Once inside the city, Eri and I decided to split up, as we each had a different destination in mind. It didnt take long before the familiar shape of the witch hunters guild ca into view in the distance. The guild district was, however, as busy as always, slowing down quite a bit as I weaved through the different parties to get to the fortress. It seed even busier than usual, in fact, and it didnt take long for my suspicions to be confird.
Posters had been stuck on every signboard in the area, accompanied by related newspapers that told of the event about to shake the continent. All of the people gathered were discussing the matter. So loudly proclaiming that they would be the ones the shock people of all nations with their strength, while others discussed possible work and business opportunities to be had near the event.
From what I could see, no further details had been announced so far, but I knew that it would only be a matter of ti.
Eventually, I reached the gates of the guild that I hadnt visited for a while. It felt strange to be let in without needing to have my badge checked by security, as it turned out I had beco sothing of a local celebrity. Even more strange, however, was how much the fortress had changed in the relatively short ti I had been away.
Where before the guild headquarters had been a gloomy, if well-equipped, building. Back then, the most impressive thing about it had been its sheer size, having been an old city guard barracks before being retrofitted to suit the witch-hunters needs.
Now, however, its sheer opulence took centre stage instead. It couldnt be compared to an aristocrats mansion or anything, but it was clear that the guild master had stopped at nothing to redecorate the place with only the most expensive weapons and armour he could find. All of which stood in stark contrast to the aged brick serving as a backdrop to this equipnt, of course.
Equally notable was how active the fortress now felt. Far more witch hunters, both young and old, gathered here. They all seed to know , too, greeting with a smile when I passed. I could swear I hadnt t any of them before, though
Finally, I reached the guild masters office. I was ushered inside upon my arrival and welcod warmly by the lion-like tier 5 sitting behind the desk.
For once, his furniture was paperwork-free and there were no bags under his eyes. After so casual greetings, I got around to asking about these recent changes.
So youve noticed, have you? Andros, the guild master asked smugly. Our branch has seen a large increase in manpower and wealth recently, in no small part thanks to you, of course! Your accomplishnts in the royal tournant did much to improve the witch hunters guild as a whole, but your tales of the between lands were what really propelled you into stardom!
My tales of the between lands? Im pretty sure I havent been spreading those tales, though. I countered, frowning.
But you dont need to, Arthur! The church has been taking care of that for you! Just imagine, local hero returns holy artefact from the lands of death! Such a story is enough to convince anyone of our value, dont you think? Since then, weve been having an influx of recruits. Both newly awakened and retiring veterans alike, to fill up our ranks.
I shook my head and sighed, foreseeing very little rest to be found in Reito from now on. To be fair, this was going to happen at so point anyway. To have it happen so early, however
I abandoned that train of thought and decided to focus on what was in front of right now.
Andross, do you know where I can find Cerion? I heard that him and his dad were in the city sowhere, bickering with Archdule Cerithal.
Andros eyes lost their lustre at the thought, but he nodded regardless.
Theres this fancy place near the center of the city. From what I hear, theyre all staying there as its the most expensive inn in the city. Has these fancy marble spires near its gates, and all.
My eyes widened, rembering the adjoined restaurant Cerion had taken too what felt like a lifeti ago.
You know the place? Andross questioned, noticing my reaction.
Sowhat. Anyway, I suppose Cerithal will be there, too?
Andross nodded gravely. You can be sure, yeah. Listen, Arthur. I want you to be careful around Cerithal, all right? It wouldnt be the first ti that his hand slips and so talented hopeful bites the dust. He knows his value to the kingdom as a whole and he isnt afraid of pushing boundaries, every now and then.
I nodded in return, seeing his point but not truly worried. Recent events had cented my confidence to escape anybody but a tier 7, so I wasnt as on edge as Andross wanted to be.
After so hurried goodbyes, I left the witch hunter fortress and set out for the inn Andross had pointed out. On the way there, I passed through the comrcial district. Seeing the weapons and armor on display, my hand went to the weapon hanging from my belt. A bastard sword, similar to the weapon my parents had gifted a year ago.
Its shape allowed for more versatility than a two-handed great sword, at the cost of weight and power. Not that the first mattered as much anymore.
The fact that my current weapon was only tier 3 bothered . It simply couldnt handle most of my skills, cracking and breaking the mont I channelled too much mana. Unlike other mana affinities, however, I didnt know of any smiths capable of making a dark-aligned weapon for .
Back when I had bought the weapon in Necropolis, it had been the best option available on short notice. I hadnt had the ti to seek out private collections to buy sothing more suitable and the city itself was too much of a dump to have a proper rcantile district. Corpse auctions were as good as it got, over there.
Now, with the continental et just on the horizon, the fact that my current weapon wasnt at all sufficient for my needs beca ever more present in my mind. I would have to find a better one as soon as possible, and I could think of only a few people who could help find one.
Among them, Eris dad and my own guild head seed the most likely candidates, but perhaps Andross had an idea as well
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