CHAPTER 170: NEW HOPE

Noah and Emily were walking silently through the hallway after stepping out of the guild master’s private chamber. The news they had just received left both of them in a shaken mental state.

"I hope it’s really him..." Noah’s thoughts wandered as they kept walking.

During the tournament, Logan’s skills, his personality...everything had left a deep impression on him. That’s why he had genuinely looked forward to Logan’s future. He wanted to see what achievements the boy would accomplish. But that sudden death had shattered all those hopes.

After walking for a while and passing few turns, they eventually reached the main hall. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Noah grabbed Emily’s hand and stopped her. "Honey... what if we don’t let Lilith join Leo’s party for now, and have her join Gideon’s party instead?"

"You think it’s really him?" Emily didn’t answer and asked a question in return.

"You feel the same too, don’t you?" Noah replied after a pause. "So many coincidences happening at once... I just don’t think that’s possible."

Emily didn’t respond. Her thoughts raced inside her mind. She too had her own personal plans regarding Logan, plans that had crumbled into dust the moment news of his death reached her. But after speaking with Ali, those same thoughts were slowly beginning to rise again. Still, she couldn’t quite agree with Noah’s suggestion.

As seasoned hunters, they were well-informed about everything. The tragic incident involving Gideon’s party, where three of his party members had died, wasn’t unknown to anyone. She wasn’t underestimating Gideon’s team, but as a mother, her daughter’s safety was something she simply couldn’t ignore. And right now, Gideon’s party wasn’t exactly in a stable condition.

Noticing Emily’s expression, Noah lightly guessed the reason behind her concern. "Don’t worry. Even if we didn’t go on a raid directly with Gideon, you and I both know what kind of person he is. His party might be going through a rough patch right now, but his personality is worthy of respect. And regardless of his team’s current condition... he’s strong. Very strong. You haven’t forgotten the incident from four years ago, have you?"

After hearing Noah’s words, Emily finally let out a quiet sigh and said, "Okay. It’s not like anyone can actually predict an accident. And maybe if she joins his team... Lilith’s behavior might shift a little too."

Noah smiled. "Great. Why don’t we talk with him right now?"

"Ok." Emily nodded.

He then glanced around the tables in the main hall, checking to see if Gideon was present.

But no....he wasn’t.

Emily looked around as well but couldn’t spot him either.

"Elizabeth might know," Noah suggested.

Emily nodded. Together, the two of them walked toward the reception desk.

As soon as Elizabeth saw them approaching, she stood up from her seat and greeted them politely.

"Mr. and Mrs. Starwind. Could you meet and talk with the Guild Master?"

"Yes, we could," Noah replied.

"Great. Is there anything else I can help you with?" Elizabeth asked politely.

"Actually, yes. Do you know if Gideon or any of his party members are around? Or have they gone out on a dungeon raid?" Noah asked.

"No," Elizabeth shook her head gently. "One of their party members was seriously injured a little over a month ago. She’s been properly healed and is out of danger, but... she still hasn’t regained consciousness. Since then, Gideon’s party hasn’t taken on any missions. I don’t know if all of them are present or not at the moment, but at least one or two of them are usually there in the healing chamber....taking turns looking after her."

"Oh, thank you so much," Noah said with a nod.

Then, he and Emily began walking toward the guild’s healing chamber.

Inside the healing chamber...

A soft hum of mana crystals echoed faintly in the quiet room, their glow casting a gentle blue light over everything. On one of the beds, a girl with striking blue hair lay still...neither asleep nor truly awake. She looked around twenty, maybe twenty-one.

It was Melissa.

Her face was pale but calm, as if lost somewhere deep, unreachable.

Beside her sat Ronald, flipping through the pages of a thick book. He didn’t seem to be reading....just turning the pages one after another, lost in thought. His armor was off, resting in the corner, replaced by a simple shirt that hung loosely on his frame. There was weariness in his eyes, the kind that didn’t come from lack of sleep, but from guilt.

On the other side of the bed sat Jessi. She leaned forward, arms resting on her knees, one hand gently brushing back a strand of Melissa’s hair. Her expression was quiet, but her eyes carried the weight of long days spent hoping.

But there was still no sign of Melissa regaining consciousness. For the past month, Gideon’s entire party had been going through a period of deep frustration. A new member had joined recently....a healer. He had also tried to wake Melissa up, but it was no use.

The chamber was silent.

Until...

Creak!

The wooden door opened slightly with a soft groan. Both Ronald and Jessi turned their heads instantly.

Two figures stepped in, their silhouettes outlined by the hallway’s light behind them. It was Noah and Emily.

The moment they entered the room, Emily’s eyes immediately went to the bed where Melissa lay. Before anyone else could speak, Ronald and Jessi stood up upon seeing them.

There wasn’t a single soul in all of Arcadia who didn’t recognize this couple.

Both of them bowed respectfully.

"Mr. and Mrs. Starwind," Ronald said. "Welcome. How can we assist you?"

"Relax, guys," Noah replied with a calm smile. "I just thought Gideon might be here. I was hoping to speak with him for a bit."

Meanwhile, Emily had already walked over to Melissa. She stepped closer and began checking her pulse carefully.

And then...after a few quiet seconds, she dropped a bombshell.

"I think... I can help her recover. I can wake her up right now."