Meanwhile in Telmaris a few hours after [Shadow Core] has been dispatched to Fritz Forest, Zephyr and the others can be seen idling inside Gringar's tavern, having the whole place for themselves as the other hunters left since they are too scared to interact with them. While King Crow and Meiren's guilds are waiting for their turn to act while overthinking, the Master planner Zephyr is just chilling. Behind him is his ever faithful guild members, Anastasia and Hywel, also standing by patiently.
As Zephyr takes a sip of his hot cocoa, he thought to himself–
'What the hell is with this atmosphere…? Am I just overthinking, or am I feeling like they're waiting for me to say something.'
Putting the cup down, he turns his gaze towards the others which makes all of them flinch and look back at him as if waiting for a command, with the exception of his guild members as the two are just chilling with him.
'I…I am not imagining anything! What am I supposed to say!?'
The door of the tavern then opens up.
"Hmm?"
A certain guild then makes their way inside the tavern, led by a beautiful lady with long cerulean hair, wearing a refreshing piece of ensemble along with what looks like a beach hat. The lady looks around as if expecting someone until her glance falls unto the three who are unmistakably different from the others, well, with the exception of Zephyr.
"Ah, greetings everyone. Pardon my intrusion if the place is reserved for your guilds."
Hywel opens one of his eyes whilst keeping his nonchalant smile, staring at the lady who is currently walking towards them.
"Hm. And who might you be, milady?"
As soon as the lady was about to speak, Gringar entered the room, coming from the next floor. Once he saw the lady, she calls out to her–
"Viv?"
Hearing this voice, she turns towards Gringar and slightly lowers her head.
"Uncle Gringar, I am sorry that we weren't able to attend the gathering of Guilds. Although I have heard news that everything went well."
"Hahah! It did indeed, we now have our first clan too as you can see. Well, a clan is, so to say, a group of guilds in one banner."
Gringar explains as he gets close.
"Let me introduce to all of you, the leader who also took up the name of the guild herself, Vivianne. She's still young, but she has already developed a unique spell. Pretty impressive huh?"
Gringar glances at Zephyr and Anastasia as if he's seeking their commendation for Vivianne.
The two, Gringar and Vivianne, go way back. Gringar acted as Vivianne's second guardian when her parents died because of a failed dungeon raid. Despite knowing the dangers of the dungeons, Gringar never stopped Vivianne from becoming a hunter as he knows that other humans are more of a threat than the monsters who never leave their nests. Becoming a hunter and a talented one at that will not only give her an opportunity for something more, but it will also make her more stronger, to become independent of him, as he knows that he will always not be there for her. Vivianne's latent talent also shows at a very young age.
What Gringar doesn't know is her obsession with magic. She's someone who will do whatever it takes to break down and scrutinize the origin of the element called magic. That is her main reason to join Atlas as one of their pillars. She has no evil intent, however, she poses a neutral alignment when it comes to the ways that the Research Institute does its operations.
Anastasia, as expected, did not react in any way. She just lowers her head as if saying that she pays no mind to anything as long as it doesn't affect a certain someone. Zephyr on the other hand interpreted it correctly (finally) and chuckled.
"That's amazing…seems like you really like magic huh. I'm looking forward to seeing you grow, yeah…"
Inside his head he thought: 'Alright, I should probably introduce her to Ana so that she can have new friends to talk with…but I don't know how to start with that…Ana seems like she's not up to a conversation as of the moment.'
Gringar chuckles as a response.
"Well how about that Viv? {Fate Threader} himself gave you his approval."
Although her outside expression doesn't show it, Vivianne was shocked after hearing what Gringar just said.
'Wait, that man is…the legendary {Fate Threader} himself? I lowered my guard, I didn't expect him to look…this normal. I must be extra careful.'
Vivianne's objective is to meet with Gringar and gather information to help them track Alice and her research. Eluding the eyes of [Grim Fate], especially {Fate Threader}, should be one of her top priorities since the rumors say: he can see through deceit…which is false.
"Oh–! I-It's {Fate Threader} himself!"
A member of Vivianne's guild, Marietta, reacted after hearing Gringar's remark. Vivianne's guild members don't know her affiliation with Atlas, making it more difficult for Vivianne to act unsuspectingly. The other members then flock over the table where [Grim Fate] is gathered.
"Can I shake your hand, Lord {Fate Threader}?"
"Whoa, even up close, I can't really tell that he is that legendary Abyss-ranked hunter. He looks too friendly!"
"Is that the {Witch of Frost and Dark}? She looks so gorgeous…and scary…"
"Why is that guy napping?" (referring to Hywel who just closed his eyes)
Zephyr scratches his head as he entertains the inquiries being handed to him. King Crow and Meiren already expected that they would flock over [Grim Fate], but they would have never thought that Anastasia and Hywel would just let it be. After all, they're both overprotective of Zephyr.
The main reason for their behavior is that the members of Vivianne's guild are all too friendly and did not judge Zephyr's identity. It also seems that Zephyr is not uncomfortable about them given that his usual demeanor is someone who pushes a prompt for conversation away.
