Inside the guild master's room, Hayato and Mia are invited to take a seat by Leonard, the guild master. The atmosphere is tense as Leonard begins the conversation.
Leonard: "Hayato, I understand you have your reasons for keeping your power and origin a secret, but I must insist on knowing more. The appearance of Glutmeister and the subsequent damage to the town cannot be overlooked."
Hayato: "(crossing his arms) And what do you expect to gain from knowing my secrets? How does it benefit me?"
Mia remains silent, her gaze shifting between Hayato and Leonard, sensing the tension in the room. Leonard leans forward, his tone firm.
Leonard: "Hayato, you must understand the gravity of the situation. Glutmeister's presence here is not a coincidence. It is connected to you and Mia. We need to assess the potential risks and ensure the safety of the town and its inhabitants."
Hayato: "(angered) So, you expect compensation for me saving the town? Is that what this is about?"
Leonard: "(leaning back) Hayato, it's not just about compensation. We need to know the truth to protect everyone."
Hayato's anger intensifies, and he curses Leonard, finding his demand for compensation unreasonable. Leonard, however, remains composed and glances at Mia.
Leonard: "Glutmeister's appearance is tied to both of you, especially Mia here. We need to understand the connection and the potential consequences."
Hayato's expression hardens, his resolve unwavering. He leans closer to Leonard.
Hayato: "What benefit will I get if I reveal my secret to you? I'm not here for some petty rank upgrade or gold compensation. There must be something more substantial."
Leonard contemplates for a moment before making an offer.
Leonard: "Fine, I can upgrade your guild rank to A rank, compensate you with 1000 gold, and provide information about a hidden treasure within the town. That's the best I can offer."
Hayato scoffs, clearly unimpressed by the offer.
Hayato: "(smirking) Is that all? A mere trifle for a secret that could change everything? I expected more from you, guild master."
Leonard's expression turns stern, his patience wearing thin.
Leonard: If you refuse, then you'll be held responsible for the damages caused. You'll need to pay a hefty compensation of 10,000 gold.
Hayato ignores Leonard's threat, standing up from his seat and signaling to Mia that they should leave the town. However, just as they make their way towards the exit, a wise-looking old man in mage robes enters the room, catching their attention.
Merlin: "(calmly) My apologies for intruding, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I believe I have information that might interest you, Hayato."
Leonard, taken aback by Merlin's unexpected arrival, questions his presence.
Leonard: "And who are you to come uninvited into my office?"
Merlin: I am Merlin, a scholar and keeper of ancient prophecies. I have come because of Hayato and Mia, for they are connected to the awakening of an ancient evil force.
Hayato, visibly frustrated, turns to leave, but Merlin's words stop him in his tracks.
Merlin: "I implore you, Hayato, stay and listen. The fate of not just this town but the entire realm may depend on your choices."
Hayato hesitates, glancing back at Mia, who nods in agreement. Reluctantly, he takes a seat again, his curiosity piqued by Merlin's words.
Merlin takes a deep breath before delving into the prophecy, his voice steady and filled with wisdom.
Merlin: "According to the ancient prophecies, Lord Schattendämon's awakening poses a grave threat to the realm of Rith'mar. Mia, it is said that you are the chosen one, the elf with the mark, the key to interrupting Lord Schattendämon's awakening."
Mia listens intently, her eyes wide with both curiosity and concern. She raises a hand, her voice trembling slightly.
Mia: "But the mark on my hand... The elders of my clan called it a cursed mark. How can it be the key?"
Merlin nods, understanding her confusion.
Merlin: "The mark may have been misunderstood, Mia. It is not a cursed mark but a mark of significance, indicating your connection to the ancient prophecy."
Hayato interjects, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Hayato: "And what does all of this have to do with me?"
Merlin turns his gaze towards Hayato, revealing a knowing smile.
