As Alister and the others made their way to the Guild Hall, Mar’Garet clung to his arm, humming softly to herself.
The sound eched gently, yet it had a touch of smugness that made Cinder’s eyebrow twitch. She had been suppressing her irritation, but her patience finally snapped.
“Mar’Garet,” Cinder called sharply. “Stop it. You’re clinging to our Lord too much.”
Mar’Garet stopped humming, glancing at Cinder with a faint smirk. “I’m merely performing my duties.”
“So am I,” Cinder shot back. Her crimson eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. “And as our lord’s sharpest fang I’m ordering you to behave yourself.”
Mar’Garet’s gaze hardened. She didn’t respond at first, the air between them growing tense.
Cinder walked slightly closer, as she added in a clm yet firm tone. “Do you not recognize that I am second in command after our Lord? Are you going to disregard my orders?”
After locking eyes for a few moments, Mar’Garet lowered her gaze slightly and replied, “No.”
Cinder gave a satisfied nod and want back to Alister’s left right side. Alister, however, didn’t pay their exchange any mind. His focus was fixed ahead as his boots echoed softly in the hallway. Something about the atmosphere felt off.
He frowned and spoke, “It’s quiet. I didn’t see many people back at the café either… only the staff and a few members. Do any of you know what’s going on?”
“Where is everyone?”
Axel shrugged awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Nah man… I don’t have a clue.”
Alister turned to Lila, who blushed slightly under his gaze. “I… I don’t know anything either,” she stammered, shaking her head.
Blitz and Axel out of nowhere suddenly hastened their steps to move ahead. Blitz threw an arm over Axel’s shoulders and whispered, “What are we going to do now? He’s right behind us. We won’t be able to join the others unnoticed.”
“How was I supposed to know he’d finish his meal so soon?” Axel muttered, his voice low. “I was sure he’d take another thirty minutes at least!”
Blitz sighed, clearly frustrated. “What do we do now? Won’t the impact be less if we’re by his side?”
“I don’t know,” Axel replied with a helpless shrug. “We could always act like we didn’t know anything either.”
Alister, overhearing their hushed conversation, raised an eyebrow. “What are you two whispering about?”
Blitz, glancing back over her shoulder, she waved her hand dismissively and said, “Oh, nothing much. We were just talking about some prank we planned in the Guild’s training grounds again.”
“Oh?” Alister replied, his tone calm but laced with curiosity.
Axel quickly stepped in, forcing a smile. “Y-yeah… You know what? We should go check on that trap we laid now, aye, sis?”
Blitz caught on immediately, nodding enthusiastically. “Ya, bro! Let’s go!”
Before Alister ask press further, Beatrice awkwardly chimed in, “Oh, would you look at that! It’s past time for… uh… my clothes! Yeah, I left them at the dry cleaner, and, um, it’s time I go pick them up!”
Lila stammered, quickly following Beatrice’s lead. “Y-yeah, same here! I-I just remembered!” Without another word, the two practically bolted down the hallway.
Cinder crossed her arms, her crimson eyes narrowing as she watched them retreat. “What’s up with these humans? They’re obviously planning something.”
Alister shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his face. “I’m sure they mean no harm.”
Cinder snorted, clearly unconvinced. “Still, fact remains they are up to something.”
Mar’Garet, who had remained silent through the little chat, tilted her head and smirked. “It’s amusing how quickly they scatter when questioned. Humans are such curious creatures.”
As they finally arrived at the massive metal doors of the Guild Hall, their footsteps echoed faintly in the grand hallway. Alister stopped just before the entrance, he turned to Mar’Garet and Cinder.
“Both of you,” he said firmly, “behave yourselves in there.”
Mar’Garet let out a low, sultry purr, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Oh, I wouldn’t dare displease you, my Lord.”
Cinder crossed her arms and gave a curt nod. “Understood,” she replied, though her narrowed eyes flicked toward Mar’Garet in silent warning.
Satisfied with their responses, Alister stepped forward and the doors opened automatically, revealing the expansive Guild Hall beyond.
He stepped inside, only to pause, his brows furrowing in confusion. The entire hall was pitch black; not a single light was on.
“What’s going on?” Alister muttered.
Behind him, Mar’Garet and Cinder exchanged brief glances, both of them coud see trough the dark, just as they were about to speak to their lord.
As Alister took another cautious step into the darkened Guild Hall, the silence was ended by a loud click.
