Read Novel Full Chapter 345: Rejecting the Offer
Chapter 345: Rejecting the Offer
"Interview over," Ares Dunhold spoke in an authoritative tone. "I would like to have a word with Guild Master Reyes."
The moment those words were spoken, all the reporters immediately shrank back, staying only at a safe distance where they could still hear and record what was about to happen.
Even the drones hovering above stopped moving, almost as if the world itself held its breath in the presence of a Champion Rank.
The pressure that washed across the surroundings was subtle but unmistakable. A calm yet oppressive weight pressed against the skin, urging everyone to lower their heads.
Many reporters swallowed hard. Others instinctively stepped back.
Gabriel’s eyes flickered, amazed by how Ares controlled the crowd with just a few words.
This level of power could only be pulled off by a Champion Rank existence.
This was the Guild Leader of Olympus.
A man whose name alone made even seasoned guild masters bow.
He finally stopped in front of Gabriel.
A calm smile formed on his lips, gentle on the surface yet carrying a frightening undertone of dominance.
Ares and Gabriel locked eyes. The two stood only a few meters apart. Ares was taller, but not by much.
He observed Gabriel with those golden eyes. It felt as if he was staring straight into him, trying to uncover everything about him.
Under the champion’s scrutiny, Gabriel’s expression remained calm. There was not even the slightest hint of panic in his eyes, a rare sight for an unranked existence who had not even broken through level fifty.
Ares nodded, and the way he looked at Gabriel changed. A gleam of admiration flashed through those golden eyes.
From the side, Jack noticed the look on his master’s face, and a frown slowly crept onto his features. He knew that look too well. It only appeared when his master had taken interest in someone.
"Gabriel Reyes," Ares said with controlled warmth. "Congratulations on reaching the top floor. Your achievement will be recorded in history."
Gabriel did not bow.
He did not even blink.
"Thank you," he replied flatly.
His tone lacked humility. It lacked arrogance as well. It was simply calm.
Ares’ eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, but the smile stayed.
"I would like to speak with you in private," he said. "If you do not mind."
Everyone held their breath.
This was it.
The cameras zoomed in instantly.
The drones dipped lower.
The journalists whispered in barely contained excitement.
"Is he trying to recruit him?"
"Is Olympus about to swallow Broken Dawn?"
"No way... if he joins Olympus then Gabriel becomes one of the most powerful figures in the entire Kingdom!"
Even Liang from Martial Palace clicked his tongue. "Tch... this old man moves fast."
Jack had a bitter look on his face. He had foreseen this from the beginning. With the talent and skills displayed so far, it did not surprise him that his master, who had an obsession with recruiting talent, would make a move.
Ares ignored the noise and spoke with a commanding tone:
"Come with me, Guild Master Reyes."
But Gabriel did not move.
His gaze remained cold, unshaken, unreadable.
Ares waited.
One second.
Two.
By the third second, whispers had already begun to break out again.
"Why is he not following?"
"Does he not understand who is in front of him?"
"No one disrespects Olympus like this!"
"No."
Ares blinked, clearly taken aback. "...What did you say?"
Gabriel’s voice was neither loud nor emotional, just firm.
"I said no. I do not need to speak privately."
The reporters collectively gasped.
Alice’s eyes widened like saucers.
Cassie froze mid breath.
Even Scarlet’s calm façade cracked.
Ares’ smile finally slipped, not by much, but enough for the press to go wild.
"He refused!"
"In front of a Champion!"
"What kind of confidence or insanity is this?!"
Ares stared closely at him, and for the first time, the calmness in his gaze trembled ever so slightly.
"Gabriel Reyes, I was giving you an opportunity."
"And I am declining it," Gabriel replied, still unmoved. "If you have something to say, you can say it here."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as Ares’ aura shifted ever so slightly. It was not loud or showy, just a faint pressure that made Sophie’s legs weaken and others stiffen.
A Champion Rank presence was leaking out, calm but clearly running out of patience.
"Gabriel," Ares said, voice slow and heavy, "I approached you with respect. Not as a superior, but as an equal. Do not mistake courtesy for permission."
Cold shivers ran through the spectators, yet Gabriel did not even blink. He tilted his head, almost bored.
"I am not mistaken. I simply do not join other people’s guilds. I prefer running mine."
"He actually rejected Olympus!"
"Is he crazy?!"
"No... he is fearless!"
Ares’ calm expression cracked, just a small tightening of his jaw, but enough to silence everyone around him.
Jack smirked, clearly pleased with how the situation was unfolding.
Scarlet narrowed her eyes, ready to intervene if things went south, while Liang whistled under his breath. "This kid does not fear death."
Ares straightened, voice low and icy. "You are refusing Olympus’ offer?"
Gabriel nodded calmly. "Yes."
Ares inhaled slowly, eyes losing all warmth. "Then I hope your guild can bear the weight of the decision you just made."
Gabriel met Ares’ gaze calmly. "My guild will be fine."
Then he walked past Ares without hesitation, brushing by him as if a Champion Rank was not even worth acknowledging. Ares did not move, but his aura twisted sharply for a second before fading.
Behind them, the press erupted.
Gabriel did not look back. He walked forward without fear, while Ares watched him leave with cold eyes.
A Champion Rank had just been publicly disrespected by a level fifty guild master.
Although the other guild leaders did not say anything, everyone knew Broken Dawn had bitten more than they could chew.
But did Gabriel care? Obviously not...the last thing he would do is to give face to someone who would turn against humanity in the future.
He had barely taken a few steps when a voice came from behind with urgency.
"Sir Broken, the camp is under an attack!"
When those words were spoken, all members of Broken Dawn froze. Gabriel included.
His fist clenched slowly.
"What did you say?" he asked.