Through large automatic doors, the entryway opened to a vast garden of plants and trees; titanic trees that reached the 4th floor. All colours of nature, lay within the beds of the guild's exterior. It would have taken years for such a garden to be cultivated. Yet through the guilds power, they made it in under a week. The fresh scent of nature welcomed all who entered.
The interior was far different to its predecessor. No longer a fortress of villainy and darkness. Instead, a grand hall of white walls, azure insignia of a lion's roar adorned the banners that hung from the ceiling. A grand chandelier shone with warm yellow light, casting an inviting glow. People walked to and fro, some in uniforms of black suits and ties.
Most outstanding out of all; but common amongst many guilds. A large statue of a lion, stood in the centre. Made from blue jade, the eyes of the creature glowed as it roared. The craftsmanship was of an artisan, not at all cheap or rushed like that of a knock-off designer. This was true art.
Mounted atop a slain dragon. A meaning behind such a piece was lost on Eren. Perhaps he should leave the deeper meanings of art to others.
For now, he was here for another reason. Up the elevator; the floor of the guild master's office. An area he had become familiar with. Holes created by Reiji's intense flame gone. Repaired, replaced, and renewed; even the walls were now of wood rather than stone, giving off an appearance of class and elegance.
'I can't believe this place was a wreck last week.' A surprised thought, if you were to tell someone that this place was a ruinous firepit not that long ago, no one would believe it. But Eren was there, he was the ash that fell. He was the fire that blazed. The destruction that was wrought.
"Good afternoon Eren Heart." A warm voice said to the man. Behind the desk was a woman Eren had never seen before.
"H-Hello. I'm here to see Baelor?" Taken aback slightly, the white-haired man had to collect himself. This new receptionist was... Something.
Flawless face framed by a curtain of chestnut hair. Her eyes an amber glow, warm yet calculating. An unnatural calmness rested on her face; a sly smile that could melt hearts. She wore a simple but perfectly fit suit that hugged her figure.
However, despite all her beauty. The longer Eren looked, the more unsettled he became. A flicker in her piercing amber eyes; the slightest hint of something lurking within. It was a subtle but unsettling sensation, as if some dark presence resided behind the beauty, waiting, watching.
"Please take a seat. Master Baelor shall be with you shortly." The flawless woman gestured to the couches opposite.
A nod in reply and Eren took his place on the seats.
'Who is she?' The question kept circling around his mind. He tried to think of her nature; perhaps she was a demon, or a reaper like himself. Maybe she was one of those fallen angel or succubus types. Baelor was an elf; he could have connections to any manner of being.
Her gaze was transfixed on Eren, like a snake stalking its prey. A smile that was warm, but had a hidden sharpness to it. Sat at a desk with nothing on it. No computer, no papers, nor a flower to freshen the room.
'Why does she keeps looking at me?' The more Eren stared, the greater the sensation became. A growing unease in the air, like a thick fog that was impossible to dispel.
He moved to the other couch, out of her eye line. Now perhaps he could get a moments peace.
Yet, her head swivelled slowly to follow him; her eyes never leaving him.
'Christ, what is wrong with this woman?'
*Step* *Step* *Step* *Bang*
"Thank you, Mr. Baelor." Captain Matsuo exited the guild master's office. His steps were filled with an air of satisfaction, fat face; a grin of triumph. He was a pig of a man, that filled every stereotype of corrupt police captain. He would have a full-blown belly laugh, but the look from the receptionist even gave him pause.
The odour of coffee, cigars, and sweat emanated from him, filling the lobby with an unpleasant aroma that lingered long after he was gone.
"Eren Heart, Baelor will see you now." She spoke without any real expression. Her cold words and warm tone clashed, a contrast that was both unnerving and unsettling. However, Eren was grateful to escape her all-seeing eyes.
*Click*
Inside was the guild master Baelor. Wiping down his elegant, curvaceous, eleven desk. His entire office matched that of his former hideout in the metro. A bookshelf lined the back, filled with tomes of all manner of books. From those about history, to the science and physics of this world.
"Good afternoon Eren. Thank you for waiting." The elf said, as he took a seat behind his desk. Throwing away the rag with disdain.
"Why were you talking with that captain?" Eren questioned, the stench of Matsuo lingered in the air.
"It would be more prudent to say he spoke to me. Partaking knowledge that 'He' and his men, still have a say in this ward."
