The pale morning light streamed through the Guild's large windows, filling the halls and upper floors with a soft warmth and a muted golden glow. The air carried the faint scent of metal and oil from the training rooms, mingling with the aroma of paper and books in the offices, creating a strange sense of both activity and order.
Koruvian's eyes met his without a hint of surprise. Calm and collected, he adjusted his stance slightly, the black strands of his hair swaying gently as if moved by a silent wind. The corridor seemed to shrink around them, the bustle of other trainees fading into insignificance compared to the silent tension that now dominated the space.
Tavian's gaze was sharp, unyielding, but beneath the calm exterior lingered a subtle aura of danger. Every movement was deliberate, measured, a silent warning that he was not to be underestimated.
"Can we talk?" Tavian asked, his voice smooth, carrying an almost hypnotic weight. The words were calm, but every syllable vibrated with restrained force.
Koruvian stood, looking at Tavian with clear disgust, not even considering him worthy of attention. His eyes were cold, reflecting neither interest nor threat. He remained silent, his body immovable like stone, as if every word from Tavian was just a breeze unworthy of notice.
Tavian smiled casually, with ease, as if Koruvian's reaction didn't bother him at all.
"Alright... I suppose you agree, then. Let's begin our conversation."
The atmosphere in the chamber grew heavier. Every breath seemed to echo against the high walls as Kazaya, the Eighth Guild Leader, finally broke his silence. His calm yet sharp voice sliced through the tension.
Amid the heavy silence, a sudden voice cut through smooth yet sharp, like a blade wrapped in silk.
Ravena, leader of the Sixth Guild, sat at the side of the long table, her posture perfectly straight. Her deep violet eyes carried a calm but unsettling weight, while her long black hair draped neatly over her shoulders.
With a tone that left no room for refusal, she spoke:
"Nova... turn on the screen."
Her words weren't a request they were a command, thinly veiled in courtesy, making the already tense atmosphere feel even heavier.
From the glossy marble wall behind them, light rippled suddenly as if reflecting off a liquid surface. Nova appeared, her features forming like an image emerging from the glassy shimmer. She looked elegant, with short silver hair framing her sharp face, and her eyes glowing with a faint blue light, as if lit from within.
She placed her hand lightly on her chest and said in a clear, respectful voice,
"At your service, ma'am."
With a graceful motion of her hand, the wall transformed into a wide screen. Pulses of light settled, revealing a clear view: the lower floor of the Guild Agency.
On the screen, Tavian stood facing Koruvian. Tavian's casual, slightly playful tone clashed with the pure look of disgust on Koruvian's face.
Tavian's words rang out in the room
Everyone in the room froze, eyes widening in shock as they saw Tavian on the screen confronting Koruvian. The tension radiated from the display, making the air feel thick with anticipation.
Celestine immediately spoke, her voice calm yet sharp, cutting through the stunned silence:
"What... what does he want from Korushin's son...?"
Her sharp gaze never left the screen, analyzing every movement, every expression, as if trying to read Tavian's intentions before they even unfolded.
Kazhaya interrupted, his voice a mix of anger and impulsiveness:
"So we're just going to watch him like this?! Why don't I go down there and kill him?"
Ravena intervened immediately, her tone sharp and commanding:
"Stay in your place, Kazhaya!"
Ryen spoke up, his messy brown hair falling slightly over his forehead, eyes sharp with focus, and his posture radiating controlled energy:
"Anyway, Kazhaya, you're just a guild leader. You shouldn't even be here. This is our problem, after all."
Kazhaya replied to him:
"I'm here to do something you've all been too afraid to handle."
Ryen snapped angrily,
"Do you really want to start some problem with us, you idiot?!"
Selvara stood up immediately, slamming her hand on the table:
"What? Say it to my face!"
Bran raised his hand:
"Calm down... calm down, we're allies here."
Celestine remained silent
Kryne stood by the door, arms crossed.
He sighed,
"uh... starting up as usual."
Ravena slammed her hand on the table, her voice ringing out firmly,
"Stop this quarrel immediately!"
Selvara sat down and said softly,
"Ah... I'm sorry, I got a little carried away."
Ryen sighed, muttering angrily,
"Tch... useless."
Kazhaya remained seated, cold and indifferent, unaffected by what had happened.
Ravena spoke firmly,
"I didn't summon you here for a fight. We're here to solve this issue. We need to find a solution for Tavian before he causes any trouble."
