Dimensional Merchant: Starting With 100 Stat Points-Chapter 135: New Captain

The three exchanged a quick series of confused glances, then silently fell in step behind Calista as she led them deeper into the building.

They passed through quiet corridors, the building growing dimmer and more deserted, until she stopped at a familiar oak door.

Inside was Calista’s office. The place was cramped and cluttered, overflowing with stacked documents, maps, sealed envelopes, and overfilled cabinets.

Wade had never been here before, and even though he’d been expecting something like this, this was even more suffocating than he’d expected.

Calista crossed to her desk and sat, folding her hands with a tired exhale. "Sit."

There were only two chairs. Rowan and Ingrid took them automatically, while Wade remained standing behind them, arms loose at his sides.

He watched Calista carefully as she reached for a folder, her posture stiff and expression blank.

She flipped through the folder in silence, page after page rustling under her fingers.

The seconds stretched uncomfortably. Wade could feel Rowan tensing in his seat, with Ingrid sitting unnaturally still beside him.

At last, Calista closed the folder and set it aside with a soft thud. Her gaze lifted to the three of them, expression firm but tired.

"With how depleted our ranks have become," she began, "there will be significant changes within the guild over the coming days."

Rowan straightened. Wade crossed his arms, waiting for more.

Calista continued, "First, leadership positions must be filled immediately. Your squad has suffered the loss of your captain, a fine adventurer, and your performance in both the dungeons and the campaign was exemplary."

She shifted her eyes to Rowan. "As of today, Rowan, you are the new captain of your squad."

Rowan blinked. "Me?"

"Yes," she said. "We’ve been watching you for some time now."

"You’ve carried out every order, survived situations that killed men twice your level, and demonstrated both responsibility and restraint under pressure. That is what we need."

Rowan swallowed, clearly conflicted, then slowly nodded. "If... that’s what the guild needs, I’ll accept."

Calista allowed a brief, approving nod before continuing. "Now, about the three of you."

All three leaned forward slightly.

"Given the current state of our manpower, your squad will undergo restructuring. One of two things will happen."

She lifted two fingers. "Option one, we add a new recruit to your squad, bringing you back to a standard sized team."

Rowan looked thoughtful, while Ingrid looked indifferent. But under Ingrid’s indifference, Wade could see a storm of emotions in her body language.

"And the second option?" Wade asked, shifting his gaze to Calista.

Calista closed the folder entirely and folded her hands. "Depending on how many fresh adventurers join the guild in the coming days... we may need to separate the three of you and make each of you captains of your own squads."

The room fell quiet.

Rowan looked stunned.

Calista’s voice softened only a fraction. "It will depend on our numbers. But prepare yourselves. After a war like this, nothing stays the same."

She leaned back in her chair, giving Rowan, Ingrid, and Wade a moment to absorb her earlier words before continuing.

"For now," she said, "the guild’s dungeons will remain closed for at least a week."

"With the... stress from the campaign, the administrative duties required to get the guild back on track, and the sudden shift in monster populations around the city, we all require time to settle."

"Consider this enforced downtime... a chance to breathe. You’ve all earned it."

Rowan let out a slow exhale. Ingrid crossed her arms but didn’t argue.

Wade simply nodded, the idea of a full week without the prospect of work sounding heavenly.

Calista continued, "Use this time to enjoy yourselves. Rest. Recover. Spend time in the city."

"Many adventurers from neighboring cities will be sent to Hiving now as reinforcements, transfers, or even volunteers hoping to fill the gap we’ve suffered."

"Depending on their numbers, your squad might remain unchanged."

Wade found himself oddly relieved by the possibility. He hadn’t realized how close he’d gotten to Rowan and Ingrid.

He simply wouldn’t want to go through the hassle of getting to know a new team.

She then turned her attention fully to Rowan. "Later today, I’ll need you to return to my office."

"We must go over your new responsibilities as captain. The protocols, reporting structures, and equipment rights. The usual procedures."

She paused. "And tomorrow morning, there will be a full meeting with the Executives, Handlers, and captains. Be ready for that."

Rowan nodded quickly. "I... understand. I’ll be here."

Calista gave him a small nod of approval, then addressed them all. "Lastly, with the dungeons closed, the guild isn’t restricting your activities."

"If you want something to do, you’re free to take on quests. Any quests. In fact, with the surge of monsters scattered across the countryside, there will be plenty available."

Wade exchanged a glance with Rowan, who shrugged lightly. Ingrid merely nodded once.

Calista slid the folder before her aside. "That’s all for now. Rest while you can. The next few weeks will be... complicated."

With that, she lifted a hand in dismissal.

The three stood and left the office together and stepped into the corridor, the door closing quietly behind them.

They began making their way back to the cafeteria.

Rowan walked between them, rubbing the back of his neck.

"So... what do you two think about me being captain?" he asked, voice uncertain.

Ingrid answered without hesitation. "It feels natural."

Wade barked a short laugh. "Please. We already treated you like the vice-captain anyway."

Rowan groaned, but the corner of his mouth twitched upwards.

They soon reached the cafeteria doors, all three slowing to a stop.

Inside, the voices were quieter than usual. They already knew what was waiting for them inside.

Fewer people and too many familiar seats now empty. None of them seemed eager to walk into that room.

"So... what next?" Wade asked, folding his arms.

Rowan shrugged. "We could take a quest? Something simple?"

Ingrid shook her head. "Not today."

"Yeah," Wade agreed softly. "Not today."

They lingered there in the hallway, the silence stretching. Rowan exhaled through his nose, then tried for a lighter tone.

"Well... we’re all suddenly rich." He glanced between them. "What are you two going to spend your money on?"