The guildhall was located on Bridgeport’s main island in an enormous white marble cathedral—a fortress. Two NPCs stood guard, both high level, in perfect white surcoats emblazoned with The Silver Web’s insignia. The stained glass above the massive white-oak doors was clear glass, connected with the same insignia—silver threads in the shape of a spider’s web.

“Do you know why the dodo went extinct?” asked Luxon, as he lead us through a cavernous great hall, awash with multicolored light scattered through the stained glass ceiling.

I looked to Sly, and we shook our heads.

“It’s because it adapted to an island.” Luxon stood at the head of the procession, leading Sly and myself, along with the raiding party from the night before—Athena, Cimmarow, Wolfram, and Darion. “On islands species grow weak. They grow too familiar with their surroundings and the resources available. They grow large and fat and flightless."

Luxon glared back. “When it comes to players, you have to adapt. So many players sit idly by, hiding in safe zones, afraid of the greater world because of the player killers.” Luxon stopped and faced us. “You can’t spend your whole life hiding. But when the predators come—and they’re coming—you need to be ready. Or you’ll be extinct.”

“I see that in you, Curio,” said Luxon, leaning forward. “No one within the normal meta could have handled Hellfex, and taking on those rangers? You’re statted differently from the other players. Different from a normal rogue, I can tell. You’re adapting. We need that here. We’ve grown stale, and we’ve seen our numbers drop as a result. We’re not the guild leading from the front anymore. We need new blood, we need more people who can adapt to new challenges.”

Luxon began pacing, and shot a look to his guildmates. “So, how did you do it, Curio? How did you defeat Hellfex? How was that possible?”

I thought for a moment, and I told him. “Rogues suffer from the same problem all hybrid classes do, I guess. This game is based around attack timers, cycles of opportunity. High level mages can cast a stun spell, and fighters can circle their opponent’s, disorienting them, while other classes heal through the damage, but for classes that don’t have those tools, you have to find your own rhythm within the game’s combat cycle. Rogues," I said, "Like thieves and assassins, build their characters to burst as much damage as quickly as they can, but fold soon after if they don’t win quickly. I’ve found that my power is in the sustain, avoiding damage rather than maximizing it.”

A deep, bellowing laughter filled the silence left after my short speech. It was from Wolfram, the half-orc. “A rogue tank then? Ha! Is that what you think you are?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “With Surewinter’s song of vigor, she was able to keep me whole while I wore down the raid boss. Every swing he made was another chance for me to land an additional parry.”

Luxon rested a hand on Wolfram’s shoulder. “That’s quite impressive. And the rangers, how did you defeat them so effortlessly? Clearly not with an overabundance of hit points?"

“Oh,” I said. “When Surewinter and I defeated Hellfex, she gave me the weapon he dropped. He wasn’t under the effects of a haste spell. His weapon was. And now I am.”

“Can we see it?” asked Luxon.

Sly shot me a glance. He didn’t trust these people, and until I found out what happened to Surewinter, neither did I. “I’d rather not take it out unless I have to. I’d hate to end up like Sergius and lose my weapons to crafty PKers or a pickpocket. I hope you understand.”

Luxon nodded. “Well, your weapons seem very potent. You deserve some armor to match."

“Uh,” I started to stammer. I was a little embarrassed by my gear. I ran alone, so I knew the dungeons I liked in and out, but when it came to loot runs and major raids that gave huge rewards, I was usually left out. “Just some witch hunter gear.”

Luxon smiled, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Come with me, let me show you what we can offer. Your friend can stay here with my guild mates.” He gestured a hand to them, “Why don’t you show him around?”

Luxon was like polished slime, the worst kind of politician, or the creepy high school coach who gave the girls more attention than was comfortable. He oozed with a superiority and a confidence he stole from knocking others down. I was a freshman, getting won over by the varsity team because they needed me. That gave me the advantage. If Luxon really had killed Surewinter, as crazy as that was to think, the only way I could find out was by playing along.

Leading me into a large open room with a silver dragon head mounted on the wall in front of us, Luxon placed his hand on top of a short marble pedestal. A blue glow rained out from beneath his palm, and the large scrolling list of items appeared in from of us.

Each piece of armor was at epic levels. Raid gear. As a solo player, these were things I’ve seen on other players, but never in a collection this size. I read through the names as he scrolled, the feathered headdress of the lizardman chieftain, the midnight gi of the master sensei, and the mermaid queen cloak."

