Who is she?

Syvis has been explaining to us a lot about everything related to being an adventurer. After listening to her, I think I have a better understanding of the basics of how skills and magic work. Even so, there is still a lot to discover, especially for me, that I don't have a rank and class that dictates what I should focus my training on.

What is clear to me is that my team members are amazing with not only being of a high rank but also having rare skills. I can't help but feel a little jealous of them.

After explaining several things to us, Syvis gave us the opportunity to ask her some questions.

"Could you tell us more about the guilds?" Shalia asked.

“Those guilds are going to be quite important to all of you, won’t they?” Syvis says with a smirk. “At the end of this month, you will all have to make a decision. Join an existing guild in Riledo, travel to Tristanis or a different city, and join a guild there, start your own guild, remain guildless. I can’t talk much about the guilds outside Riledo, as I am fairly unaware about those. But what I can do is tell you all about the guilds over here.”

Syvis then stands up and walks over to a tapestry hanging on the wall. It has a map of the city embroidered on it.

“The first and most important guild in all of Riledo would be…” Then she points with her index finger to the center of the map, “The royal palace. The queen recruits adventurers just like all the guilds do. These then become members of the army, and those of high ranks enter the royal guard. If you do join the royal guard, you will not be going on quests and adventures. You will be kept in the city to protect the queen and keep order between the guilds. However, you will be given a place in the castle’s barracks, a set monthly wage, weapons, and armor, in addition to the opportunity of a hierarchy title depending on the achievements. Not quite as exciting or profitable a life as the most aspiring adventurers are in search of, but an important one.”

Syvis then lowers her hand and points to a place a little below the castle.

“The second most important guild is the Knights Hospitaler. When you go out on an adventure, you should make certain to always let your guild know about it. In the event something goes wrong, and you don’t return on time, your guild can of course go in search of you. But in case they don’t have the adventurers necessary for an expedition to find you, they will contact the Knights Hospitaler guild instead. This guild will then set up a search and rescue expedition to find you and either bring you back alive or return with your remains so you can be laid to rest.”

“All members of the Knights Hospitaler wear a surcoat with a red cross on the chest. If you join this guild, you will have to wear one of these at all times. If you don’t join this guild, you are forbidden from wearing one. Should you come across an adventurer wearing one of these surcoats, you should expect that he is a member of the Knights Hospitaler and treat him accordingly.”

After that, Syvis returns to the map and points at the southern region of the city.

“Down here is where one of the big three, 'Midnight Dawn' exerts control. Surrounding this area are smaller guilds which are in allegiance with Midnight Dawn. If any of these guilds need help, they often call on Midnight Dawn for assistance. If any of them misbehave, it is up to Midnight dawn’s duty to correct them.”

Syvis moves her hand to the east of the map and explains, “Here is where 'Oblivion', the guild I belong to, holds power. Similar to Midnight Dawn, we also exert control over smaller guilds around our territory."

After that, Syvis hand goes to the western side of the city. “This is where the 'Dark Dragons' have their territory. Its guild master, Aelbrecht, takes his job of governing it very seriously and has made certain his area is the one with the fewest crime. Similar to the other two, the surrounding smaller guilds are allied to the Dark Dragons, though Aelbrecht demands that these guilds patrol their area of the city in a similar way as the Dark Dragons do.”

Finally, Syvis points at the northern part of the map.

“This is the poorest and most crime-filled region of the city. This area is filled with smaller guilds and are mostly filled with low ranking adventurers. If you travel into this part of Riledo, you would do well to be careful. The wealthier you appear, the more attention you will attract. You can even have your quest interrupted by people who do not matter to your mission at all, just because they saw you as an easy target. Some high-ranking adventurers join the guilds here to try and take over as their new guild master, though that is easier said than done. Guilds often fight each other here. The best advice I can give you is to stay out. But whether you do or don’t is of course up to you.”

When Syvis starts to walk back to her seat, Shalia raises her hand and asks, "You’ve already told us the white surcoat with the red cross identifies members of the Knights Hospitaler, but how does it work for the other guilds?”

"That's a good question," Syvis says, then leaving the room for a few minutes and returned with a book. In which was a drawn on the cover a medallion, a ring, and a pocket watch.

“Each guild has his own way of identifying their members.” Syvis explains. “The Griffon Knights give their members a badge, the Blue Legion has all its members wear a blue cape, some guilds have their members get the guild logo tattooed on their body. Over here, we have a depiction for each of the big three. The Dark Dragons each receive a medallion made of black metal and in the shape of a dragon skull, their guild's logo. Midnight Dawn has its members keep a pocket watch with the logo of a crescent with them at all times. Oblivion instead gives each of its members a golden ring with their design, a shield pierced by two swords such as this one." Syvis said, showing us her ring.

