My mother often dwelled on the importance of emotions and their profound impact. In her eyes they were just as powerful as much as they were dangerous. Emotions could heavily influence one's judgment, it's not easy to remain impartial to the situations that life presents us with, analyze them and decide accordingly. Most of the time, we simplistic humans act following our emotions rather than logic.

When we are happy, we tend to be more relaxed and less cautious of our surroundings; our guard tends to lower and we take decisions nonchalantly without considering the potential risks they bring with them.

On the other hand, sadness could heighten our awareness of the world around us. In this state, we are more inclined to meticulously consider the consequences of our actions, striving to evade further distress. We may even become paranoid, overthinking the situations life lays ahead.

Ultimately, emotions, with their infinite hues, cloud our rationality, causing our affinity to deal with them sway in their tumultuous dance.

To address this, my mother established several ground rules. First of all, before taking an important decision, one should ensure a good night's sleep and decide the following day, as 'night brings counsel'. Never take a decision during nighttime. Additionally, to maintain a clear and neutral mind, decisions should be made away from meals, with the stomach neither too full nor too empty, and after having analyzed the situation we're currently in.

Yet, even with all that, it was still a challenge. My mother often fell victim to her own emotions as well. How could she not, after all? Her love for me knew no bounds. Every time her eyes fell upon me, they shimmered with adoration, as if the stars themselves danced in her eyes.

I was her joy, her cherished daughter, she would shower me with kisses, affectionately and fervently caressing me. I was a spoiled little kid, and I loved it, but I loved her even more, immeasurably.

However, when Laura proposed me that job, I immediately accepted, throwing to the wind all of those precious notions. I was a slave of my own emotions, too... But I wanted to explore more of this new side of me. I craved more of those feelings, I couldn't resist. Pretty shameless of me...

And so I followed Laura into Leonard's office, it was nighttime. The room was illuminated by a dim yellow light, quite the rustic charm; he sat behind his cluttered desk, surrounded by stacks of papers. I could tell he was busy. Laura positioned herself beside him, like a loyal bodyguard.

"Lady Argenta, I take that you realized there is a specific reason for you being here than merely because of a vacancy in the membership that required to be filled," the leader regarded me.

"I suspected it. It was strange that a guild of this caliber could even consider an anomaly as myself," I remarked.

"You mustn't think so lowly of yourself, Lady Argenta. Your services are precisely what I've been looking for. Laura spoke highly of your abilities. You've passed the test, we may proceed with the paperwork and discuss about what I would like you to do."

"Shouldn't the Guild Master handle that?" I asked. Normally, the Guild Master deals with the paperwork of the guild, while the Guild Leader oversees the practical aspects and manages its members.

"It's... complicated," he let out a weary sigh. "Yes, that's usually how it goes. but the Guild Master has his reasons for not handling it."

"I see... May I ask what will it be of Joey?" I questioned.

"His spells may be interesting, but unfortunately, they are of no use to us if he doesn't employ them. However... I may consider the idea of having him as a collaborator if you lend us your services," he proposed, almost sounding as a threat.

My interest piqued. "What do you want me to do, exactly?"

"I'll get straight to the point. I need you to assassinate someone."

I frowned, raising my guard. What was the meaning of this? And it didn't sound like an offer I could refuse, either... "May I ask what makes you think I'm the right person for this job?"

"There are several reasons," he said, picking up a paper, glancing at it. "While your rank is confirmed as only A+, your skills with the blade surpass many, from what I've heard. I'm also aware you were a spy for your former guild. And besides... this wouldn't be your first time taking a life, would it?" he responded.

His tone grated on me. He acted as if he knew everything about me and my past right away; an attitude I despise.

"It seems like my ex-guild revealed far more information than I anticipated," I remarked, giving away my hostility.

"Don't worry, that's not their usual practice. Your former Guild Master and I are very good friends. I handled all the communications with him, and I was particularly intrigued by you, Lady Argenta," he reassured, clearly attempting to win my favor.

"Well... let's hear, then. Please, give me the details," I hurried with a sigh. No point in lingering at this point, being now part of this guild. The premise was interesting after all; I could even allow Joey to stay within it.

"Lady Argenta, are you familiar with the process of claiming a dungeon?" he questioned.

I shook my head.

"Well, it's rather simple. Guilds have scouters. When a dungeon is discovered, it must be reported to the city's tavern. As you may already know, the tavern is the hub for all quests. Typically, a guild that discovers a dungeon aims to clear it themselves, so they claim it. The tavern's receptionist then assigns an expiration date for the quest. Pretty straightforward, isn't it? But when outsiders discover a dungeon... things become more complicated. Usually, the dungeon is posted on the quest board, and adventurers or guilds can claim it. However, when a dungeon is S-rank or above, it poses a significant danger and needs to be cleared as quickly as possible. In such cases, the tavern, with its connections to all the guilds, sends them a letter to inform them about it, and a conference is held to determine the course of action and the guild responsible for the task. The appointed guild must assemble a party and complete the quest within a specified time frame. If they fail, the quest takes higher priority and is offered to another guild or group of adventurers capable of the task. If only corruption didn't exist..." he proclaimed, I could sense a hint of anger in his words. It almost sounded like a personal matter...

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"Oh, please enlighten me," I pressed.

"In two months, the city will host its annual festival, a grand celebration where the City Lord will highlight the city's achievements and those of its guilds. It's a cherished event, held only once a year, honoring the contributions and merits of its people. You should know that guild rankings are determined by their accomplishments. Our guild, the Abyss Reavers, aims to claim the third position, currently held by the Envokers. However, the Envokers aren't pleased about us threatening to steal their spot. One of our informants overheard a conversation between the tavern's receptionist and an Envokers' guild member. They manipulated the situation to falsely attribute the find to the Envokers, ensuring there would be no debate about it. This is unacceptable!" Leonard suddenly punched his desk, startling Laura, who winced at the action.

