I Became the Guild Leader in Exile - I Became the Guild Leader in Exile chapter 74

74 – 1# The Story of the Wolf Sealed in the Black Marsh (1)

After the Iron Shield took over…

Gideon had undergone many changes.

In the past, quests were ranked solely based on their difficulty. Now, heroes were also ranked, and they could only accept quests that matched their rank.

In other words, A-rank heroes could accept A-rank or lower quests, while B-rank heroes couldn’t accept A-rank quests. Many heroes were outraged by this change.

Why do weaker heroes get to be ranked higher than me? This is just a way to control heroes using ranks. There were many plausible excuses.

However, the biggest significance of ranks was trust. In the past, if a quest went wrong, the quest giver and everyone else would be killed, and valuable items would be stolen.

“I’ll get it right from the start.”

And there were cases where newcomers would receive high-ranking quests and get wiped out. The introduction of ranks prevented this from happening. Although many heroes were outraged, the hero rank system eventually took root in Gideon.

Now, even the voices of opposition had died down.

Why did they oppose it so strongly from the start?

Zick let out a sigh as she checked the bulletin board at the guild with her eyes. Her current target was an A-rank quest. And she had just found a suitable quest.

“What’s going on? Where did it go?”

A perfectly good A-rank quest had been right in front of her, but it vanished into thin air the moment she reached for it. Zick was taken aback and hastily looked around her.

“You’re slow, Zick.”

Fortunately, the quest hadn’t disappeared. Someone had just snatched it away quickly. And the one who had snatched it was a boy who was waving the quest paper in front of her, as if taunting her.

He was significantly taller than before, with neatly arranged purple hair and black armor, carrying two swords at his waist.

“Diego. When did you get back?”

“Two days ago.”

But are you going out again today?

“When you can, you have to make it clear.”

“Goodbye~ Ziq. Long time no see.”

Behind Diego, Hers and Sasha were waving their hands, especially Sasha, who seemed to be delighted to reunite with their same-s*x friend, even holding Ziq’s hand.

“Everyone’s safe, thank goodness. Except for one person.”

“Why are you excluding me?”

“You’re that guy. I didn’t like you from the start.”

“Who did you like?”

In less than 5 seconds, Diego and Ziq were already bickering again, and Sasha was trying to intervene. Hers just passed by, as if used to it.

“Give up, Sasha. Those two are destined to be incompatible from the start.”

Hers actually stopped Sasha’s futile efforts, saying it with conviction. Indeed, Diego and Ziq were never meant to get along, both aiming to become the top of the guild and stand closest to the Master.

Of course, in terms of actual achievements, Ziq was the champion, but…

Anyway…

They didn’t genuinely dislike each other. You could say they had a rivalry-like relationship. Although it was a competitive one, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“You think you can take that away? I’ve completed more A-rank requests than you.”

“Yeah, keep underestimating me. I’ll show you soon.”

“With that skill? Don’t make me laugh.”

“…….”

They didn’t genuinely dislike each other.

Perhaps.

But if they left it like that, it would really escalate into a fight, so Hers quickly dragged Diego away with Sasha. Ziq immediately shouted at Diego.

“You should thank your friends! If not, you’d be dead by now!”

“That’s my line. You b*stard!”

“Okay, okay. Let’s go complete the A-rank request.”

After confirming that Diego’s group had left, Ziq let out a sigh and checked the remaining requests on the board. There wasn’t a single one that really caught his attention.

“That Diego guy is really useless in life.”

“Why are you still angry?”

From noble mtl dot nete

“M, Master?!”

But Ziq was startled by the voice behind him and quickly turned around. A man with silver hair, sparkling like white, was standing there.

“T, that… Diego keeps provoking me, so…”

“You were the one who started the fight.”

“I thought it was just a casual greeting…”

“Hmm.”

“Sorry, sorry, Master.”

In the end, Ziq couldn’t hold back and apologized, bowing his head. Isaac looked at Ziq with a mixture of disappointment and amusement. He was quite cute when he was younger, though.

‘How did he end up like this?’

“Master! Do you have any requests you’d like to take?”

Ziq, unaware of Isaac’s true feelings, clung to him and pointed to the board. Isaac shifted his gaze to the board. Let’s see…

“A-rank requests are pouring in nonstop.”

“The competition is fierce. Especially recently, it’s gotten even more intense.”

“After all, Iron Shield is comprised of mostly A-rank heroes.”

Currently, all heroes affiliated with Iron Shield, except for two, have been recognized as A-rank heroes. A few people suspected foul play, but it’s easily refutable for two reasons.

The most significant reason is that the guild members have proven their skills worthy of A-rank through their actions. During the five years of hunting, they have achieved remarkable feats.

Moreover, Zieg has even mediated between two warring nations, leading to a peace treaty. And there’s another substantial reason.

“Master must have wanted to resolve an A-rank request for a long time.”

“…….”

Ironically, Master Isaac Silverter’s rank was B-rank. Of course, in terms of skills and achievements, Isaac Silverter’s rank should be A-rank or even higher.

The issue lies in the regulations for hero ranks. Regardless of past achievements, only those who pass the corresponding rank’s test can attain that rank.

This was a rule set by Isaac himself to ensure that there would be no more compromises, especially for those who still adhered to the old logic of “survival of the fittest.”

[In Gideon, one must prove their qualifications to become a hero. No one is exempt.]

Although Isaac was willing to find common ground through dialogue, he never compromised when it came to hero ranks. Thus, the hero trials were created.

Hero trials.

A test to prove one’s skills and trustworthiness. Each rank has its corresponding trial, and only those who pass can rise to a higher rank.

However, Isaac remained at B-rank, which ironically gave Iron Shield more influence. Foul play? Do people really think that?

Our master remains at B-rank, and as a result, the opposition cannot criticize the hero ranks and trials. Zieg thought to himself.

[Master, why haven’t you promoted to A-rank?]

With Master’s skills, it’s more than enough to promote and still have room to spare. Why remain at B-rank? Zieg already knew the reason.

For the guild.

For family.

Although Iron Shield’s skills are sufficient to become A-rank, if they did, it would naturally raise suspicions of foul play among the opposition.

Even if they’re 100% innocent.

People believe what they see.

Master thought that far ahead and chose to remain at B-rank. After all, those who know Isaac Silverter’s strength aren’t fooled by his rank.

[There’s no small or big when it comes to helping people.]

Zieg barely grasped the profound meaning behind it and couldn’t bring himself to say anything. He felt ashamed for having compared himself to others based on rank.

“Master, I still have much to learn from you.”

That statement became a catalyst for even greater respect. Then, did Isaac really sacrifice himself for the guild?

The hero trials consist of a knowledge trial that tests one’s knowledge and a power trial that proves one’s strength. In simple terms, it’s divided into written and practical exams.

“Damn it. I failed the written exam.”

That’s right.

Ironically, Isaac, the creator of the trials, failed the written exam himself. Even with his vast knowledge, it’s not equivalent to having all the knowledge in this world.

As Isaac didn’t even study properly, he encountered unfamiliar problems and ultimately failed.

Even so, as the master of Iron Shield, it’s hard to accept.

[In Gideon, one must prove their qualifications to become a hero. No one is exempt.]

As a result of setting the bar too high, Isaac, who failed the knowledge trial, ended up at B-rank.

As the conversation continued, Isaac’s face turned red, and he hastily changed the subject.

“This request looks good.”

“The Black Marsh Wolf?”

“It seems to be a conflict between humans and other species.”

Isaac successfully changed the subject and finally felt relieved.