The following day, Lucavion stepped into the bustling guildhall, his sharp gaze immediately sweeping over the lively scene before him. The room was packed, a cacophony of laughter, shouting, and the occasional clink of glasses filling the air. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes clustered around the tables, some sharing tales of their exploits, others locked in arm-wrestling contests that sent fists crashing onto wooden surfaces.
Lucavion adjusted his coat as he moved further into the room, his dark eyes flicking over the unfamiliar faces. The people here had a distinct look—coastal, with a ruggedness honed by the sea. Their attire reflected the influence of the ocean that defined Stormhaven’s identity. Men sported open vests or shirts, their chests bare and bronzed from long days under the sun. Women wore light, flowing garments that bared their shoulders and arms, some even their midriffs. The fabrics were vibrant, dyed in rich blues, greens, and whites that mirrored the colors of the waves.
[Quite the display,] Vitaliara remarked, her glowing eyes scanning the room from her perch on his shoulder. [It’s a far cry from the more reserved styles we’ve seen inland.]
“Indeed,” Lucavion replied, his tone light but thoughtful. “The sea leaves its mark on everything, doesn’t it? Including the people.”
His gaze lingered on a group of adventurers at a nearby table. They were pirates—or at least heavily influenced by the culture—laughing raucously as one of them slammed a tankard down, foam spilling over the edges. One of the women in the group threw her head back, her sun-kissed hair catching the light as she laughed, the sound carrying above the din.
Lucavion couldn’t help but smirk faintly. “Lively bunch.”
[And loud,] Vitaliara added, her tail flicking slightly in mild exasperation. [Though I suppose that’s part of their charm.]
He stepped further into the guild, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The tables were littered with maps, bottles, and weapons, each object telling a story of the adventurers who owned them. The scent of saltwater and ale mingled with the faint tang of sweat, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts chaotic and invigorating.
As he approached the counter, he noted the bulletin board to his left, its surface plastered with notices. Job postings, bounties, and expedition rosters jostled for space, each one scrawled with bold, hurried letters. His sharp eyes caught a few high-paying bounties, but nothing out of the ordinary—yet.
The guild receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman with dark hair tied back in a practical braid, noticed him coming and glanced up as Lucavion approached.
‘Black hair, black eyes, and scar on the right eye. It is this guy.’
“Please wait a second.”
The guild receptionist leaned slightly forward, her sharp eyes locking onto Lucavion’s distinctive features: jet-black hair, equally dark eyes, and the faint scar etched over his right eye. Her gaze lingered for only a moment before a smile curved her lips, polite yet carrying a hint of intrigue.
“Mister Luca!” she called, her voice cutting cleanly through the lively din of the guildhall.
The sudden attention was palpable. Heads turned, conversations paused, and more than a few adventurers sized him up, their gazes ranging from idle curiosity to subtle scrutiny. Lucavion didn’t flinch under the weight of their stares. Instead, he adjusted the cuff of his coat with a faint smirk, his expression calm and unaffected as he approached the counter.
The receptionist straightened, her professional demeanor intact. “The Guild Master has been expecting you,” she said, her voice clear but tinged with an air of formality. “If you’ll follow the hallway to the right, her office is at the end. She’s waiting for you.”
Lucavion inclined his head slightly, his dark eyes catching hers for a brief moment. “Understood,” he replied smoothly. “Thank you.”
She gestured toward the indicated hallway, but before he turned to leave, her gaze softened, a flicker of something akin to amusement or curiosity crossing her features. “Good luck,” she added, her voice quieter now, as though the words were meant for him alone.
Lucavion nodded once more, offering a faint, enigmatic smile before heading toward the hallway. Behind him, the murmurs of the guild resumed, some hushed whispers clearly directed at him.
[You seem to attract attention wherever you go,] Vitaliara remarked, her glowing form shifting slightly on his shoulder. [Must be exhausting.]
“Not really.”
Lucavion reached the end of the hallway and knocked lightly on the polished wooden door. A familiar voice, calm yet tinged with a subtle edge of amusement, called out from within.
“Come in.”
He pushed the door open, stepping into the Guild Master’s office. The room was spacious but not ostentatious, with shelves lined with neatly organized books and ledgers. A map of the region dominated one wall, while a large desk occupied the center, papers and ink bottles arranged with meticulous care.
Behind the desk sat Corvina, her sharp eyes lifting from the document she’d been reviewing. A smile curled her lips, welcoming yet carrying her usual calculated charm.
“Mister Luca,” she greeted, rising gracefully to her feet. “Punctual as always. A quality I appreciate.” Stay tuned to empire
Lucavion inclined his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Guild Master,” he replied smoothly. “A punctual guest is only fair to a gracious host.”
