After walking for an hour and a half, the four of them returned,
Ren and the team stepped into the guild, the bustling atmosphere paused, and all eyes turned to them. A wave of applause rippled through the room as adventurers, townsfolk, and guild staff acknowledged their feat.
"Look, it's them! The ones who stopped whatever that mess was!" someone cheered.
"They took on a whole cult? That's insane!" another voice chimed in.
"I bet they got lucky," muttered a jealous adventurer in the corner, crossing his arms.
Ren grinned and waved dramatically, leaning into the attention.
"Oh, please, no need for the grand reception," he said with mock humility. "Well, maybe just a little."
Skorn elbowed him lightly. "Careful, Ren. Your head might not fit through the door on the way out."
"Let him enjoy his moment," Talos said with a smirk. "It's the only time he'll ever hear the word 'grand' associated with his name."
Olivia, meanwhile, smiled politely, completely missing the Talos' sarcastic tone. "It's nice that everyone's happy for us. Though...why do some of them look angry?"
"Jealousy, Olivia," Ren explained with a theatrical sigh. "It's the burden of being awesome."
Before Olivia could ask more questions, the double doors of the guild slammed open, and a hush fell over the crowd. The vice guild master, a tall and imposing man with sharp features and a commanding presence, strode in.
"Attention!" his booming voice cut through the room, silencing all chatter.
"Today, we celebrate a tremendous victory against a threat that could've engulfed the entire city.
Thanks to these four adventurers—Ren, Skorn, Olivia, and Talos—the ritual was stopped, and the city is safe!"
The room erupted into cheers, and even those who had been skeptical couldn't help but clap.
The vice guild master raised a hand, quieting the crowd once more. His gaze fell on the group. "The guild master wishes to speak with you personally. Ren, Skorn, Olivia, Talos—report upstairs immediately."
Ren raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with the others. "Ooh, summoned by the big boss? I feel like we're either about to get knighted...or scolded."
"Hopefully not scolded," Olivia said earnestly. "We did everything right, didn't we?"
"Depends on how they feel about us stealing goblin snacks," Skorn quipped under his breath, earning a stifled laugh from Talos.
"Let's find out," Ren said with a shrug, leading the way upstairs, the weight of the guild's eyes following them.
As the team ascended the creaky wooden stairs to the guild master's office, the noise from the main hall faded behind them. Ren couldn't resist muttering,
"Feels like we're getting called to the principal's office."
the group stepped into the guild master's office, they immediately felt the shift in atmosphere. Zeriden Flameheart sat behind a massive desk,
his piercing yellow eyes locked on them. The humanoid wolf exuded authority, his arms crossed, and a faint crackle of energy seemed to hum in the air around him.
Sylvester Malgor stood beside him, his calm demeanor in stark contrast, meticulously jotting down notes with a quill.
"Close the door," Zeriden ordered, his voice firm but not unkind. The heavy oak door creaked shut, and the group stood in silence.
Ren broke it first, glancing at Skorn. "So, do we bow, or—?"
"Quiet," Skorn whispered harshly, elbowing him. "Let the wolf talk first."
Zeriden leaned forward, his claws lightly tapping the desk. "You've managed to prevent a catastrophe. That's no small feat, but it's clear this cult isn't done. What you've uncovered might just be the beginning."
Sylvester spoke up, his tone smooth and diplomatic. "Your actions saved countless lives. However, the symbols, the ritual, and the strange energy reported by other adventurers suggest something much larger at play. We'll need every detail."
Ren stepped forward, straightening up. "We handled it. Big goblins, weird cult symbols, creepy chanting—you know, the usual. No embellishments."
Zeriden's eyebrow twitched. "Ren, we need facts, not your interpretation of a campfire story."
Skorn couldn't help but snicker. "He means it was a little chaotic, but we came through."
Sylvester glanced at Zeriden, clearing his throat. "What my lord means is that this cult likely extends beyond the city. We need to know what you've seen and experienced to prepare for what's coming."
Talos adjusted his glasses. "The symbols we found match descriptions in several texts about ancient summoning rituals. They were attempting to breach a barrier—one meant to protect the city from something far darker than goblins."
Olivia, ever focused, nodded. "The energy felt…wrong. Whatever it was, I don't think it's over."
