image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]
In the heart of the guild's second floor, the conference room was alive with tension. At its center, Prince Avo, the guild's formidable leader, commanded attention. His presence was accentuated by intricately crafted armor, a masterpiece forged by the renowned runesmiths of the Dwarven kingdom, radiating an aura of unrivaled power.
Beside him sat a young girl whose penetrating gray eyes and lustrous black hair shrouded her in an air of enigma. A dark cloak partially concealed her face, adding to her mysterious allure.
Hours passed as Arbious kept both Mila and Graybeard in anxious anticipation. With a crucial client waiting, Graybeard had no choice but to commence the meeting without him.
Upon ascending to the second floor, a waiter ushered them to their reserved conference room. Standing outside, Mila's face reflected a trace of worry as she prepared to enter.
"It's okay lass. Just follow my lead. There is no need for concern." Graybeard urged.
When the two entered the room, Prince Avo's voice boomed through the air, sizing them up with a discerning gaze. "Graybeard, you're late!"
"Apologies if I kept you waiting." Graybeard replied as he went in to shake Avo's hand. "I presume this young lady by your side, is the client?" Graybeard questioned; His voice tinged with curiosity.
With a graceful motion, the girl pulled back her hood, revealing her face, and introduced herself. Her poise and composure spoke volumes, displaying strength and sociability. In comparison, Mila appeared somewhat awkward and shy, contrasting with the client's self-assured presence. "I am Aria Le Gray, daughter of Lady Le Gray, the one who sought your services for this task."
"My lady," Graybeard murmured, bowing his head respectfully. "We are deeply honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting you."
"As you should be." Aria affirmed, gracefully taking her seat and gesturing for the rest of them to do the same.
As they settled down, Aria wasted no time and dived straight into business. "I require your services to escort me into the woods. I assume you have been briefed on the details, but if not, allow me to clarify."
She paused momentarily, taking a deep breath before continuing. "The Arcanite Shrooms, unique to this region, possess the ability to cause irritation to the skin of demons. Though their effect is primarily effective against lower-level demons such as imps, given the recent turn of events, this fungus could serve as a potent weapon against the ongoing demonic invasion. With your assistance, we aim to mass-produce this substance."
With curiosity getting the better of her, Mila interjected, asking, "How are we supposed to help, and what are we protecting you from?"
"Your primary role is to protect me from the wraiths that haunt the woods," Aria responded. "Do any of you possess the ability to cast holy magic?"
Mila nodded in confirmation.
"Understood," Aria acknowledged, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "As for our departure, I am ready to leave immediately. We cannot afford any further delays, given the dire situation the elves are facing."
"Nasty business, these wraiths," Prince Avo remarked.
"Indeed," Graybeard muttered, his mind still on the mission.
Aria's face showed a flicker of dissatisfaction. "I thought you were a party of three?" she asked, her tone sharp. "Is there something you're not telling us?"
Graybeard squared his shoulders, tension evident in his posture. "We are. Our companion is just running late."
Just then, the door swung open with a commanding force, and Arbious strode into the room. His imposing figure filled the doorway, casting a shadow across the floor. "Apologies for the delay," Arbious said, his voice resonating with an unsettling calm and disinterest. "I had some...unfinished business."
Prince Avo's gaze locked onto Arbious, a mix of irritation and grudging respect flickering in his eyes. "And you must be Arbious, the one Graybeard spoke of with such admiration?" he questioned, "Your timing is impeccable."
Arbious took his place beside Graybeard and Mila, his presence immediately shifting the room's atmosphere. He glanced at Aria, whose dissatisfaction had now turned into cautious curiosity.
"Yes, that's correct," Arbious confirmed.
Aria's eyes sparked with amusement as she diverted her attention from the previous topic. "So, he's the one responsible for the complete extermination of the goblins?"
"It was nothing..." Arbious responded, his hand gesturing for Mila who sat beside him. "She dealt with their leader, so it is she whom you should thank."
Mila seemed flustered by Arbious's comment, her cheeks slightly flushed. Aria's eyes narrowed, as she muttered to herself while leaning back in her chair, "Is that so..."
That answer did not satisfy Aria's curiosity. Something about Arbious told her to run as fast as she could, but she couldn't help herself. She was genuinely curious as to how dangerous he was. "The two of you have displayed exceptional prowess in battle, which is precisely why I specifically requested your assistance. I trust you won't let me down."
Graybeard's sudden movement stirred a sense of unease among them, but he stood up from his seat, seemingly unfazed, and spoke in a light-hearted tone. "You can count on us!" Graybeard declared confidently, a spark of pride in his eyes. "And if those wraiths dare to show up, they'll witness the might of my axe!"
Seizing the opportunity of Arbious's distraction, Aria's gaze shifted to him, a glimmer of interest in her eyes.
Yet Arbious's senses quickly caught on to her sniveling, and so, she diverted her attention to Graybeard's proclamation. "Very impressive, I trust that I will be safe in your hands." Aria commented.
