Morning light filtered through the villa's tall windows, casting golden rays across polished stone floors and velvet curtains. For the first time in days, the trio awoke in soft beds rather than hard ground or damp tents. The villa hummed with quiet activity—Serenya overseeing the kitchen, the twins preparing the breakfast table, Kaelen and Veyra patrolling the courtyard with sharpened spears, and Nyla perched on a balcony ledge, eyes scanning the streets beyond the walls. The scent of fresh bread and smoked meats drifted through the halls, mingling with the faint aroma of herbs Mira had set to steep.
Drathan stretched lazily in his chair at the dining table, arms folded behind his head as he smirked at the spread before them. "Now this is the life. Told y'all, we ain't ever eating dried rations again unless we gotta."
Kenshin stabbed a fork into a slice of ham, flashing a grin. "Yo, real food hit different when it's not cooked over a half-dead campfire. And Mira, I swear you been spoilin' us."
Mira's ears twitched at the compliment, her cheeks tinged faintly pink. "I only helped prepare the herbs. Serenya and the twins did most of the work."
Seme chewed slowly, his gaze distant, before muttering, "Don't get used to it. We got work waiting."
Kenshin groaned. "Bruh, can't you just let me enjoy this moment? One day, I'mma lock your ass in a spa just to see if you can relax."
Drathan chuckled, then leaned forward, his tone shifting. "He's right though. Today's the day we hit the guild, cash in, and make plans. Mira's problem comes right after. We can't sit on it too long."
The table quieted, only the clink of utensils breaking the silence. Mira lowered her gaze, her tail curling tightly around her chair leg. They really mean it, she thought, heart tight with both hope and fear. But if something happens to them because of me…
Serenya, ever perceptive, placed a hand gently on Mira's shoulder. "You've carried this weight alone for too long. Let them share it now."
Kenshin leaned back, tossing a grape into his mouth. "Damn right. And once we're done, your siblings ain't gonna be cash cows for no punk gang. They'll be chillin' here, eating good like us."
"First, we get info," Seme said firmly. "Numbers, location, what kind of muscle they've got. If they're using kids to squeeze money, odds are they've got scum willing to bleed for coin. Better to expect blades waiting."
Drathan smirked, tapping the side of his cup. "Blades waiting don't mean blades landing. But yeah, we do it smart. Tonight we go guild, tomorrow we scout the slums."
The walk through Tierwyn's streets after breakfast carried a strange contrast. On one side, merchants shouted cheerfully of their wares, the smell of grilled meats and sweet honey cakes tempting every passerby. On the other, alleys carried whispers of unrest—rumors of the Orc King's death, fear of regrouping hordes, and gangs taking advantage of chaos.
Kenshin whistled low, glancing at the crowded streets. "City feels different now. Folk lookin' at us like we either saviors or the next storm."
"Don't let it get to your head," Seme said flatly.
"Too late," Drathan replied with a smirk. "I already feel famous."
As they neared the guild hall, a rush of footsteps interrupted them. A young guild messenger bolted past, scroll in hand, nearly colliding with Mira. He skidded to a stop, panting. "Another village… south road this time. Orcs and ogres. The guild's posting fresh commissions."
Drathan raised a brow. "Closer to the city, huh? Figures."
Kenshin cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like the fun never stops."
Seme's eyes narrowed. "Good. Keeps us sharp."
The messenger hurried on, leaving the group to exchange a knowing glance. Whatever awaited them at the guild hall, it was clear their respite was already over.
When they arrived at the guild hall, the noise inside dimmed almost instantly. Dozens of adventurers turned, eyes locking on them as though the air itself shifted. Whispers raced across the room like wildfire.
"That's them—the ones who killed the Orc King."
"I heard he warped space itself. Just erased those ogres."
"No, you idiot, it was lightning that tore 'em apart—his brother's a walking storm."
"And the tall one? Bro split a giant in half with one swing."
The trio walked forward, unfazed, though Drathan's lazy grin only made the whispers louder. Kenshin winked at a gawking rookie squad, and Seme's glare was sharp enough to send a few would-be challengers looking away.
At the far end, Aelira's voice cut through the murmur. "Drathan, Kenshin, Seme—my office. Now."
They followed her up the stairs, passing squads that parted quickly as though giving way to predators. Inside her office, the air was cooler, the noise of the hall muffled behind oak doors. Aelira folded her hands atop her desk, her gaze sharp.
"You three are anomalies," she said bluntly. "The guild can't treat you as ordinary adventurers any longer. Your feats in the ruins, your handling of the Orc King… Tierwyn's branch has decided to raise your squad to Rank A."
Kenshin let out a low whistle. "Yo, from newbies to A in a blink. Guess we broke the system."
Seme only nodded, arms crossed, while Drathan leaned back casually, though his eyes glimmered. "So what's the catch?"
Aelira's lips curved into the faintest smile. "The catch is expectation. Rank A means higher commissions, but also greater scrutiny. Fail, and you'll fall harder than most. Succeed, and you'll shape Tierwyn's future."
She leaned forward then, her tone quieter, but laced with curiosity. "Drathan. During the battle with the Orc King, you… opened something. My scouts described a domain of void swallowing the battlefield, freezing even time itself. That kind of magic shouldn't exist outside of divine authority. Where does it come from?"
The room's air grew heavy. Kenshin leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Told y'all my bro different."
Seme grunted in agreement. "Ain't no normal class."
Drathan tapped his knuckles against the armrest, his gaze unwavering. "Voidwalker ain't exactly in your registry, is it? Let's just say I got cards y'all can't read yet."
Aelira's eyes narrowed. "Cards like that make allies nervous. They also make enemies desperate. You understand the danger of walking with power no one can measure, don't you?"
Drathan shrugged, a smirk curling his lips. "Danger's only a problem if you scared of it. I'm not."
Kenshin snorted. "Translation: if they got beef, they get cooked."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then Aelira exhaled, her stern mask cracking with the faintest sigh. "You're reckless. All of you. But gods help me, you might be what this city needs. Just don't let arrogance burn you before the real war arrives."
The trio rose, exchanging a glance that spoke louder than words. Whatever secrets lay ahead, their rank had risen, their path had shifted, and now the entire city watched their every move.