Corvina chuckled softly, her gaze briefly sweeping over him. “Always so eloquent. You know, if you weren’t already infamous for your… other talents, I’d think you’d make an excellent courtier.”
Lucavion’s smirk deepened as he approached the desk. “I’ll take that as a compliment, though I can’t say I’d enjoy being confined to court. I’ve always preferred… freer surroundings.”
Her eyes gleamed with amusement as she gestured to the seat before her desk. “Please, have a seat. Unless, of course, you prefer standing.”
Lucavion settled into the offered chair, his posture relaxed yet composed. “Standing would imply impatience,” he said, his tone light. “And I find your company quite agreeable.”
Corvina arched an eyebrow, her smile lingering. “Careful, Mister Luca. Flattery is a dangerous game, especially with someone like me.”
Lucavion leaned back slightly. “And yet, you seem to enjoy playing along.”
Corvina laughed softly, the sound carrying a touch of warmth before she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “I’ll admit, you make it hard not to.” Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she straightened, her demeanor shifting to something more professional.
“But let’s get to the matter at hand,” she said, her voice now steady and businesslike. “The materials you requested—they’ve been gathered. I have to say, your list was quite the challenge, but my people are nothing if not resourceful.”
Lucavion’s dark eyes gleamed faintly as he inclined his head. “That’s very nice to hear, Guild Master. You certainly live up to your reputation.”
Corvina allowed herself a faint smile, leaning back in her chair as she observed him. “It’s not every day we receive such… interesting clients. I make it a point to deliver when the stakes are high.”
Lucavion’s smirk softened into something more contemplative. “And when the stakes are interesting, I presume.”
“Precisely,” Corvina replied, her tone tinged with playful intrigue. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The materials are ready for your inspection whenever you’re prepared.”
Lucavion inclined his head once more, his smirk returning. “Lead the way, Guild Master.”
She rose from her seat with a fluid motion, gesturing toward a side door that led to an adjoining storage area. As they moved, Lucavion couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in her demeanor—always poised.
[She’s sharp,] Vitaliara commented in his mind, her tone thoughtful. [But annoying.]
‘Why?’
[She is flirty….It is annoying.]
‘Jealous?’
[I am not!]
‘Then what is the matter?’
[Nothing. It is just annoying.]
‘Is that so?’
[It is!]
Lucavion followed Corvina into the storage area, a well-lit room lined with shelves and crates, each meticulously labeled and organized. The scent of preserved herbs and minerals filled the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of rare ores.
Corvina gestured toward a table in the center of the room, where a selection of items had been laid out with care. The materials were neatly arranged—bundles of rare herbs, vials of shimmering liquids, and chunks of gleaming minerals. Each item bore the mark of quality, their vibrant colors and pristine conditions speaking to the effort that had gone into procuring them.
[These look… impressive,] Vitaliara admitted begrudgingly, her voice softer now. [Annoying or not, she delivered.]
Lucavion stepped closer to the table, his sharp eyes scanning each item as he picked them up one by one, inspecting them with a practiced touch. The herbs were fresh, their leaves unmarred by decay. The vials held liquids that shimmered with a faint inner light, a sign of potent magical properties. The minerals were flawlessly cut, their surfaces smooth and reflective.
Satisfied, Lucavion set the last item down and turned to Corvina, his dark eyes gleaming. His smirk softened into a genuine smile, rare but unmistakable. “Impressive,” he said, his voice carrying a note of sincere appreciation. “Every piece is exactly as I requested. Some of these are even higher quality than I expected.”
Corvina’s lips curved into a pleased smile, though she tried to mask it with a casual shrug. “I told you my people were resourceful. We don’t take shortcuts, especially when the stakes are this high.”
Lucavion inclined his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve certainly exceeded expectations, Guild Master. I’ll admit, I’m impressed.”
Corvina’s smile deepened, her tone laced with subtle amusement. “Coming from you, I’ll take that as high praise.”
Lucavion chuckled softly, his smirk returning. “I do give them out—sparingly, of course. But only when they’re earned.”
She crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the table as she regarded him with a mix of curiosity and satisfaction. “Well, I’m glad we could deliver. I assume this puts us in your good graces?”
Lucavion’s smile lingered as he stepped back, adjusting his coat. “For now, Guild Master. For now.”
[Is that it? No more flirting?] Vitaliara’s voice cut into his thoughts, her tone tinged with faint annoyance.
For now, Lucavion replied inwardly, his smirk deepening as he turned toward the door. Don’t want to make you too jealous, after all.
[I’m not jealous!] Vitaliara shot back, her glow flaring briefly.
Lucavion chuckled quietly as he exited the storage area, the faint sound of Corvina’s laughter following him.