I could understand his point of view; the Envokers clearly did it to safeguard their position. I suppose Joey was right when he said the guilds weren't in good terms, but many things were not clear. "How can you be sure that you'd be appointed to clear the dungeon if a conference were held?" I asked.

With a flick of his index finger, Leonard pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, regaining his composure. "There are several factors at play. Dungeon assignments are influenced by various considerations, including the guild's situation, location, status, and the capabilities of its members. Currently, Zafferbridge hosts the top four guilds, with the seventh and twelfth guilds also holding sway. However, the top two guilds are occupied with external matters, rendering them unavailable. The third-ranked guild is in an alliance with the twelfth, but the latter's headquarters lie far outside the city, and they are not strong enough to handle a Double-S dungeon without assistance. Both our guild and the seventh guild are strong and allied, and we are conveniently located closer to the dungeon, with efficient means of access. Were a conference held, we would undoubtedly be the prime candidates for the task of clearing it," he confidently explained.

"Wouldn't they suspect you of the assassination? It's extremely convenient for you," I asked afterward.

"There may be suspicions, but no proof. Our informant remains unknown to them, and there were no witnesses," he reassured.

"And how do you even know it's a Double-S dungeon before entering it?" I finally asked.

He widened his eyes in surprise. "You don't know how to recognize a dungeon?"

I shook my head. "I've always followed my ex-guild leader's orders. And so far I've never been in a S-rank dungeon."

He adjusted his glasses with his index finger once again. "Well, it doesn't matter... Before entering a dungeon, there is an arch with various engravings. The numbers of the engravings define its rank. Six engravings mean it's a Double-S dungeon. They are rare, but they always have rich rewards. With it, we could reach the top three, especially since the Envokers haven't been performing well lately. A higher rank also means more paperwork... but it also means more quests and bigger rewards; we could afford a proper healer," he explained.

"I'm surprised you can clear such dungeons without an healer. In a good way, I mean."

"We have a skilled libromancer proficient in defensive spells, and our members are exceptionally reliable. With you, we currently have nine members, not counting collaborators, of course. A healer will be our final addition, hopefully."

"Quite the low number. My ex-guild had twenty-eight."

"High rank guilds prioritize quality over quantity. But I can concur, that's why they form parties to clear dungeons. The higher the rank of a libromancer or adventurer, the more expensive they are. Libromancers with healing spells are also particularly rare, to the point extent that many settle for lower rank healers. But we aim to reach greater heights. Do you have any more questions?" he asked.

I was glad to hear such words. I indeed chose the perfect guild for me.

"No... not really. Give me the details of the assassination, please. Do I have to kill the corrupted one?"

"No. All you need to do is eliminate a key member of the Envokers, and I need you to do it tomorrow, Lady Argenta," he proclaimed.

My eyes widened at the information. "That's... quite the task, don't you think?"

It was suicidal. Killing a member of one of the top three guilds without any knowledge of the target's habits, routines, or the layout of the building or the city itself...? I couldn't help but frown at his demand.

"I know. I acknowledge it, Lady Argenta. I had hoped for your arrival earlier in the city, but it must be done tomorrow. Being a Double-S dungeon, the Envokers have only set the expiration date for their entry, since the duration to clear such dungeons is uncertain. And because of the alliance with the twelfth guild, they're proceeding cautiously, delaying their entry. With just five days remaining before the quest expires, they're likely waiting until the last moment. However, with the death of their member, they'll be compelled to attend the funeral, and the quest will meet its expiration. That's when we'll seize the opportunity. Even if they were prepared, they won't be able to take any action since failing a quest renders it unavailable to those who failed," he explained.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. And yet, somehow, it sounded appealing...

"Of course, I'll assist you to the best of my ability," he persuaded. "I can provide you with a map, even a weapon if needed. And if you wish, Lady Argenta, I can offer you a reward of your choice."

"Hmm... I do have a request, then," I said.

"What is it?"

"I want to participate in that Double-S dungeon."

Leonard frowned, squinting at me. While Laura regarded him with a glance from the corner of her eye.

Clearly, I dared to ask something I shouldn't have.

"Are you certain? We can reach a compromise, if you prefer," Leonard offered after a heavy moment of silence.

"I'm here to go beyond my limit, not to compromise," I remarked.

"Naturally... very well, then. Should you succeed, you'll earn your place in the Double-S dungeon. For now, hide your rank at the rest of the members; you may encounter some tomorrow. Many are busy with other tasks these days," Leonard remarked adjusting his glasses with index finger. "Now, it's getting late. We can continue the discussion tomorrow."

"Very well, I shall take my leave, then," I replied with a graceful bow, before turning to happily retreat to my room.

- - - - - - -

I was organizing paperwork on my desk when Laura suddenly regarded me.

"Leader... are you sure about this? Yes, she may be skilled. But to undertake a Double-S dungeon..."

"Well, I understand your concern, Laura. But if she can successfully carry out an assassination of that caliber, then she's worthy of attention. She's her daughter, after all..."

"Her..." Laura let out a gasp of realization. "You mean...?!"

"I'm surprised it took you this long to realize, being the one that met her in person. Are you losing your touch, Laura?" I teased lightly.

"I was sure I'd seen those eyes before! But... I didn't realize it was her. So she really had a daughter!" Laura exclaimed, her face shocked.

"Well, I trust you understand my decision now," I remarked.

"Should I keep an eye on her, Leader?" she asked.

"No... let Lady Argenta surprise us."