-The next day-
[BREAKING NEWS!]
The Loudo Guild's Guild master has decided to step down after many years, leaving the Guild appointed with a new Guild master. That person is no other than the rising star that everyone has come to know as the masked man Remia [AKA] 'The Solo Harvester'.
On every station, on every broadcast in every city, the news of a newly appointed Guild master spread like wildfire. A turmoil of confusion that not only affected the Dwellers Association but also the Government Society and the country's citizens.
And currently, Aimer could be seen seated in the Guild's office that was now reconstructed back to what it once was.
Aimer subtly got up from his seat before walking around the desk.
"Nobara, what time is it?"
Aimer stopped on the other side of the desk where Nobara rested.
"It's 9:45 am sir,"
Aimer rested on hand on Nobaras shoulder.
"Relax. Breath in and breath out. You shouldn't fear me for we are now equals no matter the difference in our level. Remember that well will you?"
Aimer caused Nobara to enter a more calm state.
"Good. Now..."
*DING*
[Congratulations]
[You've leveled up] x2
"Due to the skill [Apostle] the user has gained a country level body"
"In addition, the users mana capacity has increased: 2000 > 3000"
'Hm? The notification is late. No, let's not check my achievements here...Nobara might think I'm weird'
Aimer shook his head left to right averting his gaze from the window.
"Hm? Is something the matter Guild master? You just suddenly stopped."
"No, let's go meet the others that you've grouped up for me,"
'As expected. Not only does he seem confident but he's also calm and collected better than I could ever be. Whoever you are behind that mask...I applaud you'
Nobara proceeded to follow Aimer to the elevator that will carry them to meet the rest of the Guild on the main floor.
....
...
After taking the elevator the trip down only lasted twenty seconds.
*DING* *Hshhhh!*
The doors to the elevator opened. Everyone that was present on the main floor witnessed two figures leaving that said elevator.
The new Guild master, the Solo Harvester and his companion Nobara.
"Is...is that the new Guild master?"
"Yes, I heard he was recently appointed,"
"No, what I mean is...wasn't he the one who visited a few days ago? What happened in such a short period of time?"
"That...well...I'm not sure. Maybe this was why he met with previous Guild master,"
"I supposed. I just hope he isn't like him,"
Murmurs spread across the main floor between fellow Guild members from the appearance of their new Guild master.
But within those murmurs, memories of past experiences with the previous Guild master surfaced in their minds...creating a fear they never desired to suffer again.
Even so, all eyes were on Aimer when he centered the main floor.
Aimer gazed over each individual amongst the Dwellers on the main floor. And as his gaze fell upon them they felt an unfamiliar yet calming pressure.
'Good. It seems they're not afraid. That's very good'
Aimer then suddenly turned towards Nobara.
"How many of them are there?"
"Uhh...well, this is all of them. Accumulating a total of twenty-nine Dwellers,"
Nobara frantically rubbed his head with a wry smile.
Aimer became slightly stunned.
"Is that it? Only twenty-nine of you?"
"Yes sir,"
"Well that's unfortunate. We only have five more than the minimum requirement to form a Guild...which is,"
"Twenty-four,"
"Yes, right."
'Seems I'll have to make do with this for now.'
"Very well, everyone your attention is needed here,"
The vocal from Aimer statement immediately made the Dwellers understand what was required. One was their attention and two was their obedience.
"Good, now that I have all of your attention let me introduce myself more formally. I am the newly appointed Guild master of this Guild. I take it you all know me by my few aliases such as: Remia, The masked-man or more preferably the Solo-Harvester.
To be honest, I think it would be more appropriate if I took of my mask but this is not the right time so until it is you'll have to wait. That aside, let me get to the point.
Everyone currently present here, I now consider as my family, my ally, my brothers and sisters for we are all equal. No matter the different in our strength, power, skills or items we all will and shall respect one another.
Secondly, I expect you all to grant me your utmost loyalty, respect, trust and obedience if not then you are not needed here. My goal and my purpose is to recreate this Guild. No, that's off. I meant to make this Guild the number one Guild in the country, to outshine all the others,"
"What! Am I hearing this correctly?"
"Yes what he said!"
"Do you think you have the power to do so just because you're our newly appointed Guild master?"
"I agree,"
A few of the Dwellers began questioning Aimer's authority. For him to make such a big claim meant that he must have a well devised plan in mind.
'Well, this much was expected to happen. That's why I didn't feel the need to pressure them. I wanted to test their will and their belief. If no one had retaliated then I'd deemed them all worthless to me. But...'
"I'm not done speaking."
Just this single sentence brought the room to utter silence.
"Thank you. As I was saying, neither my goal nor purpose for this Guild will ever change. Of course, I do have a plan in mind to make it happen but until it does my wish for all of you is to comply with me, grow with me and stand with me. If any of you have any question now's the time to ask, if not then that's all.'
