Lu Changcheng's tour of the Dao Guild headquarters was comprehensive, almost overwhelming in its scope. They moved through the building like a master showing off his domain, each area revealing another layer of the organization's capabilities and resources.
The cafeteria was the first stop, a sprawling space that could easily accommodate hundreds of people. Round tables filled the main dining area, while an open kitchen stretched along one wall, staffed by what appeared to be professional chefs rather than typical institutional food service workers. The aroma of various cuisines filled the air traditional dishes mixed with international fare, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere that reflected the guild's diverse membership.
"We believe that well fed hunters are effective hunters,"
Lu explained as they walked through the space.
"The cooking staff includes several who specialize in meals that enhance recovery and energy regeneration. It's not just about taste, though that matters too."
Guild members at various tables nodded respectfully as Lu passed, some rising slightly from their seats in acknowledgment.
Ren noticed the range of people present, young hunters who couldn't be older than twenty, grizzled veterans with scars that spoke of countless battles, and everything in between. The diversity was striking, united only by their shared profession and guild affiliation.
and no one recognizes Ren of course he appears on the Media with a mask afterall.
The training facilities occupied an entire floor, divided into specialized areas for different types of combat and skill development. There were traditional sparring rings with reinforced floors and walls designed to withstand superhuman impacts. Shooting ranges for hunters who favored ranged weapons. Meditation chambers for those whose abilities required mental focus and spiritual cultivation.
Even stranger spaces rooms filled with what looked like shifting geometric patterns, areas where gravity seemed to behave differently, chambers that flickered between different elemental environments.
"The training facilities are available twenty four hours a day"
Lu noted as they watched a group of hunters practicing coordinated team maneuvers in one of the larger spaces.
"We have instructors on staff, but most hunters prefer to develop their own training regimens once they reach a certain level."
Ren observed the training session with interest. The hunters moved with a fluidity that spoke of extensive practice, their abilities complementing each other in ways that seemed almost choreographed. It was clear that individual power meant little without the tactical knowledge of how to apply it effectively.
But the most impressive part of their tour was saved for last the treasure vault.
The entrance to the vault was a testament to both security and craftsmanship.
The door was forged from a metal that Ren didn't recognize, its surface etched with patterns that seemed to shift and change as the light hit them.
The mechanism that opened it was a marvel of engineering a massive circular portal that rolled aside with a deep, resonant rumble that seemed to shake the very foundations of the building.
"Brother Ren, welcome to the Dao Guild treasure vault"
Lu announced with evident pride.
The sight that greeted them was breathtaking. The first level stretched into the distance, filled with items that seemed to go on endlessly.
Row upon row of armor and weapons filled one section, each piece carefully displayed and labeled. The variety was staggering traditional weapons alongside futuristic designs, armor that looked like it belonged in medieval times next to pieces that seemed to be made from living metal or crystallized light.
Another section housed accessories and potions, countless bottles and vials arranged on shelves that stretched up to the ceiling. Some glowed with inner light, others seemed to absorb illumination, creating pockets of shadow among the displays. The accessories ranged from simple rings and amulets to elaborate pieces that looked more like works of art than functional equipment.
Ren's mouth almost hung open, his expression revealing his complete bewilderment at the sheer scale of the collection.
Lu Changcheng barely suppressed a laugh at Ren's reaction.
"My brother sometimes seems extremely smart, but sometimes he acts like a child. How perplexing."
The comment wasn't meant as criticism, if anything, Lu seemed to find Ren's wonder endearing. There was something refreshing about seeing someone experience genuine amazement in a world where power and wealth often bred cynicism.
"Brother Ren, this is not even the good stuff. Let's go down."
They descended a metal staircase that spiraled down through the center of the vault. Each level they passed revealed more treasures, each collection seemingly more valuable and rare than the last.
The organization was meticulous items grouped by type, rank, and sometimes by more esoteric categories that spoke of deep knowledge about magical theory and combat applications.
Level after level, until they finally arrived at floor B8.
"Why does the floor go down to eight, Brother Lu?"
Ren asked, noting the specific choice.
"Well, eight is a lucky number in our culture,"
Lu replied with a slight smile.
"But actually, we have nine floors in the vault."
He paused for dramatic effect, clearly enjoying the revelation.
"At the ninth level, there are Mythic level items. You'll be able to pick something from there if you contribute to the guild greatly."
The wink that accompanied this statement was unmistakable. Lu knew exactly how to entice people, dangling the promise of legendary equipment as motivation for exceptional service.