“Ah, here it is,” said Luxon. He produced a complete set of epic rogue gear, materializing in his hand. “This is the armor set of the shadow king. I’m sure it would pair most excellently with your new weapons.”

“It’s really amazing,” I said. It was. Made of banded plates of darkmetal that had a slight blue shimmer, it lent the defensive power of plate armor with the weight and ease of motion of heavy leather.

“And it’s yours,” he replied, handing it to me.

I wore the new armor set, leaving my gauntlets and boots, which had less armor, but I felt benefited my playstyle better. I saw my numbers escalate to new heights I had never seen before. Numbers flickering upwards, calculating faster than I could keep up with. I was leagues ahead of where I was just yesterday.

I shook my head, “I don’t know if I can accept this gear. I haven’t earned it.”

Luxon laughed, a carefree full body laugh, “It’s customary that all members of The Silver Web are given access to our coffers so they can keep up with the rest of us. That is, if you’ll join us.”

I pretended to consider the invitation. I needed to know more about Luxon—the real Luxon. Could he be a murderer? Could he have killed Surewinter? Joining his guild was the only way to get close to him. “What about Sly, will he be getting new gear, too?”

Luxon smiled his inauthentic smile again, and wrapped his arm around my shoulder as he lead me further down the guildhall. “We are a very special guild, Curio. We’re the best of the best, and we only accept those few who have risen up to prove to us that they have to skills to elevate our organization.” His gaze leveled with mine. “Your friend may be a fine assassin, but he’s not Silver Web material, I’m afraid. No, it’s you we want.” He patted me on the back. “So what do you say, are you in?”

“What about Surewinter?” I asked, probing him for information.

“She hasn't logged back in since the raid. But she’s only a senior member of the guild, not a leader like myself who can make these decisions. I’m sure she’d approve.”

“Where do you think she is, then? She said she logs in every day,” I asked. Looking for him to make a misstep.

“Oh, probably living her life. She doesn’t reap the rewards some of us do in Abaddon. Some people have to keep mundane jobs in the real world.”

“You make money in Abaddon?”

“Oh, yes. How could we not? As long as we have what other people can’t get, there’s always money to be made here. And, if you play along, maybe you can benefit too.” Then he began straightening my collar. “What do you say? Power and wealth. It can be yours, Curio. Join us.”

“Alright,” I said. “I accept.”

"Excellent!" he exclaimed.

I pondered for a moment. "The dodo you talked about."

"Yes?" said Luxon.

"Do you know how it got to the island?"

"I never thought about it," he said.

"It flew there. It didn't know what it would end up sacrificing once it got there."

He stood straight and pondered the thought before allowing a condescending smile to creep across his face. His teeth and perfect alabaster armor gleaming in the bright guildhall. I sunk, and realized at that moment I made the mistake of my life. I needed to adapt quickly, or I was going to end up extinct myself.

Luxon raised his finger and traced it across the interface only he could see. After he clicked he looked to me.

YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE SILVER WEB.

I took a moment, looking back to Luxon. I glanced around at the massive guildhall, the giant silver dragon head mounted on the wall, the cathedral like appearance and stained glass. I considered backing out for a moment. It was so prestigious, grand and beautiful. But I new it belied a deep corruption underneath. They drew players by looking wealthy, by looking just and pure. But I new that wasn't true. I had to know just how deep that corruption had taken root. And I clicked accept.

The words "The Silver Web" appeared beneath my name in bright blue letters. I had never joined a guild, Sly and I had always agreed that we never would. It was weird to see it listed alongside my name, which had been alone for so long.

"Excellent, Curio. Now," he began, "Let's see what you can do."

LUXON WANTS TO DUEL.

Before I could click accept I noticed his guildmates enter the room. Sly was not among them.

Wolfram crossed his arms and grinned, the small half-orc tusks peeking above his bottom lip. Cimmarow looked less interested, and he allowed his eyes to roll. He was their front line damage dealer second only to Luxon, I had the suspicion that he was a little jealous.

Athena stood with her legs separated, leaning on her hip with her curves quite noticeable. She wore the same purple dress and witch hat. I don't know if it was epic gear, but I had the feeling she wore it for the attention it got her, not the stats. She seemed disinterested in the whole affair.

Darion was the only one that looked optimistic. Visibly restraining his excitement at the prospect of a lowbie like me taking on Luxon. Darion seemed like a reliable player, and I may have to get close to him if I was to uncover the truth.

