The three stood, mouths open, as V and Jynx smiled in amusement. Jack always received this reaction whenever it was revealed he was the former number one ranked Vanguard.
Sylvie was the first to come back to her senses. She knew a decent amount about the Vanguards due to her sister, and now that she thought about it, not much was known about how Dimitri, the current number one, took over the rank. "GuildMaster…will you tell us exactly what happened?" Jack let out an exasperated sigh. "Sure, once you three sign your guild contracts."
They all looked at each other and wondered what the contract would entail but figured they'd find out eventually. As they walked to a small alley, they realized it was in a really rundown part of the Kingdom. It was away from the main, bustling part, and one could see it was home to more nefarious activities. They all wondered why he'd choose here of all places. As they arrived at the guild headquarters, a modest but sturdy building on the outskirts of the city, Jack turned to face them. "Welcome to OrionsHeart."
Jack turned to a brick wall that had a single wooden door. The three stopped and, as they looked around, they wondered how this could be a guild. It wasn't even a separate building, just a wall merged between two others.
Seeing the confusion, V motioned for them to open the door. Haruto stepped up and turned the handle, and once he did, his eyes grew wide at what appeared inside. As they all walked in, Bane and Sylvie had similar reactions. Big was an understatement; it was massive. People were moving about, going to various counters, some were lounging around drinking and eating. Others were even arm wrestling.
"This shouldn't be possible. How? There's no way the outside matches the inside." Bane said, visibly shaken. Physics didn't add up. V walked up to Bane and smiled, "Remember, Domain magic," she said, giving him a wink.
"But that would mean..."
"Enough talking. Their contracts must be signed before any other details are revealed," Jynx spoke up, motioning them over to a counter. As they did, they were met with a bubbly female voice that they couldn't see. "Hi, everyone! I see we finally have some new recruits! It's about damn time, Jack! You finally found some you didn't scare off with your little test." Jack stared at the girl, playfully annoyed, as V and Jynx laughed. The trio assumed this must be normal banter between them.
"Yes, Kimi, these three are new, so can you get them contracts formed up? We have to explain the more sensitive things." They looked around, then over the counter, and could see Kimi looking at them, smiling ear to ear. Haruto noticed she reminded him of one of his old neighbors—cute and ditsy while being a little plump. "Omg, you're so adorable!" Sylvie exclaimed while she pinched her cheeks.
"Uh, Sylvie, I wouldn't do that; this girl may be small in stature, but I sense very dangerous magic from her." Bane couldn't help but stare and feel an ominous presence from her.
She immediately let go as the girl let out a sinister smile. "You're lucky the hunk saved you just now, missy."
"Kimi, the contracts?" Jynx said, ready to get it done.
"Ok... Ok... here." Suddenly, three pieces of paper formed on the counter. As the three looked them over, they realized it was quite short and straightforward.
GUILD CONTRACT
Rule 1: Every mission reward will have a 3% fee taken. The rest is dispersed to the Warlord or team.
Rule 2: No infighting without proper duels will be allowed. Penalty: Hard labor with Guildmaster Jack.
Rule 3: Guild knowledge is sacred. Revealing secrets for any reason will result in guild banishment or death depending on the severity.
Rule 4: If you form a relationship with another guild member, you will do your business at an inn. This isn't a brothel.
Rule 5: Do not engage in anything that tarnishes the guild's reputation.
Rule 6: Nothing is to happen to Kimi at all costs!
The three stared at the last rule, then back at the little girl as she was standing there, smiling innocently. "Just prick your finger and drop some blood, and the contract is signed."
'Just what secrets is this guild holding?' Haruto thought as the three did as they were told. Suddenly, a searing pain was felt on their shoulders. They immediately cried out as the rest of the guild suddenly quieted down and became focused.
Haruto clutched his shoulder, feeling a burning sensation. Sylvie and Bane mirrored his reaction. As the pain subsided, they noticed intricate symbols had appeared on their shoulders, glowing faintly before fading.
"Welcome to OrionsHeart," Jack said, his tone serious now. "Those marks bind you to the guild. They're a symbol of your commitment and a part of our protective magic."
Haruto, still wincing from the pain, looked up at Jack. "What exactly does this mean for us?"
"It means you're part of something bigger now," Jack replied. "We protect our own, but we also expect loyalty and strength. Those marks will help us track you, communicate over long distances, and provide some protection. They're also a reminder of the oath you've made with us."
Sylvie looked at her shoulder, the faint glow still shimmering. "This is incredible. I've never seen magic like this."
"That's because OrionsHeart is unique," V chimed in. "We don't follow the same rules as other guilds. We innovate, adapt, and grow stronger together."