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I stood there, frozen, in the midst of the oppressive silence that enveloped the guild. The impact of what had just happened still echoed in everyone's minds. Dragan lay on the floor, his leg bent at an impossible angle, his jaw shattered, and a pool of blood slowly spreading beneath him.
"Victor, what did you do...?" Elara whispered.
Before I could answer, I heard steady footsteps quickly approaching. A man with an imposing presence entered the hall, likely the guild master. He carried an air of authority, with graying hair and a stern expression. His eyes immediately locked onto mine.
"What is going on here?" he asked, his voice firm and commanding as it filled the hall.
Elara stepped toward him, quickly explaining the situation. The guild master looked at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"You're Victor, right?" he asked, eyes fixed on mine.
I nodded, keeping my gaze steady.
"Come with me," he ordered, turning and walking toward a room at the back of the hall.
I followed him in silence, feeling the weight of every stare in the room. Once inside, he shut the door behind us, creating a confined atmosphere. He sat behind a large wooden desk and gestured to the chair in front of him.
"Sit down, Victor," he said, his voice calmer now but still authoritative.
I obeyed, sitting as he observed me carefully.
"I'm Orion, the master of this guild. I was informed about the incident with Dragan." He paused, watching my reaction. "He's a Class B adventurer, one of the strongest here. You, on the other hand, are new and somehow defeated him with ease."
Oh, I see. What matters to him is that I'm stronger than Dragan. He doesn't care about Dragan at all, just that his perceived power has now diminished. Just like Lilia said, people here only care about strength.
"He crossed the line," I replied, trying to stay calm. "It wasn't planned. My body just reacted."
Orion studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing. A Class B adventurer was significant, a respected force. The fact I took him down so easily raised red flags, and Orion didn't seem willing to let it go without answers.
He made a subtle motion under the desk, pressing a hidden button that triggered a mechanism. I heard a faint click but said nothing, keeping a neutral expression. I knew he had summoned someone.
A few minutes later, the door opened and a slender man with a calm demeanor entered. He wore light armor suited for mobility and carried an aura of confidence and skill. His blue eyes swept the room before landing on Orion.
"Orion, I heard the commotion and thought I'd check things out," the man said casually. "Looks like we've got a situation."
"Ah, Sentil, glad you're here," Orion said, sounding relieved. "This is Victor. We had an incident involving him and Dragan."
Sentil looked at me briefly, then turned back to Orion.
"Dragan... the Class B guy?" Sentil raised an eyebrow. "That's no small thing."
"Exactly, and we need to clarify the facts," Orion said. "Sentil, take Victor into custody for interrogation. I want to understand what really happened."
Sentil nodded and motioned for me to follow. We left the room and stepped into the snow-covered city.
We walked in silence for a while before he finally spoke.
"You defeated a Class B adventurer on your own. That's impressive," Sentil said, his tone thoughtful. "But it also raises questions. Who are you really, Victor?"
"I was just trying to do my job," I replied, keeping things vague.
"Well, let's see how this plays out." Sentil stopped and turned to me, his blue eyes locked on mine. "I'm a knight. I have to ensure you're not a threat."
I watched him closely. He played the role well, but it was clear he had been called in by Orion to handle me. His behavior, the way he pretended to stumble upon the situation...
But I don't know how this world works. Maybe their technology is more advanced than I thought.
"I'm not a threat unless I'm forced to be," I finally said. "I just want to find a place here and help however I can."
Sentil pondered my words.
"Very well. Let's go somewhere we can talk more. I need to understand your story before making any decisions."
With that, we headed to the barracks—one of many, as each region in the kingdom has its own for safety. At least Sentil was teaching me some things.
We entered a sturdy building and walked through a narrow corridor into a secluded room. The interior was austere, with stone walls and soft magical lighting that added a tense atmosphere. Sentil closed the door and activated a set of glowing runes along the walls, forming a magical barrier.
"[Victor, he's putting up a magical seal. My ability [Psychic Order] won't work now. I'll head outside or my camouflage will deactivate,]" Merlin said in my mind. I gave a slight nod in response.
