Through the tinted windows of the car... I finally caught my first-ever glimpse of the Adventurer's Guild up close...!
Towering over every structure around it, the Adventurer's Guild building was an advanced, futuristic facility—designated as the place where every aspiring, brave adventurer gathered.
It was tall, sleek, and modern, illuminated by strategically placed lights that made it shine the brightest in the night, even in the middle of a metropolis where the lights never went off.
But what truly drew my eyes was the massive emblem on its facade.
A shield, with a sword, a wooden staff, and a bow crossed in front of it.
It was placed smack dab in the center of the building, proudly declaring its identity as the heart of all adventuring activities.
Even though the night had already settled in, I could see large ensembles of adventurer parties milling about in the front lobby.
They were either those who had returned from venturing into the deep, treacherous dungeon... or those about to depart for the very same dungeon, even though it was nearing the late hour.
I had read that the dungeon was practically open 24 hours, almost every day. Adventurers could enter at pretty much any time they wanted—morning, noon, evening, or even in the middle of the night.
So... midnight expeditions were an actual thing, and I'd read that some high-ranking parties even preferred that midnight timeframe because of how less crowded it was for them to enter.
For a moment, I thought we would stop at the main lobby filled with adventurers...
"We're not stopping at the front lobby?" I innocently asked my fellow passengers... who vehemently ignored my seemingly oblivious question.
Of course, they wouldn't. It would be quite the scandal for a bunch of men in black to bring in a tattered and beaten-up office worker into the front lobby of the most prestigious facility in the nation.
The sight would be more than just ominous.
Instead... our black car convoy made a pass around the busy lobby... and headed toward the backside of the guild, where it was much quieter.
There was a security check on our way to the back... but they just graciously opened the way for this government-looking convoy without a single question or stop.
Well... it was quite obvious from the start that these guys were some kind of government agents, and all of this was just definite proof of their authority.
After passing the security check... our black car convoy arrived at a large backyard of the Adventurer's Guild... and surprisingly, it wasn't a parking lot.
Instead... there was another set of impressive structures befitting one of the most lucrative businesses in the nation. Though it had the same design principles as the front building... this one felt rather odd, to say the least.
It didn't feel like an actual facility for adventurers or even guild staff to work in. The size wasn't as large, either.
It felt to me... like it was some sort of place to live...
A mansion. That was what I felt about this seemingly opulent building.
The black car convoy then moved toward the mansion-like building, finally coming to a stop at its front entrance.
"So, this is our stop?" I quipped again, my voice carrying a hint of sarcasm as I glanced at the men in black.
"Yes... this is our stop," the 'snake eyes' woman replied... her tone laced with exasperation. It seemed that I was really getting on her nerves, huh?
We stepped out of the car, and I found myself standing before the grand entrance of the mansion. A few men in black were already on the premises, seemingly acting as both mansion guards and staff. I paused, taking a moment to admire the imposing structure—!
"Move along, Mr. Isaac Hunter," the 'snake eyes' woman commanded, her voice carrying a sharp edge as she suddenly pushed me toward the open entrance of the modern mansion.
"Hey! Not so rough, lady," I complained, casting a glance back at her with a slight pout on my lips... which, unfortunately, she wasn't having. Her expression remained stern... as she gave me a more forceful shove.
"Ow! Alright, alright," I yelped, stumbling forward as I complied with her insistent prodding.
Now, we were just walking through the corridor of the mansion, which I found quite contrasting. The outside seemed to have a modern architectural vibe, but the inside was truly like a traditional noble mansion.
"Where exactly are you taking me, lady?" I asked the 'snake eyes' woman who was currently leading the way.
She didn't answer my question at first, but...
"There is someone who would like to meet you, Mr. Isaac Hunter," she finally answered.
"Someone, huh?" I repeated, finding the whole situation to be quite the curious development. "Would that someone happen to be your boss, lady?"
"Yes..." she answered again... with a tired tone.
"Whistle... interesting~."
Never had I thought that my life would drastically change within the span of one day—from falling into a wild dungeon, becoming an adventurer, and obtaining a powerful relic of a god...
And now I was being "abducted" by government agents to meet someone in a high position within the Adventurer's Guild, the most powerful government-owned organization.
We continued down the corridor... until we reached a grand, large double door... an imposing entrance guarded by two men in black, just like those who had been escorting me.
Without a word, they promptly moved to open the double door side by side... revealing a room shrouded in shadows.
The 'snake eyes' woman turned to the men who had been escorting us.
"Guard the perimeters. No one is to disturb the madam."
'Madam?' I repeated in my mind, curious that the person who wanted to meet me was... apparently a woman.
"Yes, ma'am." They responded with a nod in acknowledgment... before taking their positions outside the room, leaving us alone at the threshold.
"Inside, Mr. Isaac Hunter," she directed me, her tone leaving no room for argument... as she stepped into the room.
For a moment, I hesitated... my previous false bravado wavering a bit...
"Sure..."
... but I finally gave in, stepping into the dimly lit space.
The luxurious furniture and rich decor of the room were a stark contrast to the sleek, modern design outside, and the only light came from a few wall lamps and a cozy fireplace, which brought some semblance of warmth to the room.
This place seemed tailored to the comfort of whoever owned it... and that person was currently sitting behind a large wooden office desk... giving the room an air of authority.
"Ah... you finally arrived~," a feminine voice called out... as she slowly swiveled the chair she was sitting on, revealing her presence to me.
A beautiful woman... with lustrous silver hair that shone even in the darkness of the room. She leaned seductively on the office desk... meeting my gaze with her own.
"Welcome, Mr. Isaac Hunter~."