Space folded in on itself.
Kirara barely had time to gasp before the world snapped back into focus. The air felt different here, cleaner, lighter somehow. Wide stone streets stretched ahead of them, filled with people moving about their day. Merchants called out, adventurers passed by with weapons at their sides, and banners fluttered high above.
Rain frowned immediately.
"Loki," she said flatly. "Where the hell are we now?"
Loki glanced over his shoulder, hands tucked casually into his pockets, a relaxed smile on his face.
"The Kingdom of Ingrassia."
Rain blinked.
"Oh."
A beat passed.
"…And what the hell are we doing here?"
Loki stopped and turned, his gaze settling on Kirara. His smile widened just a bit.
"We're here to meet someone who'll take you into custody."
Kirara stiffened.
Her shoulders tensed, and a chill ran down her spine under Loki's gaze. Before she could speak, Loki frowned slightly and stepped closer. He began circling her slowly, eyes sharp, scanning her from head to toe.
Kirara swallowed.
"W-What's wrong, Loki-sama…?"
Loki hummed thoughtfully, leaning in just a fraction, as if examining a strange specimen.
"…No. It's nothing," he said at last.
He straightened up and turned away.
"Let's go."
Rain raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Loki started walking. Kirara hurried after him, sticking close, while Rain followed a step behind, her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.
As they walked, Rain spoke again.
"And where exactly do you intend on finding Shizue?"
Loki didn't slow.
"Don't worry. I know someone who'll know exactly where she is."
He glanced back at Kirara.
"Actually, that person's an otherworlder too. Just like you."
Kirara's eyes widened.
"Really?" she asked, a flicker of excitement breaking through her fear. "Then… I'd like to meet him."
Rain shot Loki a sharp look.
"Loki," she said suspiciously. "I thought you only just manifested into the Cardinal World. How do you know so many people already?"
Loki grinned.
"What can I say? I'm just popular."
A vein popped on Rain's forehead.
The three continued forward until a massive structure came into view. The building towered over everything around it, wide, imposing, yet bustling with life. Adventurers entered and exited constantly, their armor and weapons ranging from worn and practical to ornate and legendary.
Rain looked up.
"This building is huge."
"Naturally," Loki replied. "This is the headquarters of the Free Guild."
Rain tilted her head.
"Free Guild… I've heard Guy-sama mention it in passing. What exactly do they do?"
Loki placed a hand on his chin, pretending to think.
"Let's see. The Free Guild is a massive international organization with over sixty million members worldwide. They protect humanity from monsters, manage adventurer ranks from F to S, and act as a neutral intermediary for trade and quests."
Rain's eyes narrowed slightly as she listened.
"It was founded by its Grandmaster. Yuuki Kagurazaka."
He smiled.
"Which is exactly who we're here to meet."
Rain stopped walking for half a second.
"…Again," she said slowly, "how do you know these people?"
Loki waved her off.
"Don't worry about the details."
He pushed open the massive doors.
"Let's go in."
The interior of the Free Guild headquarters was even more impressive. Wide marble floors reflected the overhead lights, and the space buzzed with conversation. Information desks, quest boards, and waiting areas filled the massive hall.
At the front stood a beautiful woman behind the reception counter. She wore a professional smile that didn't falter as the three approached.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Free Guild headquarters," she said smoothly. "How may I help you?"
Loki stepped forward.
"Yes, please. I'm here to meet Yuuki Kagurazaka."
The receptionist blinked once, then smiled apologetically.
"You've come to see the Grandmaster. I'm sorry, but I wasn't notified of him expecting guests today. Do you have an appointment?"
"Nope," Loki replied cheerfully. "Just wanted to see him. We're old friends."
The receptionist hesitated.
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to meet the Grandmaster without an appointment."
"That's fine," Loki said easily. "If you just go tell him I'm here, I'm sure he'll be happy to see me."
She studied him for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Finally, she stood.
"I can… at least go ask."
Loki's smile widened.
"That's all I need."
He paused, then added casually,
"Oh, and tell him I miss our friend Kagali."
The receptionist froze for just a fraction of a second.
Confusion flashed across her face, but she quickly recovered.