"Sit down, Victor," Sentil said, pointing to a chair in the center of the room.
I obeyed, and he began adjusting magical devices on a side table. The rune lights intensified. Being in this magic-suppressing space made me anxious. As a magical creature, it felt like my very existence was being suppressed.
"Now, let's find out who you really are," Sentil murmured, eyes locked onto mine.
His blue eyes began to glow bright yellow—he was using Appraisal on me.
His eyes narrowed in surprise. The glow faded and he returned to normal.
"Interesting..." he murmured, voice now tinged with contained tension. "A Metamorph. It's not every day we see a monster like you among humans."
My breath caught. He had found out. Not that it was a surprise. The moment Dragan hit the floor, I knew my cover was blown.
"Now, tell me, Victor," Sentil said, his voice taking on a threatening tone. "What's your real reason for being here? And why would an intelligent monster like you be in Cirgo?"
I knew this was a critical moment. One wrong word could seal my fate. I stared at Sentil, searching for the right words.
"I'm here to survive," I said, keeping my gaze steady. "I don't intend to cause trouble. I just want to find a safe place, settle down, and eventually support myself—maybe somewhere else."
Sentil studied me for a long moment, examining every nuance of my voice and expression.
"My devices say you're not lying... But let's see if your actions match your words," Sentil said, his tone still laced with quiet threat. "For now, you'll be under observation. Any slip-up, and I won't hesitate to act."
He deactivated the magic device, and the barrier's pressure slightly eased. Sentil still looked wary, but I didn't blame him.
"So basically...?" I asked, trying to clarify.
"I have a job for you, Metamorph. I can't trust you blindly, but if you do this, I'll accept your word as truth," Sentil said, his harsh expression softening slightly. "But know that I'll be watching you closely."
"And the family that took me in? Will you tell them about what I am?" I asked, worried.
Judging from his knowledge, Sentil must have a sense that someone helped me get in. This question had been haunting me.
"No. As long as you prove your worth and don't cause trouble, they don't need to know anything," he replied firmly. "But if you show any signs of betrayal, everything will change."
I felt immediate relief, a heavy weight lifted from my shoulders. Knowing that Eliza, Thom, and Lilia wouldn't be involved was comforting.
"You seem to care a lot about those humans," Sentil noted, his voice curious. "Why?"
"They helped me," I answered simply. "That's all."
Sentil studied me before continuing.
"There's something I need you to do," he said, shifting the subject. "Lately, we've been facing constant monster attacks. Snowmen, ice golems, wolves—our defenses are weakening."
He went on to explain the worsening situation. Trade routes were growing dangerous, and food imports were being disrupted. Cirgo wasn't a good place for farming.
I had heard about the attacks, but now the details were alarming. Sentil described how monsters were appearing more frequently. The situation was worse than I thought.
"So you suspect the monsters aren't acting naturally and want me to investigate?" I asked.
"Exactly. You'll accompany me, help find the source, and protect the city," Sentil said firmly. "With your strength, you could be a great asset."
Sentil stood up, signaling the end of our conversation.
"Let's go," he said, opening the door and motioning for me to follow.
We stepped back into Cirgo's cutting cold. Sentil walked confidently, his eyes alert to everything around us.
As we moved through the streets, silence hung heavy between us. I knew he was still watching me closely. But there was also a genuine curiosity in his eyes—a desire to understand who I really was, perhaps.
We reached the marketplace, bustling with people. Sentil stopped and turned to me.
"For now, stay close. I'll be watching you from afar," he said firmly. "Don't try anything suspicious, or there will be consequences."
I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Sentil gave a slight nod and disappeared into the crowd. His ability to move so discreetly was impressive—almost like a shadow.
He wasn't just a skilled knight; he was sharp and calculating. With a deep breath, I began walking through the city.
"[That went better than I expected. Do you really think we're okay?]" Merlin asked in my mind.
"I think so. If we can earn a good reputation with the kingdom's prince, that's already a big win."
"[You're hoping he pays you, aren't you?]"
