Newbie's Quest: Awaiting Challenge

At the White Tower Forum.

[Avalon Guild to Officially Announce Ethan Walker? Join the Discussion!]

Post: As the title says (link: Avalon Guild to hold a press conference in two days)

Commenter 1: Second floor here, arrived early, not sure what to say, waiting for experts to join the discussion.

Commenter 2: This news is vague, Avalon Guild just mentioned a meeting.

Commenter 3: Check the list of attendees, Ethan Walker's name is there.

Commenter 4: Ethan's name at the end? Doesn't look like an official announcement. If they were announcing a new member, wouldn't they highlight him at the beginning? Commenter 5: Probably negotiations aren't finalized. Ethan's performance in the Hamilton instance was exceptional; he might feel underutilized at Avalon Guild.

Commenter 6: Turning down a silver-plus contract? Ethan shouldn't be foolish. His distinct style might make it hard to blend into other guilds' teams, becoming a liability. Commenter 7: Does Ethan need your advice? Don't lecture him.

Commenter 8: ? What's the person above rambling about?

Commenter 9: Really? Ethan is still a newbie, and he has such fans? Commenter 10: Must be a troll.

Commenter 11: Let's wait for the press conference in two days. I hope Ethan doesn't get shortchanged, it's easy to be deceived in negotiations with such sizable guilds. Commenter 12: If Avalon Guild doesn't secure Ethan, should other guilds consider making a move?

Commenter 13: Haven't heard of any guilds privately contacting Ethan. Mainly because Avalon Guild seemed like a sure bet, other guilds might be hesitant. Commenter 14: I bet Ethan is already with Avalon Guild, or I'll do handstands in my next instance run.

At 9 AM two days later, the press conference is held as scheduled.

Avalon Guild's press conference is a grand affair, with dozens of media outlets invited.

The large scale is not just because of Ethan, but also for the Guild President to officially meet the media.

Currently, Ethan and others are in the green room, being attended to by stylists.

The makeup artist, carrying her makeup kit, looks unsure of what to do next. Ethan, having just changed into a suit, slouches on the table, like a boneless worm.

"I wish I hadn't agreed to this..."

His voice is faint.

At 5 AM, his door was knocked on, and several strangers pulled him out for a wardrobe change and hair styling.

Ethan can never get enough sleep in reality; if not for the instance missions, he would prefer waking up at noon every day.

After two hours of preparation, he finally catches his breath, only to be told it's time for makeup.

Ethan Walker was adamantly against it; any further ado and he might just fall apart before the press conference even began.

"You folks in the guild really live a taxing life," he slumped his face onto the table, refusing to lift it for anyone, "We're all players, why do we have to primp ourselves like celebrities?" Alex Johnson, adjusting his tie in the mirror, responded.

"The guild needs a certain image and appropriately managing fans is beneficial for operations."

He straightened up and said to the beleaguered makeup artist, "If he's not willing, let it be."

The press conference featured five main attendees: Lucas Anderson, Alex Johnson, Ethan Walker, Susan Harper, and Emily Johnson.

At 8:50 AM, they made their entrance, flashbulbs flickering incessantly, causing Ethan to squint.

The event was live-streamed, allowing all players to watch through wristbands and other electronic devices.

The conference had three parts. Alex Johnson first briefly discussed their recent mission, lauding Ethan.

Then, Avalon Guild President Lucas Anderson introduced himself, spoke briefly about the guild's future, and praised Ethan again. The last segment was for media questions.

Almost every query was directed at Ethan.

"Mr. Walker, do you intend to stay with Avalon Guild?"

"Are you satisfied with Avalon Guild's silver-plus contract?"

"With your stellar performance, have you considered other guilds?"

Assistant Susan Harper coughed twice.

"Please, let's maintain order. If you have a question, raise your hand, and we'll provide ample opportunity for everyone to ask."

She glanced at Ethan, who nodded and turned on his microphone.

All cameras focused on this bright new star.

"Mr. Walker, you refreshed the Hamilton instance 76 times. Do you think investing so much effort in the same instance was worthwhile?" asked a tall male journalist. Ethan nodded.

"Indeed, it was worth it. Despite the failures, I earned a substantial amount of gold."

"So, Mr. Walker, do you place a higher value on rewards? Would you enter an instance at any cost if offered a high price?" "Surviving is more important. Without life, there's nothing."

"Your first battle with Avalon Guild was a high-difficulty instance. Do you think such an arrangement is fair for newcomers?" "They made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

"So, you believe in the White Tower game, money and rewards are paramount?"

"As I said, the prerequisite for everything is survival."

The reporters exchanged glances after this round of evasive answers.

It felt like a conversation going nowhere.

Meanwhile, the chat was furiously active.

Commenter 1: "Hahaha, is Ethan the modern master of speaking without saying anything?"

Commenter 2: "Ethan's right, survival and making money is the law of the White Tower."

Commenter 3: "What a conversation artist, it's like he said nothing at all."

Commenter 4: "Whoever calls Ethan a fool outside of the White Tower, he's clearly smarter than a monkey." Commenter 5: "Ethan - If possible, please don't compare me to a monkey, thanks."

After a few more questions, Ethan's interest waned. He selectively answered and then lost interest in speaking. Alex Johnson timely took over the conversation, providing Ethan with an escape from the spotlight.

On the topic of Ethan's future with the guild, Alex remained enigmatic, offering few details.

Right when everyone thought Alex would completely sidestep the question, he suddenly addressed it head-on. "Regarding Ethan Walker's future, we will now jointly make a statement."

The reporters perked up instantly, and the number of viewers in the live stream soared by tens of thousands. Commenter 6: "It's happening."

Commenter 7: "Finally, the key question? Alex sure can beat around the bush."

Commenter 8: "I'm getting nervous. Will he stay or not?"

Commenter 9: "Is he really considering other guilds?"

Commenter 10: "@The guy who promised handstands."

Commenter 11: "Ethan can make a mark wherever he goes. I support his decision."

Commenter 12: "Yes, indeed. He's a newcomer, just two instances in, his future is bright. Don't limit him too much."

Commenter 13: "Go to Everworld, they're wealthy and powerful."

Commenter 14: "Join us at Nine Peaks, we have great perks for newcomers."

Commenter 15: "Pfft, anywhere but Nine Peaks."

Commenter 16: "What's wrong with Nine Peaks? Are the Everdogs barking again?"

Commenter 17: "Consider Cascade Guild!"

The forum and live stream chat were abuzz with discussions about Ethan's future. A poll post had even topped the hot list on the forum.

After Alex's brief introduction, he turned to Ethan.

"Your turn?" he mouthed.

"I'll take it."

Ethan angled the microphone towards himself, a nonchalant smile on his face.

"Thanks to all the journalists and viewers. No need for wild guesses, you won't predict this.

I'm starting my own guild, named 'Circuitous Path'.

Additionally, my guild will maintain a friendly cooperative relationship with Avalon Guild. Circuitous Path will lease the player Ethan Walker to Avalon Guild. The lease is for three instances, A-tier, for a one-year period."