Reincarnated in the game world ~ A gamer's beginning to [Dungeon job hunting recommendation]-Chapter 636Vol. 11 - - Round Table Meeting #2 - We will take everything but Equipment

Ever since I had made my request a while ago, Kasanda-senpai's gaze was as if glued to Tabase-senpai. There was no end to his tremors.

Could it be, the guild problem was just on the surface, but he was shocked for some other reason? Maybe, he just didn't want her to leave, eh.

"Kasanda, prepare yourself. This is a challenge we can only push forward, no turning around.

Renandol-senpai, in contrast, appeared to be quite confident, as if he knew what he must do. Alas, the person he addressed was never on his wavelength.

A lot of shock in Kasanda-senpai should be due to «Temple Saber»'s lose-streak. Maybe he was inflicted with pessimism to lose? Despite their undefeatable rise, it took them just one defeat to fall into an irreversible trap. What a terrifying phenomenon, wasn't it? I heard some saying they might have incurred the attention of keep-losing ghost, though I wouldn't say that's the case for sure.

Anyway, with their track record, Kasanda-senpai was now more apprehended of another loss, than winning at all. "What if we lose this time, too?" must be his thoughts. He was like the example of 'ex-strongman bogged down by his pessimism.'

"«So, then, Miss Tabase. Do you have any objection to being put on condition?"

"No. I do not."

Yuri-senpai inquired Tabase-senpai for her opinion, who gestured in negative.

With her words on it, plus the majority of «Temple Saber» agreeing to the wager as well, we were more or less confirmed. Kasanda-senpai, however, opened his mouth to say something, but didn't continue any further.

"Now, let's return to our previous discussion. Since the value of the two side's wager isn't in harmony, the permission for Duel still can not be granted. Hence, I urge «Eden» to demand for a higher stake."

Well, they did work on the principle of equivalent value. Only then, a Duel would be officially recognised.

"Yuri-senpai, in our demand, we have already put forth Tabase-senpai, who has an advanced job «Messiah», along with the advanced equipment she has on her. Does that much not already suffice?"

I mean, sure, «White Throne» could only be acquired from the gold chest of a rare boss, which was rare among rare. And speaking from experience as a «Dungeon Activity» player, a user, who had acquired an advanced job with the ticket from their respective guild, along with the advanced equipment she had was quite a fair demand.

Then again, it was my perception as a gamer speaking.

"You're not wrong per se. If it had been another time, MIss Tabase's value would be... never mind, it's still not on par with «Iron Sword of Hedonist Beast». The main point is—the situation is quite different. The Academy has already received Miss Tabase's request for resignation from «Temple Saber». It was supposed to be announced tomorrow."

Now, that was indeed a twist. And, as if they, too, hadn't seen that coming, Renandol-senpai and Kasanda-senpai glanced at Yuri-senpai and Dean in startle.

Dean nodded while stroking his beard. Yuri-senpai continued with his explanation.

"That is to say, the transfer of Miss Tabase from «Temple Saber» to «Eden» can no longer be put as a wager. The least this condition would allow is to prohibit «Temple Saber» from interfering in «Eden» by any means, if they do take such steps. It should be obvious why the wager's value is far from comparable now, right? On the other hand, the rarity of advanced equipment she has is far from «White Throne». You should demand at atleast... that much."

"That much?"

I was astonished by the value Yuri-senpai showed me.

Since Tabase-senpai could no longer be counted among the wager, that had only left the equipment and items from my initial demand. He was right, even if both were advanced equipment rarity, the value of the «White Throne», which was on unprecedented rise, had left the former in dust.

"So, now do you see why «Eden» must put more for demand? Do you have anything that you would want?"

"What I want..."

"Wait a minute, maybe we are looking at it wrong….."

"Hmm?"

Amidst the conversation, Yuri-senpai fell into contemplation, tapping on his chin in a thoughtful gesture. Then, he turned the head of the question from us onto «Temple Saber».

"Say, Renandal. Do you even have anything that can compare to the value of «White Throne»? ...No, scratch it. How much is your asset worth?"

Whoa! I was wondering what it would be, but that was a shocking question to ask.

But I think he had a point. After all, «White Throne» was the holy grail of the current timeline. In such a situation, it was indeed quicker to start from 'what was their asset worth' than 'what they could offer?'

Now, what would be Renandol-senpai's reaction?

"......So it sure has come to this. I already have the list prepared. This is all."

What?! Unexpectedly, truly unexpectedly, «Temple Saber» had expected this question to turn toward them, and he immediately presented a piece of paper to Yuri-senpai.

Yuri-senpai picked it between his fingers, and fell into contemplation again. Then, after sharing opinion with Dean, his response was—

"This is, barely making a cut, isn't it?"

What's barely making it?! I was quite scared to ask that.

"I see. Zephyr-kun, can you come here for a moment?"

"Of course."

At the call, I left my seat and detoured to Yuri-senpai's spot. There, he showed me the paper from Renandol-senpai. It had the current market value of «White Throne» and the value of «Temple Saber» written.

"This is pretty much it. Here's the value of «White Throne», and here's the asset evaluation of «TempleSaber».

"Woah, just what's going on with the «White Throne» price?"

"It's currently said to be one of the strongest pieces of equipment."

"Ah~, so that's how it is."

Uh-huh. I was honestly surprised. «Temple Saber» had to actually bring out everything to barely meet the criteria. Now, I was in a dilemma...

"Put everything on it."

Just as I was unsure what to say, Renandol-senpai added.

"What?"

"We're stacking everything we have in our possession. This decision has the consensus from every member of our guild. This should be enough to pass for Duel, right?"

Oh my god! He was actually doing it! He said the craziest thing!

He was effectively stacking the entire guild for <White Throne>.

