The continent Atlas was home to numerous races such as humans, elves, dragons, dwarves, fairies and other minor races.
Humans settled in the Western part of the continent under the rule of the kingdoms of Ashton, Helios and Kryes. Though there are some independent cities across the borders of the various kingdoms, one of which is Nova City.
Nova City was founded about 80 years ago and has become one of the major trade hubs in the continent.
Merchants from different kingdoms, even from other races are welcome in the city. The city's influence continues to rise with the establishment of various powerful guilds each having control of their own territory within the city.
Rio decided to take the side entrance into the Silver talons guild building to avoid the eyes of other members. He immediately bolted through a passage and went downstairs to his lab.
"Now to make up an excuse before Reina finds me", He thought to himself as he entered the lab.
Waiting for him in his lab was a young pink haired woman in her early twenties, she had bright scarlet eyes and slender figure that made men drool and women envious.
"You're late", Reina said with a stern look on her face.
Reina had always acted as a big sister to Rio and because of that she was also very strict with him.
"This is the third time in the past week, do you have anything to say before I give your punishment", she asked while scolding him.
"Look, I'm sorry I've been a bit absent-minded lately and I got caught up in a fight on my way here against those serpent goons", he explained.
"Wait.., you got into a fight with thugs from the serpent fangs? ", Reina asked with a concerned look on her face.
"Yeah, I dealt with a few of them and handed them over to Davion", he said.
"Hmm...", she replied.
Rio guessed that she was worried about the growing strength of the serpents and as guild master it was her job to make sure they weren't a problem.
"Anyway, I'm sure you have a lot to do and I'm also pretty sure you didn't just come here to lecture me, so what do you need?", he asked.
"Oh right. Yesterday, our scouts discovered a new dungeon and this afternoon we just confirmed it's rank", she said.
"And?", he asked shocked.
"The dominant elements there are water and wind, it's also been found to have traces of a mutant beast", she explained.
"What rank?", he asked getting more and more anxious.
"A-rank", she replied.
Rio simply sat on a stool nearby and began processing what he had just heard then he looked up at Reina determined.
"You have to let me come with you", he stated.
"No", She said almost immediately and got up to leave.
"Come on, this is an extremely rare chance for me to find what I need. This could mean I finally get to be normal", he pleaded.
Turning around, she hugged him tight and said, "You are normal. A damaged mana core doesn't mean anything".
"I know it doesn't mean anything to most people around here but still-", he said.
"But nothing", she said firmly to stop him from arguing further.
Rio knew why she was so worried. Although the higher the rank of a dungeon the more magical treasures could be found but that also meant the level of danger in those kind of dungeons was higher than average and, with the presence of a mutant the threat level is much higher.
"Now I have to leave to prepare a meeting with other guilds in the city on how we deal with this new dungeon. Can I trust you to stay out of trouble? " she asked
"Sure", he answered plainly.
Reina could tell he was still upset but she left him albeit.
Waiting for her in the corridor was Gus, one of the founding members of the guild. He is also one of the best spearmen in the city.
"You could have gone easier on him", Gus said as they walked.
"You should add eavesdropping to the list of things you're so good at", she said teasing.
"I know you're just looking out for him but-"
"But nothing!", she said cutting him off.
"You off all people should know how dangerous a mutant is. Don't tell me you've forgotten what happened last time", she said.
A tragic memory returned to Gus's mind. A memory of him holding the dead body of his friend in his arms.
"Of course I haven't, I don't think I can", he admitted avoiding her gaze as the memories came flooding in.
"Neither can I and don't plan on losing anyone else to those monsters", she said emphatically.
"Same here", he agreed.
"Same here", this time the response came from another member of the Silver talons.
Ryker, also in his early twenties and had jet black hair, green eyes with a scar that ran from his the side of his face down to his neck.
"Just great, this moron's back", Gus said.
"What did you just say smartass", Ryker said annoyed.
"what did you hear moron", he said smiling.
"Why I ought to..", Ryker said raising his fist.
"Do you guys really have to bicker like kids when you're around each other?", Reina asked.
"He started it", Ryker said pointing at Gus.
"Well both of you quit it", she said.
"Fine", they said grumbling.
"That's our guild master for you, always strict with the boys", another voice said laughing.
Selina had just returned from another mission of guarding some important goods while they were being transported. She was one of five members who were on other missions around the city.
"Welcome back Selina, I trust that your mission went well?", Reina asked.
"Yes, but it was a little boring. Besides there's not much to do while guarding potions", Selina replied.
"Don't worry, things have gotten pretty exciting around here", she said.
"What's happened?" Selina asked.
"A new dungeon, come on I'll tell you all about it on the way", Reina said.
"Where are we going?", the rest asked in unison.
"To form an alliance with the Desert wolves guild", she replied.