Arthur nodded, placing the item back in its protective container before returning it to his dinsional storage. His perception continued scanning Jasmine for any signs of demonic corruption.
Just like before, there were no visible changes. But that ant nothing.
Before departing, Arthur reached into his other pocket, withdrawing the sleeping form of Neko. The primordial cat’s whiskers twitched with annoyance at being disturbed from her perpetual nap.
Lazy guardian. Perfect companion.
He placed her gently next to Charlotte on the dical bed. Neko’s white fur blended beautifully with the white linens.
"This cat!" Jasmine’s eyes lit up with recognition. "I haven’t seen her in a long ti! Ever since we first t, I had nearly forgotten her."
Arthur nodded with genuine affection for his first primordial summon. "She’s lazy—nearly always sleeping. My sister likes cats, so I decided to let her stay next to Charlotte."
Comfort through companionship. Jasmine thought.
Jasmine’s smile carried warmth that made Arthur’s paranoia diminish slightly. "Not a bad idea. I like it."
Positive response. Natural reaction.
"Can I touch her?" Jasmine asked with the excitent of soone who’d always wanted to pet a legendary creature. "I’ve always wanted to."
Reasonable request. Innocent enthusiasm.
Neko’s ancient eyes opened with obvious reluctance. The primordial cat’s gaze shifted between Jasmine and Arthur, calculating the social dynamics with feline intelligence.
Seeing Arthur’s expression, Neko allowed a single, brief touch. Jasmine’s fingers made contact with fur that seed to absorb light itself.
SSS-rank luck talent. In cat form.
After exactly one second, Neko moved away with regal dignity, positioning herself protectively next to Charlotte’s sleeping form.
Arthur watched the interaction with growing relief. Jasmine’s responses seed completely natural—no signs of demonic influence or hidden corruption.
Maybe I’m overthinking. Maybe the paranoia is unfounded, and the pill no longer works after so many years. But either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry. My sister’s life matters more than anything.
The red pills remained a mystery. Nikolas’s manipulation techniques were still active sowhere in Caldera. And Charlotte’s condition continued deteriorating despite their best efforts.
Too many variables. Too many unknowns.
Arthur’s spatial aura flickered with contained tension as he processed the expanding web of threats facing everyone he cared about.
Ti to accelerate the tiline.
"I need to gather more herbs," he announced. "Keep Neko with Charlotte—she’ll provide... additional help."
Jasmine nodded in understanding. "We’ll be fine. Focus on securing the resources we need."
As he prepared to leave for continued herb hunting, one thought dominated his mind.
The red pills are still out there. Nikolas is still playing gas. It had been decades since his gas, and he is still there in the city, sowhere.
And I still don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him, which ans that he is either hiding or impersonating an important person...Nikolas...just who are you?
The mystery would have to wait. Charlotte’s condition demanded imdiate priority.
Arthur used the city teleportation skill and appeared in Caldera’s central plaza. The familiar stone architecture stretched before him, enhanced by magical lighting and the usual bustle.
His guild headquarters stood directly in front of him—Power Guild’s imposing structure that dominated the square like a monunt to rapid ascension. Guild mbers flowed in and out, so walked out alone, whilst others ca out in groups.
It was nice to see his guild doing well, but he didn’t have ti to admire it all day.
Arthur turned away from his own guild, his mory guiding him toward a different objective. The most renowned platinum guild in the city awaited his attention.
Gilderhaven. Led by Lady Seraphina Gilderhaven.
During the Guild Council’s eting, they’d established preliminary agreents for inter-guild cooperation. Seraphina had proposed regular etings to create opportunities between both organizations.
But sothing about her makes hesitant.
Unlike Lucas Ashencroft’s father, whose hostility was transparent and predictable, Seraphina operated behind layers of mystery that defied his analysis. Her true motivations remained hidden beneath her teasing nature.
I can’t read her. That makes her dangerous.
The Gilderhaven guild hall erged before him—architecture that spoke of old status and established power. Platinum rank wasn’t just about capability; it represented political influence that transcended normal guild structures.
Ti to check whether she has so epic-rank herbs that could help. Whilst also checking what she wants.
Arthur entered through the large entrance doors, his presence imdiately drawing attention from assembled players.
"Wait, is that...That’s Azarel, isn’t it?" A Level 11 mage whispered to his companion.
The mage’s companion nodded in confusion. Why would the leader of the first player guild, a rising star, enter the Gilderhaven guild?
"What’s Power Guild’s leader doing here?" Another player murmured with obvious concern. "Are they planning sothing?"
"Do you think there’s going to be trouble? What if he is here to cause trouble?" A third voice added to the growing speculation.
Arthur did not bother with the players gossiping. No matter where he went, people would gossip, and he didn’t care what they thought anyway.
Arthur approached the reception desk with casual authority. The woman behind the polished counter straightened imdiately, her eyes and mory recognising Arthur’s face imdiately.
"I need to et with Seraphina," Arthur stated without preamble.
His approach was direct, without any ti for gas.
The receptionist’s mind calculated implications at superhuman speed. Denying Arthur Fate access to the guild leader without a good excuse would create complications that exceeded her authority level.
She knew his status in the city. And, giving an unsatisfactory answer wasn’t an option.
"Of course, Guild Leader Azarel. Please follow to our VIP area while I arrange the eting with one of the senior mbers of the guild to take care of your request."
She led him through corridors that showcased Gilderhaven’s wealth.
The items and things showcased showed the deep roots of the guild.
The VIP lounge epitomized luxury that transcended normal understanding. Furniture that costs more than most people’s estates.
Impressive. These things aren’t there for no reason; they are calculated to intimidate.
By intimidating those entering, the Gilderhaven guild would have the upper hand in any deal made.
Arthur settled into a chair that probably contained more enchantnts than most players’ entire equipnt sets. Thirty seconds passed in comfortable silence before footsteps approached.
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