I hesitated before accepting the duel. Reaching into my bag I retrieved the Daggermortis, wielding it in my offhand, pairing it with my new rapier.

Then I clicked accept.

Luxon's smile disappeared, and he lowered his shoulders, bringing his radiant holy avenger down, perpendicular to me. The point facing menacingly towards my gut, and his elbow high in the air. He was readying a charge.

LUXON AND CURIO HAVE BEGUN A DUEL.

He flew at me, sending a powerful smite at me. I was surprised at the speed he was able to muster for the amount of armor he was wearing. I readied my own weapons for a parry, hoping to deflect the attack and land a flurry of my own.

I choked.

Failing to bring either weapon to bear, his sword tore through me, impaling me completely. Then tore up through my body and out my shoulder, his back arching with his arms raised high, the sword forming a shimmering crescent leaving behind a spray of my blood that stained the floor.

I buckled and fell to the ground. Before I could recover, the swipe of his blade continued, whirling around and driving point down towards me.

The sword hit like a clap of thunder into the stone. I had narrowly rolled away. He was on a knee, his sword held in both hands still stuck in the floor.

This was my chance.

I ducked back, and threw both weapons at him in an ambush. He turned his head and I could see that same false smile creep across his face. Still crouched, he twisted to face me and both of my weapons stopped fast, striking his sword. I put all my strength into it, forcing my way through, pushing against his blade. But it was no use.

He stood slowly, my blades still locked against his. And he knocked me back with a powerful sweep of his sword. I jumped a few steps back, collecting myself. I wasn't a match for him. I had to play smarter.

He had the initiative, and he knew it. He could play defensively and wear me down now. My only chance was to keep him from gaining an opening. No, I thought. That wasn't his style. Luxon knew he was going to win, and with his guild watching, he wanted to finish me quickly. He knew he could. I needed to give him an opening. I needed him to send another power attack at me.

He knew the demon dagger was deadly, and it was the only unknown for him in the fight. I could use that to my advantage. I wheeled around him, circling as best I could with my weapons out and ready to attack. I kept them loose, allowing him to think my positioning was sloppy, goading him into an attack.

He regained his original stance, a low guard with the sword point aimed at me. This is exactly what I needed. His eyes would quickly shift from my own, to my dagger. He was sizing up my tells, looking for my next attack. I let him know.

I quickly slashed my dagger down and back, his eyes immediately drawn to the ineffective maneuver. Then I lunged with the rapier, striking his blade and letting the black dragon rapier slide across the blade, and driving it down and slashing him across the arm. As he tried to parry, still focused on the dagger, he overcommitted, reaching too far at the dagger held behind me. And his entire back was exposed. Using the demonic speed granted by the dagger, I twisted the dagger with my wrist, and drove it into his back.

He fell forward, sliding a bit across the floor. And I stepped through, reading another ambush while he was vulnerable.

I could hear the shock of the onlookers. Even Cimmarow let out a gasp, seemingly impressed.

As I leapt through the air, my weapons ready to connect, he whirled around, his weapon again stopping my own in their tracks. That shouldn't be possible, I thought. He can't be that fast.

He instantly returned to his feet, forcing his blade against my own, and forced me to the floor. I was now on a knee, and there was little I could do with my weapons locked against his own.

He began mumbling a spell. I had to act fast.

But, before I could, a glow erupted from his hands, and across his blade, and he forced his sword down, pushing with immeasurable strength against my own. I grit my teeth, and sweat beaded across my forehead. His blade throbbing with a holy pulse and scintillating with a bright yellow light.

He let out another spell, a stun spell. I was locked in place. He released his sword from our clash, and drove the point through my chest. Light exploding out from behind me. I fell to one hit point. And the duel was over. And I was left laying prone on the cold marble floor of the guildhall.

The small crowd of guildmates was cheering for Luxon.

"Well done," said Cimmarow. The tall human fighter gave me an approving nod.

"I can't believe you landed that hit!" shouted Darion. "Nobody has ever gotten the best of Luxon like that. Very impressive work! With some training, with us of course, you may be able to give him a real run for his money. You're going to be a great addition."

Athena scoffed. Clearly unhappy with the prospect of me becoming a new member of their group. Without saying a word, she lifted a finger and logged disappearing in the spot.

"Welcome to the guild," said Luxon.