I see. Just like my mother told me, choosing the right guild will be really important.

"Depending on the guild you join, you will receive something to identify the guild to which you belong. Besides that, it will help you in various things such as entering the different cities without having to stand in line or receive help in and out of the city in different subjects, especially if you are from one of the three great guilds." Syvis closed the book and continued. "We will leave the theory for today, and tomorrow we will start the real training," Syvis said, getting up from the chair. "Tomorrow we'll see early at the training grounds, and don't forget to bring your gear. "

Syvis left the room leaving the four of us thoughtful with all the information she gave us.

"If I hear something more related to skills or magic, my head will explode." Ryul said, laying his head on the table. "I just want to go take a shower and eat something."

"Didn't you eat before you came here?" I asked.

"Yes, but I'm hungry again. The food in the castle is delicious, so I have to take advantage while I can."

Leona got up from her seat without saying anything and went to the door.

"Are you leaving already?" Shalia asked Leona.

"Syvis finished training us for today, so I have no reason to stay here longer." Leona reply.

"Wait for me. I'll go with you." Shalia said, getting up from her seat and leaving the room behind Leona. "See you later, Darx and Ryul!" She said before leaving with a cute smile.

"Are we going too?" Ryul asked me.

"Actually, I'd like to check out the library a bit more."

"Man... I don't understand your fascination with books. I'm going to my room to take a shower, and I'll see you in the dining room later. Don't skip meals, or you won't have the strength tomorrow."

"I'll just be here for a bit. See you in the dining room later." I respond.

Ryul then left the room as well. We were here for a long time. It's already dark, and there aren't many people in the library anymore. I also left the room, but I intended to go through the corridors looking for some books that would catch my attention and take them to my room to read later. This place is huge. Leaving the room, in front there is a fence that surrounds the entire second floor and from which you can see the ground floor, and if I look up, there is a large chandelier hanging from the third-floor ceiling right in the middle of the library.

I walked the aisles, but it is difficult to choose one book among all those here. I decided to go up to the third floor out of curiosity to see what kind of books would be there.

The third floor seems to be even more desolate. It doesn't seem like there is anyone else besides me. The books on this floor seem to be more complex. I grabbed two books. One about water magic and the other about mana control. Besides those two, I also had one more I took on the second floor about how to use skills more efficiently.

I thought it was enough for the moment, so I headed for the nearest stairs thinking of leaving the books in my room and then catching up with Ryul in the dining room.

"Just relax... Nobody comes here."

Eh? What was that? I seemed to hear Gerald's voice behind one of the bookshelves.

"N-no. Just kissing."

It seems like he's with a girl. I stealthily approached, and I peer through the opening of the bookshelf. I saw Gerald with one of the girls in his group kissing.

With his hand, he tilts her head up from under her chin, then leans in and presses his lips against her. As their tongues entwine, Gerald's hand starts slowly up her thigh, but she pushes it back down her knee.

He pushes his hand up her thigh again, and through she puts her hand on his arm, she doesn't really push back. She seems to relent, and Gerald manages to get his hand all the way up. Gerald moves his mouth and starts planting kisses on her neck while his hand is doing something beneath her skirt, making her moan very slightly.

"It really feels like you are enjoying this down there." Gerald said between kisses.

"W-we... shouldn't be doing this..."

"Don't worry. Your boyfriend doesn't have to know."

"He's waiting for me in the dining room. If I don't hurry, he will get suspicious." She answered within moans.

"Then let me put it in."

Little by little, I went backward, trying not to make noise until I reached the stairs and went down to the second floor. What the hell was that. Gerald is not to my liking but to think that he is doing that with someone who has a boyfriend makes him sink lower. Are all the high class like him? It just makes me remember Kase, and it's frustrating. If I learned something, it's to stay away from people like him.

I left the library thinking of going to my room to drop off the books, but I remembered that I still hadn't informed Harold that I talk to Syvis about what's going on with me and the fact that I can use magic after all.

I walked to Harold's office, and upon arrival a guard was at the door, reporting something to Harold. After hearing what the guard said, Harold quickly took off towards the direction I was, while looking concerned.

"Hey... Are you busy?" I asked, confused.

"Sorry, Darx. We'll talk later." Harold responded, passing by my side at a fast pace without turning to see me.

After advancing a reasonable distance, Harold stopped and turned around. "Actually, come with me, please."

