— This is impossible! — exclaimed Florenci, her eyes wide as she stared at the papers Malaca had spread across the table. The room seemed to sink into a deep and tense silence, each leader devouring the information, absorbing every word as if they were forbidden revelations.
— I've never heard of an ability like this. At least not one capable of... this. — Leonan sounded equally shocked, his deep voice laced with disbelief.
It wasn't like my power was a secret, of course, but their reaction made it clear Malaca hadn't told them everything about me. I was sure they knew about Cíntia's group's mission and the power I used:
Divine Phalanx – Supreme (Completed)
In moments of danger, summons an Archangel that protects the user and repels evil. Any enemy below level 10 is expelled or instantly killed.
Obviously, they were already familiar with that power, but perhaps they had underestimated it due to the mission's low stakes. Now, however, as they read the detailed descriptions of my latest abilities and the devastating effects they had during the battle against the White Knight, their jaws were practically hitting the table.
Even the subordinates accompanying the leaders, trying to appear uninterested, threw sideways glances full of curiosity and astonishment, almost doubting what their eyes were reading.
— Now it all makes sense... — growled Bearnuld with his deep, rumbling voice. His muscles were tense, as if he were about to burst in fury or anxiety. Clearly, his mind had reached the same conclusion Malaca had intended.
— Bear, do you understand our dilemma now? — asked Malaca with tactical calm.
Bearnuld let out a deep sigh, rubbing his face as if trying to wake from a nightmare.
— Malaca, honestly, when you mentioned the Adepts, I thought it was some kind of bad joke. But if this information about the boy has reached them, our city is in serious trouble. I'm not sure we're prepared to deal with this.
Florenci, on the other hand, reacted in a completely different way. A sharp and dangerous gleam appeared in her eyes, like a predator spotting unexpected prey.
— For the gods' sake, Bear, you're always so grumpy and paranoid! You can't recognize an opportunity even when it smacks you in the face. — Florenci slowly turned to Malaca, a sly, intrigued smile on her lips. — Mal, I see where you're going with this. But tell me plainly: what's in it for us?
Malaca remained silent for a few seconds, thoughtful. It was clear she had anticipated that question—perhaps since the night before, when I'd seen her lost in thought. I could tell she was, at that exact moment, formulating a proposal that would be impossible to refuse—something to stir the greed and interest of the leaders gathered there.
The room fell silent again, everyone waiting as Malaca carefully chose her next words. The weight of that decision hung in the air, creating a palpable tension. Finally, she lifted her gaze, her eyes glowing with the light of a perfect strategy.
— You will gain not only access to a power never before seen, but also the chance to fight against those damned Adepts. Think about it: fame, power, wealth. It's all within our reach... as long as we work together and protect this boy at any cost.
Now the leaders' eyes were fully locked on Malaca. Interest, doubt, greed, and hope mixed across their faces. And I was at the center of it all, finally realizing the true weight of what I had become.
— My friends, I know what I'm about to ask is a lot, but I'm willing to understand each of your wishes. As long as they aren't absurd demands, I'm open to helping you. Also, this morning he was promoted to the rank of Omega.
Everyone in the room dropped the papers they were holding, staring at Malaca in utter disbelief.
— Malaca... — Leonan began, but stopped abruptly, as if realizing that his words were too dangerous to say aloud.
Honestly, I had no idea what he was thinking. But I understood perfectly what it meant to be an Omega. In every guild, the Omegas represented the absolute elite—those few with unique privileges, respected and feared by all. Sadly, Malaca had lost her former Omegas at some point she never wanted to talk about.
"What were their names again...? Geovane and Katrina?" I vaguely remembered those names being mentioned by Leonan in a past conversation. They had been the elite of Malaca's guild, and most likely, close friends of hers. It was clear how she always avoided talking about the past, keeping herself distant and reserved. But who was I to judge? I wasn't exactly open about my past either.
— You realize that putting him in this position will draw too much attention — Leonan finally said, his voice low and serious. — I've never seen a Bard as an Omega. A priest might make some sense, but a buffer? That's just absurd.
Leonan's words reflected exactly what I was feeling at that moment. An Omega was someone capable of turning battles— a legendary warrior or a powerful mage whose presence alone could inspire and intimidate. A Bard, a mere support like me, simply didn't fit that image. Even I couldn't fully understand Malaca's decision.