"Of course. Merlin, I've been wondering for a while… I answer your questions just by speaking, but…. You can't read minds, right?"
"[Ah, no. I can only issue commands, not receive thoughts. So I simply command your soul to understand me.]"
Is that how it works?
It was early afternoon, so I decided to walk a bit. That's when I found something—or rather, someone.
It was an open area, a makeshift playground where children played in the snow. In the middle of them was Lilia.
But something was wrong.
A group of older boys held her hat high above her, laughing while she jumped, trying to get it back. From the look on her face, she wasn't enjoying it at all.
Here we go...
Before the scene dragged on, I approached and effortlessly grabbed the hat, handing it back to Lilia.
"Here."
Her eyes widened, and she took the hat gently.
"Thank you..."
"Huh?!" one of the boys exclaimed.
"Hey! Who do you think you are?!" the tallest grabbed my shoulder, turning me to face him.
He's bigger than me... Intimidation won't work like this... But words might!
"No, no. Who do you think you are, taking other people's things? She's way younger than you. Don't you have any pride as a man?"
The other boys choked on their laughter.
"Oof! He's humiliating you!"
"He said you're not a man!"
"Wow, I wouldn't let that slide!"
These guys...
The tall boy clenched his teeth and suddenly punched me in the face.
The blow landed... but I didn't move.
He, on the other hand...
Dropped to his knees, clutching his hand in pain.
"Aaaahhh! My hand!"
His eyes welled up, and within seconds he was running away.
"You'll see! I'm telling my dad!"
"You'll see! He's telling his dad!"
"Yeah!"
The others ran after him, stumbling through the snow and shouting.
I stood there, scratching the back of my head and sighing.
"What a weird group..."
Suddenly, I felt a tug on my shirt.
Lilia stood beside me, holding my sleeve with one hand, the other still clutching her hat.
I knelt down and gently adjusted the hat over her ears. She stayed quiet, watching my movements.
"There. Now you won't be cold."
She blinked a few times, then smiled faintly.
"Shall we go home?"
Lilia nodded, holding my sleeve as we walked.
When we got home, the house was strangely quiet. I entered slowly, calling out for Eliza and Thom, but no one answered.
"Lilia, where did they go?" I asked, stepping into the living room.
"Mom and Dad went out to handle some things. I don't like being alone, so I went out... A-ah! How was work?" she asked, sitting on the couch.
I sat beside her, noticing she pulled out a notebook that had been hidden in the cushions—full of drawings and notes. Some were about adventures, others about places she wanted to visit.
"It was pretty intense," I replied, trying to ease the mood.
Lilia frowned, pointing at the blood on my clothes.
"What's that? Did you get hurt?"
"Oh! Uh... I cut myself," I said quickly, trying to hide the stain and change the subject. "So, what are these drawings?"
"Just things I imagine," Lilia replied, showing me a drawing of a beach. "I've always wanted to see the sea, but never got the chance. Oh! And this! A summer festival!"
I smiled at the simplicity of her dreams. It was a stark contrast to the brutal world outside.
"The sea, huh?" I murmured, looking at her drawings. "Never been to a summer festival, but it sounds fun."
Lilia looked at me with admiration. It seemed every word I said comforted her more. She started talking excitedly about all the things she wanted to do someday, and I listened, enjoying the sparkle in her eyes.
As we talked, Merlin spoke in my mind.
"[Victor, stay alert. Sentil is watching from a few streets away. Be careful.]"
I nodded slightly, not wanting to worry Lilia. Knowing Sentil was still watching wasn't a surprise. But he really wasn't joking about keeping an eye on me.
"So, I'm going out tonight, okay? Don't bother looking for me. But until then, want to draw with me a bit?" I asked, steering the conversation to something lighter.
Lilia smiled brightly and agreed. I spent time drawing with her, enjoying the simple moment. My drawings were never great, but I was having fun.
"You're really good at this," Lilia said, looking at my drawing of a red dragon next to her castle sketch.
What a pure soul, lying to make me feel better!
"Thanks. I guess drawing helps calm the mind," I replied with a smile.
