~Knock. Knock~

I heard a slight bang on the door leading to my residence.

Glancing at the location, I easily saw through the door and walls, seeing the person standing behind before it.

"Lord Rio... a minute please?

" The woman asked.

Making a slight sigh, I stood from my study, where I sat, and proceeded to the door.

"I'm coming...

"

Tilting the doorknob, I opened the contraption and gazed upon the nervous woman in front of me.

I remained silent, but my expression seemed to pass across the message.

"E-erm, the Guildmaster has finally returned. He wishes to speak with you.

" She said, bowing before me.

This woman, Liliana, was one of the Adventurers Guild's secret agents who monitored and regulated Adventurers. Of course, she knew better than to treat me the same as the others.

"Very well. I'll be there soon

" I responded calmly.

"H-he also said to bring your friends, the other Platinum-Ranked Adventurers.

" She added.

"Of course

"

Giving her my usual composed expression, I avoided saying more words than necessary.

"Alright then. Thank you for your time. I'll be on my way then...

" She said, bowing once again.

I merely nodded, making Liliana raise her head and walk away.

Slowly pushing the door back to its closed position, I locked it and returned to my desk.

Of course, I was aware of when the Guildmaster returned, and it's understandable that his first order of business would be to summon me, as well as my partners.

"It's a little vexing that I have to play this role for this time, but I have no choice. This is my original's purpose for me, after all...

"

That's right, I am not Hexarion. I am merely a fraction of his power meant to take over this Adventurers City under the guise of my new identity... Rio, the savior of Lamar.

Nearly a week has passed since the incident which cost the lives of thousands of people, and even hundreds of Adventurers who ventured within the Vanishing Dungeon.

After they arrived, most of them were so traumatized that they had to be hospitalized to recuperate.

Even among the strongest Adventurers, the Platinum Ranked, only two survived. Of course, this doesn't include me and the others. The Rank 1 and 2 who barely escaped death looked shaken after the whole incident was over.

"You heard her, didn't you?

" I said, drawing the attention of the two others who remained with me in the luxurious residence where we stayed.

Instantly, my two 'conpanions', and Party Members, lunged out of their respective rooms and faced me in reverence.

"Do not forget, I'm also a subordinate of our Lord, just like you. We may share the same features and powers, but I'm only a fraction of it.

" I quickly corrected their wrong behavior.

"S-sorry about that!

" Shamac hesitantly answered.

"Yeah, I'm still not used to this...

" Ruth mumbled.

These two were designated to me by Lord Hexarion to be my comrades and Party Members. Of course, Talia would have been included, but she has been exiled.

I simply told the Guild that she was missing. In face of countless deaths, nothing could be done about a single Adventurer.

Perfectly convenient.

"Well, you better get accustomed to treating me more like an equal. We are all Party members, and you would do well not to raise suspicion.

"

They both nodded, making me smile slightly.

They are both sharp personalities, so I'm sure they'll be fine.

"Now then, shall we go and see the Guildmaster?

" I grinned.

They both nodded, materializing their outfits from the choices they had as a result of Hexarion's gifts to them before leaving.

Shamac wore his black hooded coat laced with purple designs and an inner outfit.

Ruth donned her usual white gown, wearing a thin and transparent scarf around her.

I snapped my fingers and made my usual jacket, gloves, pants, and boots appear in their respective regions.

Multiple rings also materialized and a sheathed sword remained on my waist.

"Good, it appears we're all good to go.

"

As we left the premises, waking down the hallway to the topmost floor of the Adventurers Guild building, my mind traveled to the few notable incidents that occurred during the last few days.

Many Adventurers retired, leaving less than fifty left who were still operational in the City. For a place that boasted the highest level of these mercenaries who spanned over a thousand, a mere fifty was abysmal in comparison.

Many quit as a result of the trauma, but a great number also left because of the huge reduction in pay and heavy workload.

The city had been damaged and a majority of funds had to be diverted to restructuring and repairs. This made very little pay available to the Adventurers.