"We can't stop him through the law, because there's a higher authority protecting him. We can't harm him here, or we'll create trouble for ourselves. He has the freedom to do whatever he wants in Novara, and that's exactly the problem."
The scene returns to Tavian and Koruvian, where Tavian has just finished addressing his matter with decisive action. Koruvian watches silently, his expression unreadable, as the tension between them lingers in the air, heavy and charged with unspoken challenges.
Tavian spoke,
"So... what do you think of my offer?"
Koruvian glanced at him calmly.
"Frankly, I don't care about anything you just said. Just get out of my way."
Koruvian brushed past him, deliberately bumping his shoulder, then continued on without another thought.
Tavian looked back, slightly surprised, muttering,
"Oh... he's really angry!"
Koruvian appeared extremely angry as he pushed through the crowded lower floor. His black hair hung loosely around his face. He made his way toward the exit and finally stepped outside.
Tavian sighed,
"Alright, why not look for another boy, even though my offer will be rejected anyway."
As Hyrax and Milo exited the training room, the door vanished behind them.
Milo let out a long sigh, rubbing his shoulder.
"Ah... I'm really exhausted."
His brown hair was slightly messy from training, sweat dampening a few strands that clung to his forehead. His posture was slouched, showing just how drained he felt, yet his sharp eyes still flickered with determination beneath the fatigue.
Hyrax turned to Milo with a tired but encouraging smile.
"How about we grab something to eat outside? We've had enough training for today a warm meal will bring us back to life."
Milo lifted his head, sweat still dripping down his face. He let out a weary sigh before a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Milo's gaze wandered through the busy street, scanning the crowd absentmindedly, until it stopped on someone waving from afar.
Tavian stood there, a smile stretched across his face as his hand rose in greeting.
Who's that? Milo thought, his brows furrowing slightly. Does he know me?
Hyrax noticed Milo's distracted look and leaned closer.
"Hey, Milo, what's wrong?"
Milo blinked quickly and shook his head.
"No... nothing. Let's just keep moving."
Tavian took a step forward, as if suddenly deciding to approach Milo, but then froze in place.
A strange, heavy presence washed over him, making the very air feel heavier.
Slowly, he lifted his gaze toward the staircase leading to the upper floor and there stood Kazuhaya, glaring down at him with narrowed, furious eyes, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through him.
A cold shiver ran down Tavian's spine, and a faint, uneasy smile tugged at his lips. The thought of getting closer to Milo vanished instantly.
"A few minutes earlier, during the officials' discussion on the upper floor."
Ravena and the others were watching Tavian through the cameras.
"How should we handle him now?"
Kazhaya stood up.
"Madam Ravena, I can get him out of here. Trust me."
Ravena asked,
"How?"
Ryen intervened, scowling,
"He's just trying to gain your trust so he can get out of here."
Ravena responded calmly,
"Ryen, calm down. Kazhaya, tell me how you'll do it."
Kazhaya moved toward the exit door.
"I have my own ways."
Selvara interrupted him,
"Wait! Madam Ravena hasn't approved your plan yet."
Ravena sighed,
"Hah... Selvara, just let him..."
Bran watched them and sighed, clearly tired of the ongoing commotion.
Kryne stood in front of the door, watching Kazhaya intently, then slowly and politely, he stepped aside to let him pass.
Kazuhaya stepped through the door, heading down to the lower floor.
As Kazuhaya descended to the lower floor, he paid no attention to anyone else around him. His steps were steady, his focus unwavering Tavian.
Only a few steps separated them, yet the distance felt heavier than a mountain.
Milo's eyes shifted toward Tavian, realizing something had changed.
Tavian was no longer looking at him his focus had completely shifted elsewhere.
What the hell is with this guy...? Milo thought, a knot of unease twisting in his chest.
"Milo! Come on, what are you waiting for?" Herax called out.
Milo broke into a run toward him.
"Alright, alright!" he replied quickly.
But inside, his thoughts whispered uneasily:
There's definitely something going on here...
Kazhaya advanced toward Tavian, his eyes gleaming with hatred.
Strands of his blonde hair fell loosely, framing the cold expression on his face.
Tavian smiled:
"Oh... it's been a long time, Kazuhaya."
Kazuhaya interrupted angrily:
"Shut up, you scoundrel! I came to kill you here and now."
Tavian said,
"You're going to kill me?"
