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“A child?” he laughed, “-you’re one of the top alchemists,” the paper pulled closer to the fire by the second.

“STOP,” she yelled – another one fell prey into his hand.

A sigh later, her body relaxed, her posture straightened, “-its true, we’re researching mana-potions.” Embarrassed by what happened, the face stared down.

“Why could you not have said so earlier?” confused, he didn’t care about the reason any longer.

“The Master Alchemist ordered us to keep silent – only after the prototype has been made; tis only then that we’re allowed to make it public. I’m sure you already know the implications, potions to regenerate one’s lifeforce at will. Adventurers will get reckless, people will go around using mana till its depleted without restraint,” the reasons were pretty clear, he could only but watch. The girl for some reason had doubts about the project.

“Thanks for the cooperation,” without having a chance to speak, Staxius burnt the papers before Clarise’s eyes.

.....

“YOU SCUMBAG,” she dashed in hope of punching the man.

“Calm down,” swiftly he got out of the way, the result ending in her jumping onto an empty seat, one comfy and soft. “The files you have are the real one, all the results in there are true,” he stepped out, “-I just wanted to toy around before I left,” with a wink, he headed out.

Inside, Clarise threw a tantrum and wailed around. There was no merit in getting that information out, but the way she acted could but pique his interests. ‘Mana potions,’ he walked down the flight of stairs and occasionally waved at people who recognized him. The tattoo on the face pretty much acted as his fingerprint.

‘A good idea overall,’ he walked out, a gust of wind blew – the street empty and lonesome. The adventuring guild a few steps ahead seemed wary. ‘Mana potions sure are a way to bring in coin, but the problem is who will provide the essence of life. Turning a substance of which had unknown properties and proved to be a person’s life – into a drink, doesn’t sit right with me,’ curiousness drew him closer to the guild. Step by step, the grieve from the recent expedition came to light.

Families and friends were all gathered; with nobody to bury or cremate. The guild built a memorial in hours. Mostly adventurers walked outside where the pillar was erected. A reminder that death always loomed, a reminder that life didn’t come cheap. Underneath a metal plate on which the names of the fallen had been engraved. Raulf stood at the front,

“All of us who’ve gathered today. We must not think of this as a goodbye – people live on in our hearts, the heroes who died courageously for our safety will always be remembered.” Short but effective, all the unrest felt by those affected were soothed. Being personally recognized by a man of repute was more than enough. Stood behind the crowd, away from all the attention – Kniq. They stood with Melisa and Diane on either side, it felt as if restricted to move.

Not wanting to get involved yet, Staxius crossed and stood on the opposite side of the street. A place where the sun couldn’t reach, a place where none would think to look. It took quite a while, people took turns offering their prayers.

“Can’t help but wonder if it would have been better to pay their respects in a graveyard.” The whole thing in front felt as if an act, no ounce of true sympathy. Apart from the families who cried, the people around seemed numb.

“Graveyard or not,” Adete came to life, “-it doesn’t matter,” she was right, finding out about why they did what they did wasn’t important. At the end of the day, it didn’t concern him. Impervious to what followed, he waited.

One by one, the crowd diminished, slowly but surely, people left till Raulf, Melisa, Diane, and Kniq remained. By what looked to be a serious thing, Raulf spoke with strength and determination – Undrar seemed down, Achilles didn’t fight back and Deadeyes was in no position of standing. By what seemed to be an outburst, Raulf walked in, Kniq followed behind reluctantly.

“Wait a minute,” before the door closed, Staxius stepped out from the shadows. The sight of him sent Diane into a frenzy, she desperately tried to shut the door.

“What’s the matter?” irritated, Raulf asked.

“Nothing guild master, I’ll shut the door,” her forehead dripped with sweat.

“Mind if I join in this conversation?” a monotonous voice asked.

“How did you...” a gentle breeze followed by a blue mist.

“Just who might you be?” the towering figure turned around, the face annoyed and voice angry, Raulf stood as imposing as ever.

“I’m Staxius Haggard, leader of Kniq,” he introduced nonchalantly.

“Master,” the three let out a sigh of relief.

“Whatever, just come along already,” they headed upstairs into a meeting room. The guild master stood at the head of the table, many questions about the monster’s details were asked to which they replied. Staxius stood back and watch – nothing had been out of the ordinary. The man wanted to know what had brought about such changes. A cause he got behind without much convincing. The conversation changed half-way through into a questioning.

Raulf probed at a personal level – he wanted to know more about the adventurer’s family, location and such.

“If I may interject,” at last, after half an hour of a one-sided conversation, Staxius spoke. “Is it necessary for the guild to know where my companions reside?”

“Matter of fact, yes,” the master didn’t back down.

“And to what purpose? I thought all essential information had been sent over during the sign-up process,” a point well made, Raulf could not refute the logic. A few seconds of reflection later, he spoke yet again, “-it doesn’t matter, I’m the guild master,” showing his power before one relatively unknown and unfamed.

“I don’t wish to challenge thy authority, guild master, but the thing is,” he looked over at Undrar who seemed out of it, “-my comrades are injured and need rest. I know not the reason why you seek such information. Honestly, it would look shameful for the heroes who’ve survived an encounter with ogres to suddenly go missing isn’t it?”