"Then it seems our interview has come to an end," Prince Avo stated, handing over a guild form to Graybeard. Without a moment's hesitation, Graybeard signed it, solidifying their commitment to the task at hand.
"Lady Gray, are you prepared to depart, as you mentioned earlier?" Graybeard asked, turning his attention to Aria.
"Aria will suffice, and yes, let us waste no time."
image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]
They exited the guild hall and were greeted by the sight of a waiting caravan adorned with Lady Gray's distinctive sigil. The emblem depicted a gray dragon, symbolizing not only the power of their family but also their balanced position between the forces of good and evil.
The caravan stood ready for their journey, equipped with all the necessary provisions. Two sturdy horses were harnessed to it, prepared to facilitate their movement through the challenging terrain that awaited them.
They boarded the caravan, finding their places along the side walls as they settled in for the forthcoming journey. Graybeard assumed the role of leading the caravan, taking charge of the reins and guiding their path. In the spacious interior of the wagons, Mila, Aria, and Arbious sat in wait to embarked on their mission.
With a final check to ensure everything was secure, the caravan commenced its journey, gradually gaining momentum as it departed from its stationary position. As they left the guild behind, a sense of determination and anticipation filled the air, setting the tone for the adventure that lay ahead.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
----------------------------------------
Three hours passes, as the caravan travels to the Forest of Hilmor.
The caravan ventured deeper into the thick and dense forest, its towering trees creating a canopy that obstructed much of the sunlight. The forest floor remained shrouded in shadows, as if the trees conspired to withhold the warmth and brightness from reaching the ground below.
Despite the haunting presence of wraiths in these woods, Arbious marveled at the sight of a well-maintained road cutting through the wilderness. The paved pathway ensured smooth and efficient travel, a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of humanity. It was an impressive feat, considering the myriad challenges posed by the forest's eerie inhabitants.
As they continued along the road, the dense foliage and looming trees acted as silent sentinels, keeping a watchful eye on their progress. The forest exuded an aura of mystery and danger, yet the carefully crafted network of roads provided a glimmer of hope, a symbol of humanity's determination to navigate and conquer even the most treacherous terrains.
As tension simmered in the air, Aria attempted to break the silence and initiate a conversation.
"So... You two have been adventuring for quite some time?" Aria inquired, her curiosity evident.
Mila glanced over to Arbious before responding, "Actually, this is only our second adventure together."
Aria was seated in front of the two, her legs were crossed as she leaned in, her interest piqued further. "Ah, I see. How did the two of you come to meet then?"
"That is a long story..." Arbious replied, looking at Aria with a cold stare.
"Mmm... But we've got some time to spare... Tell you what, how about you just tell me your story?"
Mila looked at Arbious, wanting to hear his story as well. Seeing their curious eyes, and not wanting to ruin their mood, Arbious decided to fabricate his history.
"I was born into a noble family in the Holy Empire," Arbious began, recounting his background. "My parents decided to enroll me in the academy of magic when I was just nine years old."
Aria's curiosity was piqued. "So, you're of noble birth?" she inquired.
"Indeed, I am a noble, though not of royal blood," Arbious clarified.
Mila gazed at Arbious with a mix of admiration and envy. "You attended the magic academy of the Holy Empire? That's quite an accomplishment! Only the most elite individuals have the privilege of attending such an institution."
Aria turned her attention to Mila, seemingly surprised. "So, you are aware of the magic academy as well? I always believed it to be a well-guarded secret known only among the privileged few."
Mila's frustration was evident in her response. "Of course, I know about it! I am a practitioner of magic, so naturally, I am familiar with such institutions."
"Oh, is that so?" Aria challenged, her tone teasing. "Then, tell me, who is the greatest wizard in this world?"
"In terms of magic?" Mila sought clarification.
"Yes," Aria confirmed.
Mila pondered for a moment before answering confidently, "That would be Emperor Lucious, a human priest who possesses the ability to communicate with the archangels."
Aria swiftly contradicted her. "No, you're mistaken."
"No, I'm not!" Mila protested, defending her assertion.
Finally, breaking his silence, Arbious interjected with a calm yet definitive tone. "No Mila... Aria is correct. Lucious might be strong, but the record for highest level of magic used by a human goes to a sorceress named Morgan Le Fay..."
As his words hung in the air, a sense of intrigue and curiosity seemed to envelop the caravan, as if the mention of this legendary figure had captured their attention.
"Morgan Le Fay... A name that instills fear," Arbious continued, his tone heavy with the weight of her legacy. "She wrought havoc across the human realms, leaving destruction in her wake..."
Aria nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the acknowledgment of the legends surrounding Morgan Le Fay. "Indeed, the tales of her power have been passed down through the ages to a select few."
Mila's curiosity grew, her desire for knowledge evident in her question. "So, this Morgan woman is the most powerful magic caster? How is it possible that I've never even heard of her?"
"That's because her existence was erased from history nearly two hundred years ago," Arbious revealed, a touch of solemnity in his voice.