He opened his eyes with a confident, dangerous glare, continuing,
"You're still the same... saying things like that. Impossible."
Kazhaya charged a small amount of energy in his hand, preparing to attack while trying to avoid drawing attention from the public.
Tavian noticed immediately and said,
"Ah, hold on, hold on... have you forgotten we already have what you want? Don't let hatred ruin everything between us."
Kazhaya's anger surged, but he forced himself to stop, though his fury still radiated strongly.
Tavian, with a teasing tone, asked,
"What do you say about joining us? It would be my pleasure to have a talented person like you on board."
Suddenly, someone shouted,
"Oh my god, it's Kazhaya!"
Many passersby on the lower floor were stunned and turned toward him.
"It's really Kazhaya... Leader of the Eighth Guild!"
"Can I get a picture?"
"Kazhaya, I want your autograph!"
Kazhaya let out a frustrated groan,
"Ughh!"
As the crowd gathered around Kazuhaya, Tavian stepped back, thinking to himself,
"Think about it, Kazuhaya... Now, farewell!"
Then Tavian's presence disappeared among the people, vanishing without a trace.
Kazhaya stared at him, still ignoring the crowd around him.
He thought to himself,
"I swear... I swear I will kill you!"
Kazhaya's expression shifts from furious to polite, his sharp eyes softening as he faces the eager crowd.
Voices from the crowd:
"Kazhaya, can I get a picture?"
"Kazhaya, teach me your fighting style!"
"Kazhaya!"
The calls echo all around him, people reaching out, their admiration almost suffocating.
Kazhaya (smiling lightly, raising his hand):
"Alright, alright... I'll grant your requests, just give me a little space."
Suddenly, a figure pushes through the crowd-it's Celestine. Without hesitation, she grabs Kazhaya's hand.
Celestine (to the crowd, apologetic but firm):
"Everyone, I'm sorry! Kazhaya is very busy with me right now, so photos and autographs will have to wait until later."
She pulls him away quickly, weaving through the sea of people, leaving the crowd murmuring behind them.
Celestine pulls Kazhaya by the hand, rushing him toward the staircase. Without hesitation, they ascend to the upper floor.
A few bystanders attempt to follow, but the guards immediately step in, blocking the way.
Guards (firmly, to the crowd):
"We apologize, but the upper floors are restricted to staff only."
The murmurs of disappointment ripple through the people left behind, while Kazhaya and Celestine vanish upstairs.
The scene shifts back to Milo.
Milo and Hirax stood outside the Guild Agency. Milo's medium build and brown hair gave him a calm look, while Hirax's stronger frame and black hair made him appear protective. Together, they looked ready for anything, side by side.
Hirax asked Milo, "Did you see the leader of the Eighth Guild?"
Milo replied, "Yes, but didn't you notice? He was extremely angry."
Hirax responded, "Angry? Why would he be angry? Could it be because of the crowd around him?"
Milo said, "Hirax, I think there's really something going on there. Also, why would the leader be here? Shouldn't they be busy with their guilds or on missions?"
Hirax nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm... you're somewhat right."
Suddenly, Milo stopped and looked ahead.
There, in front of him, was that person again.
The man standing before Milo had long green hair that fell over his shoulders, with two long strands framing his face. His usual smile was sly and calm at the same time, giving him a mysterious and captivating appearance that also commanded caution.
Hirax looked at Milo, concern in his eyes.
"M-Milo? Do you know this guy?"
Milo's gaze fixed on the mysterious figure before him. His brow furrowed as he tried to assess the situation.
Then, he spoke directly to the man, his voice firm but cautious.
"You again... what do you want?"
The mysterious man looked at Milo, a sly smile never leaving his face, and asked in a calm voice that carried a strange weight:
"Milo... right?"
Milo was stunned by the question, his eyes widening slightly, unsure of how to respond.
The man repeated the question, confirming what he had heard:
"Milo... is that your name?"
Milo, shocked and angry, grabbed the front of his collar and shouted loudly:
"How did you find out about this?!"
Milo froze, his grip on his collar tightening as he stared at the green-haired man.
"Calm... calm, it's just a name," the man said, raising his hands slowly, a sly smile still playing on his lips.
"I'll tell you my name too... I am Toxivar."
Hirax crossed his arms, assessing the situation carefully.
Milo, still tense, spoke up,
"What do you want from me? Why are you following me like this?"