"Understood," she said. "And… who shall I say is requesting the meeting?"
Loki met her gaze.
"Tell him it's Loki."
She nodded.
"Very well."
And with that, she turned and disappeared deeper into the building, leaving Rain staring at Loki with growing suspicion, and Kirara clutching her hands together, heart pounding.
---
At the very top floor of the Free Guild headquarters, silence reigned.
Stacks of documents were neatly arranged across a wide desk, each page filled with reports, requests, and carefully coded notes. Yuuki Kagurazaka sat comfortably in his chair, pen moving smoothly as he read and signed without pause. His expression was calm, almost gentle, one that put everyone at ease.
A sudden knock echoed through the room.
Without lifting his gaze, Yuuki spoke casually.
"Come in."
The door opened, and the beautiful receptionist stepped inside, posture straight and respectful.
"Grandmaster Yuuki," she said politely.
Yuuki finally looked up, smiling warmly.
"Gilda. Do you need something?"
"No, Grandmaster," Gilda replied. "I came to inform you that someone named Loki is here to see you."
Yuuki blinked.
"Loki?"
He leaned back slightly, eyes drifting to the side as he searched through his memories. Names, faces, affiliations, nothing surfaced. The name itself felt… out of place.
"No," he said after a moment, shaking his head. "I don't know anyone by that name."
Gilda tilted her head, confused.
"Is that so…?"
Then, as if recalling something important, her eyes widened slightly.
"Ah, he did mention that he misses his friend Kagali."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Yuuki's smile vanished.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as an oppressive aura leaked from him unchecked. His eyes sharpened, darkening like a blade pulled halfway from its sheath.
"What," he said quietly, "did you just say?"
Gilda stiffened.
Her breath caught as instinctive fear crawled up her spine. The pressure alone made her knees weak.
"H-He said… Kagali, sir," she answered carefully. "But if you don't know him, I can ask him to leave immediately—"
Yuuki froze.
Then, as if realizing himself, the pressure vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
He smiled again, gentle, reassuring.
"No, it's fine, Gilda," he said smoothly. "I remember him now."
Gilda let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Please allow him to come up."
"O-Oh, alright," she replied. "He also has companions with him. Shall they come up as well?"
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"Companions?"
He thought for a brief second, then shook his head.
"No. Just him. I'd like to… catch up with my friend one on one."
Gilda smiled, reassured.
"As you wish, Grandmaster Yuuki."
She bowed lightly and exited the office.
The moment the door closed, Yuuki's expression collapsed into something cold and dangerous.
'Kagali…'
His fingers tightened slightly against one another.
'Whoever this Loki is… he knows too much.'
If things went south, he was already prepared to erase the problem entirely.
---
Back at the reception hall, Gilda approached Loki with a pleasant smile.
"Good news," she said. "The Grandmaster has agreed to see you."
Loki beamed.
"See? Told you we were good friends."
Gilda chuckled politely.
"Grandmaster Yuuki even spoke highly of you. Shall I escort you to his office?"
Loki waved a hand dismissively.
"No need. I can find my way."
"Very well," she replied, stepping aside. "I won't keep you."
Loki turned and headed deeper into the building without another word.
Gilda then looked over to Rain and Kirara, who were seated in the waiting area.
"Can I get either of you something to drink?"
Rain answered immediately.
"No, thank you."
Kirara, however, nodded far too quickly.
"Y-Yes please."
Her throat felt painfully dry. Being anywhere near beings who treated country-destroying power like a joke was more than enough to sap her composure.
Gilda smiled and headed off.
---
Loki reached the top floor unimpeded.
The hallway was silent, guarded by enchantments rather than people. He stopped in front of a set of large double doors, didn't bother knocking, and pushed them open with confidence.
"If it isn't my old friend Yuuki," Loki said brightly, stepping inside. "Long time no see."
Yuuki sat behind his desk, hands clasped together.
Slowly, deliberately, he raised his gaze.
There was no warmth in his eyes, only sharp calculation and a hint of killing intent, carefully restrained but unmistakable.
In a cold, flat voice, Yuuki spoke.
"Who the hell are you?"
________________________________________
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