The next day, Yuto logged into the game, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. As the familiar world loaded around him, he couldn’t help but feel a bit more confident. His recent victories, however accidental, had left him wanting more.  

He checked the guild chat, and sure enough, there was a flurry of messages waiting for him.

---

[Lilya]: Hey everyone! Just a reminder that we have the guild battle in a few days! Are we all ready?  

[Miki]: Can’t wait! I’ve been stocking up on potions and gear.  

[Nugget]: I’ve been practicing my battle cry! It’s going to be legendary!  

[Cornelious von Gerbil]: Just remember to aim for the boss, Nugget, not your teammates.  

Yuto chuckled to himself. The energy was palpable, and he could sense the excitement brewing among his guildmates. He quickly typed a response.  

[RookieKing]: I’m in! What’s the battle plan?  

[Lilya]: Great! We need to meet at the guild hall tonight to discuss strategies and roles. It’ll be fun!  

Yuto’s heart raced at the thought of participating in a real guild battle. He had been thinking about it since his last adventure with them, and now it was finally happening.  

[Kaze]: We need everyone on their A-game. No pressure, but I expect us to crush it!  

[Lilya]: Agreed! We’ll cover everything tonight. It’s important to know our strengths and weaknesses. Plus, it’ll be good to bond before the big fight!  

[RookieKing]: Sounds like a plan!  

Yuto couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging as he read through the messages. For the first time, he was part of something bigger than himself.  

---

As evening approached, Yuto made his way to the guild hall, eager to join the others. The guild hall was bustling, filled with players trading items and chatting animatedly. Yuto spotted Lilya at the front, a determined look on her face as she prepared to address the group through the chat.  

[Lilya]: Welcome, everyone! Thanks for coming! Tonight, we’ll go over our strategy for the guild battle. We want to make sure everyone knows their role.  

Yuto took a seat among the guild members, feeling the buzz of anticipation in the air.  

[Lilya]: First things first, we’re facing a troll boss. It’s going to be a tough fight, but I believe we can win if we work together. 

[Nugget]: What’s the plan, Lilya? I’m ready to smash some skulls!  

[Lilya]: Right, so here’s what we’re going to do.  

Lilya shared a map of the battleground in the guild chat.  

[Lilya]: We need to split into two groups: a damage-dealing group and a support group. Nugget, you’ll be in the front line with Cornelious and RookieKing.  

Yuto’s heart raced at being placed in the front line.  

[RookieKing]: Wait, me?  

[Lilya]: Absolutely! You’ve got potential, and I know you can hold your own.  

[Cornelious von Gerbil]: Just remember, Rookie, it’s not about the size of your sword, it’s about how you use it!  

Yuto felt a mix of pressure and excitement as he absorbed the comments from his guildmates. He had a chance to prove himself, and he was determined not to let them down.  

[Kaze]: Let’s not forget about healing. Miki, you and I will be responsible for keeping the front line alive.  

[Miki]: I’ll make sure everyone has enough potions!  

[Kaze]: And I’ll keep an eye on the troll’s movements. We don’t want anyone getting blindsided.  

As the discussion progressed, Yuto felt more at ease. He took mental notes of the plan, focusing on what he needed to do. The camaraderie among the group was infectious, and he began to feel like he was part of a family of sorts.  

[Lilya]: Alright, does everyone understand their roles?  

[Everyone]: Yep!  

[Lilya]: Good! Let’s make sure to practice a bit before the battle, too. It’ll help us get used to the flow of combat as a team.  

---

After the meeting, Yuto lingered for a moment, wanting to talk to Lilya.  

[RookieKing]: Hey, thanks for including me in the front line.  

[Lilya]: Of course! I think you’re going to do great. Just remember to stay calm and trust your instincts.  

Yuto nodded, feeling more confident as he prepared to log off for the night. The thought of the upcoming battle loomed over him, but it was accompanied by a sense of excitement. He was ready to prove himself to his new friends.  

As he logged off, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this battle would be a turning point in his gaming journey—and perhaps even more than that.