Argan was big enough to stretch as far as the eyes could see from the highest balcony of the Seekers Guild — which belonged to Genevieve. She stood tall and mighty as she stepped forward toward the railings, placing a hand on them.
Aiden could not see her from the office, but he could see her hair fluttering in the wind. It was long and black, like an endless stream flowing forever.
"Don't let her mesmerize you as well," Erebus said next to him. "She will break your heart."
"I know that," Aiden said, his hands in his pockets. "I've known women like her before — they are captivating and charming. But… that's all they will ever be."
"I loved her once," Erebus confessed. Aiden looked at him, confused at the sudden confession. "I too specialize in void," he said. "But… the moment I felt anything but that, my powers began disappearing."
"What do you mean?"
"It's fine to feel whatever, as long as it doesn't go against your core beliefs and desires," Erebus said as he looked at him. "But if you betray your own self, nothing will save you."
Aiden was confused.
"How did that go against your own beliefs?"
"You will know, one day."
[---]
Genevieve gave a speech that left the seekers rooting with excitement. A beautiful woman that radiated an aura of heroism would make anyone's blood boil. The seekers cheered for her, eager for the great expedition to the hidden dungeon that had only been discovered a month ago.
Everyone had been eyeing that dungeon. The Seekers Guild sealed its entrance to avoid people killing themselves. Their excitement was dangerous, but it was the driving force that would let them conquer this dungeon.
Once done, Genevieve returned to the office. She found Erebus and Aiden sitting at her dining table and sipping on tea. In front of them was a deck of cards sprawled on the table. For some reason, Erebus looked annoyed.
"You are cheating," Erebus said with a frown. "I don't know how — but you are."
"Calling me a cheater for losing… makes you a sore loser," Aiden said as he sipped on his tea. "Oh, Genny. Tea?"
"That's my tea," she said. "My dining table, my tea brewing set... and my vice-master that you are upsetting. Have you taken over my office?"
"I came. I saw. I stole," Aiden said with a grin. "That was a good speech. I think most men down there are ready to die for you."
"They would die for the idea of me," she said while sitting down. "You just sat here playing cards while I delivered a speech that might end my career?"
"That would be the ideal scenario, right?" Erebus said as he leaned back in his chair. "We leave this entire mess behind and set sail to the Stillpoint."
"We would die before reaching the Midworld," Genevieve said.
"Wait. That's an option?" Aiden asked.
"Dying is always an option," she answered.
"I meant going straight to the Stillpoint," Aiden rolled his eyes at her. "I thought you needed to climb up the ladder and work for it."
"There are channels that are safer than going solo," Erebus began explaining. "However, the major powers of the world control these channels and only a select few are allowed every year."
"That sounds like tyranny."
"It's the opposite," Genevieve explained while pouring herself a cup of tea. "This law was passed down to stop people who are solely driven by desire. In a world where desire is strength, things get out of control."
"Millions die in the wilderness every year despite these limitations — some seek riches and fame, others seek conquest and glory. It differs, but the result is the same — death," Erebus shuffled the cards.
"This got dark very fast," Aiden said. "But I guess everything about seekers is dark — like your trial."
"I don't enjoy watching young people kill themselves," Genevieve said. "But that trial is used to eliminate anyone who lacks the discipline to avoid being a Hungerborn."
"I hate to inflate your ego," Erebus said. "But I admired how you utilized and understood your terrain. You used what kills others to your advantage and managed to keep a straight head even when influenced by desires."
"My ego is properly inflated, thank you," Aiden said with a smile. "But… I hated having to kill Borin."
"That resolve is what made us choose you," Genevieve said. "You have what it takes to be a seeker."
"And that is?" he asked as Erebus dealt the cards.
"The hunger, the discipline to control it, and the resolve to eradicate it."
Aiden grinned at her. "I still refuse to be your disciple."
"What are you doing here, then?" Genevieve asked with a raised brow.
"For now, consider us friends. I don't think that would last after this game, though," Aiden said while picking up the cards.
"You are underestimating us," Genevieve said. "What's this game anyway?"
"A classic Bluff game," Erebus said. "Be careful, my lady. He is a sneaky one," Erebus said while handing out the cards.
"No one can sneak up on me," she said while using her aura. Aiden saw Genevieve become translucent and elusive. "You can't defeat me like this, can you?"
"This isn't about guessing the cards," Aiden said while glancing at his. "It's about understanding your opponents."
A few minutes later, Aiden was sipping his tea while Erebus and Genevieve exchanged glances. Although they were playing with meager coins, they could never trick or see through the young man in front of them.
"Alright, how did you do it?" she asked.
"You won't believe me even if I told you," Aiden said. "I was just honest."
Genevieve glared at him. "I'll try to believe that. But we need to get to work on your cultivation if we want you to survive the mission."
"We have three days before the monsters reach the city," Erebus interjected. "We need to leave tomorrow at dawn, miss."
"I know," Genevieve said. "That's why we'll be up all night, Aiden."
"No man can say no to that request," Aiden said. "Wait—"
But he was already flying across the room.