The first guild they approached was the River Moon Guild. It was the largest guild in the northern area, and thankfully, it was one that appeared pleasant, at least on the surface.
The River Moon Guild controlled a wide portion of land, protecting hos, shops, and vital streets. A tall outer wall surrounded their territory, constructed with layered earth magic reinforced by enchanted stone. The wall wasn’t rely symbolic; it served as a clear boundary, separating those inside from the chaos that had begun spreading throughout the rest of Alterian.
Standing atop the wall were several mages, posted at regular intervals. Their gazes were sharp, constantly scanning the streets below. Entry into the guild’s territory was tightly regulated. Other mages were not allowed inside unless they were escorted and had permission to speak directly with the Guild Master. As for regular citizens, they were permitted to move in, but not freely. Only those deed useful or necessary were accepted.
It wasn’t cruelty that dictated these decisions; it was survival.
The River Moon Guild had limited resources, and they could not afford to take in everyone. Each new arrival ant more mouths to feed, more protection required, and greater strain on their infrastructure. Thankfully, they lived in a world shaped by magic, where resources could still be managed, if one knew how.
Beast Crystals were at the heart of it all.
Using the energy stored within those crystals, mages could enchant crops to accelerate growth, allowing food to be produced far faster than normal. The sa crystals powered devices, apartnts, lighting systems, and various enchanted chanisms scattered throughout the guild’s territory. Even basic comforts were sustained through careful magical engineering.
That was why guilds still held imnse power.
They maintained access to dinsional portals, allowing them to hunt beasts and harvest their crystals. This steady flow of energy kept their societies functioning while the rest of Alterian struggled to adapt. It was also why guilds like River Moon were cautious, but not closed off, toward other mages. As long as newcors were vetted and proven to have no ulterior motives, they were often welcod.
When Raze and his group approached the outer wall, the stationed mages noticed imdiately.
Hands went to weapons. Mana flared subtly in the air.
One of the guards opened his mouth, ready to shout a command, but his words caught in his throat. His heart began to pound as recognition set in.
White hair.
It stood out far too much to be ignored.
"We are here to et with your Guild Master!" Raze shouted, his voice carrying clearly through the open space.
"We are not accepting visitors today!" one of the mages shouted back, forcing his voice to stay firm. "If you remain in this area, we will attack you. Visitors must be approved in advance. You may return in two days’ ti!"
The guards weren’t prepared for this situation. If trouble broke out here, there needed to be a plan, and none of them had expected him to appear without warning.
Raze didn’t move.
"You know I could walk straight through this wall with everyone behind ," he said calmly, his voice neither threatening nor raised. "I am asking because I want to show that I have no intention of fighting you. Tell your Guild Master that the Dark Magus is here."
Hearing the title spoken aloud made it feel real.
The two guards exchanged looks, uncertainty written across their faces. They already suspected who he was, but confirmation only made the weight of the mont heavier.
Then, a voice spoke from behind them.
"Let him in."
The guards turned quickly.
Standing there was an older man with a round face and a small white goatee beard. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp and observant.
Guild Master Song.
"It’s fine," Song said calmly. "We need to speak with him as well."
At his command, the mages used their earth magic, lowering a section of the wall just enough to allow passage. Raze and his group stepped forward.
The mont they crossed into the territory, they were struck by how different everything looked.
There were no massive craters tearing through buildings. No collapsed streets or shattered infrastructure. People walked openly through the roads, cautious but calm. Shops were open. Life continued.
What had once been a factory district had been transford into a large park, complete with greenery and open space where children played under watchful eyes. It was a stark contrast to the devastation they had passed through only monts earlier.
"Dark Magus," Guild Master Song said, giving a polite bow. Behind him stood a group of ten mages, clearly positioned as guards. "I am Guild Master Song. As you can see, life here is relatively peaceful. We hope you are sincere when you say you have no intention of fighting us."
"We are," Raze replied. "Is there sowhere we can talk?"
Song nodded and gestured for them to follow.
As they moved deeper into the guild’s territory, all eyes turned toward them. So people whispered behind closed doors. Others watched from windows. A few shut their doors entirely, fear plain on their faces.
Yet, surprisingly, there were also smiles.
Not many, but enough to be noticed.
These were people who looked more worn than others, bearing the marks of hardship. To them, the presence of the Dark Magus didn’t bring fear, it brought hope.
Eventually, they reached a street corner where a large pagoda-like temple stood. It had once been a tourist attraction in better tis. Now, it served as the heart of the River Moon Guild.
Mages were everywhere, on the ground, on the rooftops, even stationed along the pagoda’s upper levels.
"This is our base," Song explained. "There is a eting room, a tea house beside the pagoda. We can discuss whatever business you have there."
Raze stopped walking.
The others turned to him in surprise.
"No," he said quietly.
Song blinked. "What do you an?"
Raze looked around. He took in the intact buildings, the people moving about their lives, the children laughing in the park.
"Your lives here are too peaceful," Raze said. "This isn’t sothing I want to disrupt."
The words caught everyone off guard.
"We will leave."
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