Inside the Secret Hideout of the Atlas Research Institute, guards have been placed in front of the organization’s conference room as the key members (Pillars) of their illegal group will be having an important discussion regarding their plans. However, they seem to leave Celaeno out of this for various reasons, as he and all of his black hooded men are all outside the premise of their Hideout.

Upon the arrival of the two pillars, Marthel and Vivianne, the guards gave them a formal bow as a sign of respect for their position.

“Sir Marthel, Lady Vivianne, welcome. Master, along with his close aides are already inside and are awaiting you two.”

“Hmm.”

Marthel massages his chin and turns his glance towards Vivianne.

“Looks like a matter of real importance. I never thought that one day, he will be the first one to arrive.”

Vivianne nodded in response.

“Yes. His research and scope aside, his expansion of the organization’s branches must be keeping him busier than usual.”

“Then let’s not waste any more of his time.”

As the guard opens the door, the two gently walk inside while still being escorted by their servants.

Wearing a robe with mixed colors of the other three pillars (white, black, and azure) and a stone mask which is obviously a rare relic, the First Pillar, who is also the Founder of their organization, gives them his warm greeting.

“Ah…Vivianne, Marthel. Welcome! How long has it been since I saw the two of you?”

The two then kneel on one knee and lower their heads. Marthel responds first:

“It has been two years since we last saw each other, Master.”

“Yes. After all, the Master has been busy for the sake of our organization.” ← Vivianne

The first pillar does a gesture for them to raise their heads and stand which the two just did.

“Time sure does fly fast when you’re occupied. Nevermind that, my time may have been spent outside of the main branch, but it was a time well spent.”

Marthel then inquires after reading the lines.

“Main branch…does that mean other branches have already been established, Master?”

Their master smiles behind the mask and raises both of his hands.

“Rejoice, my pillars. I am hereby announcing to the two of you that a second branch has already been established.”

As the two were about to clap, six individuals then emerged from the shadows behind their Master, each wearing different types of robes.

“With the establishment of the second branch, I have also honed individuals worthy to be a part of the key members. While the main branch has the four pillars, the second branch will be supervised by the four scholars.”

Marthel’s eyes twitches for a second. He then begins to observe the people that their Master has brought in.

“Pardon my lack of insight Master, but–”

“Ahh, you mean the numbers.”

The Master already foresaw what Marthel was about to ask. As for Marthel himself, he nods as a confirmation.

“Celaeno might be away for a long while. We need someone to replace him for the meantime, though let's call this an indemnity. After all, we can't rule out the fact that his adversary this time involves them–”

“[Grim Fate]...” ← Marthel

“Right. And so, we need to be prepared. His research however, is precious. To be able to see the final product of it would surely be most beneficial to the Institute.”

Their Master then taps the shoulder of the black hooded individual next to him, who seems to be the replacement for Celaeno.

“Let me introduce you to the temporary Third Pillar, Zillek. His research is the closest to Celaeno’s, which is why he would be the best choice as his surrogate.”

Zillek lifts the hood up which reveals an adult man, with brown spiky hair whose eyes are akin to a wolf’s. As he opens his mouth, it is also noticeable that he has two fangs which undeniably matches his eyes.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“I'm honored to be a part of the high circle.”

He then steps back just after his short speech.

Marthel and Vivianne shrugs that fact and just gives a nod to the man. Their Master then clasps his hands and announces:

“Despite of it all, I am willing to give all resources necessary for Celaeno to oversee the final product of his research. Now then, my apprentices–”

Their Master gestures to the glass of wines prepared on the table and picks up one of them. He raised it and took a glance at each member present in the hall.

“For the pursuit of knowledge and our never ending curiosity. For Atlas.”

Everyone present then follows suit and repeats the same phrase. Their meeting ended with the introduction of each head and the scope of their research. Marthel and Vivianne were the first to leave the hall as they have matters to discuss between themselves.

“Looks like we’re bidding farewell to Celaeno.”

“.....” Vivianne kept quiet for the meantime.

Marthel then takes a quick glance at her and sighs.

“Change is constant. Keeping up with it is the difficult part, but adapting is what we humans are best at, right?”

Vivianne responds–

“Master Marthel. What are the odds that we're going to be replaced as well…?”

Marthel ceases his saunter.

“Vivianne, what do you mean by that?”

“Ah, nothing much. I just overthink something. It's a bad habit of mine.” Vivianne sighs.

“Do not mistake the Master’s actions. I know he could strike you as cold-hearted, but he has all the reason to have second thoughts about Celaeno’s outcome.”

“You mean…about [Grim Fate]’s involvement in this?”