Monster activities had also been increasing lately, so the remaining Adventurers were tasked with handling them. A mere fifty taking on the job of a thousand was very despairing and exhausting. Many people couldn't handle the pressure left, and not even the Guild could fault them.

The only ones who remain are those who either have no other job they know how to do or are simply desperate.

The Platinum Ranked Adventurers stayed, but I had not seen them since the general meeting day, where the two of them avoided me.

I recognized the Rank 2 from my original's memories, but the first Rank remained foreign to me.

"Well, he's not first anymore... I guess I should stop calling him that.

"

Other than the heavy demand on Adventurers, this was the best time for me as one.

Not only was I not bothered about the quests given to the rest of the Adventurers, but I was also treated like a V.IP. and was only called upon in dire straits.

Of course, I lent my help when I was needed, taking it as the perfect opportunity to display more of my power and ensure the confidence they had in me never wavered.

My Party and I were also lodged in the perfect residence, second to none. Not even the Guild Master's residence was as prestigious as this.

Apparently, it was set aside for members of the Royal family. But, since the feat I performed was not something they could overlook, and since they did not have enough money to compensate me for my troubles, this was the next best thing they could provide.

"Now that we have been summoned by the Guildmaster, I already predict what will happen

" I contemplated.

"Let's see just what kind of man you are...

"

Still, other than the human I was heading to, there was something of greater importance I thought of. My progenitor, Lord Hexarion.

I couldn't help but think about him, my original.

"What could he be up to now?

"

A smile formed on my face as I had the thought. Whatever he was doing at the moment, it was definitely not something good.

**********************************

"Blank Canvas!

" Lumia yelled, drawing myself and Wrath into her world of blankness.

"Exciting! Entertain me, comrade!

" Wrath beamed, salivating for some action.

Floating some distance away from the two of them, I gave a small smile.

I had pitted Lumia against Wrath, allowing them to test their strength against each other.

Since Wrath had been professing to be the most powerful among my Subordinates, and she refused to accept it, this was the best way to end the conflict.

Of course, this is also to my advantage.

If it wasn't, I would never have allowed it.

"Begin!

" I gave the starting signal.

Instantly, the two of them rushed at each other, creating a slight quake within Blank Canvas.

Waves of impact emitted from their location and shook the fabric of space as they fought against each other.

Using Hex, I muted the volume of their fight and also created a barrier around myself for protection against any disturbance.

~BOOOOOM~

~POW~

~CRASH~

Various blows were exchanged as Wrath used his special aura and Lumia generated countless weapons, launching them at the hunk of a man.

As I observed the sight, my mind drifted off to what had been happening for some time now.

I left the other 'me' back at Lamar to take care of things there while leaving Shamac and Ruth behind to be the Adventurers in his Party.

Since they already had licenses, it was easier. A little problem arose with Ruth's younger look, compared to Ana. However, it was easy to pin it on an effect of the Vanishing Dungeon.

Of course, there was no protest among my subordinates concerning my decision, though I did feel a high amount of dissatisfaction from them, especially Ruth.

The amount of bloodlust and negative emotions she radiated in Lumia's direction made me glad I separated the two of them.

As for Wrath and Lumia, since they are currently the most powerful cards I possess, the most viable option for me was to take them with me for my next objective.

"It's time to gather the remaining 'Sins'.

" I had told Wrath.

"B-but Master, isn't it too early?

" Wrath asked me with concern, though he had the utmost faith in my judgment.

"There's not much time left. After all, after killing Jared, I left a little 'hint' for them to pick up.

" I smiled.

"They should have gotten a whiff, soon coming for the bait.

"

"A-Ah, I see. As expected of Lord Hexarion!

" Wrath beamed, pretending to understand my plans when he had no clue.

Not that it matters to me. So long as he continued being a useful General, he was perfectly fine the way he was.

But, only Wrath wasn't going to be enough.

Even with Lumia, Ruth, Shamac, in addition to the other prospects in the works, I still need more for what is to come.

"A war is on its way, everyone.... and I intend on winning!