Seriously, was he actually going for it?!

I didn't know <White Throne> was something of that importance to <Temple Saber>. I couldn't help but reflexively glance at Tabase-senpai. She returned the gesture with a node, smiling.

Hey, now, just how do you want me to interpret that smile? Was it something like 'Since they'd wager my equipment, it stands to reason that they put everything they hold dear on this wager, too?' Is that what she meant?

"Oh? Then, yeah. We can go ahead with the Duel."

"Hey, hey, hey. Time out!"

Yuri-senpai nodded along as if there was nothing wrong at all, so I couldn't help myself from shouting out.

"Renanldo-senpai. By everything, do you mean even the piece of equipment you've been wearing is included in it?

"Obviously."

"Alright, now that's freaking insane."

Startled, I spit out my honest thought over it.

"Have you forgotten why Tabase-senpai is leaving? Even if it's the end of the world, there's no way you should be putting your own equipment on wager!"

One of the reasons why I agreed to this «Duel» was because I hadn't wanted them to hold any grudge against me because of the blunder I made. So, I just couldn't have them take steps as drastic as this.

They might not care for now, but what about later? They would definitely hold a grudge against me later down the line!

"But, what we are wearing are the best equipment of this guild. If we don't put them on line, it would be impossible to hold Duel otherwise. We have reflected on our last action, and made sure to take everyone consent this time."

"No, you can't. Keep at least your equipment out of this."

Equipment was the soul! They're the status.

Whether it was level, status, items, or equipment—each and every aspect made up the whole world of «Dungeon Activity». Once they'd put everything on this bet, what would they be left with when they lose!?

And, these equipment might as well be their memento, a cherished item. I would only feel guilt if they'd to do that. Because, once we got them, we either had to sell them, or leave them in warehouses where they would just collect dust. I just couldn't accept that. I would be betraying the soul of «Dungeon Activity»!

"But—!"

"No, I understand. —Yuri-senpai, and Dean. I do not want any of their personal equipment in the wager. Do you have any options to avoid that, which would also fit for the wager?"

"Fumu. There are a few, in fact."

"Then I would like to take that path!"

"Fuhahaha!"

Yuri-senpai erupted into laughter when he heard me. Hey, now, I was quite serious, you know?

"Hmm, I was right to have you look after Lana, Zephyr-kun. Fine, I heard you. «Temple Saber», list out everything that fell out of the criteria for wager as well."

Finally, I was glad both Dean and Yuri-senpai were quick to uptake.

Renandol-senpai and Kasanda-senpai exchanged a flabbergasted expression. Tabase-senpai, too, looked into my direction silently. I decided to bring out my own mention that could be counted in wager.

"Well, then how about you wager your rank? To be precise, the C-rank position and this guildhouse «Temple Saber» has."

It was one of Celestine's ideas.

"Huh? Is that even possible? I mean, «Rank» can't even be put on a wager, right?"

"A low-ranking guild must pay a fee to challenge a high-ranking guild. In addition, so that higher-ranking guilds don't get achievements for defending their side in «Ranking Battle» out of exploiting other guilds, there are some hard measures laid to prevent that. «Temple Saber» is quite trending right now, and it doesn't seem like you have any chance of victory in your next «Ranking Battle»."

From the explanation Celestine gave, a low-ranking guild must pay a challenge fee to initiate a «Ranking Battle» against high-ranking guild. Well, the name was self-explanatory. Starting with D-rank, if any guild wanted to raise their rank, they must pay that fee. After all, there would be nothing of value for high-ranking guilds to accept the challenge.

Just as an example, it costs a D-rank guild 1000 QP to challenge a C-rank guild. In hard cash, that would be 10 million Mir. The amount was quite substantial.

Meanwhile, when high-ranking guilds scored the victory, they were granted 'Defenders Achievement.' And from then till next one month, they could refuse any lower-ranking guild's challenge. This wasn't the case with «Duel», however. That's why, there was worth in wagering their "One-month respite" duration.

«Temple Saber» had just lost their rank, and were already within their respite period for one month. By wagering their respite period, they were risking their chance to keep their rank in the «Ranking Battle». So it should be worth it.

"It's not a bad suggestion. But they're still falling short a bit."

Yuri-senpai added. Well, he was right.

Personally, since it was impossible to wager a non-monetary aspect in the game, I was quite excited to see how it goes.

I casually tossed aside the asset list, and further inquired what else could be wagered on. In particular, I asked what Tabase-senpai had to say. And the response that came was—

"I think Renandol and everyone else should begin anew from the subordinate guild. So, swap out the personnel of the parent guild with the subordinate guild."

" "!?!?" "

Ouch. That certainly was a remark of the year candidate. She must have quite a pent-up resentment it seemed. Kasanda-senpai, in particular, was completely dyed in despair.

And that was the deciding factor. With the additional clause that Dias-senpai would take over leadership, whom «Eden» was personally acquainted with, should «Temple Saber» lose this «Duel», we'd finally finished the mediating part.

It truly was a complete swapping. If «Eden» won, «White Saber» would become the parent guild, and «Temple Saber» would go under their command as a subordinate guild.

"Dias, how much QP does «White Saber» have?"

"We barely have scraps. Everything was transferred to «Temple Saber»."

"...I see. —Dean, do you think you can introduce some rewarding quest to «White Saber»?"

"Hmm, then I will have them take some quest to maintain their status as a subordinate guild."

Alright. With Dean's support, «White Saber» would at least retain its structure should «Temple Saber» lose. Meanwhile, Dias-senpai's expression was barely containing the smile.

And with that, the round-table meeting came to a conclusion, with «Temple Saber» staking their entire asset—saving equipment—guild rank, guild house, and even the name of their guild «Temple Saber».