As Sylvie explained the complex social structure of the kingdom, Haru found himself reflecting on the true nature of power. This was a place where social status and wealth didn't necessarily translate into influence, at least not on the surface, because everyone who entered the Initiation was, in theory, placed on equal footing. Yet something about that idea didn't sit right with him. It felt… incomplete. Back in his world, there had been a saying: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The more he thought about it, the more certain he became that an organization like the Warlords—one that wielded immense authority and strength—couldn't possibly exist without internal conflict, rivalries, and quiet disputes simmering beneath the surface. Gram's behavior at the gate had already proven as much.
People like Gram, with their inflated egos and deep-rooted sense of superiority, wouldn't easily accept standing shoulder to shoulder with commoners. If they accepted it at all. It was one thing to preach equality, and another to force those who had been raised above others to suddenly see themselves as no different. For many, that kind of shift didn't happen gracefully. It bred resentment, competition, and sometimes even dangerous rebellion.
Sylvie, however, didn't seem to acknowledge that side of things, or perhaps she chose not to. Whether it was trust in the system or admiration for those within it, she appeared to believe in the ideal version of the Warlords rather than the reality Haru suspected lay beneath. She treated them like celebrities, its not surprising she wouldn't see fault.
Noticing Haru's thoughtful expression, Sylvie tilted her head slightly, assuming he was overwhelmed. "The guilds are divided into five major ones, along with numerous smaller guilds," she explained. "Each guild can have as many members as they want. Advancement in rank is achieved through duels against higher-ranked members. Only the top three ranks in each guild, excluding the guild master, can challenge a Vanguard to become the tenth-ranked member."
Haru listened closely, committing every detail to memory while quietly forming his own conclusions. So I was right, he thought. If everyone is constantly competing for higher ranks, then conflict is inevitable. A system built entirely on upward movement meant that no position was truly safe, everyone was both hunter and target. It wasn't hard to imagine alliances forming behind the scenes, or less honorable methods being used to gain an edge. Strength alone might decide the outcome of a duel, but everything leading up to it? That was another matter entirely. It's surprising such a cut throat system hadn't fallen apart. Since it hasn't, it must means the Ruler of this place must command grand authority.
Sylvie continued, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. "Guild masters are considered second only to the Vanguard in terms of strength. But for a guild master to challenge for a Vanguard position, they have to resign their post first. Then they must defeat the top-ranked member of their own guild before even getting the chance to challenge and beat the tenth-ranked Vanguard. It's a brutal process that almost no one attempts." She paused briefly before adding, "As far as I know, only that idiot Gram's brother has managed to do it successfully."
"I'll put it simply," she went on. "While guild rankings change all the time, the Vanguard positions have remained mostly stable for the past fifteen to twenty years, except for the tenth spot. The top members?" She gave a small, almost reverent smile. "They're monsters. Absolute monsters."
Haru absorbed the information, his understanding of the power structure becoming clearer by the second. Sylvie then shifted to another point, her enthusiasm returning. "Vanguard duels are a whole different level. They can only take place with the King present, and they have to be held in a special, secret location because of the sheer destruction they can cause. So most of them don't even bother challenging each other. The effort alone is overwhelming, and the top four positions are practically untouchable."
Her gaze drifted slightly as she spoke, as if imagining the scale of power required. "Just think about it… the kind of strength you'd need to rise in a system like that."
Haru followed her line of thought for a moment before shifting his attention back to their surroundings. "Is that why there are so many vendors here?" he asked, gesturing toward the bustling marketplace.
Sylvie, who had been casually inspecting an item at a nearby stall, nodded. "Exactly! Warriors come here to buy gear to improve their chances during the Initiation. Anything up to 'Unique' grade is allowed." She sighed lightly, shaking her head. "Unfortunately, a lot of newcomers rely too heavily on powerful items, thinking it'll make up for their lack of skill. It usually doesn't end well."
She glanced back at him. "Once you become a Warlord, you gain access to the kingdom's elite shops. It's far better equipment than what's sold out here. But there's a catch. If a Warlord misuses an item and causes unnecessary harm or destruction, they can be demoted… or even stripped of their title entirely." Her tone grew more serious. "Warlords aren't just strong, they're supposed to protect the kingdom. That power comes with responsibility."
Haru's gaze instinctively shifted toward the towering walls in the distance. His mind flashed back to the griffin he had encountered, the sheer presence of it, the danger it represented. If more creatures like that roamed beyond these borders, then it made sense. The kingdom needed warriors strong enough to face threats most people couldn't even imagine.
Lost in thought, Haru barely noticed the gradual change around him. The once lively streets began to quiet. Conversations died down. Vendors paused. People started clearing the pathways, moving with subtle urgency.
It wasn't until Sylvie suddenly grabbed his arm that he snapped back to reality.
"OHhhhhh, it's about to happen!!!"
Haru blinked, looking around in confusion. The streets were now nearly empty, the atmosphere completely transformed. A deep, resonant sound cut through the air…
Trumpets.
Loud, regal, and commanding.
The sound echoed throughout the capital, sending a ripple of excitement through the remaining crowd. Sylvie practically bounced in place, unable to contain herself.
"The Vanguard are arriving!!!!"
Haru felt his chest tighten slightly as anticipation mixed with a hint of unease and curiosity. 'It's time to see what all the fuss is about. These aren't just strong warriors, these are the cream of the crop.' Haru needed to see the Vanguard to properly assess not only his own standing but so he can get a sense of scale. They're the standard everyone else was measured against.
As the sound of the trumpets grew louder and the gates in the distance began to open, Haru smiled. 'This is kind of exciting'