They all dreamed of becoming the strongest in their own profession.
"Zephyr! One day I'll become the most powerful swordsman that no one could match my blade! And so that I'll be worthy enough to stand by your side!"
"Don't worry, Zep, I shall study the art of trade whilst honing my skills. So that even one of us, with you as an exception, are not all brutes that only know force to garner wealth."
"I'll become the fastest rogue not even your eyes could follow, big brother Zep! Well, that's just hoping tee-hee."
"Those kids, really. Do not fret, Zephyr. I shall be this group's shield for when our enemy comes charging, they'll regret running through our walls head on."
"Master Zep, I will never leave your side. As someone who has already mastered the art of witchcraft, I shall do everything to keep your enemies at bay for you. Even if I have to sacrifice myself."
Each one of them has been true to their words back then. It's as if time just flies by in a hair's breadth. But then…what was his reply to the oaths of his self-proclaimed subordinates (childhood friends)? It was plain, and simple:
"Err, just please don't die…and please do it for yourself, you can forget about me."
As expected, that one last request of him was not granted. Zephyr is the main reason for keeping them going, to be the strongest in their profession. Though with that said, Zephyr thought that he, the weakest of them all, should surrender the cloak of being the leader. After all, in his mind, he's the only one with no talent and skills competent enough to match with his friends.
Even so, his allies see him as someone with divine foresight. A person who could foresee the near future by peeking into fate itself. After all, Zephyr (unintentionally) made them stronger, made them who they are now, the one responsible for the clearance of an Abyssal Front.
"I see. So that's how it is, Zep…"
"Yeah…I'm sorr-"
"So we're not worthy enough to stand by your side…"
"....Excuse me?"
"Please give us more chances to prove ourselves. I promise, the day will come that we'll be able to clear an Abyssal Front without any guidance from you."
"No wait, that's not what I meant!"
"We know, Master Zep. We only cleared that hellish labyrinth with your guidance. But…but please! I still want to be by your side, even I'm reduced to just being your sla–"
"Fine, fine whatever you say! Just don't do anything rash please…I don't want you guys to endanger your lives just because of me."
It was at that time he couldn't quit being the leader of the strongest guild, composed of powerful and crazy members, whose sole purpose is to serve him or meet his expectations of them. By the time he realized it, there was a title, a name that is going by every part of the city. {Fate Threader}, the strongest hunter in all of Navea. With all of his achievements and praises this mysterious person garnered, he was given the opportunity to ascend to the rank, where only he could achieve. The only Abyss ranked hunter.
— — —
"Hrmmm…"
The collective gazes still didn't vanish. Zephyr could feel their eyes piercing him, though he's not showing his nervousness. Instead, he still acts normally, as he's more afraid of Anastasia getting uncomfortable more than the stares the other guilds are giving him. Erika, on the other hand, is blatantly waving to him as she finally realized how cool and important he is, though Zep can't turn his head around at the moment.
Gringar cleared his throat. To start the meeting, he presented them a scroll with the list of all participating guilds.
"As per the policies of the GEO, we would like to make sure of the presence of the following: First off, [Shadow Core] from West Zennovia."
"Here!"
The three representatives from [Shadow Core] stood up in unison.
"It's nice to meet everyone, I am the main representative of our guild, Fiona dun Cormelia, a Star ranked swordmaster. Our leader wants to apologize for her sudden withdrawal of appearance due to an urgent matter, as well as the rest of our members."
"I see. It's fine, travelling from here to there is nothing to sneeze at as well. Thank you for being here, be seated."
As they sat, Gringar continued-
"Next is, [Sharp Steps] from East Zennovia."
Their leader then stands up.
"Blood ranked Assassin, Frendark, the founder of [Sharp Steps]. Though I'm an assassin, I also have the basic attributes qualified for a magician. My guild is elated to be a part of this grand gathering."
Aside from his judgemental and sharp tongue, his form and manner of speech is quite formal.
Gringar nodded at him, a Blood ranked assassin attributed with magic is quite the deadly combination, is what in his mind. Baring that information in this hall just means that Frendark himself is confident that no one could possibly be able to stand toe to toe with him in terms of his own profession.
"Next, well a lot of us have already been acquainted with you but please do so again for formality." He looks at Meiren.
In response, Meiren stands up, followed by her assistants.
"Of course. No matter how many times I'll say it, the meaning behind these words remains true: We of the [Diamond Trading & Co.] are extremely delighted to be a part of this substantial gathering. The city where we started was from Rinwell, however, we now have branches from all over Navea. I am Meiren Diamond, the successor of our proud and wonderful guild. Your expectations, our agenda."
She elegantly does a curtsy with her short skirt, making some of the male hunters smirk. Anastasia then looked at Zep who is currently busy stuffing his face, oblivious of the introductions.
The introductions went on, until it reached the final two. "Then, the Prism ranked guild, [Winter's End]."
"....."
The members of the guild didn't respond in kind. Only then, their leader raises his hand, signifying that they're present.
Gringar didn't comment so far, even he, does not want to make anyone uncomfortable in this room. If they're not up to speaking, then he'll not bother.
"Lastly–" he turns his gaze towards Zephyr, who just finished eating. "[Grim Fate], do you still need introductions, or anything you want to say regarding this discussion before we start?"
"Hm? Oh, ahh…"
All the eyes rest towards him. Zephyr had a quick thought: 'Oh I'm gonna hurl.' but then, these guilds are all important figures that represent their own cities. For Telmaris which is the imperial capital, [Grim Fate] carries the burden of representing the largest and most sought-after city, despite having numerous powerful guilds residing in Telmaris. 'Should I say something funny to lift this eerie atmosphere? Why is Ana only staring at me, you can also speak for the guild you know. Ahhh…sorry for being a lame talker.'
Zephyr cleared his throat and–
"Uhh, so-"
The whole room turns quiet, as if all noise just decided to be shut off just to let him speak freely. Everyone inside the hall lends him his ears, their eyes are serious as hell as if taking notes of all his actions.
'I want to go home.' ← his lingering thoughts
He then remembers something about one of his teammates talking about enlarging their numbers which has his approval, although they're not openly hiring yet due to all of them being busy. But this time, Zephyr thinks that this is one hell of a chance to advertise.
"I've been thinking about expansion."
"....!?"
Gringar and his fellow office members are taken aback with what he just said.
"....."
"As expected, you already know what's going on, {Fate Threader}, Gringar remarked.
"....?"
'What the hell?'