Chapter 4

Crossing the threshold of my study, the dim light of the candles provided a cozy ambiance to the room, where the richness of the dark wood furniture blended with touches of gold and blue, the emblematic colors of the Blue Sun Guild. I had settled behind my desk, awaiting the arrival of my faithful butler, Albert, who was to give me a report on the meeting with the mysterious Etherial who had undergone a dual awakening.

When the door opened, Albert entered with his elegant stride and impeccable jacket. His piercing eyes seemed to read every detail of the room before finally settling on me. "Miss," he greeted in a calm voice, his head slightly bowed.

"Albert, take a seat. I hope it went well with the new Etherial," I declared, indicating the chair in front of me. Albert took his place opposite me with the usual grace that characterized each of his movements.

"Miss, the meeting went as planned after all the other representatives had left. The new Etherial, named Bwouad, is a curious individual, he emanates a peculiar aura, a mix between the purity of the divine and the mischief of demons. His aura is something I've never felt, even among S-rank Etherials," he began, his gaze never leaving mine.

My heart sped up slightly at this revelation. "An aura so unique that even Albert seems mystified, that's something rare," I thought as a smile formed on my lips, already imagining having him in my guild.

Albert leaned forward, speaking in a low voice as if he feared the walls themselves could hear. "The man himself does not seem evil, but the energy he emits is not to be underestimated."

"I see," I murmured, a slight line of concern appearing on my forehead. "Despite this, were you able to obtain information about his potential and capability?"

Albert nodded. "Yes, miss. He has been ranked as a B-rank Support, but if I may, according to me, his potential must be higher if I go by his aura. Moreover, according to his reaction, he did not seem surprised nor disappointed by his new rank. Normally, a doubly awakened Etherial is raised to S or even SS rank, but not him. And that's what seems suspicious to me, as if he expected it. So, according to my observations, he is currently ranked at B, but I believe he should be at least S rank and potentially SS rank.

As for his skill, all we know is that it grants him omniscient sight within a certain radius, allowing him to perceive every detail around him. Useful for espionage, mapping, labyrinthine and open dungeons."

Hearing Albert, a sense of fascination and curiosity overwhelmed me at the thought of this man. For what reasons would he want to hide like this? "Send someone to watch him, Albert. If he poses a danger or if he is in trouble, I want to be informed immediately. After all, it might be practical to help him while he is still without allies."

"Understood Miss, I'll have someone observe him closely and take necessary measures if needed."

After a short pause, I smiled slightly. "Thank you, Albert. You may go."

He bowed politely before leaving the room. Once alone, I gazed at the shadows on the ceiling, wondering if he also represented an invaluable opportunity or a variable to be eliminated. In any case, no matter if he delved into darkness, because it was in that darkness that the bright light of the Blue Sun shone the brightest."

----

Before me stood the headquarters of the Etherials' Association, a building whose sumptuous architecture and unmatched luxury clearly distinguished it from the surrounding structures. The facade, adorned with precious stones and ethereal motifs, captured the very essence of power and grandeur.

The entrance was teeming with life, a true crossroads where Etherials and aspirants gathered for various reasons: transactions of precious items, team formations for upcoming explorations, or simply wandering among the displays of ancient artifacts.

My presence here served a triple purpose: to liquidate the treasures accumulated in the recent Golden Goblin dungeon, to inform myself about the intricacies of dungeons, and finally, to book my next adventure.

Inside, the HQ unfolded splendor that rivaled its exterior. The dark wood furniture, enhanced with gilding and blue accents, reverberated the aura of the Blue Sun Guild. Waiting in the line dedicated to item resale, my turn came quickly. The receptionist, displaying impeccable professionalism, greeted me courteously: "Good morning, Sir. How may I assist you today?"

"I'd like to sell some items. Should I place them here?" I asked, indicating the counter in front of me. She responded in the negative, pulling out a large box to collect my goods. She explained that an expert would evaluate them shortly to determine their value.

Once I had handed over my possessions, except those tied to my skill, I requested information on dungeons. "They are categorized into three types: linear, labyrinthine, and open," she began, her voice imbued with a calming assurance. "Linear ones have a few rooms leading to the boss, while the labyrinthine ones, unpredictable, complicate the quest for the boss. Open ones, more sought after, offer a natural playground where monsters and bosses roam freely."

She then directed me to another counter for booking, mentioning the existence of a dedicated app listing available dungeons, some being exclusive to guilds.

The expert concluded his evaluation during our conversation, and the receptionist presented me with a document detailing the value of each item. The proposed amount amounted to an astronomical sum, reflecting the risks incurred. The mention of Thomas and the fallen companions lent a fleeting melancholy to this success.

The receptionist interpreted my silence as astonishment and reassured me about the accuracy of the estimations provided. Opting for a direct transfer, I thanked her for her efficient assistance.

Retreating to a corner of the common area, I examined the app in search of my next challenge. My choice fell on C-rank dungeons, unpopular but promising. Three options stood out: the Arachnid Dungeon, shrouded in darkness populated by spiders; the Anthill, a living labyrinth; and Cloud Island, a secluded paradise with aerial challenges. Each offered enticing rewards, though generally overlooked in favor of the major guilds.

After booking my targets, I left the HQ, my mind already turned to the creeping darkness of the Arachnid Dungeon, the first on my list.