The morning air was crisp as Atem, towering in his Pharaoh-Dragon form, rode atop Ranga's broad back, leaving Eterna behind. Souei followed silently, moving like a shadow, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings without a single sound. The path to Ingracia stretched across rolling plains, winding rivers, and dense forests—a landscape both familiar and foreign to Atem's senses.
Atem allowed himself a brief moment to enjoy the ride. The wind tugged at his cloak, and Ranga's powerful strides carried them swiftly across the land. Souei, ever vigilant, stayed close, scanning for danger with quiet precision.
Despite the calm scenery, Atem's mind remained focused on the task ahead. The Free Guild in Ingracia was home to Yuuki Kagurazaka, a renowned Guildmaster whose reputation had even reached Eterna. This meeting could influence alliances, trade, and even future conflicts. Atem intended to handle it with care—but with his usual confidence.
The spires of Ingracia rose in the distance, glinting in the morning sun. Atem shifted atop Ranga, his golden aura faintly shimmering as he spoke to Souei.
"Souei," he said, voice firm yet calm, "move ahead and scout the guild quietly. Watch the entrance, and don't let anyone see you."
Souei inclined his head once, already melding into the shadows with practiced ease. His figure vanished against the cobblestones and the crowd, becoming nothing more than a faint ripple in the morning bustle.
"And Ranga?" Souei asked, his eyes still scanning every movement.
"Stay beneath my shadow. No one will notice you there," Atem replied. Ranga crouched slightly, letting Atem's towering form obscure him. Together, they moved toward the guild entrance, blending seamlessly into the busy streets.
Despite the calm, Atem's senses remained alert. Guilds often attracted unusual visitors, and adventurers could be unpredictable. One misstep could alert watchers or cause unnecessary tension.
As they neared the Free Guild Headquarters, Atem noted the crowded streets: merchants calling out, adventurers moving in small groups, clerks rushing about. To the untrained eye, it was just another busy city morning. But with Souei hidden in the shadows and Ranga beneath him, Atem's presence went completely unnoticed.
"Good," Atem murmured, golden eyes sweeping the area. "Stay unseen. We're here for Yuuki, not trouble."
The massive guild doors came into view. Atem dismounted gracefully, his presence so imposing that even in his calm demeanor, the air around him seemed to hum with quiet authority. Ranga sank lower, blending beneath him like a shadow, while Souei continued to watch silently.
Inside, the receptionist glanced up, her eyes widening slightly at the sheer size and presence of the man before her—but she quickly composed herself.
"Good morning," Atem said politely, his voice deep and commanding. "I wish to meet with Guildmaster Yuuki Kagurazaka."
The receptionist blinked at the formal tone, her surprise quickly replaced by professional composure. "Yes, of course. Guildmaster Yuuki is in his office. Please, follow me."
Atem nodded, his gaze sweeping the hall with quiet precision. Souei remained unseen, silently observing every movement, while Ranga stayed perfectly hidden beneath Atem's form, their approach undetected by all but the most perceptive eyes.
Atem followed the receptionist down a series of polished corridors. The hum of activity from the main hall faded as they approached a large wooden door adorned with intricate carvings of falcons in mid-flight.
The receptionist knocked lightly, then stepped back.
"Guildmaster Yuuki," she announced, "you have a visitor."
The door swung open, revealing a tall, slender man. His sharp eyes missed nothing, but his expression was relaxed, almost playful. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he looked upon Atem's towering Pharaoh-Dragon form.
The office of Guildmaster Yuuki Kagurazaka was quiet, bathed in the soft morning light. Yuuki leaned casually against his desk, his gaze scanning the immense figure before him, eyes flicking over every detail.
"So… Atem of Eterna," Yuuki said, voice smooth and polite, "I see you've come personally rather than sending word. Pray tell, what brings you here?"
Atem inclined slightly, his golden aura radiating quiet authority.
"I have come regarding a promise. Before her passing, Shizu entrusted her students to my care. I swore to watch over them, and I intend to fulfill that vow personally."
Yuuki's eyebrows lifted, a flicker of curiosity—and subtle respect—crossing his expression.
"Ah… so this is not a mere diplomatic visit, nor for trade. You came out of responsibility to the late Shizu. That… is commendable."
Atem's tone remained calm, yet carried the weight of authority.