Mila's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would anyone do that?"
With a grave expression, Aria began to explain. "Morgan Le Fay was undeniably a formidable magician, the best in her field, but she was also the epitome of cruelty. It is said that she made a pact with the Demon God, with him bestowing upon her immense power for an unknown price. She had the ability to bind lower demons to her will, making her a witch unlike any other. Capable of laying waste to towns and villages, opening demonic gateways, and even casting 9th tier magic spells."
Mila's eyes widened, the gravity of Aria's voice sinking in. "But that still doesn't explain why her existence has been erased from history."
Aria's voice grew somber. "That was the work of the Holy Knights. They were the ones who put an end to her reign of terror—or so history tells. After her demise, they sought to wipe away any trace of her, eradicating her existence from memory. It was a deliberate act to discourage anyone from following in her footsteps, a means to demoralize future generations."
As if she would die that easily.
A silence settled within the caravan, the weight of the past and the enigma surrounding Morgan Le Fay lingering in the air. The journey continued through the forest, the knowledge of this dark chapter in magical history casting a shadow over their mission.
"I'm impressed," Aria remarked, breaking the silence. "Impressed that you possess knowledge of Morgan Le Fay. Even the most renowned magical schools don't delve into such matters."
Arbious hesitated for a moment, choosing his words as to not to reveal his true identity. "One tends to acquire knowledge through various experiences while adventuring," he replied evasively.
A moment of silence befell inside the caravan as Aria's curiosity then shifted toward Mila. "So, you're the one who defeated the Goblin Mage, huh? That must have been quite a challenging feat!"
Mila appeared uneasy but responded, "Yes, it was tough... perhaps a stroke of luck on my part."
Aria's eyes widened with intrigue. "But how did you manage to defeat such a formidable foe? A goblin mage, no less, and one that was undead at that! It must have been an incredibly daunting task."
Mila hesitated, briefly reflecting on her encounter. "It was...difficult. I had to use all of my skills and knowledge to defeat that monster. And, well, I had some help from Arbious here, if he didn't kill the goblins inside the cave then we would be in grave trouble." she added, glancing at Arbious with gratitude.
"Still, I find it rather peculiar that the goblin mage targeted you and Graybeard instead of Arbious," Aria remarked, her tone filled with curiosity. "And according to your account, Arbious single-handedly eliminated every last goblin inside the cave. Is that truly accurate?"
Mila hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes, that's what happened."
"But here's what puzzles me," Aria continued, a discerning glint in her eyes. "If Arbious indeed eliminated all the goblins, where are the bodies? Investigative reports suggest that the cave was found completely empty."
Mila's expression turned concerned as she glanced at Arbious, sensing the pressure building. Arbious took a deep breath, attempting to maintain composure in the face of Aria's inquiry.
"So, is this turning into an interrogation?" Arbious asked, trying to divert the focus while directly confronting her.
Aria's smile reassured him. "No, not at all! I'm just intrigued by the details of your previous encounter."
"How would I possibly know? They were there when we left. Perhaps something happened afterward, or someone removed them."
"I suppose you're right," Aria replied, relenting in her line of questioning.
Curiosity still lingering, Mila pressed on. "Why do you ask? Is there a problem with the disappearance of the goblins?"
Aria's expression grew serious. "Yes, there is. You see, the demons have recently employed siege weapons, a strategy they've never used before in history. These weapons were transported by undead goblins. Hence, investigating the origin of the goblins could prove to be insightful. There may be a traitor among us, and if that's the case, I would like to uncover their identity."
Mila's voice carried a hint of protectiveness. "Find out whatever you want, but don't imply that Arbious is involved. He is not a traitor, and he would never engage in such actions."
Aria's gaze softened, understanding Mila's point of view. "I apologize if my questions offended you. It's just that the situation seems unusual, but I respect your trust in Arbious and will leave the matter at that."
Mila and Arbious exchanged glances, a mixture of concern and doubt passing between them. Mila's mind raced with uncertainty, questioning the possibility of Arbious being a traitor. As the thought settled, she couldn't help but reflect on her interactions with him. Would someone truly evil, a demon no less, go out of their way to treat a girl like her to dinner? To be by her side when she was having a crisis? The idea seemed preposterous. Arbious had shown kindness, loyalty, and a genuine desire to protect her. He went out of his way to promise her that he would mentor her. His power was undeniably formidable, but it had been wielded for the greater good as far as she was aware.
Deep in thought, Mila turned her attention back to the present. As she gazed at Arbious, her expression softened, a sense of trust resurfacing. She realized that doubts could cloud one's judgment, especially in uncertain times. However, Arbious had proven himself time and again, and she couldn't let baseless suspicions tarnish the bond they had forged.
Together, they continued their journey through the dense forest in awkward silence, as each of them were left to their own trains of thought. The path ahead was fraught with dangers, but they remained steadfast, ready to move at a moment's notice if danger posed a direct threat to them.