"That man needs to die. He-"
"He, is responsible for much of the corruption within this area and the former crimson bandits. You have my word he will die by your hands or mine. But... not yet. Not until we can make a big splash in a small pond."
Eren nodded, knowing that Baelor was right.
"Now to the reason for your visit. Issues regarding the gate clearing?" He inquired.
"Yes... How did you know?"
"Jun sent me a message, he is worried about you." The elf spoke, with an uncharacteristically warm tone.
'That damn kid... No, he was right to do so.' Eren couldn't bring himself to be angry with Jun. In fact, it was somewhat a comfort to him that someone was thinking of him.
"Gate clearing is monotonous and repetitive. It's a chore. I don't want to do it anymore."
"Oh, it's been less than a week and you already tire of necessary guild operations?"
"Yes."
The elf began to type on his keyboard. A blue light projected on his face; his eyes darted around the screen.
*Bzzt* *Bzzt*
---
New quest invite:
Rebuild the guild:
Objective: Help Baelor rebuild the Silvermane. Recruit new members; to elevate your burden.
Guild members recruited:
Rankers: 0/12
Administrators: 0/1
Guild staffers: 0/8
---
"What is this?" Eren's brow arched in confusion, looking at his phone.
"Sooner or later, we will need more members to replenish our numbers. To substitute your disdain for gate clearing with recruitment. What do you say?"
"And these numbers? Rankers and staff?"
"The more guild members, the greater keeping of theses halls."
"Administration?"
"Someone who facilitates the daily operations of gate clearing, distribution of quests, and the management of rankers."
"Couldn't you or me just do it?"
"No, it must be the administrator class. As we speak, without such a position filled we are in violation of guild law."
Eren thought briefly about the quest before him. "Alright then. But how am I supposed to recruit people, I don't exactly have friends."
"That I leave too you Eren. You may need to go out and find those with gregarious nature."
The thought of him going out into the world and making 'friends' knotted his stomach. The idea alone made him physically ill. But, a short-term pain over long term monotony was something he would have to swallow.
"I accept." A sigh of reluctant acceptance.
"Who's the girl out front?"
"Girl?" The elf gave a quizzical glance. "Ah, you mean Miss Minami. She is my personal assistant, helping me lead the Silvermane; she thought me lost during the siege of Tokyo. As soon as I returned, she came straight here."
"I see... Her eyes they..."
"Pay her no mind; she is simply gathering information. Her ability is to look through people's eyes, scanning their personality, their inner self. All so that I may make a judgement as to the type of person you are. An extremely useful skill in business meetings and contract negotiations. That does remind me. Minami."
"Yes?" With no warning the woman was behind Eren, not even a noise from her footsteps.
"Fuck!" Eren almost jumped out of his skin.
The woman bowed. "I am deeply sorry if I have startled you master Heart."
"Minami, please show Eren to the garage and give him the keys. Thank you."
"Very well. Follow me please." She turned and walked out of the room.
"And... I am not to be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon. That man-made foul air still lingers." Another bow; the doors were closed. The elf reached into his desk drawing forth a large book and a chalice. His own personal relaxation was about to begin.
"Master Heart, this way." She led him back down the elevator.
A tense air in the elevator; words unspoken. The white-haired man was still unnerved by her presence. An amber side-eye glance from her every few moments.
'What is up with this girl. She gives me the creeps...'
*Ground floor - Garage*
Finally, an escape from the woman and her piercing gaze.
The pair entered the underground garage; a large door shut behind them. Spacious, enough room to fit several trucks and busses with room to spare. However, it was barren. Save for a motorbike nestled in the far corner.
"Here is your vehicle." Minami said, keys in hand.
"A motorbike?"
"Yes."
A black beast of a bike. Its bodywork sleek and aerodynamic. Engine powerful, purring like a lion ready to pounce. The tires large and rugged, made to grip any road. The paintwork matte, giving it a subtle yet striking look. It could nearly pass as a car with its size.
"Thank you... Um. Minami?" Eren felt strange saying her name.
*Stare*
'Not again.' Eren's discomfort was reaching boiling point. He had to get out of here and away from her gaze. Quickly mounting the bike; a twist of the key brought the engine to life. A deep rumbling purr from its mighty motor.
*Vroom* *Vroom* *Vroom*
Without so much as a wave or a nod to the woman, he sped off. Through the garage door, and onto the streets. Memories of riding motorcycles in the past. The freedom and wind in your hair. The feeling of speed and exhilaration that comes with it.
He was happier now than he had been all day, for a long while now.