Henry didn't slept properly in weeks. Seeing Vell's matches just made it even worse, making him paranoid that he will be killed soon. He was a warrior, a respected member of the Iron Vanguard, yet he was reduced to this: a nervous wreck, jumping at shadows.
He was losing himself, and for what? To protect a secret that felt like a festering wound in his soul?
He closed his eyes, the pressure of Vell's blade still a vivid memory against his throat. He had to do something. But what? Go to the Guild Masters? He'd rehearsed the conversation a hundred times in his head, and each time it ended with him being killed, it was too risky.
"I am not sure what he wants but all i have to do is stay out of his way and I will be fine." He got up and walked into his kitchen, making some quick noodles to eat. After heading out into the living room, his body froze and he dropped the noodle bowl.
His body began trembling uncontrollably, wanting to run but unable to move at the same time. "sit." Henry wasted no time and sat the table, patiently waiting for the man sitting across him to speak.
"How have you been?" He asked, taking a bite out of a chocolate bar while maintaining eye contact.
"I am good." His voice was barely a whisper, looking down at the table. 'dammit, why is he here, has he finally come to kill me?' He looked up slowly and saw Vell smiling at him. 'I am so fucked.'
"Don't worry, I am no here to kill you. You ain't even worth my time in that regard. I am here for something else. Do you want to know why I am doing this?" He asked with a smirk on his face as he took another bite.
Henry's throat felt dry as sandpaper. Did he want to know? The question hung in the air like a guillotine blade. Part of him wanted to say no, to keep living in ignorance, but the words tumbled out before he could stop them.
"Yes," he whispered, hating how weak he sounded. The proud warrior in him had been reduced to this – trembling before a man eating chocolate like they were having a casual chat.
Vell's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. He took another bite of his chocolate bar, chewing slowly, deliberately, making Henry wait. The wrapper crinkled as he folded it neatly and placed it on the table.
"There is no grand reason, i want to rule over this place, nothing special." He leaned back, looking up at the cieling, "I have realised that I need to start building a guild... no, something bigger. I am sure none of you ever entered a tower because its being controlled by those with high power." He began tapping his finger against the table.
"Why have you guys let them bitch you around like this? have any of you even tried to get strong enough to leave this terrible place?"
"It's not that simple," Henry found himself saying, surprised by his own courage. "We are not born with as much talent as those from high sections, we are simple players living a simple life. why would we risk our lives when we are living just fine?"
"Hahaha, pathetic. That's a loser's mindset," he said coldly, his smile disappearing. "If you are going to be a problem, I will erase you. I am going to defeat those in power in this section, then I am going to unite everyone and form one big guild. After we are done with all preparations, we will match to the tower section and go in, by force if need be."
Henry felt his chest tighten at Vell's words. A mad plan, but spoken with such casual certainty that it sent chills down his spine. He wasn't just dangerous – he was a zealot with a vision.
"And what makes you think anyone would follow you?" Henry asked, his voice steadier now, fueled by a mix of fear and disbelief. "You're talking about going against the entire established order. People have families, lives they've built here."
Vell's eyes darkened, and he leaned forward, his presence filling the small room. "Because they'll have no choice. Fear or inspiration – either works for me. Some will join because they're tired of being stepped on, others because they're afraid of what happens if they don't." He stood up, pushing his chair back. "But you... you're going to help me."
"Why would I-"
"Because you're already in this deep. Think about it – you can either be part of something historic, or..." he didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to. "I'll be in touch with your first task. Don't disappoint me."
Henry watched as he walked to the door, his movements casual, unhurried. Just before leaving, he paused, not turning around. "Oh, and Henry? Clean up those noodles. It's starting to smell."
After the door closed, Henry sat there for a long time, staring at the cooling noodles on his floor. 'Haha, so he even knows my name now.'
His hands were shaking, but his mind was racing. Vell wasn't just some thug with a blade – he was something far more dangerous: a man with a purpose. And now Henry was caught in his web, with no clear path to escape.
He got up mechanically and began cleaning the noodles, his movements automatic while his thoughts churned. Was Vell right? Had they all just accepted their place, never daring to reach higher? Or was this the beginning of something that would get them all killed?
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The worst part was, a tiny voice in the back of his mind whispered that maybe, just maybe, Vell had a point. And that terrified him more than any blade at his throat.
"Guess I have no choice."
---
At night, Vell sat at the edge of a large building, looking down at the broken houses barely standing. He also looked at the massive wall that was impossible to comprehend. Letting out a sigh, he spoke, "How was it?"
"It's as you suspected master, their defences are no joke, we could not get even 2 miles close without being detected."
"Makes sense, those are the areas with super strong players, not anyone can just enter. They will pay for the disrespect they showed me, I will not forgive them." He said with a cold tone that sent chills down the girl's spine.
"continue with the other stuff."
"Yes master." She began leaving until she heard him saying something that brought a smile on her face.
"It's was nice seeing you after so long Wren, be careful out there."
She smiled, barely holding back tears, "yes, master." She bowed and vanished into the night.