The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 88: Within The Guild

[00 Months: 06 Days: 01 Hours]

As the sun ushered in a new day, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink, I found myself meandering through the bustling streets of Terance.

The city was waking up; the pleasant clamor of chattering townsfolk and hawking vendors replacing the tranquil silence of dawn.

Cobblestone streets, lined with charming buildings of rustic brick and towering timber, were slowly filling with townsfolk; merchants setting up their stalls, housewives haggling over prices, children scurrying about, their laughter a pleasant soundtrack to the city's morning routine.

'Everything looks normal enough...' And that felt a bit strange.

I thought I would at least hear something about the Lyma Family's delegate arriving in the town, but no one was talking about it at all.

Not a single person mentioned it since last evening.

'Well, it's possible they decided to enter the city low-key. Maybe for security reasons, their arrival wasn't announced.'

Either way, Terance seemed to be the same as yesterday.

Walking through the heart of the city, my gaze was inexorably drawn to the Adventurer Guild building, standing tall and imposing amidst the sea of architecture.

"Not bad..." I muttered.

The structure was truly a testament to Terance's grandeur, with its imposing stone façade, intricate carvings, and sturdy wooden doors that stood ajar, inviting adventurers from far and wide.

As I neared the building, the constant hum of chatter from the streets was gradually replaced by the murmur of conversations within, punctuated by the occasional loud proclamation or raucous laughter.

Stepping through the massive wooden doors, I was immediately greeted by the chaotic energy of the Guild's interior.

Experience new stories on m v|l e'-NovelBin.net

The atmosphere was buzzing with the combined vitality of numerous adventurers, their spirited discussions and enthusiastic camaraderie making the grand hall come alive.

To my right, a group of burly Adventurers was sharing tales of their latest conquests over mugs of ale, while to my left, a pair of younger individuals were huddled over a detailed map, their brows furrowed in deep concentration.

A few strides ahead, behind an imposing counter, sat a young woman, her attention divided between a hefty ledger and the adventurers who approached her.

I made my way towards her, my footsteps echoing off the high, vaulted ceiling, drawing her attention.

As her gaze met mine, she instantly greeted me with a warm smile.

"You must be Sir Luke." She said, to which I nodded.

Though I wondered what impression I made that gave my identity away.

"Guildmaster Benard mentioned you." She didn't let go of her charming smile.

"Did he now? I expect that there's something here I'm supposed to be collecting...?"

She nodded instantly and directed me towards a grand staircase that spiraled upwards, leading to the Guild Master's office.

"He is expecting you." Were the last words I heard from her before I left the counter and went on my way.

I found myself ascending the winding staircase, its stone steps worn smooth by countless adventurers who had climbed it before me.

The air grew progressively quieter as I ascended, the energetic din from the grand hall receding to a soft murmur.

The walls alongside the staircase were adorned with ancient tapestries and plaques, each telling tales of past heroes and grand adventures, a tribute to the Guild's illustrious history.

Reaching the top, I found myself standing in front of a grand door, its polished oak surface bearing the symbol of the Guild, etched in golden inlay.

With a deep breath, I grasped the brass handle and turned it, pushing the door open.

'Alright then... let's see what you have for me.'

As it creaked open, a rush of anticipation filled me.

'Get the license, get on the expedition team, and get the rewards!' My thoughts echoed as a sharp gleam shone from my eyes.

'Whoah!' My eyes widened as I entered.

The office of the Guild Master was nothing short of exquisite, with a grandeur that was tastefully understated.

High, vaulted ceilings adorned with elaborate murals depicted scenes of legendary adventurers, their vibrant colors illuminated by the soft glow of ornate chandeliers.

Shelves lined the walls, filled with a wide assortment of artifacts, scrolls, and books - each a testament to countless quests and triumphs.

At the far end, a large, richly carved desk of mahogany stood, commanding the space. Parchments and maps were strewn about, evidence of the daily responsibilities that came with Benard's position.

'Hmm? Something is off.'

Benard was seated behind his desk, a look of worry etched deeply on his usually calm face. Another man stood beside him, clad in formal attire, his stern face reflecting a similar sentiment.

As I stepped in, they turned towards me, their forlorn expressions momentarily replaced with surprise.

"Luke! Ah... " Benard greeted, a bit of hesitation clouding his eyes. "This is... actually, I think it's best we talk alone."

He looked away from me and nodded at the man beside him

The man gave a curt nod, threw a final worried glance at the desk, and swiftly exited the room, leaving a palpable silence behind him.

'That's the Vice Guildmaster from Benard's memories. What is his name again? Andre, right?'

I looked towards Benard, my curiosity piqued.

He sighed, running a hand through his greying hair, a gesture that seemed a bit off for him, especially after the last time we spoke.

That was enough to confirm the gnawing feeling that had been squirming within me all this time.

'Something is wrong.'

"Last evening," he began, his voice heavy, "The Lyma Family's delegate was supposed to arrive. They... never did."

'Really?!' His words hung in the air like an ominous cloud, sending a chill down my spine.

"We launched an investigation," he continued, "A search party. I decided to personally take part in it."

Benard paused, his gaze fixed on the myriad of papers strewn across his desk. The weight of his words was beginning to sink in.

"We found the site of a bandit attack," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The wreckage of a carriage bearing the Lyma Family's logo, and... so many dead guards."

A sudden cold silence filled the room. The cheerful, lively Guild Master I had known was replaced by this somber, worried figure.

Apparently, the way they determined it was a bandit attack was due to the corpses of individuals dressed as bandits mixed with the dead bodies of the Lyma Family entourage that was meant to guard the delegate.

"The corpse of the chief guard... Sirius, was also found," he added, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"I recognized him. His strength... it rivaled even mine."

He looked at me then, his eyes filled with a kind of desperation I hadn't seen before.

"I'm worried, Mikey," he confessed. "The delegate... they've been captured, and whoever's responsible, they're stronger than me. They were able to defeat Sirius."

'I see now...'

This was quite the difficult situation Benard had been put in, considering the site of attack was very close to his city, and so if word got out to the Lyma Family, he would suffer the full brunt of their fury.

He now had the burden of responsibility... and he was up against an opponent he was sure he would lose to.

'This is bad for me too.'

I looked at him, a sense of foreboding settling over me.

Things were more complicated than I had initially anticipated. If something happened to the Delegate, my plans would have to be derailed; suspended at best, and terminated at worst.

'I can't allow that, can I?'

"Can we track them down to their hideouts?" I asked, trying to gauge the potential routes to a solution.

Some time had elapsed since the assumed time of the kidnapping, so it was possible that expert kidnappers could have made it far.

But if they were bandits, and they had a base nearby, then it would at least be possible to track them down.

Benard ran a hand over his face, contemplating.

"They tried to cover their tracks," he admitted.

"But no one can erase all traces completely. We have a very skilled Ranger in Terance, she should be able to track them down, given some time."

I could not help the smile that spread across my face. A tangible lead was all I needed. "That's good," I replied, nodding, "That's all I need to know."

Benard looked at me, confusion clear in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

I leaned back, crossing my arms over my chest. "I mean, I'll help you out with this, Benard."

His eyes widened, surprise overtaking the anxiety. "Luke, are you sure?" he asked. "These bandits... they're not ordinary thugs. They're a serious threat."

My grin broadened at his words. I could tell he was worried, not just for the delegate, but for me as well.

"Well, I do owe you for my license, don't I, Benard?" I winked, a bright glimmer showing in my eyes.

"Besides... what are friends for?"

*

*

*

[A/N]

Who are these Bandits? How powerful are they? Will Mikey be able to win against them?

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!