On Caria side...

The mage lifted his staff, casting Rapid Ice Lance.

Sharp ice spears shot toward Caria.

Caria sprinted sideways with Shadow Footwork, slipping between the lances like a shadow.

"You missed."

The mage formed a Mana Barrier, expecting knives.

Caria flicked her hand, throwing three charged daggers.

Two bounced off the barrier.

But the third arced sharply upward—

Then dove from above.

The mage's eyes widened.

CRACK!

The dagger pierced his shoulder and broke his spell.

Caria whispered:

"Chem Charge—Ignite."

The dagger's rune glowed red—

BOOOOM!

A small explosion blasted the mage into the water, knocking him unconscious.

Caria exhaled calmly.

"Next."

While Puddle was having her own battle..

The summoner quickly started a chant.

"Summon: Tide Serpent—"

Puddle darted in like a water bullet.

Puddle Skill: Bubble Crash

BAM!

She slammed into his face, knocking him backward.

He tried to grab her—

She bit his ear.

"NO stealing from Master!"

He screamed, tripped, rolled in the sand, and sprinted into the ocean in terror.

Puddle floated smugly.

"Victory!"

While, Rhys was also fighting Slasher on another side..

Slasher was the strongest.

He activated Dual Dagger Frenzy, his blades glowing purple with poison mana.

He rushed Rhys like a storm of blades.

Rhys raised Runius.

Skill: Vertical Slash

He blocked the first four hits—

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

Slasher spun low, aiming for Rhys's legs.

Rhys leaped back.

Slasher flipped forward and threw a dagger glowing green.

Poison Nail.

Rhys sliced it in half midair with a sharp arc of Runius.

Slasher cursed, dashed again—

Rhys met him halfway.

Swift Cut — activated.

Rhys blurred.

Slasher slashed at an afterimage.

Rhys reappeared behind him—

BAM!

An elbow to the jaw sent Slasher stumbling.

Slasher roared and charged with Death Spin, blades spinning like a saw.

Rhys drew in breath—

Rhys Skill: Water Blade

A thin arc of water mana sliced across Slasher's armor, creating a deep cut.

Slasher screamed and jumped back, panting.

"You… you fight like a boss monster!"

Rhys didn't answer.

He sprinted forward—

Rhys Skill: Whirlwind Slash

A small tornado of cuts struck Slasher, sending him crashing into the sand.

The last two guild members ran to help Slasher.

Rhys raised his sword.

Magic Missile.

Six glowing projectiles burst out, homing automatically.

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

All hit center mass.

Both fell backward, groaning.

Slasher staggered up again.

"You're… you're monsters… all of you…"

Rhys walked toward him, blade lowered.

"You picked this fight. Not us."

Slasher trembled.

"This isn't over! We'll return with more people!"

Rhys shrugged. "Then be stronger next time."

Slasher grabbed his teammates and ran, limping down the shore.

Aria flexed. "That was AMAZING!"

Sophia cleaned her blade. "Hopefully the last interruption."

Caria sighed. "Idiots like them always come back."

Puddle puffed out her cheeks. "I bite them next time too!"

Rhys lowered Runius and exhaled.

Lyra floated over, expression calm.

"You handled them well. No need for me to join."

Rhys nodded. "Good. We'll need your power later."

Aria slapped her fists together. "Now then—back to the Pearlforge!"

Rhys raised the Tidal Mana orb, glowing softly.

"Time to restore Severance Tide."

They returned to Pearlforge, walking through the quiet artisan district until they reached the old workshop. Warm light still glowed inside.

Rhys pushed open the door.

The bell chimed softly.

Inside, the old craftsman was sitting at a bench, polishing a cracked pearl core. He looked up as the group entered — and his eyes widened the moment he saw the glowing orb in Rhys's hand.

"You actually found it…" he whispered.

Rhys stepped forward and placed the Tidal Mana, the Pure Pearl Essences, and the other materials on the counter.

"We got everything you asked for."

The old man's hands trembled slightly as he touched the materials — almost reverently.

"These… these are perfect. With these, I can restore Severance Tide. But it won't be fast."

He exhaled deeply.

"I'll need three days to complete the reforging."

Aria blinked. "Three days? That long?!"

The old man nodded.

"No shortcuts. If I rush, the blade will break forever."

Caria looked around the workshop nervously. "Then we need to talk about the real problem."

Everyone turned toward her.

She folded her arms. "The MukeKing guild. If they heard about the sword once, they might try again. And if they find out the blade is being reforged here… they'll try to steal it."

Sophia frowned. "She's right. They won't stop. And if they come with more players…"

The old man's expression tightened. "I don't want trouble brought to my father's shop."

Lyra stepped forward, calm and certain.

"There won't be trouble."

The old man blinked. "What do you mean?"

Lyra placed a hand on the counter gently.

"We'll stay here. All three days. We'll guard the workshop from outside threats."

Aria grinned. "Basically — we camp outside like watchdogs!"

Caria nodded. "We'll take shifts, watch the area, keep monsters and players away."

Sophia placed her palm on her sword. "If anyone tries to break in, they'll regret it."

Puddle floated onto the counter proudly. "We protect old man!"

The craftsman softened, touched by their determination.

"…Thank you," he said quietly. "My father would have been happy to see adventurers like you."

Rhys nodded once.

"We're not letting anyone take this sword. Or hurt you."

Lyra looked at him steadily.

"Then we stay. All days. All nights. Until the reforging is complete."

Rhys turned toward the workshop door, eyes sharp.

"Three days of defense," he said.

"Let them try."

They set up their temporary base outside the Pearlforge workshop.

A small table.

A few stools.

Bedrolls.

A lantern hung from the doorway.

It wasn't glamorous, but it was safe.

For the first day, nothing happened.

They rotated guard shifts.

Aria sat on the roof, legs dangling, scanning streets.

Sophia stood quietly near the entrance.

Caria monitored people passing by.

Rhys patrolled the alleyways.

Puddle floated around like a tiny security drone.

Lyra watched everything in silence.

By the second day, even the old craftsman seemed calmer.

Aria yawned. "Maybe those guys were bluffing."

Sophia crossed her arms. "No. They're cowards, but not stupid. They won't attack so quickly."

Caria nodded. "And even if they come… they'll wait for the right moment."

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