He really knows how to motivate people, Ren thought, recognizing the psychological manipulation while appreciating its effectiveness.
They walked through the vault door on the eighth level, entering a space that was noticeably different from the levels above. The items here seemed to radiate power, creating an almost electric atmosphere that made the hair on Ren's arms stand on end.
"Here are the S-rank items and skills," Lu announced.
"Wow, there are a lot, isn't there?" Ren's voice carried genuine appreciation for the collection.
"Of course, but you know the other guilds probably have more," Lu said with casual competitiveness.
"Well, but it's too late to regret now, Brother."
"If I ever regret it, feel free to shoot me, Brother Lu," Ren replied without hesitation.
"Famous last words, Brother Ren" Lu let out a light chuckle, but there was warmth in his expression that suggested he didn't expect such regret to ever be necessary.
"You can choose one S-rank skill and three S-rank items."
"My brother is so generous."
"Of course."
Ren walked into the huge vault, his eyes scanning the incredible array of items available to him. The selection process felt overwhelming each item represented years of development, rare materials, and sometimes the life's work of master crafters. How could he possibly choose just four items from such a collection?
But then his eye was caught by one particular item that seemed to call to him. It was a three-piece suit with a long coat, the entire ensemble rendered in deep black that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
The item description materialized in his vision as he approached:
[Item: Umbral Gentleman's Attire] Rank: S
Type: Armor (Set: Suit + Long Coat)
Description: A Victorian three piece suit beneath a sweeping black overcoat, its crimson lining stitched with faint sigils that ripple like living shadows. Though it appears to be fine fabric, it carries the weight of steel armor and the elegance of death itself.
Stats & Effects:
Defense: S-RankResistances:Physical Resistance – S-Rank (Reduces incoming physical damage by 50%)Fire Resistance – A-Rank (Reduces incoming burns and flame by 50%)Ice Resistance – A-Rank (Reduces incoming frostbite, freezing, and ice by 50%)Lightning Resistance – A-Rank (Reduces incoming electrocution and thunder by 50%)Gentleman's Poise: The wearer cannot be staggered, knocked down, or disarmed by physical force. Always stands firm.Retribution Impact: When struck by melee attacks, releases a shockwave of force equal to 10% of the incoming damage, knocking attackers back. Critical strikes trigger a 20% force rebound, sending attackers flying and stunning them briefly.Auto-Repair: The attire restores itself over time. Cuts, burns, and tears mend within seconds, returning it to pristine condition.
"This sounds useful," Ren murmured to himself, already imagining how well it would complement his plague doctor persona.
Without waiting for permission, he began putting on the suit.
The fabric felt strange against his skin simultaneously soft like the finest silk and substantial like armor plating.
The weight was perfectly distributed, never feeling heavy despite the obvious protection it provided.
The long coat settled around his shoulders like it had been tailored specifically for him, the crimson lining visible only in brief flashes as the fabric moved. The sigils stitched into the lining seemed to pulse with their own rhythm, creating patterns that were almost hypnotic to watch.
Once fully dressed, Ren decided to test the suit's most important feature for someone with his abilities. He activated his "Arms of Tentacles" skill.
Four of black, thick tentacles burst through the fabric of the suit from his back, each appendage as substantial as his arm but far more flexible. The tentacles moved with fluid grace, testing their range of motion while the suit accommodated their emergence without any apparent strain on the material.
After a few moments of experimentation, Ren retracted the tentacles, watching as they disappeared back into whatever dimensional space they normally occupied. He turned his back to a nearby mirror, examining the damage to the suit.
4 holes had been torn through the fabric where the tentacles had emerged significant damage that would have ruined any normal garment. But even as he watched, the tears began to close. The fabric seemed to flow like liquid, edges pulling together and weaving themselves back into a seamless whole.
Within twenty seconds, the suit looked as pristine as when he'd first put it on.
"Yep, I'll pick this one," he announced with satisfaction.
The Umbral Gentleman's Attire was perfect for his needs. It provided substantial protection without sacrificing the elegant appearance that fit his plague doctor persona. The auto-repair function meant he wouldn't have to worry about his abilities damaging his clothing during combat. And the various resistances would help him survive encounters with hunters and monsters who wielded elemental attacks.
But perhaps most importantly, the suit's overall aesthetic matched perfectly with the cosmic horror theme that seemed to define his class. The Victorian styling, the subtle supernatural elements, the way it seemed to absorb light all contributed to an image that was both professional and deeply unsettling.