Yukari and Hinote stood at the entrance of Phantom Lord's headquarters, taking in the sight. It was a massive, dark structure, looming over the city like a predator ready to pounce. The entire place reeked of power, but not in a good way. The kind of power that made you want to keep one hand on your wallet and the other ready to punch someone.
"Well," Yukari muttered, eyeing the intimidating entrance, "this place screams 'bad decisions.'"
Hinote nodded, unimpressed. "Yeah, it's like they're trying too hard to look scary. Look at all that decoration. Bats? Really?"
The people milling about the guild hall weren't any better. Men and women lounged around, some sparring, others drinking, but most just glaring suspiciously at each other. It was the kind of place where you expected someone to throw a knife at your back just to see if it would stick.
"This is a guild?" Yukari muttered under her breath, her nose wrinkling. "It feels more like a den of thieves."
"Don't forget murderers," Hinote added casually, her hands behind her head. "This is Phantom Lord. I wouldn't be surprised if they have a 'stab your friends for fun' day."
Yukari sighed, already regretting their decision to visit. "Why are we here again?"
Hinote grinned. "Because we need to explore our options, and besides, where else are we going to find a guild this... interesting?"
Before Yukari could respond, a sudden hush fell over the room, and the temperature seemed to drop. Yukari felt the shift immediately something dark, something powerful, was approaching. She turned just in time to see a tall figure step into the room, his presence commanding attention like a predator stalking prey.
The man had long, straight, dark red hair cascading down to his shoulders, and a thin mustache that only added to his sinister aura. His sharp face was framed by prominent eyelashes, and his dark lips curled into a smile that sent shivers down Yukari's spine. His attire was nothing short of flamboyant a high-collared coat with jagged edges, a hat that looked like something a circus performer might wear, and a Wizard Saint's medallion around his neck.
"Oh great," Yukari muttered, "a circus reject."
The man's sharp eyes locked onto them, and he strode over with the kind of confidence that only someone completely self-obsessed could manage. He stopped a few feet away, his gaze lingering on Hinote before turning to Yukari.
"Well, well," the man said, his voice smooth but with an edge that immediately set Yukari on guard. "What do we have here? New recruits, perhaps? Or just two little girls who wandered too far from their playpen?"
Yukari's eye twitched, her fists clenching. "Call me a little girl again, and I'll set your weird hat on fire."
Hinote chuckled softly, but her eyes never left the man. "You must be Jose Perla, the master of Phantom Lord," she said, her voice casual but holding an undertone of caution.
Jose's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Indeed. And who might you two be? You don't look like the usual riff-raff that finds their way here. Especially you." He gestured at Hinote with a nod, his gaze sharp and calculating. "You have quite the aura about you. Powerful. Ancient, even."
Hinote tilted her head, a lazy smile on her face. "Oh, you flatter me, Mr. Perla. But I'm just a simple traveler. Nothing too special."
Jose's smile didn't waver, but there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes now. "I doubt that very much. You reek of something far greater than the average mage. And the way you carry yourself... yes, I'm very interested in you."
Yukari felt a surge of annoyance. "Hey, creepy guy. Why don't you focus on something other than my friend's 'aura'? Like maybe minding your own business."
Jose's eyes flicked to Yukari, amusement dancing in his gaze. "Ah, the little one speaks. You have fire in you literally, I assume. But I can sense it's not fully controlled yet. You're still growing into your power, aren't you?"
"None of your business," Yukari shot back, crossing her arms.
Jose's smile grew colder, and for a moment, his entire demeanor shifted. Something about the way he was watching them now sent a chill down Yukari's spine. There was something deeply wrong with him, something malicious lurking behind his smooth words.
Hinote's smile never wavered, but Yukari could tell she was on edge too. "You've got quite the reputation, Mr. Perla," she said smoothly. "Phantom Lord, one of the strongest guilds in Fiore. You must be very proud."
Jose's eyes gleamed with pride. "We are the strongest, no question about it. Fairy Tail? They're just children playing at being mages. Phantom Lord has the power, the resources, and the skill to crush any opposition. Including them."
"That's funny," Yukari muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because you sound like a guy who spends way too much time obsessing over a guild full of children."
Jose's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Hinote stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "Thank you for your... hospitality, Mr. Perla. But I think it's time for us to take our leave."
Jose's smile returned, though it was colder than ever. "Leaving so soon? I was hoping we could talk more. After all, powerful mages like yourselves would make excellent additions to Phantom Lord."
Hinote's smile didn't waver, but Yukari could see the tension in her stance. "Sorry to disappoint, but we're not looking to join any guild just yet. We're still... exploring our options."
Jose's gaze lingered on Hinote for a moment longer before he finally stepped back, his smile never faltering. "Very well. But should you ever change your mind, the doors of Phantom Lord are always open."
Yukari snorted. "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. Right after I lose my mind."
As they turned to leave, Yukari couldn't help but glance back at Jose. His eyes were still on them, watching, waiting, like a predator eyeing its next meal. A chill ran down her spine, and she quickened her pace, eager to put distance between them and the Phantom Lord master.
Once they were outside, Yukari let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "That guy was seriously creepy."
Hinote nodded, her expression unusually serious. "Yeah. There's something off about him. His power isn't just about strength it's... twisted. Dark."
"Great. So we can add 'evil overlord vibes' to his list of charming qualities," Yukari muttered, rolling her eyes.
Hinote chuckled, but there was a hint of unease in her voice. "We'll have to keep an eye on him. I don't like the way he looked at us especially you."
Yukari groaned. "Wonderful. Just what I needed more creepy adults interested in my life."
Hinote ruffled Yukari's hair, her usual playful demeanor returning. "Hey, don't worry about it. You've got me, remember? Anyone tries anything, and they'll get a face full of phoenix fire."
Yukari snorted, swatting her hand away. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get out of here before I change my mind and actually set that place on fire."