Zeriden nodded approvingly, his stern expression softening slightly. "Good. You're not oblivious to the weight of this.
The guild will coordinate with the city's officials to strengthen defenses,
but you've proven yourselves capable. I'll need you ready for the next mission."
Ren leaned back, smirking. "Sounds like we're the guild's MVPs. Maybe rename the guild in our honor?"
Zeriden fixed him with a glare, his voice flat. "That'll be the day."
Sylvester, suppressing a smile, interjected, "Your reward will be handled downstairs. For now, take the rest. The guild will likely need you sooner than you'd prefer."
Zeriden stood, towering over them. "One last thing—you did well. But don't let it go to your heads. Dismissed."
As the group turned to leave, Ren muttered under his breath, "He's so scary when he's nice."
"Agreed," Skorn whispered back, shuddering dramatically.
Outside the office, the group exhaled in unison. Talos adjusted his satchel. "Well, that was…intense."
"At least he didn't dock our pay," Ren said. "I'd call that a win."
Olivia frowned, tilting her head. "Why would he dock our pay? We completed the quest."
Skorn burst out laughing. "Oh, Olivia. Never change."
As the group descended the stairs from the guild master's office, the buzz of the guild hall hit them. Adventurers crowded the space, some celebrating victories,
others nursing wounds, and a few eyeing Ren and his team with a mix of curiosity and envy.
Before they could be swarmed with questions, a sharp-eyed clerk approached them, bowing slightly. "Ren and ....um all of you, if you'll follow me, please.
The guild master has instructed us to process your rewards and promotions privately to avoid… interruptions."
Ren glanced at Skorn with a smirk. "Interruptions? I think he means jealous mobs."
Skorn chuckled, nudging Talos. "Ren's fan club is growing."
"Enough," Olivia said firmly. "Let's focus."
The clerk led them to a quiet, well-lit room. A large table in the center held several pouches of coins, a few documents, and a tray of medallions. The air was filled with a sense of importance.
The clerk gestured to the table. "First, your rewards for thwarting the cult and protecting the city. A significant contribution like this warrants a considerable sum." He handed them each a pouch filled with gold coins.
Ren peeked inside his pouch, his eyes widening. "Well, this is going to cover my coffee addiction for a while."
Skorn weighed his pouch in his hand, grinning. "Finally, I can buy that enchanted pickaxe I've been eyeing."
"Focus," Olivia reminded again, though even she couldn't hide the slight smile as she accepted her share.
Talos adjusted his glasses, carefully counting his gold. "This will go straight into research supplies. Perhaps even some rare texts."
The clerk cleared his throat, holding up four medallions. "In addition to the monetary rewards, the guild has recognized your growth as adventurers.
Ren, Skorn, and Talos, you are all promoted to B rank.
Olivia, your steadfast efforts have earned you a promotion to C rank. Congratulations."
Ren took his medallion with a mock bow. "Ah, the recognition I deserve. A stepping stone to my eventual domination of this guild."
Olivia frowned, holding her medallion thoughtfully.
"I'm grateful, but why am I not the same rank as the rest of you? I contributed just as much."
Talos chuckled nervously. "Olivia, your healing was invaluable, but rankings also consider combat experience. It's a process."
Skorn tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Olivia. At this rate, you'll outrank us in no time."
Ren leaned over, whispering dramatically to Skorn, "She'll probably take it literally and start planning her takeover."
Olivia tilted her head, catching the murmur. "Takeover? Of course not. I wouldn't disrupt guild operations."
Skorn burst out laughing, clutching his side. "Oh, Olivia, you're priceless."
The clerk, clearly used to such dynamics, coughed politely to regain their attention.
"If there's nothing else, you're free to enjoy the rest of the day. The guild appreciates your service."
As the group exited the room, Ren tossed his medallion into the air, catching it with a grin. "Not a bad day. Gold, recognition, and a rank-up. What's next, a festival in our honor?"
Talos rolled his eyes. "You never stop, do you?"
Skorn slung an arm over Ren's shoulder. "Let him dream, Talos. He's earned it."
Olivia followed quietly, clutching her medallion. Despite her lower rank, she felt proud.
************
Currency :
500 Cooper coins = 1 silver coin
1000 silver coins = 1 gold coin