News of "Linked Hearts" spread like wildfire — no longer just whispered in taverns or laughed off as a quirky guild. They were now headlines in magical newspapers, divination crystal bulletins, and bard gossip songs that started with "So there's this harem-powered guild…"
The major factions held emergency meetings.
The Ivory Tower mages argued over whether affection-based power was a bug in the System or divine intervention.The Empire of Luskoria debated whether to ally with the guild or declare them a threat to world order.The Assassin Syndicate placed a tentative bounty on MC's head labeled: "Eliminate with extreme caution. Do not flirt."
Back at guild HQ, MC held an emergency guild meeting in what was now officially dubbed the "Chaos Room." It was originally the supply closet, but it had beanbags and a glowing map, so that made it strategic.
Lina slammed down a stack of letters. "Three guilds want to ally, two want to challenge us to duels, and one offered to buy our guild for 100,000 gold and a lifetime supply of strawberries."
"I say we take the strawberries," Jax declared, half-asleep in a hammock.
Kira snatched a letter. "This one literally says, 'Join us or perish in the flames of our wrath.' Romantic."
Ciel scoffed. "Let them come. I'll take them all down with one arm tied."
"You're not helping," MC sighed, scanning yet another message written in sparkly ink and ending with 'We look forward to crushing your lovely faces. Best regards, BloodThorn Guild.'
Meanwhile, Luna stood quietly in the corner, staring into a black crystal that shimmered with unease.
"They've noticed," she whispered.
"Who?" MC asked, blinking.
"The Cult."
Everyone froze.
For the first time, even Iris' hourglass stopped ticking.
The room fell silent.
"They've sent no messages. No threats. Just... watching," Luna continued. "But they've begun moving their pieces."
MC scratched his head. "So basically, the whole world's either trying to kiss us, kill us, or spy on us?"
"Yes," Lina, Kira, Iris, Ciel, and Luna all replied in unison.
He groaned.
"Okay. New plan. We lay low, stay out of trouble, maybe start a small farm."
Everyone laughed.
Then, a System alert popped up:
[World Event Progression: Stage II Unlocked][Linked Hearts now classified as Major Player Guild][Warning: World Balance Threat Level Increased]
"...So much for laying low," MC muttered.
As the guild braced for impact, far across the continent, in a ruined cathedral filled with candles, robed figures chanted in unison. A massive scrying pool showed MC's face, smiling awkwardly and holding a chicken.
"He doesn't know what he is," a voice echoed."Yet," said another.
The Cult watched.
And the real game had just begun.
END OF CHAPTER 73