"In books, they say dragons are divine beings that rule above the skies. Oh! Have you ever seen one?"
I was a bit surprised by her excitement. I tried to give a subtle answer.
"A dragon... No... Oh! But I did see a red dragon once," I said proudly.
"Really?!"
It was on a book cover...
The door opened and Eliza and Thom returned. Eliza smiled warmly as she approached.
"Looks like you two had fun," she said, taking off her coat.
"Yes! Victor is great at drawing!" Lilia exclaimed, showing her the drawings.
How embarrassing! They're going to see how bad my drawings really are!
Thom nodded, clearly pleased with the scene. I greeted them and headed up to my room.
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I lay down on the bed and sighed as I looked at my clothes, now somewhat dirty.
I'll wash that…
Merlin removed her camouflage, floating beside me as her speech bubbles appeared.
"[Looks like Sentil's gone. How curious.]"
"Well, I guess he saw I wasn't going to do anything in here... Seems like he trusts me a little" I replied, feeling a bit more cheerful.
"[That might be it! But hey, what was that back at the guild? I know you were really mad, but it looked like you were in control.]"
I didn't really know how to put it into words. It was hard even for me to explain. My emotions were a mess—a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.
"I got angry when he mentioned my mother…" I admitted, a lump forming in my throat.
"[I see... Ah! About that guy, Dragan, he's being healed now, but the guild master said what you did isn't really a problem.]" Merlin quickly changed the subject so as not to pressure me too much.
"He said that?" I asked, surprised. Relief started replacing the tension in my shoulders.
"[Yep! I went to visit him secretly. Apparently, whatever the guild master says is law, so if he says there's no problem, then there's no problem. So you don't have to worry—just be more careful next time, okay?]" She popped up a speech bubble with a smiling emoji, which made me smile faintly.
"Alright. I'm happier now... talking with you like this again. You were so quiet all day" I admitted, feeling a genuine connection growing between us.
"[Did you miss me?]"
"I did. It's kind of embarrassing, but… I think you're the one I've felt the most connected to so far. Even if you don't talk much about yourself" I confessed.
"[I wouldn't even know what to say, honestly. I don't really remember my past, hehe… But! I'm really happy to have you as a friend now. It's way better than being alone in that mansion.]"
Looks like you've got your own burdens too… Even acting so carefree…
I watched her float gently, realizing that despite her playful and cheerful nature, there was a depth to her I didn't fully understand yet.
"Hey, Merlin. When we leave this place and find a better one… what do you think about us going after your past?" I asked, feeling a little hopeful. I wanted to give something back for all the support she'd given me.
"[Really?! You'd do that for me?!]" she spun around, a speech bubble bursting with pure joy and filled with surprised emojis.
"Of course! But first, we need to take care of things here. So let's finish this quickly, alright?"
"[Alright!]" she replied, her voice full of renewed excitement.
I wanted to get to know this little spirit better, but I didn't want to force anything. For now, I'd just let time guide us.
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At that moment, in a dark room, hooded figures gathered around a long table lit only by candles. There were seven chairs. The atmosphere was grim, and the air felt heavy—charged with a palpable tension.
The leader of the meeting sat at the head of the table, watching each of the attendees closely. Beside him, a white-hooded figure, whose presence radiated an aura of authority and mystery, remained silent.
"We must act with precision," said the leader, his firm voice cutting through the silence. "Princess Serena is the key to our plan. We need to ensure that the monster attacks keep the city distracted while we carry out our true mission."
The white-hooded figure, known as "The Fifth," slowly nodded, his wrinkled hands emerging from his sleeves.
"The monsters will continue their assaults. That will ensure the attention of the city and the guild remains diverted," he murmured, his whisper echoing through the hall. "And when the time is right, we will seize power."
The leader looked at the members present—some of whom were aware of the true plan.
"Remember, the princess must be eliminated without failure. Her power is essential to our goals. If we lose this opportunity, everything will become far more complicated."
One of the members, a burly man with a scar on his face, stepped forward.
"And the disguised monster?" he asked, referring to Victor. "Could he become a problem?"