Aimer relaxed his shoulders, puffed up his chest and plaster both hands behind his back. His stance made it very clear to everyone that he is in command, he is dominant and he fears no one.
*gulp*
The members of the Guild unintentionally swallowed their saline with wide open eyes staring at the figure before them.
"Very well, if any of you need me you know who to contact. This man right here!"
Aimer pulled Nobara closer to him in a harmless chokehold.
"Huh? Me? But why?"
"Shhh! From now on you'll be my right arm man. Don't let me down now,"
Where the words Aimer whispered into Nobara's ears.
'Yeah, now I'm sure. This Guild master is different. Not only I believe he walks on the path of light but he's so confident in his capabilities that the only thing one can do is believe in him'
Nobara came to a final conclusion of his view of Aimer.
"Oh, one more thing. I will be advising each and everyone of you in your upcoming training sessions. Make sure to be prepared,"
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
"He's, he's gone? Just like that,"
"He is. But I can't help but to be concerned about his speech earlier,"
"Yes. What is said is all what we desire but can he really do it or will greed and power also overwhelm him,"
"Hmm,"
Aimer left the members of his Guild in confusion, they all had a variety of worried expression but deep down they too desired what he did. To be known to the world instead of remaining as a stepping stool for the other Guilds.
"Hey, it's not good to doubt. You should all beleive in out new Guild master. Didn't he not save us from the hands of our previous master, James Nectar?"
Nobara suddenly thwarted the concerns of the Dwellers.
"Think about it. Just believe in yourselves and him,"
'He's right'
Everyone guild member soon felt reassured after realizing that Nobara of all people not only trust but also believes in Aimer.
"Now, you heard the man. I, who is the second strongest within this Guild is in charge. You all shall follow me and I will follow him on the path that lies ahead. The path that will bring us redemption."
-Back with Aimer-
Skill [Fade] has been deactivated.
Aimer had landed on the roof of his Guild's building. After doing so he glimpses a figure that stood at the edge of the roof.
Dressed in all-black attire with theirback facing towards him.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"Welcome. I've been waiting for you. I couldn't m help but to eavesdrop. That was a nice speech you have back there but how will you go on with it?"
'He heard? How?'
"So you've been listening?"
Aimer approached closer to the figure that had his back turned to him.
"Yes I have. Nice to meet you Solo-Harvester, the names Godo,"
"Likewise. But you still haven't answered my question,"
Godo suddenly turned away from the edge of the roof to face Aimer in the center of it.
"But if I answer you question you too will have to answer one of mine,"
"That's reasonable,"
"Very well, I'm Godo, second in command of the BSI agents,"
Godo reached out his arm signifying he was seeking a handshake from Aimer.
"I see,"
Aimer firmly gripped Godo's arm.
'Hmm...his grip force is strong. No wonder he took out James so easily'
Godo quickly speculated Aimer based on the few seconds they shook hands together.
"Before I get to the point. You seem to be a very talented young man with big dreams,"
"I don't have dreams I have beliefs. If one don't believe in their dreams or capabilities then how can you make something happen?"
'Not only he's talented he's also smart. Very good, you've amazed me so far'
"That's quite the assertion you have there. I have to agree that it makes sense though. A person has to tie their thoughts to their emotions and their emotions to their actions for something they desire to happen,"
'This man...who is he really?'
Aimer was now flustered.
"You're ideology is intriguing,"
"Oh, it is? I'll take that as compliment,"
Godo slightly chuckled to Aimer's response.
"Now, to the main point. Are you...the 'missing one'
"Could you elaborate?"
Aimer tilted his head while keeping eye contact with Godo. Though he couldn't make out his facial features because his face was covered in a armored mask.
"Let me be clear then. Are you Aimer Belafonte?"
"..!!!"
Aimer tensed up in his position.
'He knows. No, they know! They've figured out that I could possibly be the person they've been searching for'
'Hmm...he's gone quiet. Which means he's either the person we're looking for or he knows something'
"Sorry, I shouldn't have been so blunt,"
"No it's okay,"
'I won't gain anything from hiding it if they already know who I am anyways'
Item [Mask of the Jester] has been deactivated!
"...for you are right? I am the 'missing one' Aimer Belafonte...my pleasure,"
'Wow. Even though we had our suspicions...but to think it's really him. More importantly, now that I have a good look at his face he seems to barely reach the age of twenty-one.
In conclusion, he's young, smart and powerful. I wonder...how many people in the world are like him'
"Does this satisfy you?"
Aimer suddenly interrupted Godo's thought causing Godo to snap out of it.
"Fascinating! Truly fascinating! I never expected any of this. You don't even seem to have aged a day, though I won't ask what happened or where you were solely because my job here is done—my job to find out if you are who we though you are,"
"What!? That's it!"
