<h4>Chapter 39: Breaking Point</h4>


    Raven''s rejection caught the dark-haired boy off guard, as he had not anticipated such a response.


    To him, Raven was a neer, barely surviving the Bloodline Trial and experiencing the harsh realities of the outside world. It should have been clear to Raven that his chances of survival in this ruthless world would be greatly improved with their support.


    Typically, yers were delighted to receive an opportunity to join the Guild, recognizing the immense advantages it offeredpared to going solo. However, Raven stood apart from the norm.


    "Think carefully. Rejecting my offer is a grave mistake. Do you have any idea how much those humans out there would give to join us?" The boy''s tone turned cold. "If it weren''t for Julien''s request, do you honestly believe you would have received this offer? You don''tprehend the gravity of your actions!"


    Confusion filled Julien as he questioned Raven''s decision, unable to make sense of it.


    Raven had no other ce to call home, and Julien had brought him here, personally requesting the old man to grant him permission to join them. Raven''s rejection felt like a p in the face to the old man, leaving him visibly upset.


    Raven remained silent, resolute in his decision. He was prepared to face these people head-on if they tried to coerce him into epting.


    "Is this truly your final decision?" inquired the dark-haired boy, although he already knew the answer from Raven''s unwavering expression.


    "In that case..." The boy closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as his aura underwent aplete transformation.


    The Invitation Screen vanished, reced by a surge of pressure that rained down upon Raven''s body. Overwhelmed, he crumpled to the ground on his knees, unable to remain standing.


    "I will respect your choice. You are free to leave. However, I will be taking your memories of everything you have witnessed here!" The dark haired boy eximed.


    With Raven on his knees, Julien couldn''t help but feel a twinge of pain. Having brought him here, he felt responsible for the turn of events, even though there was nothing he could do. It was simply the rule.


    Elia perceived this as an attack on Raven. Drawing her dagger, she lunged at the dark-haired man.


    Reacting swiftly, Julien intercepted her, positioning himself between Elia and her target.


    Although Elia possessed strength, she was still considerably weaker than Julien. Their swords shed briefly before Elia was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the wall.


    Her mask slipped from her face, revealing her lifeless features.


    Julien momentarily froze, gazing at Elia''s face. Herplexion was pale, her lips sealed shut, and her eyes devoid of life or emotion.


    Undeterred, Eliaunched another attack. However, as she advanced, the same pressure descended upon her with even greater force than Raven had faced. Her movements grew sluggish, her speed waned, and ultimately, she fell to her knees, immobilized as if trapped in ce.


    "How intriguing... She seems to be a puppet. Now I''m even more curious about you." The young boyughed, shifting his attention to Raven. "I''ll offer you one more chance. Join us!"


    "There''s still time! ept the guild''s offer. You won''t regret this decision! The guild is like family, and every yer supports one another, just as you witnessed with Ayzel!" Julien called out, his concern evident.


    Raven attempted to resist the pressure, but to his surprise, he found himself powerless against it. He couldn''t rise to his feet, feeling as though an entire mountain pressed down upon him.


    "This is the result of my attempts to help people... Some individuals are simply undeserving of assistance! Your selfishness will soon bring you regret," sighed the dark haired boy,prehending the implications of Raven''s silence and resistance.


    "When you find yourself in need of help, you will be left alone. Furthermore, you won''t even recall this offer or this ce!"


    "Stay away from me!" Raven warned, his muscles tensing with defiance.


    "Even stronger yers than you couldn''t withstand my Field. Despite my young appearance, not a single person here can stop me when I decide to teach a lesson to impudent brats like you!"


    The old man halted before Raven, observing the bloodshot eyes. This scene... This helplessness.... This felt awfully familiar!


    His brother was also on his knees, unable to fight back when he was killed. That scene kept ovepping the current scene in Raven''s mind. In his eyes, the dark haired boy was no different than Arze, ruthlessly exploiting his own strength.


    "I said stand back!" Raven bellowed, but the dark-haired boy paid no heed to the warning.


    No one coulde to his aid. Julien stood at a distance, his fists clenched tightly, while Yui remained motionless, her eyes fixated on Raven, her expression pensive.


    "What frightens you so much?" The dark-haired boy locked eyes with Raven. Although he had encountered rejection before when offering this choice, Raven''s resistance proved unparalleled.


    "You truly don''t want me to ess your memories, do you?" he remarked with an intrigued smile. "That piques my curiosity. What secrets lie within your memories that you are so desperate to conceal? What drives your fierce resistance?"


    "Don''t worry, though. In a matter of minutes, I will uncover everything. I will delve into every corner of your memories. You may choose to remain silent, but your memories will reveal everything!"


    Finally overwhelmed by emotion, Raven sensed an invasion of his mind. That was the breaking point. He reverted to the same state he had experienced when witnessing his brother''s demise.


    The Nameless Sword materialized in his hand, instantly diminishing the weight of the pressure upon him.


    "I said stay away from me!" Raven''s roar grew louder as he wielded his formidable sword.


    The dark-haired boy''s eyes widened in horror as he witnessed Raven''s movement. What shocked him even more was the sword, seemingly able to effortlessly slice through his field.


    For a brief moment, silence enveloped the surroundings. Then, a hand soared through the air, blood spewing from the dark-haired boy''s shoulders, scattering in all directions.


    Julien''s eyes widened, while Yui''s lips parted. It was as if time had frozen in that singr moment.