“And what do you exactly mean by that?” the eyes opened wide.

“My apology, I have a habit of speaking out loud,” a courteous smile later – Raulf had to back-down.

“Thanks for your services, Kniq,” he stood, “-a scouting party will be dispatched to follow up on the aftermath,” the immense presence left. With that, it concluded the ambush situation. Staxius helped the rest home; care and attention given; it would take a while for the trauma to subside.

“Why do you think he wanted that information earlier?” stood outside the hotel, Adete asked.

“Don’t know and don’t care,” the reply haste and without restraint – Staxius headed back to the guild.

“You know something, spit it out already,” pestering never stopped.

“There was nothing malicious in that man’s eye. He wanted to get a more reliable way of contacting us if trouble arose. I just wanted for him to back-off for a while and let them rest,” a vague explanation later, he arrived.

“What else do you want?” Diane asked with the usual animosity.

“Your life?” he asked implying to kill her then moved on to Melisa.

“Good to see you again,” she smiled.

“Likewise – I came to discuss the possibility of opening a guild,” the voice serious, it took a while for Melisa to gather her thoughts. “I’m sure you know that three guilds were wiped – with my party, which I remind you consists of silvers – covering for a few emeralds would not be much of a problem.”

“What is wrong with you?” Diane fired back, her face filled with disappointment, “-people died and you wish to take their place already?”

“Listen, dead people can’t fight. Either bring a necromancer and make them mindless soldiers or think about the future. I’m not that heartless, we need to think about what this means. With the hit the adventuring guild took – you can be sure that more lives will be at risk. What if an urgent request about a massacre happening pops up, one that only a silver-ranked crew could handle? Are you seriously going to contact the higher-tier guilds or dispatch Porcelains to rush to their deaths...” an argument well made, the assistants were left dumbfounded.

“What about you, guild-master?” he stared up, the man in question approached the balustrade on the higher floor – he overheard the conversation.

“Depends,” without wasting a moment, the man jumped. “I agree that we are sorely lacking manpower,” sword in hand, he approached the desk. “Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that we’ll certify any rag-tag group of people to become guilds for the sake of it,” he glared, Staxius looked unbothered.

“I’m confident that my party has accomplished more than a few lower-tier guilds have,” he added, “-in no way am I taking credit away from them, I’m merely stating the obvious without defaming anyone.” Logical and level-headed, time and time again, Raulf was stomped by Staxius’s way with words. Any inconsistencies that might have been taken advantage of were quickly justified.

“Damn kid,” he sighed, “-you’d make a good trader that’s for sure,” the imposing figure smiled. Meanwhile, Diane and Melisa could but shudder, Raulf was a scary individual. “Still, I don’t think we can certify Kniq as a full-fledge guild yet,” he didn’t want to move, with no data on them – no decision could be made.

“I beg to differ,” he voiced, “-all prerequisites have been completed.”

“Firstly; the founder must be of a rank higher than Tier-four, Bronze. To which I present you my guild-necklace.”

“Second; the guild in question must have three members excluding the leader. Kniq is five people at the moment, with each one being powerful.”

“Third; the leader or party must have done something that is recognized by the central guild. To which I remind you of the capture of a fanatic who slain many porcelain-ranks. Also, returning alive from the recent attack and protecting whoever they could is more than enough.”

“Fourth; any endorsement though not required by other guilds will greatly boost your chance of being accepted. I’m sure that Swift will endorse us for saving them. I wish I could have been present to help others.”

“Fifth; the party in question must have at least fifty thousand gold pieces. Mere change, the money will be delivered as soon as the green-light is given.”

“Sixth; the guild must have a building to be used as their headquarters – I own a quaint shop that can be used for said purposes.” All the facts laid before the master.

“Nothing beats preparation,” he smiled, “-even so – I’m the one who gives the final approval,” the tone relaxed, Raulf didn’t stand down.

“May I ask the reasons why?” as cavalier as possible, Staxius asked.

“Simple, you weren’t present in any of those events. I’m sure the party has proven itself to be named a guild; but not the leader. A guild is represented by he who leads and not those who follow. It’s the guild leader’s job to give a clear goal and aspiration for the others to abide.” A point well made, “-Staxius, you haven’t proven yourself yet,” he fired-back.

“Is that so,” he thought, “-how about a duel?” the eyes emotionless.

“Surely you jest Staxius,” Diane laughed fanatically, “-he’s crazy,” she turned to face Melisa whomst stood as if a statue.

“Aren’t you a little overconfident?” Raulf felt insulted.

“Aren’t you a little judgmental to people when it comes to their capabilities. I may be physically weaker and less impressive as thou – however, it doesn’t nullify my prowess. Big is not always better, having strong muscles isn’t the only way to success,” the eyes looked strong, one ready to tear down any opposition.

“In honor of thy name and title, King Staxius of Arda – I humbly accept thy challenge,” he knew the hidden identity from the start. “Our duel shall take place in an hour, at the castle,” the tone polite, Raulf stepped out.

“ARE YOU INSANE?” Diane yelled.

“No,” he paused, “-I’m curious.”