"Yes. They fall under your jurisdiction here at the guild, and I wish to meet them. My goal is their safety and guidance, not to interfere beyond what is necessary."
Yuuki's sharp gaze softened, and a small smile appeared.
"You honor Shizu's trust well. Few would take the words of a departed adventurer so seriously. I will assist you. Tell me, what guidance do you intend to provide?"
Atem tilted his head slightly, considering his words carefully.
"I will evaluate their current abilities and ensure they are prepared for future challenges. Training will be provided if needed, but above all, their well-being is my priority."
Yuuki's smile widened.
"Understood. Then it seems we share a common purpose. I trust your intentions, Atem. Let us proceed carefully. I will arrange for you to meet the students at an appropriate time."
Atem inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"Thank you. Your cooperation is appreciated."
For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the faint rustle of papers outside. Atem's presence—majestic, commanding, and almost impossibly powerful—hung over the office. Yuuki's eyes flickered with momentary shock, his composure rattled by the aura emanating from the Pharaoh-Dragon.
Almost immediately, Yuuki attempted a subtle skill, a manipulative charm meant to sway Atem's mind.
<
Atem's golden eyes narrowed.
"Do it."
<
Yuuki's expression faltered slightly, realizing his attempt had been thwarted. He forced a calm smile, trying to regain control of the situation.
Atem's aura flared just slightly, a gentle but unmistakable display of his authority.
"Your skill has been removed. I suggest you choose your actions carefully, Guildmaster Yuuki. Eterna does not tolerate deception within its agreements."
Yuuki inclined his head, a mixture of respect and cautious calculation returning to his features.
"Very well, Atem. I understand. My apologies for the attempt. Let us continue in earnest, then."
"Thank you. Your cooperation is appreciated."
For a moment, silence hung in the room, filled only by the faint rustle of papers from the receptionist outside. The meeting had achieved its purpose: Rimuru had made his intentions clear, and Yuuki had accepted the responsibility of guiding the students in his absence.
After the meeting with Yuuki, Atem was escorted to a quieter wing of the Free Guild, where adventurer registrations were processed. The receptionist's fingers moved deftly over parchments and enchanted tablets, recording Atem's name, species, and unique abilities.
"Name: Atem of Eterna. Species: Human. Abilities: …" she murmured, pausing as her eyes flicked over his imposing, majestic form. "Hmm… quite the résumé for someone so… intimidating."
Atem inclined slightly, his golden eyes calm yet radiating authority.
"It is sufficient for the guild's purposes," he replied, his voice firm, measured, and commanding.
"Very well," the receptionist said, stamping the registration with a faint magical glow. "You are now officially recognized as an adventurer in Ingracia. This card will allow you access to guild services, quests, and recognition throughout the human territories."
Atem accepted the card, his wings folding neatly as his towering frame shifted slightly to accommodate the rigid adventurer ID.
<
"Good. Ensure there are no disruptions. The students' safety is paramount," Atem instructed, his aura subtly asserting calm authority over the room.
With the formalities concluded, Atem turned to Yuuki.
"Thank you. Now, regarding the students…" he began, his voice precise, carrying both courtesy and command.
Yuuki inclined, his expression neutral but attentive.
"They are currently under the guild's care, as you requested. I will prepare them for your arrival. You will be able to meet them shortly, in a space where they can remain comfortable and safe."
Atem nodded, his gaze sharp yet gentle.
"Excellent. Inform them of my arrival, but do so without causing unnecessary alarm. Their transition must be smooth."
Yuuki's lips curved into a faint smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement at Atem's commanding demeanor.
"You are meticulous, Atem of Eterna. I can see why Shizu entrusted them to you. Very well, I will handle it."
<
"Good," Atem replied, his voice calm yet filled with authority that demanded attention. "Every detail accounted for. Every risk mitigated. This promise must be honored without compromise."
The moment had arrived. Atem's promise to Shizu—to protect her students and ensure their safety—was about to be fulfilled. The next chapter of Eterna's story was beginning: bridging the gap between the living and those entrusted to him, a careful yet unstoppable force guiding their path.
Atem's golden aura shimmered faintly, casting a reassuring glow over the quiet guild wing, as the Pharaoh-Dragon prepared to meet the children whose futures now rested, in part, in his hands.