I trotted down the large, yet empty passageway. Behind me were my Party members, Ruth and Shamac.

Together, we walked toward a door some distance before us. At the end of the hallway was our destination, office of the most powerful man in all of Lamar.

Reaching the entrance, I met one of the special agents of the Adventurer's Guild. She bowed her head and proceeded to open the door for me.

"He is expecting you. Please go in.

"

I nodded in acknowledgment and entered along with the two behind me.

Entering the vast office, I calmly observed every detail within. In a few seconds, I graded the structure, how the chandelier hung on the ceiling, and the exquisite decorations littering the walls.

Patterns of mysterious, yet elegant designs filled the office walls, the ceiling and carpet were no exception.

There were many awards and trophies withIn the room, all located on a special shelf.

>Creeeaak<

The door behind us sounded as it closed slowly.

"Welcome, brave Adventurers. I am glad you hearkened to my call.

" A voice boomed from a far end to my right.

I'm certain he was waiting for this moment to make his welcoming address. Of course, I had sensed him upon entering the room, but it appeared he had a flair for the theatrics.

Pretending to be cordial, I turned to my side and saw a large desk, and sitting on it was the most distinguished figure in Lamar.

He sat comfortably, wearing a jacket with a white shirt underneath, along with grey pants.

His arms were adorned with a couple of rings and he had a bracelet as well.

A necklace was strung around his neck, which glowed as much as the smile he beamed at us.

"You've finally arrived. It's a pleasure to meet you, Guildmaster.

" I responded with a slight nod.

He grinned, jumping from the table he sat on, and walked toward us slowly. His casual air reminded me of Jared, though he was more mature. From his appearance, he appeared to be nearly forty years, yet for some reason, I felt he was older.

My eyes remained unfazed as he stood in front of me, looking into his slightly surprised expression.

Usually, most Adventures would bow since this man's authority could be seen as similar to the Mayor of Artia, or any other noble in charge of a territory.

However, unlike them who were merely entitled members of high families, the Guildmaster possessed immense power, able to command the obedience of everyone in the city. His overwhelming strength, coupled with the influence he gained as a leader made him one of the superpowers in the entire Empire.

"Hehe, I like your spunk, kid!

" He smiled, observing how I carried myself without showing disrespect or respect altogether.

I shrugged, trying to avoid any further glossing over the main issue.

"Thank you...

"

It was about time we moved on to the main point.

"While I would have inevitably had to meet with you, for you to have specifically called for me and my party upon your return, it appears there is an important matter you want to discuss with me,

" I added, staring at him with purpose.

My time was important, and through my conduct I made him know that I wanted him to get straight to the point.

"Huu, very well then. We should delve into the main issue.

" He sighed.

While he seemed to have decided to go with my way, something felt off.

"But first, I think we're due for an introduction.

"

I suppose that's only natural...

"My name is Galandel, what are yours?

"

"I am Rio Xarion,

" I muttered.

"I am Ruth, but I go by the name of Ana as an Adventurer.

"

"My name is Shamac.

"

After we had all introduced ourselves, Galandel stared strangely at Shamac, but quickly looked away.

"Now that the introduction is all out of the way, it's time to get to the main issue, then.

" He smiled, taking a few steps backward.

Finally! Let's get this over with...

Still, I found it strange that despite our brief conversation, he never once mentioned the incident that occurred only days ago. I had expected the Guildmaster to be a little more grateful to the hero who saved his city from ruin.

"But first...

" The Guildmaster muttered, changing his tone to a slightly aggressive one.

Something Is off!

"... I should test you, don't you think?!

"

Immediately, the patterns all around the room glowed, energy sizzled as sparks of power came forth.

The Guildmaster looked excited and amused, however, I was hardly surprised.

While Shamac appeared a little flustered, Ruth must have realized the effects of the strange patterns, just as I did.

"That's right... Just as I thought!

" I mused.

The light became so blinding that Shamac had to cover his eyes as a result of its stunning effect. Such paltry tricks barely had an effect on me as I withstood the intensity of light, reducing my optical reception to mitigate any adverse injury the lights would have. Ruth did the same.

In a moment, we were transported to a large room, different from where we were previously.

"This is-

" Shamac muttered, opening his eyes as he lightly rubbed them.

Filled with white bricks all around, covering the walls and ceilings, we stood in an empty room.

Shamac glanced at Ruth, who maintained her composed self, and looked at me. I remained focused on the Guildmaster who stood a short distance from me.

I could easily rush there and snap his neck before a second...

But, restraining myself, I decided to go along with my act.

"Guildmaster, what is the meaning of this?

" I asked with an apprehensive tone.

"I'm sorry for being so forward and rude to you, but I have to do this...

" He began, chuckling slightly.

"You see, I'm the kind of guy who won't believe something unless I see it with my own eyes!

"

I basically understand what he's saying. The Guildmaster, Galandel was only interested in one thing... Our strength!

I have no problem in wanting to test the validity of the one who claims to be a miraculous hero who defeated a General of Hexarion, neither do I have an issue with you attempting to test his party members. However...

"It is still impudent for this human to think he has the right to test someone such as myself!

"

I may be a mere fragment of Lord Hexarion, but I am already beyond his previous state before absorbing the Nether Core.

"It appears I'll have to teach him the disparity between the two of us.

" I mused.

"I understand... Very well.

" I calmly stated as I summoned my signature sword and grasped it.

"Hehe, it's good you understand! Very well then, all of you should come at me!

" He grinned.

"Kukukukukuku....

"

"Kekekekekeke...

"

"Huhuhuhuhu

"

My companions and I chuckled upon hearing the words of the impudent human, and before long our snickers turned into laughs.

This man was really going beyond his boundary. However, I couldn't blame him.

"Rio, let me do it!

" Ruth said to me with a smile.

"Boss, you don't need to do something like this. I can take on this task

" Shamac offered as well.

While it would be a fun sight to watch either of them crush the Guildmaster, it was only right for me to do so myself.

After all, I was the acclaimed hero of the city.

"No... I'll do this myself

" I said, stepping forward.

"Are you sure about that? Just as a warning, you know... I'm pretty strong. Even Rai is nowhere near me in ski-

"

Before he completed his ramble, I closed our distance and launched my blade at him carefreely.

Quickly reacting within a hair's breadth, he generated a dark armor around his arm and blocked the strike.

"Keukk!

" He let out in shock.

Dumbfounded by my intense speed and the weight behind my sheathed blade, Galandel stared at me with surprise.

"You're pretty good!

" He said, smiling excitedly.

"Well, this is just so-so,

" I muttered absentmindedly.

It was just a light swing anyway, and I didn't unsheathe my blade because doing so would cause his arm to slice off entirely.

Ruth generated a barrier using Hex, and from the Aspects around it, I could sense that it was sturdy enough not to collapse throughout my fight with Galandel.

"You better use your full strength, or this will be over before you can blink,

" I said.

"You don't have to tell me. But, don't go shrinking back after this!

" He said.

Suddenly, a large gust of energy swept through me, causing me to take a few steps back.

"Oh? This looks interesting...

"

The bracelet and necklace began to glow, indicating a resonance between the two.

Instantly, armor formed on his entire body, appearing dark and crimson.

The black metal had glowing red patterns around it and the helmet which covered his head had openings for his eyes which were also red.

"Huuu...

" Galandel heaved.

He appeared bigger and more intimidating due to his armament, but that wasn't the most amusing factor about his transformation.

"I recognize that armor... That's one of Ares' battle sets!

"

It appears this fight may be more interesting than I thought.