"Are you surprised? Well, who wouldn't be. But you see the Bureau doesn't like to get into the mix. We only go day by day doing our job in serving our country. And seeing that you, the sole survivor of the massacre is back in once peace has put me at ease,"
A bit surprised Aimer replied with a wry expression.
"Oh, I see,"
"What I'm eager to know is how did you do it? How did you make such a figure as James Nectar resign?"
For a moment Aimer was hesitant to answer. But he reluctantly did so..
"I'll let you in on that secret since you didn't question my disappearance. I have a skill...a skill that can erase a person memories as I seem fit,"
'That should do the trick'
"Unbelievable. I never knew such a skill existed. That could explain why it seem he resigned since he wouldn't remember anything if you erased his memories from before he even became a Guild master. That's a very dangerous skill you have there,"
"Yes, I'm very well aware I have to use it with caution,"
"And where is he now?"
"That I'm not sure. Maybe he's wondering somewhere...in reach for his new purpose,"
"Interesting way to put it but as long as he's fine no immediate threat will come to you.
That settles it. I've decided to inform the Bureau that you are not a threat to them. Instead, we will observe your progress and growth based on the speech I heard earlier. But I will warn you, do not let power nor greed overcome you because their are others out there stronger than you...such as myself. So be careful...
And farewell until we meet again,"
*swoosh*
Godo instantly vanished from his spot before Aimer could ask what he meant by 'no immediate threat'
'Hmm? What was that just now? Was that a skill? It seems similar to mine but also different. Was it a teleportation skill?
Interesting...it looks like there are others out there with hidden secrets and powers. I should be very careful from now on.
But that Godo's remark about him being stronger than me is quite agitating. Well, there's nothing I can do now since he's gone. He could've have been a great sparring partner.
Anyways...
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
...at least there were no problems!'
-SUNDAM-
Somewhere in Sundam was the current position of the Government Society. A group of individuals whose sole purpose is to harbor the items from within the Entrances.
And in a circular room with a round table, seated seven individuals with an outlier standing to the side. The only person who wasn't seated—James Nectar.
"Who did this to you? Who placed a fold in my plans?"
One of the seven individuals turned to James who stood next to him. James trembled in fear and confusion before he dreamt of answering.
"I don't know! I can't remember anything! I just know I'm supposed to be here!"
"NONSESE! Watch what to speak brat! You're supposed be harboring items for us what the hell happened to you and the Loudo Guild which I handed to you!
Do you know...do you know how much effort it took us seven here to get our hands on one of those Guild. NOW LOOK WHAT HAPPENED! YOU WHO WE...NO, I DEARLY TRUSTED LOST IT! Useless piece of garbage of a nephew!"
The first individual of the seven placed his head in his hand after yelling at the top of his voice in a tantrum. Even black veins could be seen formulating on his forehead.
"Calm down leader. We all should have expected this. We told you not to make him in charge but you love him so much that you turned your back against our decision and did the opposite!"
"Don't you think I'm aware?"
The infuriated individual sent a daggering glare at the other individual who spoke. All while everyone else sat there in silence.
"Let's see. So there's a person with the capabilities to not only defeat James who you groomed so much but also took over the entire Guild all within a day or two? Does that even make sense!?"
"I agree with her. This person either has the backing of at least a Sky-Dweller or they themselves are a Sky-Dweller. Question is...who could it be?"
"No, we already know their name all too well. The name that has been ringing throughout the country. The Solo-Harvester."
The infuriated individual interrupted the groups conversation on the crisis at hand.
"It seems well have to play out cards more carefully now. This Solo-Harvester, if he has that much power or a formidable backing well first have to find out their identity then their weaknesses. That is the only way to regain what was once token from us,"
The individual who was infuriated at James came to a clam state, revising the situation and devising a plan at the same time.
In the minds of his fellow partners..
'No wonder he's the leader of this Government Society. He just easily assessed the situation and came up with a plan to fix it'
....
Currently, at the Lair Keepers Organization another crisis had emerged.
*huff* *puff*
'I have to inform the team leader about what's happening! Dammit...of all the times'
Rushing down a hallway was a worker of the organization.
*bash*
The worker bust open the door ahead of him. Within that room were several other workers at their respective computerized desk maintaining their focus on the work before them.
However, the worker who suddenly barged in created a commotion.
"Where's the team leader! Where's Mr. Agalor!?"
The worker yelled at the top of his vice towards his fellow employees. For a second, the entire room looked at him as if he were a madman.
For one, his clothes was a mess. His shirt was unbutton, his pants was unzipped, to put simply his whole attire was disorganized.
"Ahh, why the sudden intrusion Henry? Can't you see where all busy here?"
A worker stood from his seat to face the direction Henry entered the room from.