Marthel nods.

“You see, the Master had some…history with that certain guild. A few only know of this, but I'll at least tell you–”

He looks around to confirm that they're not being eavesdropped.

“–he once was defeated by them. Specifically, that {Fate Threader}.”

As all the participants left the hall, only the Master of [Atlas Research Institute] was left inside. He touches the stone mask and grips it tightly as if remembering something he wants to forget.

“Zephyr Gersche.”

He then pulls up a clip of papers from a storage chest. Inscribed on the paper is none other than the report of the failed operation of his past journey to a certain village near Frostfall.

“The next time we meet. Not only that cursed witch, but I will possess every secret knowledge that you have!!!”

The Master and the founder of the illegal research organization, Roderick, is thirsting for vengeance.

— — —

“Eh, King Crow engaged with a hunter in Fritz Forest? And he what? He lost!?”

Zephyr was flabbergasted about the fact that a giant man like King Crow would lose to some hunter who's just lurking in Fritz Forest that he always uses for his own excursions. The report came from a scroll Anastasia handed to him just recently.

Zephyr lets out a heavy sigh and lightly scratches his cheek.

‘Okay, as a responsible and caring Clan Leader, it's only natural to visit and give him some fruits right? Time to head out I guess.’

As he was about to leave the Guild Master’s Hall, Anastasia opens the door, bumping into Zephyr thereafter.

“Ah…M-Master Zep, I'm sorry for getting in your way…”

Anastasia brushes her hair and steps aside while looking down, embarrassed.

‘Hm? Feels like Anastasia is troubled by something. Maybe the incident bothers her too? After all, she and King Crow formed a party once. She must be worried as well. Let's invite her.’

“Ana, wanna go with me? I'm visiting King Crow.”

Anastasia raises her head and turns to Zephyr.

“Is Master Zep finally going to make a move?”

Zephyr tilts his head, his poker face gives out an aura of confusion, but not for Ana who already has a delusional image of Zephyr being the mastermind of everything etched into her core. Zephyr then massages his nape and thinks that Anastasia is indirectly telling him that he's always in the Guild Hall doing absolutely nothing, getting bored out of his mind.

“I guess, yeah? I'm gonna move.”

Anastasia nods, her eyes are set to follow him everywhere.

“Lead the way, Master Zep. I shall follow everything you say as always.”

‘Ana, we’re only checking things out with King Crow. Also, I wanna know how he got defeated– wait, there's also that other guild who just got attacked right?’

Zephyr and Anastasia then leave their Guild Hall and make their way towards the place where King Crow and the others are being treated.

While on their way, Zephyr had a premonition that more responsibility will be placed on his back which makes him lose motivation.

‘Ugh…my lazy side weeps. Why am I feeling like I'll be burdened with responsibilities I didn't ask for as soon as I meet with King Crow.’

As he looked up at the sky, he saw a flock of birds roaming which hits him with a sudden realization of how free and easy living the birds are which made him wish that he was one of them.

‘Ahh…birds are nice. I wanna be one, haha.’

He unconsciously lets out a simper as he looks to them. As Anastasia looked at him, Zephyr was already back to his usual self.

“What's wrong, Ana?”

Anastasia shakes her head lightly.

“Nothing, Master Zep.” She then thought: ‘Master already saw the outcome, as expected.’ Her delusions kept getting worse.

— — —

Meanwhile, a secret hideout was established inside an uncleared dungeon.

“So it's really possible for the dungeon to not collapse as long as the boss is still existing.”

“Amazed, Ajax? That's only the basics when it comes to my research.”

The dungeon boss, which is some sort of a humanoid reptile, can be seen restrained and cut off of its limbs while getting constantly healed every now and then to sustain the dungeon.

“Hah. And why do you think I stick around the Institute despite being a duelist. It's because I can learn something like this once in a while.”

Ajax then notices that Celaeno was alerted by something, as he saw Celaeno's eye widened.

“Hey, you look like you've seen a pafh (Ghost).”

“Unbelievable…!” Celaeno frowns.

“What is?” Ajax inquires

Celaeno stands up and walks around while assuming a thinking pose. This just makes Ajax more confused.

“Hey! Are you gonna tell me something or what?”

Celaeno then turns his gaze towards Ajax with an unpleasant look, which changes in just a few seconds.

‘This man, he's getting quite full of himself speaking to me like that!’

He cleared his throat and finally explains:

“It would seem like a certain hunter from Telmaris can detect my observation spell through the birds.”

Celaeno then clicks his tongue.

“Rejoice Ajax, once your arms are completely healed, I will let you make a ruckus once again.”

“Heh, looking forward to it!”