The Vice Guild Master loomed over the burly teenager. His piercing gaze bore into the youth, whose three pillars marked him as a mere D-rank, his earth manipulation crude and unrefined.
The teenager, irked by the Vice Guild Master's commanding presence, snarled and thrust his hand forward, conjuring a jagged rock that hurtled toward the older man.
In a blink, the Vice Guild Master vanished, the rock sailing harmlessly through empty air. The teenager staggered, caught off guard, and collapsed to the floor with a thud, a subtle force from the Vice Guild Master's evolved ability, a blend of speed and spatial manipulation, having tripped him.
Reappearing before the youth, the Vice Guild Master's eyes narrowed, his voice cold: "You'll never learn, will you?"
He glanced at the bespectacled boy, cowering nearby, then back to the sprawled bully. "Still tormenting weaker kids, are you?" he said, his tone laced with disgust. "You're a pathetic little shit. I'm banning you from this guild, effective now."
The guild's onlookers murmured, some nodding in approval, others watching in tense silence as the scene unfolded.
The burly youth scrambled to his feet, face flushed with fury. "You can't do that!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "Do you know who my fath—" His companions, the other two bullies, stepped forward, their own pillars, two each, E-rank, flickering as they prepared to back him up.
The Vice Guild Master cut him off, his voice sharp and unyielding: "I don't give a fuck who your father is," he snapped. "Respect others, or you'll never set foot in this guild again."
He gestured to a group of security personnel, their uniforms emblazoned with the guild's crest, who moved swiftly through the crowd. Each bore a single pillar, F-rank, but their coordinated movements exuded authority.
The security team seized the three bullies, the burly leader struggling as they dragged him toward the exit. "Get off me!" he yelled, flailing, but a guard twisted his arm, silencing his protests.
His companions, less defiant, followed with lowered heads, their earlier bravado shattered. The guild's doors slammed shut behind them, the red letters of "GUILD OF AMERICA" glinting mockingly as they were cast out into the night.
The Vice Guild Master turned to Nova, who leaned against the wall, his body battered but upright. Blood trickled from a cut on his brow, and his legs trembled, his mortal limits stark without his divine power.
The older man's sudden appearance before him, a blur of speed, startled Nova, his human reflexes too slow to track the D-rank's evolved ability. The guild's atmosphere, still charged from the fight, seemed to hum around them, the holographic displays casting flickering light across the polished floor.
"You," the Vice Guild Master said, his tone softening, a glint of respect in his eyes. "I admire your nerve, standing up to that fool without an awakened ability. Your martial arts technique is impressive for a blank." He paused, studying Nova's golden circles, barren of pillars. "Come with me. I'd like to have a word." He glanced at the bespectacled boy, who stood frozen, clutching his glasses. "You too, kid. Let's talk."
Nova steadied his breathing, the pain in his body a sharp reminder of his mortality. This man's power is leagues above that bully's, he thought, his crimson eyes tracing the Vice Guild Master's sigil.
Three pillar with a cross, first evolution, D-rank. He's fast, and precise. I need to awaken soon, or I'll be left behind. The prospect of a conversation intrigued him, a chance to learn more about this world and its guild.
The Vice Guild Master led the way, his strides confident, his presence commanding the crowd's respect. Nova followed, his steps unsteady but determined, the bespectacled boy trailing nervously behind.
The guild's atrium buzzed with activity: adventurers bartered over quest rewards, their voices a lively chorus; mages practiced in designated areas, their abilities—fire, wind, shadow—flashing in controlled bursts. The clerks at the counter processed registrations, their tablets glowing with data on new recruits and active missions.
They ascended a sleek staircase, its steps embedded with softly pulsing runes that guided their path. The Vice Guild Master's office awaited, a spacious chamber overlooking the atrium through a transparent wall.
Inside, the decor was minimalist yet advanced: a polished desk held a holographic interface, displaying guild statistics and realm alerts. A single window framed the city's skyline, its neon lights clashing with the stars above, a reminder of the Mortal Realm's vibrancy.
"Sit," the Vice Guild Master said, gesturing to two chairs before his desk. Nova eased himself down, wincing as his bruises protested, while the bespectacled boy perched on the edge of his seat, his hands fidgeting. The older man leaned against his desk, his B-rank sigil faintly visible as he crossed his arms. "I'm Marcus, Vice Guild Master. You've got guts, both of you, though for different reasons."
He turned to the bespectacled boy, his expression softening. "You've been taking their abuse for too long, haven't you?" The boy nodded, his glasses slipping slightly. "They target you because you're unawakened, but that doesn't make you weak. Strength comes in many forms." He shifted his gaze to Nova. "And you, fighting a D-rank with no ability? That's either bravery or madness."
Nova's lips twitched, a faint smirk forming. "A bit of both, maybe," he said, his voice hoarse but steady. This mortal might be of use, might as well befriend him for an alliance, he thought. But I need to awaken, the level of power this human has over me, is quiet insane. The itch in his hand grew, the golden circles urging him toward his dormant potential.
Marcus leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "The guild could use people like you," he said to Nova. "Unawakened or not, your skill caught my eye. Train here, awaken your ability, and you could rise fast." He glanced at the boy. "And you, kid, need to stand taller. We'll get you trained, too, if you're willing."
The bespectacled boy's eyes widened, a spark of hope breaking through his fear. "Me?" he stammered, adjusting his glasses. "But I'm… I'm nobody." His voice was small, but Marcus shook his head, his expression firm yet kind.
"Nobody's nobody in this guild," Marcus said. "You're here now, and that's a start." He turned back to Nova, his tone growing serious. "The Mortal Realm's changing. Beastaria's creatures roam free, and the Infernal Realm's creeping closer. We need fighters, awakened or not. What do you say?"
Nova's mind raced, the weight of his choice settling in. This guild might just be my path, he thought. A place to awaken, to forge my pillars, to get the dopamine I need. Oh, baby!
He nodded slowly, his crimson eyes meeting Marcus's. "I'm in," he said, his voice carrying a trace of divine resolve. The bespectacled boy hesitated, then nodded, a tentative agreement.
Marcus smiled, a rare warmth breaking his stern demeanor. "Good. Let's get you both registered." He tapped his tablet, pulling up a holographic form. The guild's future, and Nova's mortal journey, had just begun.