"I'm not going to deal with your bullsh!t today Carter. Where's Mr. Agalor?"
*sigh*
Carter released a saddened sigh after lowering his head, shaking it side to side.
"Very well. You can find him in his office,"
Without further ado, Henry made haste to Mr. Agalor's office. He dashed passed the wide open eye workers and Carter in a panicking manner.
"Damn. What's his problem?"
After glancing at Henry with a concerned expression Carter sat back down at his workplace.
*knock* *knock*
Henry finally approached Mr. Agalor's office.
"Come on in,"
*opens*
Henry quickly entered the room to meet Mr. Agalor at his desk.
"What's the matter Henry? Are you causing problems again?"
Mr. Agalor closely observed Henry's behavior and expression he had shown.
'He looks frightened?'
"Uh, no sir. I came bearing an unpleasant piece of information,"
"Go on,"
Now concerned, Mr. Agalor perked up his ears to listen.
"During our watch we realized an abnormal situation. An Entrance has appeared out of nowhere,"
"What do mean by that? Don't all Entraces appear out of nowhere? "
"What I mean is that...th, this Entrance.."
Henry wore a frightened expression, his face began to sweat and he closed his he's tightly.
"Henry...speak."
"O, okay. The Enteace that appeared...is a Sky-Dweller grade and we think it was forcefully opened by what...we're not sure,"
*BAM*
"Say what now!?"
Agalor slammed both hands onto his desk before he sprung from his seated position. Though his actions didn't go unnoticed because on the exterior side of his office all the workers turned their heads toward his door in confusion as to what's happening inside.
"You heard correctly sir. We believe that there has to be a monster capable of doing this...and it's at least a Sky-Dweller type,"
"Damn. This is bad. Really bad. Where did it open?"
"In Talhain. To be precise, at the Mandalay's Villa. The Entrance is almost fully opened."
'Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! This is really bad'
Agalor frantically walked back and forth his desk while biting his nails continuously. Suddenly he stopped...
"Notify the Loudo Guild immediately...tell them to send everyone of their members. And if back up is needed which it will...tell them I'll take care of it."
"Y, yes sir!"
....
Sometime after, there was an upheaval that uprises within the Loudo's Guild. Barging through the doors of Aimers office was Nobara.
"Hm? You didn't even knock. I take it that whatever it is...it must be important,"
*huff* "y, yes. It's more than important, " *puffs*
"That's a bad posture Nobara. Fix it and tell me what's happening,"
Aimer leaned back in his chair keeping his gaze fixed onto Nobara.
"Yes sir,"
Nobara quickly followed through with Aimer's directions.
'Hm? It worked? I feel somewhat relaxed now. Wait...let's not get sidetracked'
*smiles*
"See, much better,"
Nobara glared back at Aimer in all seriousness.
"Guild master, Remia. We have a crisis at hand...a big one at that...I just received report that the there as been an appearance of a Sky-Dweller type Entrance,"
Aimer's ears perked up. He leaned forward in his chair presenting a dominant demeanor.
"Continue..,"
'As expected! When it comes to dangerous threats he's willing to put it as top priority. He operates very differently from James...he might as well be a worthy Guild master after all'
Nobara had a speculation of Aimer when his mood suddenly shifted.
"...Nobara. I'm waiting..."
"Oh, yes. The Lair Keepers believe that this Entrance was forcefully opened by a monster that's at least Sky-Dweller type...possibly higher. As for it's location...it's at the Mandalay Villa,"
*DING*
"BLOODLUST IS RAPIDLY INCREASING!"
"BLOODLUST IS RAPIDLY INCREASING!"
"BLOODLUST IS RAPIDLY INCREASING!"
"DANGER!!"
After hearing this information, Aimer's expression went from calm and collected to frightened and angered.
*gulp*
'What is this? This...this pressure? It's not the first time feeling it but this is worse than ever. I feel like I could suffocate from the intensity of his mana'
Nobara began to unintentionally taking a few steps backward with a worried expression across his face while simultaneously raising his arms before him in fear.
"Hey, Nobara. Is there anything else that the Lair Keepers said?"
Aimer looked directly into the eyes of Nobara with a crazily dangerous look.
*gulp*
Once again, Nobara swallowed his saliva.
"Th, they said that the Loudo Guild should send everyone of their members and if back up is needed they'll take care of it."
"No. That won't do. Tell everyone to stay put. The only one's heading towards that direction will be me and you,"
"Understood,"
Nobara quickly flees Aimer's office to relay the message to the remaining Guild members.
And in a matter of seconds he was back at Aimer's office to se him standing face to face with the glass exterior behind him.
"God job. Now, let's move out,"
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
Aimer instantly appeared next to Nobara giving him no chance to react before vanishing with him from the office leaving a bust of wind in the air.
'Mother...I just hope your okay by the time I get there.'