Alex and Leena reached the third floor, its grandeur dampened by the heavy oak door barring their way. Beyond it, the Guild Master awaited.
Leena paused, turning to Alex with a seriousness that caught his eye.
"Alex," she began, "thank you for saving Gracier. Truly, I appreciate it."
"No need for thanks," Alex shrugged, his tone laced with nonchalance. "I had my own reasons."
Leena's gaze held his, unwavering. "Even so, my gratitude remains."
Her sincerity disarmed Alex momentarily. He studied her, searching for the unspoken reason behind her concern for Gracier. "It's like you know something about her origin," he probed, gauging her reaction.
As expected, Leena's eyes darted away, a flicker of apprehension replacing her earlier resolve. "What are you talking about?" she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
A chuckle escaped Alex's lips as he observed her discomfort. It was clear she knew more than she let on.
Silveria whispered to her master, ''Master, as you suspected, she seems to possess knowledge about Gracier's origins. This could be advantageous. Having her as an ally would be valuable. This girl is powerful, yet shrouded in secrecy. We must tread carefully.''
Despite her unease about revealing Gracier's secret, Leena stood by her actions. The unexpected situation demanded decisiveness, and she had taken control. Regret was absent, replaced by a newfound purpose: forging a bond with this enigmatic boy. His usefulness to her faction had become evident, and this chance encounter presented an opportunity she couldn't ignore.
Leena stole a glance at Alex, a sigh escaping her lips. What lengths would she have to go to to secure this mysterious boy's loyalty?
"Alex," Leena murmured, a playful lilt in her voice,
"Men shouldn't pry where they're not invited."
Alex arched an eyebrow. "And when, exactly, did I do that?"
Leena chuckled, a hint of something deeper hidden beneath the amusement. Pushing open the heavy oak door, she ushered him into the room.
The Guild Master's office was spartan, dominated by a massive oak table overflowing with documents. Behind it sat a man, his salt-and-pepper hair belying his youthful, piercing yellow eyes. He barely glanced up from his book as they entered, acknowledging their presence with a curt nod.
"Sit," he commanded, gesturing towards the chairs across from him. Leena took her place silently at his side, while Alex settled in, scrutinizing the man closely.
"So, you're the newcomer, Alex. Welcome," the man drawled, finally closing his book with a snap.
"I'm Chris, Guild Master of this branch."
Chris leaned back in his chair, fixing Alex with an intense stare. An invisible pressure descended upon the room, constricting the air, making it difficult to breathe. Alex fought the urge to flinch, gritting his teeth against the suffocating weight. Seconds stretched into an eternity before the pressure lifted, leaving Alex gasping for breath, his back slick with sweat.
Chris smiled thinly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not bad. You have something to report, I presume? Speak."
Alex nodded, anger simmering beneath the surface. He knew it was a test, a power play, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. But for now, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.
"I'm here to report on the tragedy that befell Gato village a few days ago," he began, his voice tight with controlled emotion.
Chris cut him off, his tone deceptively casual.
"Ah, Gato village in the Zilya Mountains. I'm aware of the incident. A sad affair, but not an isolated one. Several villages have suffered similar attacks by monstrous creatures. How, pray tell, did you come to possess this information?"
Alex sighed, frustration lacing his voice. "Because I rescued the sole survivor, a young woman captured by thugs who planned to sell her into slavery."
The temperature in the room plummeted. An icy tendril of murderous intent wrapped around Alex, squeezing his chest, stealing his breath. It was as if he had stepped into a frozen wasteland, fear paralyzing his limbs. He knew, without a doubt, where the killing intent originated.
A choked gasp escaped his lips. Not his own. It was Chris, the Guild Master, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
A rasping cough erupted from Chris, followed by a heavy sigh.
"Thank heavens you rescued her. Look after her well, understood?"
Alex's head dipped in acknowledgment, Chris's veiled threat clear to him. Leena, her murderous intent now a chilling memory, returned to her composed facade. Chris, visibly relieved, addressed Alex directly.
"Thank you for the report. Now, onto another matter. Your encounter with the rare species was...reckless. But sometimes, growth demands boldness."
Leena shot a sharp glance at Chris, sending shivers down his spine. He persevered, though, ignoring her gaze.
"Secondly, promotions. Your goblin defeat earned you at least Rank E. However, slaying a rare species, typically a D Rank feat, perhaps due to your Gift, prompted an exception. We're granting you immediate D Rank promotion. Thoughts?"
"I accept the test," Alex replied without hesitation.
A smile stretched across Chris's face, pleased with the decisiveness.
"Excellent. Now, a personal question," Chris leaned forward, studying Alex's reaction.
"Any connections to the recent Otherworlder arrivals?"
A subtle flinch betrayed Alex for a moment, but he swiftly recovered, feigning innocence. "No, Guild Master. Why do you ask?"
Chris chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Mere curiosity. Your test follows the monster eradication mission in the Zilya Mountains. Leena will inform you of the expedition's date. We appreciate retrieving the fallen adventurers. While a tragedy, their families can now properly lay them to rest.
Alex nodded and departed, exchanging a silent message with Leena via eye contact before the door closed. Leaning against the wall, he let out a quiet sigh.
[Master, the lie didn't hold.] Silveria's voice echoed in his mind.
"I know. It was inevitable someone would figure it out. Just not this soon. I hope it doesn't complicate things."
With a muttered worry, Alex headed downstairs.