The invitation didn't come in a grand way.
There was no ceremonial messenger, no golden seal, no rehearsed speech. It came the way most things did in that world when something serious was about to happen. Direct. Uncomfortable. Inevitable.
We were at the shelter when the notice arrived. A young elf, simple clothes, posture far too rigid for someone his age. He observed the place for a few seconds before speaking, as if measuring not only the space, but the decision he was about to bring with him.
"Takumi," he said. "The guild master wishes to speak with you and your group."
Liriel lifted her eyes from the empty bottle. "Wishes, or orders?"
The elf kept a neutral expression. "Wishes. But expects you to accept."
"That's almost the same thing," Vespera commented with a short smile.
Elara stood up before the conversation could drag on. "Where?"
"The outer hall of the elven guild," he replied. "Today."
I didn't ask the reason. When elves call for you, they usually don't explain beforehand. They simply expect you to show up.
We left shortly after. The path to the elven sector of the city was quiet, unlike the rest. Fewer voices. Less haste. Everything felt more organized, more calculated.
"I hate this place," Liriel muttered. "They look at you like they're always evaluating."
"Because they are," I replied.
The outer hall was wide, built of light wood and smooth stone. The elven guild master stood at the front, accompanied by two other older elves. No smiles. No open hostility. Just attention.
"You faced the Sixth General," he said bluntly.
"We did," I replied.
"And you retreated."
"Yes."
There was a brief silence. Not judgment. Acknowledgment.
"It was the correct decision," he said. "Most would not have survived."
Liriel raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"
"It's a fact."
He walked slowly in front of us, observing each one. When he stopped in front of Elara, his eyes lingered a little longer.
"Your mana manipulation is precise," he said. "But inefficient."
Elara swallowed. "I'm aware."
In front of Vespera, he frowned slightly. "You waste movement."
"It works," she replied.
"Until it doesn't."
Finally, he stopped in front of me. "You lead."
"Someone has to."
"You lead poorly," he said. "But not from incompetence. From excessive responsibility."
That hit harder than I expected.
"The reason for calling you here is simple," he continued. "The elven guild has decided to cooperate with the human guild. The Sixth General is not a localized threat. He is a forward point."
"So you're going to fight," Liriel said.
"We're going to prepare," he corrected. "And so are you."
Elara took a deep breath. "Are you saying you want to train us?"
"I'm saying you need it," he replied. "And that we have methods."
Vespera crossed her arms. "And the price?"
"Discipline," he said. "Limits. Humiliation, if necessary."
Liriel laughed without humor. "You really think you can teach us something?"
The elf stared at her without blinking. "The recent defeat suggests we can."
The silence that followed was heavy.
"I don't promise power," he continued. "I promise survival. Efficiency. Coordination."
I looked at the group. Elara was tense, but determined. Vespera looked curious. Liriel was clearly irritated.
"When would it start?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," he replied. "If you accept."
"We'll accept," I said.
Liriel stared at me. "Are you sure?"
"No," I replied. "But we don't have a choice."
The guild master nodded. "Then it's decided."
As we left, I felt something different. Not hope. Not relief. It was a heavy expectation.
"Training is always worse than it sounds," Vespera commented.
"I know," I replied.
Elara walked in silence, but her eyes were far too focused. Liriel didn't say a word the entire way back.
When we returned to the shelter, it was clear to all of us. The rest was over.
And the real preparation was about to begin.