Toxivar raised his hands slightly in a calming gesture, his sly smile unchanged.
"Calm down... I am not your enemy! I am a friend of Lucas. Do you remember him?" Toxivar asked.
Milo's eyes widened, disbelief mixing with curiosity.
"Lucas! You actually know him?"
Toxivar nodded calmly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, yes. I am his friend. You can ask him when you see him again... just ask about me, Toxivar."
Milo took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"Alright... but what do you want from me?"
Toxivar replied calmly,
"I need to speak with you... just the two of us. Let's meet at the park in the evening, by the fountain."
Milo frowned slightly, unsure but cautious, and responded,
"Alright... as you wish. But don't even think about doing anything bad."
Toxivar lowered his head and placed a hand over his heart.
"Thank you, Milo!"
As time passed, midday approached, and the bright sunlight streamed through the city windows, carrying a gentle warmth. The city moved at its usual pace, with the sounds of people and vehicles filling the streets, yet the atmosphere felt calmer compared to the tension at the Guild.
Milo and Hirax had finished their training and stepped out of the Guild, their strides matching, each lost in his own thoughts after the mysterious encounter with Toxivar. The sunlight reflected across their faces, highlighting the faint signs of fatigue from their exertion, yet they remained alert and aware of what might come next.
The two decided to head to a nearby restaurant for a light meal, a place where they could rest and regain energy before continuing with the rest of the day.
As they sat in the restaurant, quietly eating their meal, Hirax looked up at Milo and asked,
"Hey, Milo... who is Lucas? And what's the deal with that guy?"
Milo tried to avoid the topic, responding in a low, evasive voice,
"Nothing... just a passing matter."
Hirax smiled slightly, reassuringly,
"Then it's not something important or dangerous, don't worry."
Milo remained silent, feeling a little uneasy.
Hirax added, teasing as he shook his head,
"As usual, Milo... you hide things from me."
Suddenly, a voice shouted, calling out loudly:
"Hiiiraaaax!"
Reader reminder: Ryo is Herax's friend and part of Milo's group. He's playful and often creates humorous or lighthearted situations.
Some tears streamed down Ryo's face.
Herax asked, concerned,
"Ryo... what's wrong?"
Milo looked on, surprised.
Ryo replied, almost wailing,
"I got rejected... again!"
Herax laughed heartily at him.
"Come on, come sit."
Milo asked, curious,
"Don't you get tired... or give up?"
Ryo sat beside them, a faint slap mark visible on his face.
Milo and Herax both laughed when they saw it.
Herax patted Ryo on the back while chuckling,
"Don't worry, don't worry... there are still plenty of beautiful girls in Novara."
Ryo shouted at them,
"Stop laughing at meeee!"
Milo and Herax were still laughing, but said,
"Alright, alright..."
After that the three of them laughed together for a moment, the tension easing, and then returned to their meal, the atmosphere lighter and more relaxed.
Tavian sat on the couch in a quiet room, a black-haired girl asleep peacefully in his lap. With his other hand, he held a phone and spoke in a low but firm voice:
"Hello... did you get what I ordered?"
On the other end of the line appeared a blonde girl wearing the staff uniform of the Guild Agency, with a cap covering part of her head. Her long blonde hair was tied into a side-swept ponytail resting over her shoulder, with a light strand framing her face. She looked focused on her task, her eyes sharp and attentive, holding the phone as she replied:
"Yes, everything is done as you asked,sir."
Tavian replied, running his fingers through the black-haired girl's hair in his lap:
"Good job. Now finish your work like the rest of the clients, and call me afterwards."
The girl responded softly:
"Yes, sir."
She reached behind her, grabbed the phone, and ended the call.
Celestine, watching the scene, spoke sharply:
"Oh... alright, alright. An employee here avoiding her work and, on top of that, talking to someone? Can you tell me who your master is, the one you were speaking to?"
The girl's forehead beaded with sweat from fear, and she whispered:
"Damn it..."
Then she turned around, her face filled with anger, glaring at Celestine, who had taken the phone from her.
The girl stared at Celestine, her eyes glinting with caution and quick thinking. She was formulating a plan to prove what was happening without revealing herself, striving to keep everything secret and protect her master's schemes.
Celestine, meanwhile, stood there calmly, but her suspicions had reached their peak, as if she sensed that behind this temporary truce, something much larger was looming on the horizon.