The Archfiend System

CHAPTER 12: THE INVITATION

Klein stood over Boomer's unconscious body, watching the big man's chest rise and fall.

The crowd around them stayed quiet, phones still recording everything. He sighed and let his scales fade away, his wings disappearing as he returned to his normal form.

"Someone should probably call a healer," Klein muttered, looking around at the stunned faces. A few people nodded and rushed off, finally breaking from their shock.

Klein turned to leave, wanting to escape before more people showed up. But as he took his first step, Boomer groaned. Klein froze, looking down in surprise.

Boomer's eyes fluttered open, struggling to focus. Burns covered his body, but that grin was still plastered on his face. "Wait..." His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.

Klein raised an eyebrow. "You should stay down."

"Probably," Boomer admitted, wincing as he tried to sit up. He failed, falling back with a grunt.

"But I couldn't let you leave without saying... you're exactly what I've been looking for." He coughed, pain flashing across his face. "Join my guild. Please."

Klein stared at him, genuinely surprised by the change in tone. This wasn't the cocky, demanding Boomer from before. This was different. Sincere, even.

"I already told you no," Klein said, though his voice lacked its earlier edge.

Boomer's hand trembled as he tried to lift it.

"Then... at least think about it. The Titan's Fist Guild... we're not like the others. We don't have rules or chains. We're just... fighters looking for challenges."

His eyes started to close, exhaustion taking over. "You'd fit right in..."

His voice trailed off, and this time, Boomer really did pass out.

Klein stood there for a moment, processing what just happened. Around him, the crowd began to murmur again, their phones capturing every second.

Klein shook his head and walked away, leaving the park behind. Healers would arrive soon enough to take care of Boomer. He had other things to worry about.

---

Back at home, Klein collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.

His phone buzzed constantly with notifications, but he ignored them. The fight with Boomer had been exhilarating, but it also reminded him of something important...he still had a long way to go.

"Big brother?" Mara's voice came from the doorway. She peeked inside, her brown eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay? I saw the videos online."

Klein sat up, offering her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Mara. Just tired."

She walked in and sat on the edge of his bed, her hands folded in her lap. "Everyone's talking about you. They're saying you're one of the strongest System Bearers now."

"Maybe," Klein said with a shrug. "But there are still people way stronger than me. Boomer was ranked in the top 10, and even he felt like he was holding back." He paused, thinking about the fight. "I need to get stronger."

Mara frowned. "You're already so powerful. Isn't that enough?"

Klein looked at her, his expression serious. "Not yet. Not until I know I can protect you and Gramps from anything." He reached over and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing."

She smiled, though the worry didn't completely leave her eyes. "Okay. But promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise."

After Mara left, Klein lay back down, but sleep didn't come easily. His mind raced with thoughts of the future. Boomer's words echoed in his head..."You'd fit right in..."

He didn't want to join a guild. He'd made that clear to himself from the start. But something about Boomer's offer felt different. It wasn't about control or politics. It was about strength and growth.

"Maybe..." Klein whispered to himself. "Maybe I should at least hear him out."

---

The next morning, Klein woke to a knock at the door. He groaned, rolling out of bed and stumbling toward the entrance. When he opened it, he found a young woman standing there, holding a sealed envelope.

"Klein S'roar?" she asked, her voice professional.

"Yeah, that's me."

She handed him the envelope. "This is from Guild Master Boomer of the Titan's Fist Guild. He asked me to deliver it personally." Without waiting for a response, she turned and left.

Klein stared at the envelope, then closed the door. He walked back to his room and sat down, turning it over in his hands. The seal was simple...a fist surrounded by flames.

He broke the seal and pulled out a letter. The handwriting was surprisingly neat for someone like Boomer.

Klein,

I know I came on strong yesterday. That's just how I am. But I meant what I said...you're incredible, and I want you in my guild.

I'm not asking you to follow orders or bow to anyone. I'm asking you to join a group of fighters who want the same thing you do: to get stronger and face real challenges.

If you're interested, come to the Titan's Fist Guild Hall tomorrow at noon. We can talk properly, without the fighting this time.

...Boomer

Klein read the letter twice, then set it down on his desk. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling again.

"A guild of fighters..." he muttered. It wasn't the worst idea. And if Boomer was serious about no rules or chains, maybe it could work.

He picked up his phone and scrolled through the messages he'd been ignoring. Most were from reporters, but a few were from other guilds trying to recruit him. He deleted them all without reading.

But Boomer's letter? That one felt different.

"Guess I'll check it out," Klein said to himself. "If nothing else, it'll be interesting."