I was watching the scene silently as the members of Anti-Libra were being tortured physically for example their arms were ripped apart, their faces were getting powerful jabs every second and many more.
"G-guildmaster Ray.....I think this is going too far....." said a member of guild.
"You call yourself S rank? If yes,then you should probably don't need to show any feelings for the enemies."
"But...."
"You want your job to be fired or something? Just do as I say, keep the torture process at high level until they say something. Make sure not to kill them or else you will get in trouble." I said.
Evils should be annihilated completely, there is no need to show mercy. Jystice may forgive these guys but I won't. How dare that they tried to hurt innocent people? Such people should not have been borned. They are nothing but defective ones.
I stared at the tree while waiting for my answers from these members and after that these members will be sent to prison as I cannot break the rules or I would have just killed them when they had told me about the plans of Anti-Libra.
"Sir, it seems like Anti-Libra members are ready to speak." said the member.
I stared at the members and said-
"I already knew you were hiding something according to the report so far....You should have opened your mouth from the beginning to avoid getting that much pain." I said.
"We really don't know what they are planning because they never told us about their plans, only higher ups or the leader himself know most of the things.....ugh..."
"Give him some water, he might not speak well because of thirst."
The member of Anti-Libra drank the water like he never got any chance to drink water in his whole life. That's true because we never gave him water and food except some of the leftovers to make sure they are alive while feeling the hunger and thirst. I must admit these guys are tough who don't speak so easily but in the end it's about how much can you resist the pain.
"I don't know anything but we heard that there is a person who knows something but it's not about the plans..."
"Speak..."
"This person know some extra knowledge about what happened a long time ago between the conflict between Ancient Demon Regal and Grand summoner.....um...."
"Beat him until he say more..."
"No! Please no....okay okay I will reveal the information.....I guess you really did hear so it's not gonna work anyway...."
"..."
I silently listened.
"That Ancient Demon Regal....had been already awakened." Anti-Libra member said.
"I already knew something was suspicious but wow, they already awakened the demon...tell me why they haven't started attacking then? Why is it they are still hiding?" I asked.
"We are not in the group to stay at the base rather we supply resources and do normal tasks given to us outside....Only thing we know is that Dark Demon Regal had escaped the base....that's all we know, we swear please don't hurt us!"
"What!?" I was honestly shocked about this news.
So the Ancient Demon had escaped and no one from outside the Anti-Libra know more details so I can't get anymore information from these guys. The Ancient Demon was capable to create the choas and even destroy the most part of the world, but it sounds like the demon is not trying to do anything...is it because of its power that might have depleted? If so then I must hunt this demon and finish it quickly. It seems Anti-Libra failed to control the Ancient Demon or something like that happened.
"But..." I muttered.
If Ancient Demon was not killed but instead it was sealed then does that mean it is immortal or had some rare magic? No, I must not think about it. Even if the demon is immortal, I won't back down. I will find a way to defeat it if the demon is actually immortal.
"Where is this person who knows the little information about what happened a long time ago?" I asked.
"In Rednaught city..."
"What is his name?"
"That, we don't know."
"Alright, take them to the prison and I will go see what I can find in Rednaught city." I said.
"Yes sir!"
I started moving towards the tower of sages.
"Maybe I could find about the person who stole the Soul Bound Amplifier, maybe sage Chrono might know..." I muttered.
I entered the tower and met with the sage.
"It's nice to meet you again Sage Chrono."
"Yeah, it's been a long time Ray, you are now a guildmaster now that's impressive."
"Haha, well anyway I wanted to know something." I said.
"Hmm, if it's something that I can help with go ahead."
"Thank you, I would like to know who stole the Soul Bound Amplifier..."
"I see, you want to find that person?"
"I can't let that artifact go in evils hand."
"Hmm, I personally don't know but there is only one outcome that would come in future however I don't think something like that would happen so basically that artifact is just useless."
He didn't cared about the artifact, but I can't complain about it since it was really useless at this point.
"I would have helped you but the problem is I can't help according to the rules that says we are not allowed to interrupt unless there is something very important topic or about artifacts or some other reasons."
"Can't be helped?, I thought you would help me."
"Even if I was allowed to give information I would not have been able to give."
"?"
"He didn't told me about himself or even his name. He gave me one information but it seems like he was not afraid since we can't really give information even if we know." He was talking about the person who stole Soul Bound Amplifier.
According to what he told me, they are quite confident that they will not be found even if sage tell me some information about them.
"But something is bothering me, I thought you have to take appointment where atleast name should be mentioned whoever gave the request."