"Ah? Okay..."

Harold once again started walking quickly without saying anything, and I just followed him as he asked.

"Did something happen?" I asked.

"I'm not sure of the details, but we will know in a moment."

Eventually, we arrive at the great hall where we had the meeting with the queen. The guards open the door, and I followed Harold inside. Inside were quite a few people, but this time there was only the queen on the dais and next to her was Zhoron.

"Wait here." Harold told me as he got closer to the dais.

In addition to the queen and Zhoron in the room were Syvis, Dante, and Kiara, as well as various noble-looking people and some members of the royal guard. And in the center of everything was a girl in a black suit and red hair that I had not seen before.

The queen glanced at me, maybe because I was out of place here, and then turned her attention to the red-haired girl.

"Now that we are all present, tell us what you found." The queen said in a firm tone.

The red-haired girl began to speak after hearing the queen.

"A couple of hours ago, one of my crows managed to infiltrate deeper into the territory of the demons. He died a short time later, but I managed to see what was happening for a few moments near where the combat was happening."

"What did you see?" Harold asked.

"It seems the conflict is over, and the new demon king has taken control over the demons." The red-haired girl paused for a moment, stared at the queen and then continued. "I couldn't see what happened to the opposers, but what we feared has come true. We may not have much time left before..."

"I see." The queen replied. "It's not like we didn't know this would happen, so start the preparations that we agreed to."

"Yes, your Majesty," Harold replied. "In addition to the preparations we have planned, I would like your permission to send more troops north."

"Do it. Also, inform the kings of the other races about the situation."

"As you say, your highness."

I don't understand what this is all about. Demon king and demons? I only heard about them in the history books. And who is the girl with red hair, and how does she know those things. I don't know if I understood well what is happening, but I am sure it is not good.

"Is something already known about the rituals in the territory of the other races?" The queen asked.

"Nothing is concrete yet, but there is a rumor that a new S-Rank has appeared in the dark elf territory." Harold replied.

A new S-Rank? Upon hearing that it is from the dark elves' territory, I turned to see Syvis, who also looks surprised.

"It is the same as nothing. We well know that the dark elves are cowards who will not help in what is coming." The same bald man who confronted Harold the other time spoke from where the nobles were standing. "I still don't know how someone like her is allowed to be in the castle." Angry, he said, pointing at Syvis.

Syvis, for her part, didn't even react to the bald guy's words.

"I don't have time to listen to your ramblings. Shut up or go." The queen said angrily.

"Y-yes, your highness..."

"Harold, find out as soon as possible if it's true about the new S-Rank." Queen Zara then turned to see her royal guard and said. "The rumors will soon spread, so make sure to increase the vigilance and keep the order in the city."

"Yes, Your Highness."

There was still a lot of arguing around the great hall when Harold came up to me and said that I could leave and that we would talk later. I wanted to ask him many things, but it was not the time, and it seems that he will be very busy for the next few days.

I went to the dining room where Ryul, Shalia and Leona were eating together.

"Darx, you're taking a long time. I thought you wouldn't be coming anymore. We're almost done." Ryul said, still eating.

"I'm sorry. Harold asked me to accompany him to the great hall."

"Do you know what's going on? Everyone in the castle is acting weird." Shalia asked, holding my hands. "Oh, sorry. It's a bad habit." She said, releasing my hands.

I told them everything I had heard and, as expected, they were confused and worried just like me.

"Do you think a war can start?" Ryul asked.

"Please don't say it. I don't even want to imagine it." Shalia replied.

"From what Darx heard, it's likely." Leona commented.

"I wonder who is the redheaded girl Darx is talking about," Ryul asked.

"From the way Darx describes her, I'd say she's Estella, the guild master of Midnight Dawn," Leona replied.

We all turned to see Leona at the same time.

"Do you know her? How do you know who she is?" I asked.

"I saw her once in Tristanis. I can't be sure it's her, but from the description you gave me, I would say it is."

We went silent, not knowing what to say. Crestfallen, we return to our rooms. I was excited before to read the books that I bring, but now I don't really want to. I have too much on my mind at the moment.

I lay down to sleep, thinking about what could happen. I need to get stronger as soon as possible. If a war with the demons starts, I must be prepared.

.

.

Estella/Beast Tamer

Rank-A

Guild Master of Midnight Dawn.

Although Estella is only a Rank-A, she is the guild master of Midnight Dawn and Dante's older sister. It has been difficult for her to maintain Midnight Dawn's status as one of the three great guilds as they haven't had an S-Rank in a long time.

She is a Beast Tamer capable of controlling ravens.