The Fifth raised his hand, silencing the room.
"Victor," he said, his voice filled with a dangerous calm. "He's been under surveillance since the moment he entered the city. He doesn't seem to be a threat, considering the way he's acting."
The leader pondered for a moment before replying.
"Knight Sentil believes he can control him," he finally said, a cold smile forming on his lips. "But if he becomes a threat, he will be eliminated."
The Fifth glanced around the room and sighed—he seemed tired.
"Time is running out. Prepare yourselves. The moment to act is near. Remember: do not draw attention."
The leader paused for a moment, looking at the Fifth beside him.
"I trust your wisdom will guide us, Master," he said, his voice low and respectful.
Before the meeting ended, a female figure raised her hand, her expression serious and inquisitive.
"I would like to ask about the Gejer artifact."
All eyes turned to her, and the meeting's leader nodded before responding.
"It is still well hidden. No kingdom has managed to find it yet. That's why, after the conquest of Cirgo, we'll begin expanding our domain by 'helping' isolated villages," the leader said, his voice calm but firm.
The Fifth, still observant and hooded, remained silent for a moment before interjecting.
"The matter of the artifact is of utmost importance, but we cannot forget Cirgo's current economic situation," he said, his voice resonating throughout the room. "Cirgo is a small and isolated kingdom, and its economy relies almost exclusively on potion-making and textile production. With the monster attacks increasing, trade routes are becoming more and more dangerous. Merchants are facing great risks, which is severely affecting the kingdom's flow of goods and financial stability."
An elderly woman, exuding wisdom, spoke up.
"The great kingdoms are spending a fortune chasing the Gejer artifact. They're desperate for any advantage they can get, and it's draining their resources. Meanwhile, Cirgo is running out of buyers for its goods, further worsening their economic crisis. We must consider the impact this has on our strategy."
The leader of the meeting frowned, reflecting on her words.
"We need to keep Cirgo under pressure to ease our eventual takeover. But at the same time, we must avoid a total economic collapse before we can intervene." He looked around the room, seeking agreement. "The intensified monster attacks are already creating the chaos we need. We must ensure these attacks continue, but also keep certain trade routes functioning, to maintain a facade of normality."
The Fifth nodded, a faint smile on his lips.
"Exactly. We need a delicate balance. Keep the tension high, but not so high that the kingdom crumbles before its time." He paused, his eyes gleaming beneath the hood. "As for the greater kingdoms, we can exploit their obsession with the artifact. Send them false information, mislead their searches into harmless areas—keep them busy, and burning through resources."
The female figure who had raised the topic spoke again.
"But what about the new element in the city? The man named Victor," she asked, a note of caution in her voice. "We don't know much about him. Treating him as a controllable danger could be a mistake, don't you think?"
The Fifth, until then quiet, leaned forward slightly.
"We are monitoring Victor closely," he said, each word measured. "He is an unknown factor, yes, but we are prepared for any eventuality. His presence may be an obstacle, but it's under control."
The meeting leader closed his eyes for a moment, considering the situation.
"We will proceed with our plan," he finally said. "We'll maintain the economic pressure and the monster attacks. And when the time is right, we will eliminate Princess Serena and take control of Cirgo. Until then, we'll watch for any potential threats, including Victor. Besides… if he becomes a problem, we have a Gorlak under our command."
The female figure spoke once more, her voice low but resolute.
"And what about the rest of the royal family? The king and Sentil also hold significant influence. Their survival could complicate things."
The Fifth replied with an icy tone.
"The entire royal family must be eliminated. Only with the death of all of them—including the king and Sentil—can we ensure there is no resistance to our control." He paused, letting his words echo. "After that, we'll introduce a 'third' savior. Someone who can earn the people's trust and take power in a way that feels natural and legitimate. Our rise must look like salvation, not conquest."
The Fifth looked at the group's leader as he said this, indicating who that "savior" would be.
With that, the meeting came to an end, and the conspirators dispersed. In the silence that followed, the Fifth remained, gazing at the empty room, an enigmatic smile on his face.
He knew the real game was only just beginning.
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