"They tried to infiltrate, I stopped them and listened to what they wanted to say. Though it's a crime but they seemed unfazed."
They even infiltrated despite knowing the risks? They are quite overconfident...That person might be strong but I was determined to find who stole the artifact.
"Why didn't you take actions against the person who wanted to infiltrate?"
"It seemed like they didn't wanted to send request knowing their request might get rejected maybe. That person came and wanted to talk in person not to infiltrate or something so I took that as request instead of infiltrating the tower." He said.
"I wonder what would have happened if there was an arrogant sage..."
"No, I think if the person doesn't really intend to harm then there is nothing we can do to criticize them."
"Well okay, So you can't expose any single details?" I asked one last time.
"I'm afraid I'm not in the position to tell anything or influence the world."
He doesn't even know that the choas had already started, Regal escaped and is hiding until it regain its orginal power or something. Should I tell him? Maybe he would tell me if he knew something dangerous is happening. He might already know what Anti-Libra are planning after all.
"Ray, If you are thinking you can gain information by telling me that Regal is already awakened still I can't tell anything."
"As expected of you, you know some informations about what Anti-Libra might have done. Can I know the reason why?"
"It's because I'm the only one who knows that Regal is awakened but other higher ups like me don't know what that person might be trying to do but they are unrelated to the Regal. So they won't expose the information."
"Yeah, I almost forgot that the trash looking artifact is not something to do with Regal. Good point."
Thats right, the artifact is not related to Regal or Anti-Libra and besides sage can interrupt and reveal information only when you sense something evil from the individual but this sage was having some trouble to identify that person whether they had evil thoughts or not.
"Alright then, can I drink some tea?" I said.
"You sure are honest with your feelings." He said.
"Haha, but that's who I am." I replied.
"Well, anyway it will take few minutes please wait for a while."
"I don't mind."
"By the way where is Kurt? I didn't saw him here."
"Apparently he wanted to join the guild. I hope you can look after him." He replied.
"Guild? For what reason? I thought he just joined you guys and was apprentice and he was doing a great job too I heard."
"Well he was not comfortable and wanted to rethink his career. It was not our position to interfere with his personal life so we don't mind." He said.
"Fair enough."
The tea was served on the table and I took a sip.
"By the way do you guys know atleast a little information on what happened between the Grand Summoner and Dark Demon Regal?"
"I think we would have provided informations regarding that atleast but unfortunately even sage don't know about what really happened maybe only few people might know or there might be some clues around this world. I think all we know is the basic information about what happened."
"You are not helpful..." I said.
"That's a little rude, I'm your elder show some respect."
I finished drinking my tea and prepared myself to go to Rednaught city.
"Alright then, see you later Sage Chrono."
"Hm." He nodded.
I was in Deep-wood and was heading towards the Wing grassland followed by a route to enter Rednaught city.
After few minutes I arrived at the grassland, I saw that the cargo was heading towards the direction of Rednaught city, with goods filled in the cargo. I saw a person, who was old and it seemed like he had been leading all the cargo.
"Excuse me."
I waved my hands to signal him to stop the cargo.
"Ah, Its nice to meet you Guildmaster Ray."
He stopped his cargo and other cargoes which were moving a while ago.
"It seems you know me...um..."
"Its Garry, you may not know me but almost everyone know you since you are a Guildmaster and how can we not know a person like you, who has a red crimson eyes with warmth in it, using the sword that is filled with immense aura of justice, and your hair as spiky as if you are the real warrior with a red crimson armour that shows the will to protect everyone." He said.
"Wow, wow, you are being too descriptive and it just flatters me. Please I'm not really that great who deserves this kind of praise."
"Haha, okay but I just said what really looked to me, so are you heading towards the Rednaught city?" He asked.
"Yeah thats why I thought I could take some ride, If you don't mind ofcourse."
"There is no problem with that, welcome aboard!"
"Thank you very much, I appreciate your help."
"No, no its you who help innocent people everytime, we should atleast help you when you are in need of help."
I boarded the cargo as it started moving towards the Rednaught city. After some time we reached the destination as I disembarked the cargo and set my foot on the grounds that is within Rednaught city.
"Thank you again for helping me."
"No problem and please look after us and help people as you always do."
"I will, for sure. I replied while parting ways with him.
"Now then I should look for informations around this city" I thought myself. I was wondering where should I start looking for the information as I needed for the lead on what to do next. I had no idea on how should I find the person, the one who knows the little information about what happened a long time ago.
