The next day, Remedy headed to a secondary branch of the Sullen Guild, located a few streets away from his home. These annexes handled everyday matters: minor transactions, registrations, and above all… training room rentals.
And that's exactly why I'm here, he thought as he pushed open the building's heavy door.
The interior was a hive of activity. Players of all ages and levels bustled about, chatting in front of notice boards or lining up at the counters. Remedy slipped through the crowd, observing everything with the curiosity of a newcomer.
That was when a young woman—clearly older than him and strikingly beautiful—approached with a smile a little too wide to be completely innocent.
— Hello, little brother! Looks like it's your first time here, she said in a melodious voice. Don't worry, tell me everything. Big Sister will take good care of you… since it's your first time.
Uh… what you're saying is really, really misleading, you know? he thought, a bead of sweat sliding down his temple.
Are all women this age like this?
He snapped back to reality when he caught himself staring at her. The young woman pretended to recoil, playing the role of a startled maiden.
— Oh my! Don't look at me like that! Even if it's your first time, we can't do thaaat! she exclaimed loudly enough to draw attention.
Heads turned. Smirks appeared. Remedy froze, mortified, his face burning.
— A-ahem! That's not what I… I mean… he stammered.
He was interrupted by the woman's frank, liberating laughter as she finally lost it.
— Pfff—ahahah! Sorry, sorry! I was joking! You should've seen your face!
Around them, a few regulars nodded, laughing as well. — Another newbie tricked by the manager. Classic.
D-damn… she got me good, Remedy realized, both relieved and slightly vexed.
— Sorry for the little act, she said as she calmed down, a mischievous smile on her lips. Let me introduce myself: I'm the manager of this Sullen Guild annex. You can call me… Big Sister Manager.
— Yes… Huh?!
— What, you don't want to? You— Her smile suddenly gained a dangerous edge.
A survival instinct chill ran down Remedy's spine. He clearly didn't have a choice. — V-very well! Big Sister Manager!
— Much better. Now tell your big sister—what brings you here?
— I… I'm here to rent a training room.
— I figured. Rank E (Level 15 max), right?
— Exactly!
— Perfect. Follow me, I'll show you the way.
He followed her into a corridor with polished stone walls that led to a fork.
— Here we are. On the left, the mental sector (simulations, psychic resistance, energy control). On the right, the physical sector (strength, endurance, combat against simulacra). So, what will you start with, little brother?
Normally, physical… but strengthening my mind wouldn't hurt. The real question is the order…
— I'm not sure. Do you have any advice, Big Sister?
— If you start with mental training, you'll be drained for physical. If you start with physical, you won't have the focus for mental. The eternal dilemma.
A hint of disappointment crossed Remedy's face. He wanted to improve everything—and fast.
— You're disappointed? You wanted to do both at once? she guessed accurately.
— …A little, yes, he admitted.
— You know, rushing things isn't good, little brother, she said, leaning dangerously close, as if about to impart a life lesson.
Remedy leaned back, narrowly avoiding an awkward collision.
— But… since you called me Big Sister, I'll give you a gift today. Follow me.
A gift? Intrigued, he followed her to a discreet elevator located exactly at the junction of the two corridors.
They descended. The doors opened onto an underground hall far more spacious, luxurious, and silent than the floor above.
— These are the VIP training rooms. We call this the All-in-One sector.
— All-in-One?
— Exactly. These rooms combine mental and physical training into an integrated program. So? Do you like Big Sister's gift?
— Yes, it's exactly what I need! But… it must be insanely expensive, right? he worried.
They stopped in front of a smooth, handleless door emitting a faint bluish glow.
— Insanely expensive? Not really. Just 1,500 gold coins per session.
Remedy's brain calculated at lightning speed.
One gold coin = 1,000 credits.
1,500 coins = 1,500,000 credits!
— T-THAT'S NOT INSANELY EXPENSIVE?! For a training room?!
The door opened with a pneumatic hiss. Before he could protest further, the pretty manager gently but firmly pushed him inside.
— It's a gift. So use it well. And trust me—for what it offers, it's not that expensive. She waved at him, her smile turning playful again. — See you later. And train hard… or Big Sister… will… pu-nish you!
The doors closed behind him, isolating him in sudden silence.
— Ah… Remedy sighed, alone in the antechamber. This Big Sister is really… something.
He turned to finally observe the famous "All-in-One" training room his exuberant benefactor had given him.
— Well. Let's see what this "gift" is all about…
---
Meanwhile, far from the Sullen Guild, life went on as usual.
Sora was returning from her morning classes, dragging her feet along the sidewalk, her bag heavy with books she hadn't opened. She was being followed.
A discreet silhouette, whose steps made no sound on the concrete, blended into the shadows cast by the buildings, moving with mechanical fluidity. It had spent the morning roaming the neighborhood, asking harmless questions, cross-referencing information. A picture had formed.
Sora.
Remedy's cousin.
Living together.
A link. A vulnerability.
The silhouette followed the girl to a modest but well-kept house, mentally noting the address, exits, habits.
— I'm home! Sora called as she pushed open the door.
Inside, her mother, Flora, was sitting by the window, busy mending a piece of clothing.
— Welcome back, sweetheart. How was school? she asked without looking up.
Sora collapsed onto a chair with a theatrical groan. — Haaa… I hate school.
— You shouldn't say that, Flora gently scolded her. Your Awakening Event is coming soon. Make a little effort. You might get a wonderful profession.
— Remedy already has one. That's more than enough for two people, Sora retorted with a yawn.
— You can't put everything on your brother's shoulders, Flora sighed. And stop being so lazy!
— Haaa, I just want a quiet life… By the way, where's Remedy? He's not here?
— No. He said he was going to train. I think he went to the secondary branch of the Sullen Guild, not far from here.
— I see…
Outside, in front of the door, the silhouette listening to every word withdrew. It didn't run—it simply seemed to dissolve into the midday heat, disappearing with supernatural speed and discretion.
Inside the house, Sora suddenly shivered.
— By the way… isn't it a little cold all of a sudden? she asked, looking at the door as if sensing something.
— Don't look for excuses to do nothing! her mother called out, breaking the moment.
Sora shook her head, dismissing the fleeting unease. I must be really tired…
---
A few streets away, in a deserted alley, the silhouette reappeared, walking at a measured pace. A thick hooded cloak completely concealed its form, revealing nothing of its appearance. The fabric seemed to absorb the light itself.
A key piece of information had been acquired. Simple. Precise. Useful.
Primary target location confirmed: Sullen Guild, secondary branch.
The mission could begin.
---
Chapter 20 — End.