Merlin: "Hayato, you possess something of great importance. The EnigDriver, EnigMod, and Luna, the spirit within the EnigDriver, are all connected to you."
Hayato's eyes widen in surprise and disbelief.
Hayato: "How did you know about the EnigDriver and Luna?"
Just as Hayato questions Merlin, his phone begins to ring. Luna's voice guiding him to insert the Blank EnigMod into his phone heard through his phone.
Hayato follows Luna's instructions, and to everyone's astonishment, a fairy-like creature materializes, taking on the physical form of Luna.
Everyone in the room gasps in amazement at the sight before them.
Merlin: "(in awe) It seems the prophecies were true. Luna, the spirit within the EnigDriver, has manifested herself."
Leonard and Merlin exchange glances, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and contemplation.
Merlin: "The prophecies foretold that the Enigmatic Power of the EnigDriver would aid Mia, the chosen one, in interrupting Lord Schattendämon's awakening."
Luna interrupts, her voice firm and resolute.
Luna: "I must clarify, my purpose is to assist Hayato. I hold no responsibility for the fate of the world. My existence is solely to aid him."
Merlin and Leonard seem disheartened by Luna's statement, their previous hopes slightly diminished.
Hayato's frustration begins to bubble up, and he demands answers.
Hayato: "Who in the hell is Lord Schattendämon? And why am I being forced into this situation?"
Merlin sighs, his expression heavy with sorrow as he explains.
Merlin: "Lord Schattendämon was once a respected mage who succumbed to the lure of forbidden knowledge. He delved too deeply into dark arts, discarding his compassion and empathy in favor of power and destruction. He was sealed away from civilization to prevent his reign of terror."
Merlin's tone softens as he continues.
Merlin: "Hayato, it is also revealed in the prophecies that you are not from this world. The goddess herself sent you here to prevent the destruction of Rith'mar."
Hayato's anger reaches its peak, and he curses the goddess, his voice filled with bitterness.
Hayato: "So, the goddess forced me into this role against my will and granted me these petty abilities that, although useful, do nothing to combat the forces of evil?"
As the room falls into a heavy silence. Hayato, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, decides to leave, with Luna trailing behind him. Mia, torn between following Hayato or staying to learn more about her prophecy, looks at him with a mixture of confusion and longing.
Hayato: "(looking at Mia) Are you going to stay here forever?"
Mia considers Hayato's question, contemplating her next move.
Mia: "I think I'll stay and learn more about the prophecy for now. I'll join you later at the inn."
Hayato nods, understanding her decision. He walks towards the door, with Luna by his side.
Hayato: "Alright then. Take your time. I'll see you later."
Hayato exits the room, ejecting the Blank EnigMod from his phone, causing Luna to dematerialize.
Luna : "(through Hayato's phone) Hayato, what are you planning to do now?"
Hayato looks thoughtful for a moment, then responds.
Hayato: "Honestly, I'm not sure. I think I just need some rest for now."
The scene transitions to the interior of the inn. Hayato enters, and Martha, the innkeeper, approaches him with gratitude.
Martha: "Thank you again for saving the town. We are indebted to you."
Hayato blushes, feeling a bit embarrassed by the attention.
Hayato: "Oh, it was nothing. I'm glad I could help."
Hayato politely excuses himself, explaining that he is tired and in need of rest. Martha understandingly nods and allows him to retire to his room.
Inside the room, Hayato flops onto the bed, exhausted from the day's events. Sleep quickly overtakes him, and he drifts off into a deep slumber.
As dinner time approaches, Hayato stirs awake, finding Mia seated beside his bed. She informs him that dinner is ready.
Mia: "Hayato, dinner is prepared. You must be hungry."
Hayato rubs his eyes, still a bit groggy from his nap.
Hayato: "Oh, thank you, Mia. I appreciate it. Let's go eat."
Hayato and Mia make their way to the dining area, ready to share a meal and discuss the events that have unfolded, their paths intertwined by destiny.