"Maybe, I should take help from the guild residing in this city" I muttered.
I headed towards the guild and upon my arrival the newly appointed Co-Guildmaster Bernard, bowed his head a little and welcomed me.
"Welcome, Guildmaster Ray, How can I help you today?" He said with a moderate smile.
He was appointed by other Co- Guildmasters just after one day when Curie got killed by the culprit or maybe I should say, her comrades to be precise. I already had my suspicions on her and the moment I realised, she had been murdered by someone before I could do anything about her.
"I need your help, but...."
I signaled him with my gestures to make some arrangements to keep the conversation secure and private.
"In that case, please come inside where no one can hear us. The room will be messy but I hope you don't mind."
"I mind it." I teased him a little bit.
"My apologies..."
He took it seriously as If he never experienced a fun-looking joke, I told him that I was just kidding as I did not really mean it.
We went inside of the room behind the reception counter as I watched the scenario of the messy room filled with pizza boxes, glasses scattered over the ground followed by the pile of garbage at the corner of this room.
"I really apologize for this...." He looked a little embarassed.
"I don't mind, anyway let's get started."
I told him about how we managed to capture some members of the Anti-Libra who were carrying out many tasks just like other members, who might be scattered around Kingdom, and retrieved some information on Regal who escaped a few weeks ago from the base of Anti-Libra and eventually we recieved the information that proposed to offer some guidance on what to do next.
"So thats what happened, I did heard from arbiters that these members of Anti-Libra are persistent."
"Yeah, now you know what happened, I may need help from you to find the person I'm looking for." I said.
"But we are just two...."
"Don't worry, I have already some specific places in mind where you can look for the person. All you need to do is look around those places in this city so that I can save my time."
"Whenever you say something like this in that strange tone, somehow I feel like I have been cursed by a powerful mage."
He looked like he exactly knew what happens when I give some tasks that might seem suspicious.
"Don't worry, It will just take whole one day, If you consistently search what I demanded."
"I knew it, atleast add some breaks in this schedule."
"Come on, its not like I had always given you these harsh-looking tasks."
"You even admitted yourself that you do give such inhumane tasks! Besides Its not the first time rather I had been doing all your inhumane tasks everyday before becoming the Co-Guildmaster, that left my whole body like Its going to get deteriorate."
"Haha, Nice joke Bernard. It seems like your cool and calm demeanor is your professional behaviour while being inside you are really Bernard I know."
"Alright then, I will do as you wish."
"Thank you very much." I said.
We appointed someone to handle the guild, we parted ways as we started searching for the person. I had already few locations in mind to look for to avoid getting distracted by unnecessary places where I would just waste my time looking for the person, who gained the information on what happened between the battle of Ancient Demon and Grand Summoner.
"Its already night." I muttered.
The night shrouded the sun completely in blanket of darkness as I was waiting for the Bernard to confirm whether he succeeded in his task or failed just like me, who was standing alone while sighing too much on failure.
"There you are, Bernard."
"I found someone who will give you the information that you are interested in."
"That explains why I wasn't able to find it, I was just a little bit tired maybe so I don't mind considering you victorious this time Bernard."
"You never change, do you?" He sighed.
"So where is this is person?"
"Come with me."
I went along with him while he was leading me to the local street filled with some muds around, It was not completely in darkness that you can't see anything at all in this darkness within this local street but there were not enough light either so it made a little difficult for us to avoid the muds all around here.
"Maybe I should probably help with some economy related things a little bit more."
"And here you were supposed to be the person helping others, how come you neglected such things."
"Its not like I didn't wanted to help but there are some members of guild who don't make a report very well so it becomes a little confusing sometimes-"
"We arrived at the desired location..."
We were standing in front of the apartment, it looked like a run-down apartment with so many scratches on the outside wall, horror like atmosphere where it looked as the ghost will come out and plunge on you, and there were many walls being broken that looked too horrible as if you are unsafe in terms of privacy.
"Let's go inside." Bernard said.
As we went inside, the interior of this building looked more creepy than the outside scenery of this building. We were on the fourth floor of the building and looked for the room number where we were invited by this person. Bernard knocked the door two-three times and the door opened up as we saw the man opening the door to look who knocked the door.
"Ah, Its you."
He seemed to be in his 30s, he saw me and-
"So you must be the Guildmaster Ray, Its my honour to greet such special guests. Please come inside, my room is a shabby one but don't mind it as I will make sure you don't feel uncomfortable." He said.
"Thank you very much and don't worry about it, we really don't mind."