'Somehow, I don't feel nervous around these people. They're nice, I guess.' He thought.
The guild, [Vivianne], is known as one of the most approachable and charitable guilds of Telmaris. The members are all committed to help every individual they could and often find themselves raiding dungeons for a rescue quest. Unbeknownst to all of them, their leader works for the illegal research institute which is currently aiming for Alice's knowledge.
Vivianne chuckles after her guild mates swarmed [Grim Fate].
"My apologies, it seems like my allies are really looking forward to meeting you all. Ah, but it looks like you're not complete as of the moment."
Despite the warnings given to all the members of Atlas to elude engaging a conversation with any members of [Grim Fate], specially {Fate Threader}, Vivianne is challenging it and is currently trying to squeeze some information regarding the whereabouts of his missing guild members so that they can evade their sights. She's also wary of the currently missing Sophia Horenstein who is an unparalleled genius and presumably more knowledgeable than Alice.
Zephyr responds in kind:
"Ah, yeah–"
As he speaks, Vivianne braces herself to read along the lines of every word he is about to let out.
"-we all have our own businesses after all."
'Is he indirectly telling me…to mind my own business…? I have to verify some more, I can use my guild's reputation as leverage here after all.'
"I see. I've been hearing your gallant and fascinating adventures from different towns–"
Vivianne places her hand on her chest like someone who is about to say her honest thoughts.
"It's embarrassing to say it myself but, for a long time, I have been an admirer of the {Omniscient Mindscape}, Sophia Horenstein."
"Oh, Sophia huh, actually–"
'Here it goes–!'
As Alice thinks that she will get the information she wants, Hywel flinches a bit, although he does nothing as of the moment since he knows that everything is up to Zephyr.
Zephyr then thinks to himself:
'Wait, Sophia did go to Verspala, but I remember her telling me that she needs to be discrete. Let's just say I forgot and…err, I'll try changing the subject for now while keeping Sophia as the conversation's subject…oh right, she said something about identifying a threat. Maybe it was connected with the topic of the guild's gathering. As expected of her.'
"-actually…I forgot where she went, but I can only tell you that she's tackling an important matter regarding the topic of the gathering of guilds."
"Topic of the gathering?"
Vivianne inquired as she is not aware yet of the conclusion and main agenda of the gathering. Gringar then interrupts–
"Oh? Sophia is also already on the trail of the monster case then? That's reassuring to hear. Please know that you're doing us all a great deal of favor."
'Monster case? Is that connected to Alice's research about the formation of dungeons and enslaving the monsters? If so, it's only a matter of time before that Sophia and {Fate Threader} unravel the identity of Atlas. I need to inform them– but not seeing Sophia Horenstein here is making me nervous. Where is she now…'
As Zephyr is about to talk again, he notices something.
'Wait, Cantallone (chain relic) hasn't come back yet. I believe I ordered him to fetch Hywel this morning in his usual training spot in– in Fritz Forest!'
Zephyr panicked internally as he forgot back then that there is a current threat looming in the area as he sent Cantallone to look for Hywel.
'Oh…no!! Cantallone is one of my most precious treasures and I already grew fond of him! I need to assure his safety!'
"Umm, if you need any assistance regarding the matter, my guild will gladly offer a helping hand."
Vivianne shows sincerity in her words whilst hiding her real objective. Her guild members then gathered around her with smiles on their faces after flocking [Grim Fate].
"Yeah, helping others is our trademark after all!"
"Y-yeah, we'll take note of that…as of the moment I have a certain issue that needs solving…"
Zephyr chuckles and then looks towards Hywel, who immediately notices his glance as he glances back at him.
"Anything for you Zep."
'Oh, as expected of Hywel. He already knew I was about to ask for a favor…'
Vivianne noticed their interaction which made her nervous. She then overthinks the situation and what Zephyr just recently said.
'A certain issue that needs solving? He must mean Master Celaeno. He already dispatched some hunters as I saw back then at the gates. Don't tell me he's–'
'Merle Falls…it's not that deep within Fritz Forest right?'
"Hywel, please go to Merle Falls. Just uhh, check if something is in there."
Hywel immediately nods and gives his confirmation to go there at once as he quickly stands up from his position and turns towards the door.
Vivianne then thinks some more.
'Merle Falls…in Fritz Forest? Why in there? No, this is {Fate Threader}. He might just have figured something out and finally sent one of his trump cards, the {Impenetrable Spearhead}. I don't know what Master Celaeno's plans are, but if {Fate Threader} is sending him, this will be a lot of trouble for them.'
"Uhm–"
As soon as Vivianne was about to interrupt, Hywel stops for a second and talks with a commanding tone.
"Miss."
Vivianne was caught off guard and backed off as she somehow felt threatened.
"This is our Zep's direct order–"
Hywel then opens his eyes, showing the active blaze on his pupils.
"-I won't tolerate any delays imposed on me when I'm on a mission given by him."
'H-Hywel!'
While Zephyr was only slightly startled due to Hywel's behavior, Vivianne and the others were intimidated. She took a step back and wore a wary expression.
