Chapter 121: Captain

—That pudding you hid was delicious! —A mocking voice echoed through the guild hall as I reviewed the mission board.

—And it’ll be your last meal!

I heard Silvus’s furious shout, followed by the whistle of ice spears slicing through the air. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Arthur dodging them with feline agility, performing leaps and flips like an acrobat.

—Would you like to take a break? —Scarlett’s tired voice rose from the counter, but her request was completely ignored by the troublemakers.

—Hmmm… —I paused in front of the mission board, examining each scroll as if they were pieces of a complex puzzle. I deliberately ignored the chaos unfolding behind me while thoughtfully stroking my chin.

—There are very few missions.

I studied the modest board offering challenges from both Danafor and Sherazade. The missions from Sherazade were particularly dangerous; accepting tasks from that city-state was akin to playing with death. The unforgiving streets of Sherazade spared no one: if the Council authorities discovered someone carrying out a mission for a dark guild like ours, escaping alive would be nearly impossible. Tartaros, our guild, operated outside the law and was considered a criminal organization, both feared and hated in equal measure.

—If you find something that interests you, let me know —Scarlett’s gentle voice interrupted my musings. She had silently approached my side, a kind smile lighting up her face—. The master is absent.

I turned to observe her closely. The woman had intense golden eyes and light brown hair, meticulously braided. Despite her simple appearance and gentle expression, I clearly remembered who Scarlett truly was. She and Gilthunder held the rank of Captains within the guild, a position reserved solely for the most powerful individuals. In simple terms, these two were colossal forces not to be underestimated under any circumstances.

—So it seems… —I said, splitting my attention between her face and the mission board.

—He had to attend an important meeting —Scarlett explained softly, though I could detect an underlying gravity in her words that piqued my natural curiosity.

—Important meeting? —I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by what that could mean.

—Every so often, the Lords gather to discuss matters related to the Balam Alliance —Scarlett delicately placed a finger on her chin, as if considering the best way to explain something complex to a ten-year-old—. It’s a coalition formed by the three most powerful dark guilds in Danafor. You could say it’s the closest thing to a Council, though without the formality or restrictions of one —she added with a slight smile—. I suppose it’s a bit complicated to understand.

Though Scarlett explained it pleasantly and simply, I perfectly understood the true nature of the Balam Alliance: an informal coalition of landowners, factory owners, crime bosses, and corporate magnates. Their “lords” were a group of extremely powerful individuals who used their vast financial resources and hired members to control Danafor and safeguard their interests in the murky underworld.

—Revenge for my pudding! —The war cry was followed by a small explosion that shook part of the guild’s infrastructure. I quickly assessed the damage and determined, fortunately, it wasn’t serious.

—Will you shut your mouth? You’ll make my headache worse —Mica’s complaint cut through the air like a whip as she shot a withering glare at Silvus.

—You shut up, you useless woman —he retorted with disdain.

—What did you say, virgin thug? —she shot back, escalating the tension in the room.

—Hey, brats, stop destroying the place! —A commanding voice boomed from the guild’s entrance, and as if by magic, the chaos stopped instantly.

I felt my breath catch, as if an invisible snake were coiling around me, slowly strangling me. The oppressive sensation clouded my thoughts for a moment, disrupting my usual mental clarity.

When I turned, I saw Gilthunder standing at the entrance. His mere presence was overwhelming, emanating an aura of undeniable power and authority that filled every corner of the hall.

—Captain, I believe your work has been impeccable, as always —Silvus commented with a wide smile, revealing the admiration he felt for the newcomer.

—Welcome, Captain! —Mica exclaimed with a radiant smile that conveyed an unusual warmth for her behavior.

—Captain, could I speak with you? —Arthur said, suddenly adopting a formal tone as he straightened his posture—. I want you to fight me today!

Gilthunder observed them all with a completely expressionless face. I deduced he seemed like someone quite accustomed to the nonsense and impulsive behavior of his comrades.

—Phew, ignore these kids and come drink with me —Mica interrupted, using an unusually flirtatious tone.

—Yeah, sure. You all like me, don’t you? That’s great, but… —Gilthunder paused, a pause that felt chilling even to me. His face took on a terrifying expression, a sneer dripping with pure contempt—. Shut your damn mouths!

The atmosphere froze instantly. Gilthunder’s commanding presence left no room for doubt: he was the undisputed bully of the guild, and everyone knew it.

—We’re sorry —they all responded in unison, their tone almost robotic, their bodies as rigid as a stone wall.

I blinked several times, surprised by the speed and submission with which this usually unruly group apologized. It was fascinating to observe how the power hierarchy manifested so clearly in these interactions.