He looked happy as If he was satisfied. We sat on the old chair of black coloured with traditional designs on it. He offered us a cup of tea, we accepted it as we prepared ourselves for the upcoming conversation.
"So you want to know about what happened a long time ago, right?"
"Thats right, I heard that there was a person who knows about something related to the past in the era of Ancient Demon and Grand Summoner." I replied.
"Well, It's not something that is valuable but If it can help you in any way then I will gladly tell what happened." He said.
"Thank you very much, please continue."
"As you already know what happened a long time ago, I would not need to explain that. So It is about the little information that my grandfather got from my great-grandfather. I got this information from my grandfather. It is said that between the battle between two greatest entities, there existed a Kingdom that was involved in this battle."
"A Kingdom? And It was involved in the battle? Maybe It might be the Kingdom where Grand Summoner resided?"
"It might seem like that since the Grand Summoner was a human after all however according to what information I got is, Grand Summoner was not from that Kingdom rather It was a little different."
"Please continue..."
"The Dark Demon Regal who is supposed to be an otherworldly demon, was actually born in that Lost Kingdom and went rampage by targeting the Kingdom where it was born." He said.
"Thats new information, because everyone got the information that the demon was from another world. Did someone, from that Kingdom, summoned that demon or something?"
"As expected from you, yes thats right. It was believed by few people that someone tried to summon the demon for their selfish reasons." He said.
"What a foolish choice that person must have made but what would be the reason? To rule the world or something else?"
But really, I wondered whether the demon was otherworldly or from the lost Kingdom. It was hard to decide it. (Added this line for clarification)
"Actually according to the informaion or mere rumours, It was said that the person really had his selfish and evil reasons but he never wanted to rule the world because the purpose was different and It is unclear what was the reason for going through the trouble of summoning the demon. Some even said that the person who did this wanted to summon the demons in this world through his rituals. It was good that he was caught earlier or else this world might have been the world of demons."
"Oh well I'm glad some people stopped that bastard or it would have been distasterous."
"It is just rumours so it could be possible that Regal might be from the Kingdom after all and not summoned by anyone." he said.
I should consider two possibilities, either Regal was otherworldly or from this world. (Added this line for clarification)
"Ray, sometimes I feel like your behaviour and way of speaking, is like a deliquent." He said while being embarassed by this fact.
"Please don't mind this guy." Bernard continued.
"Hey chill man." I said.
"Haha, I don't believe you are the Guildmaster Ray but I don't mind rather it suits you somehow." The man said while being pleased rather than being displeased.
"Look, even he said its fine, besides even I get tired by my own formal way sometimes." I said.
He put his right hand on his face as if showing "that was not the point, you have got no brain cells at all.". I smirked while finding it funny
"I don't know how you became a Guildmaster..." said Bernard with little surprised look on his face.
"So, is that all?"
"I'm sorry to say but thats all the information I got."
"Its fine, you have been helpful to us. As the Guildmaster, please accept this."
"No no, I don't think I deserve the reward especially if its the money."
"Just think it as a gift, I would really appreciate If you accept these."
"Well, If you say so then I would gladly accept this reward and I'm looking forward to your success as you defeat the Anti-Libra group. These guys are dangerous for our society." He said.
"Don't worry. Even at my dying breathe, I will protect this Kingdom and it's people while confronting Anti-Libra."
For few more minutes, we agreed to stay a little while and enjoy the casual chatter as we enjoyed consuming the tea. Then we headed outside while the man standing at the entrance of the door, said to visit him again.
"Alright then, It was fun talking to you. Take care of yourself, we are glad we got some useful information from you." Bernard said to the man.
We started heading back to the direction of guild and from there, I was planning go to the inn since It was little bit risky to leave the city and besides I had been doing many tasks and going through the trouble of capturing Anti-Libra's members to searching for the person who had information that he got from his great grandfather. I felt a little tired as If I would fall down and sleep at any moment just by one or two jabs on my face.
"Alright it seems you want to visit Inn now." He said.
"Yeah, thanks for your help today. Though I feel a little bad since you have to do your job right now until your shift is over."
"Well I really feel like I should have reported that Guildmaster Ray likes to bully innocent people like us."
"So bold, you are saying in front the Guildmaster though."
"Who cares." He averted his eyes as if showing he doesn't care while also showing he is teasing me.
"Okay then, see you later Bernard...yawn...I feel sleepy now." I said.
We said goodnight to each other and I started moving in the direction of inn.
"It is just going to get much worse..." I muttered.
To be continued...