"Ah, err…uh, oh no…"
Zephyr continuously waves his hands in agitation while alternately switching his glances from Hywel to the other parties who have heard him. He then clears his throat and returns to being dead calm.
"Uh, you can go now Hywel…"
Hywel smiles at him and nods. He then ambles towards the door and bows towards them as he disappears from sight.
"Ahahah…apologies, everyone. Despite how intense Hywel speaks and acts, his intentions are as sensible and pure as it can be."
Zephyr's words somehow relaxes the other party and lets out a sigh of relief. A member of Vivianne's then speaks-
"{Fate Threader} you know, do not take this offensive but, you're not like what the rumors say. I'm relieved!"
"R-rumors?"
Zephyr anxiously grabs his cup of hot cocoa and takes a little sip from it. He then thought to himself: 'Gueh…I'm really not fond of rumors, well if it involves me. I mean, I once heard someone spreading a rumor that I pushed all of my friends (guild members) into the brink of death which results in them being the powerful hunters that they are now. Do I even look like that kind of person?'
"Yeah! They say you are someone who would push even your close friends to death so long as they grow strong–"
'Yeah? What a surprise.' Zephyr reacted with his mind.
"–but now, after looking at you. You seem friendly and very…human for someone who is supposed to be the strongest hunter."
"-and the only Abyss-ranked hunter in Navea at that." remarked by another of Vivianne's guild member.
Zephyr becomes flustered after hearing their words. He then gently massages the back of his head as he chuckles. After a while, he heard a small giggle coming from Meiren.
"Surprised? I know the feeling. Ever since meeting Lord {Fate Threader} in person, my faith in the humanity of hunters has increased by a whole lot"
King Crow then adds something as well–
"Fuhahaha! Well said, Missy. Our Clan Leader is not just strong and full of wisdom, but he's also amiable and approachable. Not what you would expect from someone so important!"
Not only flustered, Zephyr now becomes fully embarrassed due to the unexpected flood of compliments and praises he is currently receiving from everyone. As he looks over to Anastasia, he can see her lips forming a slight smirk whilst producing a vibrant aura as if she's the one receiving the praises.
'Ana, help me out here…their expectations of me are increasing once again and I'm being pressured to meet them!'
As if hearing his inner shout of assistance, Anastasia slowly stands up from her position and announced as she still keeps her cold and blank face, yet with a little blush on her cheeks:
"Master Zep – is perfect."
'I give up.' Zephyr woes to himself.
As everyone laughed it off, Vivianne on the other hand seems unfocused as if her mind is somewhere else. Though she's not obviously showing it outside.
'He does not seem like it at face value, but he's quite the schemer as per our founder. Just now, he sent Hywel to Merle Falls which means he's finally ready to tackle and take down our research there.'
Vivianne takes a deep breath and puts her mind at ease.
'I should get back to my main objective. It pains me to say this but, with {Fate Threader} himself directly on the case, I simply cannot provide assistance as my guise has a huge risk of being compromised. Also–'
Her glance slides into the open window of the tavern where some hunters seem to be talking outside the establishment.
'-if in case I cannot make my move, some of our members who are already inside will make theirs. You're not in control of everything here, {Fate Threader}. I will defeat you, and I will prove myself to our dear founder.'
"We'll see about that."
'Wha-!?' Vivianne was alarmed as she heard Zephyr uttered those words. She braced herself as she slowly turned towards him, but then he can be seen talking with Gringar who is urging Zephyr to include Vivianne's guild in his clan. Hence, his reply.
'That…that surprised me.'
"Viv." Gringar walks towards her after his brief exchange with Zephyr.
"I guess you came to see me, that's why you came back right?"
Vivianne responds with a nod whilst smiling to hide her nervousness. But then Gringar added a suggestion she did not expect.
"Knowing you and from the recent activities. This should be from the recent gathering or the result of it. Might I suggest we include Zephyr in our conversation. After all, he should be the one who knows more about the events transpiring within Navea. Hah, I don't like it when GEO is being disparaged but he is a more reliable informant than us."
Vivianne sweats a little. She then thinks fastly-
'I…I can't let him. He will easily identify my guise if uncle Gringar lets him in on what I'm about to request of him. But if I deny, would it make me look suspicious? After all, what I'm about to discuss with uncle Gringar is about Alice's research.'
'Hell no!' Zephyr thought to himself.
'I don't want to get involved further in things that will make me take more responsibility. I just want to laze around and enjoy my life…'
As he looks around, he sees a reliable helper (scapegoat) that is more than qualified to be his proxy at Gringar's request.
'I know!'
"Excuse me. If I may–"
Gringar and Vivianne then look at Zephyr, however, Vivianne is eluding his eyes.
"-Meiren is the one you're looking for."
"E-eh!? Me!?"
The passing of the baton, Zephyr's special skill activates once more. Would Meiren be the one to unfold the guise of Vivianne? Meanwhile–
"Hey, did you see? That Hywel Wayneflet just left the town. It looks like he's heading to Fritz Forest, and in a hurry at that."