning curiosity about Vv.

Finally, ChaosCleric drew a breath and edged forward slightly.

"White Phantom, we—"

Vv interrupted before he could complete his sentence.

"We intend to recruit you into ChaosKnight."

The bluntness of the statement was so striking that even Gabriel momentarily faltered, his eyes widening slightly.

ChaosCleric spun around so abruptly his neck protested. "What kind of idiotic tone is that?" he retorted sharply. "That’s hardly appropriate for a situation like this."

This was the first time he had heard Vv speak, and it only amplified his irritation. The player beside him watched the exchange, a look of bewilderment on his face, clearly not anticipating the usually silent one to initiate the conversation.

Gabriel found the entire scenario utterly preposterous.

He was Broken Heaven. He was also White Phantom. The notion that these individuals sought to recruit White Phantom specifically to oppose Broken Heaven was so ludicrous that, for a fleeting instant, he nearly burst into laughter and turned to leave.

His gaze shifted between ChaosCleric and Vv, then back again.

It was then that another realization dawned upon him.

IceQueen.

She held the position of leader within ChaosKnight and, more significantly, was the daughter of the game’s developer. This detail alone fundamentally altered the significance of their invitation. Gaining proximity to her would translate to gaining access to crucial information. It would place him in the vicinity of one of the select few individuals directly connected to the most profound secret of this world.

"I accept," Gabriel declared after a brief period of contemplation.

ChaosCleric stared at him, dumbfounded.

The player beside him also froze mid-motion, and even Vv’s helmet tilted almost imperceptibly, as if questioning the veracity of the response. The acceptance had been rendered with unexpected speed and ease, leading ChaosCleric to briefly suspect Gabriel was mocking him.

"You... what?" ChaosCleric stammered.

Gabriel's expression remained impassive.

"I stated that I accept."

ChaosCleric cast another glance at the ruined structure behind Gabriel, at the blood staining his clothes, and at the composed manner in which he delivered his acceptance. Only then did the reality begin to settle in: White Phantom, the very individual who had single-handedly annihilated Black Star, had actually agreed.

A sensation akin to exhilaration surged within him.

He was finally beginning to grasp IceQueen's persistent insistence on recruiting this man. Such an individual was far more than a mere combatant; he was a force of nature. If ChaosKnight could secure him first, perhaps they could indeed achieve the downfall of Broken Heaven someday.

Gabriel observed him silently before speaking once more.

"If I am to join, it will not be as a rank-and-file member."

ChaosCleric’s demeanor shifted, becoming decidedly serious. "What are your terms?"

Gabriel responded without a moment's hesitation.

"I wish to hold the position of second-in-command within the guild, and I demand special privileges. I will act according to my own will, operate on my own schedule, and face no questioning from anyone."

The player accompanying ChaosCleric gasped audibly, clearly astonished by the sheer audacity of the demand. Even Vv remained motionless for a fraction longer than before.

ChaosCleric offered no immediate reply.

Technically, that second-in-command position was rightfully his. He served as the vice-leader, the second most prominent figure in ChaosKnight after IceQueen herself. Ceding such a role so readily should have provoked considerable annoyance. Yet, strangely, it did not.

He had witnessed the casualties strewn outside.

He had felt the raw power emanating from within.

He had just seen White Phantom emerge unscathed from the wreckage when, by all rights, everyone else should have perished.

That man’s request for rank was not born of arrogance; it was a simple declaration of his worth, and he was resolute in upholding it.

ChaosCleric exhaled, a wry smile touching his lips.

"Alright... I can agree to that."

The player standing nearby regarded him with sheer astonishment. "Are you serious?"

Without even glancing at them, ChaosCleric’s gaze remained fixed on Gabriel. "After everything that transpired here?" he inquired. "Yes. I am serious."

Gabriel offered a single nod, having anticipated this very reply.

ChaosCleric ran a hand over the back of his neck and added, "There are still matters to be finalized with IceQueen. You understand this, correct?"

"I do," Gabriel responded.

A lull settled once more, yet the atmosphere had transformed. The initial strain had given way to a different kind of feeling. While the agreement wasn't fully cemented, its fundamental structure had been established.

Gabriel cast another look toward Vv. The figure clad in armor remained still and composed, uttering no words at this moment, which only deepened Gabriel's curiosity. He still had no idea who was concealed within that armor, but the opportunity to discover that would come later.

For the present, one objective took precedence.

"Lead me to IceQueen," Gabriel commanded.

Gratitude to all who champion this novel! Another chapter is imminent!