Kathleen pulls a file from her coat and sets it on the coffee table.
"Her name is Vrynna. Former member of a guild that was dissolved after a scandal ten years ago. She disappeared from the radar after being involved in a series of attacks on magical institutions. We thought she had retired, but recent reports indicate she's back. Rumors say she's preparing a forbidden ritual."
I frown. "A forbidden ritual? Like… what? Human sacrifices, demon summoning, that kind of stuff?"
Kathleen shrugs. "We don't have precise details. That's for you to find out. The Association wants you to take the lead: investigate, locate Vrynna, and, if possible, stop her before she acts."
My eyes land on the name "Vrynna," and I can't help thinking how cliché it sounds for a villain.
"Great. Can't wait to meet the evil witch," I say sarcastically, finishing my coffee.
Kathleen raises an eyebrow, her cold gaze fixed on me.
I flash her a sarcastic smile.
Kathleen narrows her eyes. "Remember, your position as guild master depends on your cooperation in this matter. So you'd better take this mission seriously."
I roll my eyes theatrically. "Oh, I'll be the best little Warden the world has ever seen. Promise."
She sighs, clearly annoyed by my attitude. "You're incorrigible."
"That's what makes me charming," I reply, wearing an innocent expression.
She shakes her head and stands to leave. "Do as you wish, but remember, you're not immune to removal, Magister Roskales."
I raise my cup in an ironic salute. "See you, Kathleen. May the magic be with you, or whatever."
She leaves with a final sigh, leaving me alone.
My day started with an alarm going off too early, but now it feels like someone pressed the adventure mode button.
If only I could do it without leaving my couch…
---
Gathering a team to hunt down a raider is like organizing a picnic.
Aunt Libel has played the architect of this merry crew, and I'm here watching with the nonchalance of a cat observing an empty box.
Since there's no way I'm going alone, here's the team that will accompany me:
First, a man named Griffin, muscles of steel. A mountain on two legs, with shoulders that could support tons. Aunt Libel says he's an expert in "reinforcement magic." I'm immediately on board with him.
Second, a certain Piper, an elemental genius.
Third, the last member, Mira, a practitioner of "psychic magic." Pretty handy stuff.
Gathered in a briefing room, the team looks as perplexed as I am.
I clear my throat, uncomfortable. Since inheriting the title of guild master—a title I inherited more than earned—I've rarely dealt with active members. Aside from Aunt Libel, the others regard me with that mix of hesitation and distance usually reserved for statues in lobbies: looks important, but no one really knows what it does.
According to Aunt Libel, the three here are elite members of the guild. Elite rank A, she clarified. Not S, because apparently the Association vetoed that. What a bunch of anxious bureaucrats. I almost sent them a polite note back, but Libel explained why that would be pointless. I was discouraged at the first step.
Anyway, here we are. Me, a guild master with the enthusiasm of a slug, and three mages standing rigidly.
Aunt Libel shoots me an insistent look—the one that says: Speak, you fool.
I sigh internally, vaguely adjust my posture, and clear my throat.
"Hello, I suppose." I wave slightly, like a teacher entering a classroom for the first time. "You can sit. No need to play statues."
They comply, though the tension lingers. The discomfort is palpable, like everyone's trying to guess if they can breathe normally in front of me.
Relax, guys, I'm as uncomfortable as you, I swear.
I clear my throat again. "So… do you know me?"
What a stupid question. Bravo.
"For the mission," I continue, ignoring my previous question. "We're going to… do stuff. You know, catch the villain and all that. Questions? No? Good, it's your turn, Aunt Libel."
Aunt Libel sighs, a mix of frustration in her eyes. "Thank you, Magister. The raider we're after is named Vrynna. According to reports, she was last seen near a village called Javal. We suspect she's planning something big, so our mission is to stop her before she causes havoc."
I lean against the desk, arms crossed, feigning intense interest.
Aunt Libel rolls her eyes but continues. "As for the plan, it's simple. You'll infiltrate the village as travelers and investigate any signs of Vrynna. The primary goal is information gathering, so avoid confrontation unless necessary."
The team nods.
I smile casually.
"Auntie, don't you think we could find an easier solution? Like sending Vrynna a postcard politely asking her to stop her evil plans?"
The team exchanges puzzled glances, clearly unsure how seriously to take me.
I'm serious. Who says villains can't be reasoned with? I know someone who's an expert at converting villains. Too bad he's fictional—I'd have him in my guild.
Aunt Libel presses her temples like she's trying to hold back a headache. "Magister, please, a little seriousness. We have a mission to accomplish."
"Ah yes, the mission. You know, since she's planning something, she'll probably reveal herself sooner or later, right? Why not just wait? Wouldn't it be easier to catch her then?"
Piper almost laughs but restrains herself.
Aunt Libel shoots a desperate look at the team.
"Your objective is to locate Vrynna quickly and neutralize any threat. Understood?"
The team nods, but I can't resist adding a comment.
With a resigned sigh, Aunt Libel signals the team to leave the briefing room, leaving an unreliable guild master with his advisor.
As the team closes the door behind them, Aunt Libel glares at me lightly. "Zayn, can you be serious for once?"
She shakes her head. "You know, Zayn, I understand that you'd rather stay on your couch sipping coffee than embark on a dangerous adventure. That's your father's fault for letting you be this way. But now you hold a position of responsibility as Magister. And that means sometimes you have to set aside your laziness and do what's necessary to protect our country. Can you understand that?"
I raise an eyebrow. "You know, dear Aunt, I'm not sure I signed up for all this. You assured me I'd have nothing to do, just signing documents and attending meetings. Not going on missions. And frankly, don't I have subordinates under my command? So why should I even lift a finger?"
She sighs. "Listen, I thought the same. But things have changed—the Association decided to test you. The sooner you complete this task, the sooner you can return to your peaceful life. So please, try to focus on this mission, alright?"
I make an exaggerated pout, but I know she knows that I know that she knows that I… okay, stop.
I know she knows I understood her message.
"Alright, alright. I suppose I can make a small effort. But don't expect me to become a passionate Warden overnight. I'll do my best."
Aunt Libel smiles, knowing it's the best response she'll get from me. "That's all I ask, Zayn. We need you, even if you don't realize how important you are."
I shrug nonchalantly. "Well, I guess it won't hurt to put in a little effort."
She nods and rises from her chair. "Perfect. I'll handle the remaining administrative procedures, and you can leave with your team. I know you'll find a way to handle this mission your way."
Aunt Libel gives me one last encouraging smile before leaving the room. I stay leaned against the desk, contemplating the mission ahead.
Who does Aunt Libel think I am? Of course I'm going to complete this mission, even if reluctantly. It's a matter of preserving my lazy life!