Chapter 58: First Blood in the Shadow War
Ironblood Falcon was currently leading a small squad through a series of quests. Not long ago, a bombshell had dropped on the forums—the first guild in the game had officially been established. The moment the news hit, Ironblood Blade, guild master of Ironblood Covenant, logged off in a hurry, hell-bent on figuring out the fastest way to set up their own.
Falcon, captain of Ironblood Covenant’s main raid team, was one of the guild’s rising stars. His teammates—currently grinding quests at his side—were also part of that elite core. With their level of coordination and experience, they hardly needed instructions for these low-tier missions. They made short work of everything.
Unlike his rival, another high-ranking officer developing in the safer central territories, Falcon had taken a different path. He had volunteered to come to the contested zones—riskier, yes, but a place where talent truly stood out. It was more than just a change of scenery. It was war.
Ironblood Covenant had a simple, brutal rule: the strong advance, the weak are left behind.
Falcon was convinced he was stronger. Smarter. Better. He had every intention of proving it, climbing higher—and if he could, forcing his rival out altogether.
But he’d hit a snag. During the recent Orc faction dungeon event, his team’s clear time had been just a little slower than his rival’s—ten minutes, but ten minutes too long. It gnawed at him. He hadn’t even turned in the final quest yet. Instead, he’d hung back, reluctant, searching for another opportunity to close the gap.
Luckily, the game delivered.
After every faction had officially cleared their respective dungeons, a new chain quest quietly appeared. A secret route—off the usual track, rich in development potential. It wasn’t just another side quest. It was an opening.
Falcon had jumped on it immediately.
He rallied his team and led them here, arriving early thanks to a shortcut via alchemical airship. Most of the Orc players hadn’t even heard of this place yet. For now, they were alone—and that was exactly how Falcon liked it.
Being the first wave to land here meant everything. It was a huge advantage, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Ironblood Blade had personally messaged him with words of praise. Falcon was riding high.
Nearby, Ironblood Beastmaster gave his combat pet—an armored wild boar—a fond pat before sending it back into its crystal. He ambled over and began picking through the loot scattered across the field.