"I'm here to meet the guild master," I stated, striving to project confidence, even as a swirl of uncertainty gnawed at my insides like a hungry beast.
The receptionist offered a polite yet hesitant smile, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. "I'm sorry, sir, but meeting the guild master isn't so easily arranged. Do you have an appointment?" She tilted her head, curiosity mingling with confusion as her gaze swept over me, assessing my presence.
"An appointment? No, not really. I had a meeting with him two weeks ago, and now I need to discuss some important matters regarding our last conversation." The memory rushed back as vividly as if it had just occurred; the guild master had approached me directly, recognizing a spark of potential within me before I'd even completed the sign-up process.
His keen appraisal had unveiled my loyalty status, prompting his invitation. From that moment, the course of my life had taken a significant turn.
The receptionist's brow furrowed, and she replied, "I'm afraid that without an appointment, meeting the guild master might be a challenge... Could you show me your guild card?"
With a mix of trepidation and resolve, I reached into my pocket and produced my guild card. Its leather-brown surface gleamed under the overhead lights, about the size of a smartphone. My name, age, and level were elegantly inscribed upon it, accompanied by a small, official-looking seal embossed in the bottom left corner.
As she took the card, her expression morphed from skepticism to a deeper frown of curiosity. She scrutinized it with intense focus, tilting it back and forth under the light, her black bobbed hair swaying slightly with each movement. After a moment, her gaze met mine again, tinged with disbelief. "Uhm, I'm sorry, but I've never seen a card like this bearing a guild seal. Are you certain you received it here?"
"Yes, I'm positive! I obtained it directly from the guild master himself," I insisted, clinging to my composure.
Just then, a loud voice cut through the air, brimming with irritation. "Hey, kid!" As I turned toward the source, I was abruptly lifted off my feet. A firm grip clutched my right shoulder, sending me reeling.
My eyes widened in surprise as I instinctively looked to my right. The hands that hoisted me were rugged yet surprisingly delicate, testaments to extensive training. I twisted mid-air, grasping the arm that had seized me, using that leverage to regain my footing. In one fluid motion, I pivoted and landed gracefully, even as my heart raced from the sudden chaos.
The guild hall fell silent, all eyes drawn to the unexpected display of physical prowess. Facing the woman behind me, I took in her imposing figure. She stood around 6'3", a veritable mountain of a person, with an aura that demanded attention. A single sword—its hilt gleaming silver and adorned with an intricate guard—was strapped confidently to her side. The blade, slender and elegant, seemed to resemble a rapier, but the ruggedness of her hands hinted that this was not her primary weapon.
Ellen's attire intrigued me further—a short, striking red and grey patterned skirt that flirted between her knees and hips, paired with a crisp white buttoned shirt. The sleeves hugged her biceps, and a half-folded collar suggested a hurried exit from her home, lending her an allure that was both charming and slightly disheveled. My thoughts momentarily drifted, distracted by these details as the surrounding commotion began to fade.
"Uh, Miss Ellen… uh…" the receptionist stammered, breaking the spell and drawing the woman's attention back to her.
"Huh?" Ellen replied, her brow furrowing as if disoriented by the mention of her name.
"Ahem, please refrain from causing disturbances in the guild building, no matter how powerful you are as an S-rank adventurer. The rules apply to everyone, you know?" The receptionist's voice wavered, her anxiety palpable as she addressed someone so formidable.
Ellen raised her hands in a gesture of peace, panic threading her tone. "Oh no! I wasn't trying to start anything! I just wanted to grab him and tell him to stop pestering Ana. I didn't expect he'd fly backward from just a shoulder tap!"
I shuddered, the memory of the unexpected propulsion still fresh in my mind. "I actually fracking flew! What in the world?!"
Ellen quickly bowed her head in apology, causing her white hat—one I had only just noticed—to tumble off her head. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, further accentuating her slightly disheveled but undeniably charming appearance. "I'm really sorry about that! I truly didn't mean any harm!"
"Please, accept my apologies as well," Ana interjected, her demeanor softening. "Ellen can be a bit... impulsive at times. She tends to react strongly to situations without meaning any offense, but I assure you she always has the best intentions."
"It's o—" I started to respond, but my words were drowned in the ensuing clamor.
Suddenly, a booming voice sliced through the murmurs of confusion. "What's the commotion here?" The guild master descended the stairwell, his presence commanding immediate attention.
Ana began to explain the situation when the guild master raised a hand to silence her, his eyes lighting up upon recognizing me and Ellen.