Suddenly, the lights flickered on, flooding the room with brilliance, and confetti exploded into the air in a kaleidoscope of colors. The booming sound of countless voices erupted as everyone yelled, “Surprise!”
For a moment, Alister froze, his usually composed demeanor breaking as a look of pure shock crossed his face. Streams of confetti rained down, catching the light as they fell, while balloons floated lazily toward the ceiling.
“W-what?” he stammered, glancing around in confusion. “What are you guys doing?”
He turned his gaze to the crowd, which seemed larger than usual. As the realization dawned on him, his eyes widened further. So that’s where everyone’s been… Every guild member who had been mysteriously absent earlier was here, filling the hall to capacity.
At the far end of the room, just before the Guild Leader’s seat, stood Master Yuuto, with a radiant smile lighting up his face.
Alister made his way toward him, weaving through the sea of guild members congratulating and clapping him on the back. Finally, as he reached Yuuto, he asked, “What’s the occasion, guildmaster?”
Yuuto’s smile grew even brighter, his arms outstretched to tall Alister on the shoulder. “We all decided to throw a little party,” he said warmly. “After all, you, Alister, are going to be White Comet’s newest team leader!”
“Wait… me? A team leader? W-what?”
Before he could process further, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the guild hall. Alister turned to see Axel, Blitz, Beatrice, and Lila returning.
“Did you guys know about this?” Alister asked as they approached, a look of mild surprise still on his face.
Blitz was the first to speak, throwing her hands up dramatically. “Hack yeah, we knew! But come on, Alister, you know us, we’d spill the beans but. Orders, you know.”
Axel clapped Alister on the shoulder with a wide grin. “Exactly, man! You know how it goes—guild secrets and all that. Can’t ruin the surprise for the big guy!”
Alister raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Really? And you didn’t think to give me any kind of warning?”
Blitz winked at him, leaning on Axel’s shoulder. “Where’s the fun in that? You’re always so composed. We had to see that look on your face!”
Axel nodded enthusiastically, crossing his arms. “Yeah, totally worth it. You looked like you’d just been told dragons don’t exist.”
Beatrice stepped forward with an amused smile. “They’re not wrong. Altho we only caught a glimpse, you were pretty shocked.”
Lila, blushing slightly, fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. “We… we just wanted to see your reaction too. It’s not every day something catches you off guard.”
Alister sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable. Alright, fine. But what about the other team leaders? Did they know about this, too?”
Before anyone could respond, a smooth voice cut through the room. “Of course we did,” Ren said, adjusting his glasses as he stepped forward from the crowd. His sharp suit and calm demeanor made him stand out among the guild members. “I approve, and so do all the others.”
Hiroshi, standing beside Ren, grinned broadly and jabbed Alister lightly in the side with his elbow. “Yeah, kid. It’s unanimous. You’ve got the makings of a great team leader. Now all you’ve gotta do is assemble your own squad and whip them into shape.”
Alister glanced between them, his expression was still a small touch of surprise and confusion. “But why me? What makes you all think I’m fit to lead a team?”
Before Ren could respond, Kaida’s voice rang out from behind him. The red-haired healer strode into view, her confident stride and playful smirk drawing his attention.
“Isn’t it obvious?” she said, tilting her head slightly. “You’re strong, Alister. Really strong. I doubt anyone here could keep up with you, let alone lead you.”
She crossed her arms and leaned casually against the nearest table. “Besides, I don’t think your dragons wouldn’t approve of anyone else giving you orders?”
Mar’Garet, who had been silently watching the exchange, let out a low chuckle. “Oh, absolutely. No one commands my lord but himself. And, of course, those he deems worthy,” she added, shooting a sly look at Cinder.
Cinder huffed, her crimson eyes narrowing. “For once, I agree with that red haired human. You’re more than capable, my lord. You just need to step into the role.”
Yuuto stepped forward again, placing a reassuring hand on Alister’s shoulder. “This isn’t a burden, Alister. It’s an opportunity. You’ve proven yourself, not just with your strength, but with your resolve and leadership. The guild believes in you, and so do I.”
Alister looked around the room, taking in the faces of his friends and guildmates. Their expressions ranged from excitement to pride, but none held a trace of doubt. Slowly, he let out a breath and nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it.”
The room erupted into cheers and applause, the atmosphere buzzing with energy as Alister’s words sank in. Blitz threw an arm around Axel, grinning from ear to ear. “Told you he’d step up!”
Axel laughed confidently, his voice ringing out. “No doubt about it! Now let’s see him boss us around and try to keep up!”