— I understand your concerns, but this decision is mine and it's final — Malaca declared firmly, cutting off any objection. — By placing him in this position, I take full responsibility for his safety. What I ask in return is simply your cooperation.
I could feel that Malaca had a clear plan in mind. At the same time, I could see on the faces of the other leaders that each of them had their own ambitions and personal desires. The real question was whether the price they'd ask would be too high.
Leonan was the first to break the tense silence.
— Malaca, you said the boy gained an exceptional power. I'm willing to protect him in exchange for that specific item. And of course, I'm prepared to pay for it.
Leonan didn't need to point directly at my glove. The intense gleam in his eyes made it very clear what he wanted. Unfortunately for him, that was completely out of the question.
Malaca stepped in before I could even react:
— I'm afraid that won't be possible, Leonan. The item in question is directly bound to Fly.
Leonan's expression faded as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a palpable discomfort. Malaca emphasized it with firmness, making it clear that this path was permanently closed.
— However, I can promise to make him available to you whenever possible. After all, these abilities are quite powerful. I'd say enemies between levels 3 and 4 could easily be defeated by just one or two summoned units. And, as far as I know, Fly can summon… How many again, Fly?
— Forty — I answered quickly.
The silence that followed was nearly tangible. Everyone seemed stunned by the number I had just announced. Of course, I had never actually summoned all forty cards at once; I'd probably die of exhaustion or run out of mana first. But with the right equipment, I was confident it could be done. I wasn't entirely sure of the full capacity, but I suspected it was possible to summon at least all the numbered cards from every suit.
— That means you could use him to guard the dungeon entrance or even the city gates — suggested Malaca, in a persuasive tone. — For the gods' sake, Leonan, you could even help defend neighboring cities in case of invasions. I'm willing to give up half the profits generated from that.
Leonan's eyes lit up again, rekindling the interest that had seemed to fade moments ago. The proposal clearly appealed to him. After all, his guild was usually responsible for protecting Strugar and stopping monsters from escaping the dungeon. Free soldiers would certainly lighten the financial and strategic burden of his operations.
— Very well, I'll agree to protect him — Leonan finally said.
It was only then that I realized the true purpose of that meeting: protection. I was to be guarded like a valuable object, a treasure too precious to lose. The thought filled me with deep discomfort—almost nausea. Even in this new life, I was still too weak to take care of myself. In my old world, it was my daughter who looked after me while I, drunk and useless, collapsed on the floor or fell asleep in the bathtub. My mind wandered, frustrated, thinking how I could've arrived in this world with more useful abilities—immortality, maybe, or superhuman strength. But here I was again, depending on others to survive.
Before I could sink deeper into those thoughts, Florenci's sharp voice cut through the silence:
— Very well. Looks like Leonan got himself something quite valuable. I won't be as greedy. I only want three buffs per month.
Florenci seemed more interested in the strategic possibilities I offered than in my items themselves. Malaca responded immediately, setting clear limits:
— One buff per month.
— Come on, friend, one buff is too little — Florenci replied with a subtle smile, leaning slightly forward. — Let's settle on two. What do you say?
— I believe you, like me, read Fly's abilities thoroughly. One per month is more than enough. However, I'll consider that you didn't use a buff last month, which gives you one extra in reserve.
— That...
A heated discussion broke out between the two women. Malaca stood absolutely firm, asserting her authority with confidence, while Florenci tried to negotiate strategically. After several long minutes of intense argument, Florenci managed to secure only two additional buffs to be used at any time, along with the initial agreement of one buff per month.
— In that case, I agree to help — said Florenci, finally giving in with a resigned sigh.
Bearnuld, who until then had remained silent, watched everything attentively. While Malaca argued with Florenci, I noticed he was carefully weighing every pro and con. His expression showed seriousness and genuine concern. If what Malaca had said about the Adepts was true, the danger was far greater than I had imagined. Bearnuld was clearly aware of this, and his next words would be decisive for everyone's fate in that room.
— Leader of the Rhino Guild, help me defeat the White Knight, and you will have my full support.
Bearnuld's request seemed to be the simplest of them all, but the look Malaca gave him revealed a deep concern. I didn't understand the reason for the tension at first—after all, we had already defeated that enemy before. However, Malaca's stern expression was clearly an attempt to warn me of something important.
— Bearnuld, you know as well as I do that we only won because that creature wasn't in its natural environment. Even the Black Knight is nearly invincible when he uses the castle to his advantage — Malaca argued, her voice heavy with gravity.
I began to understand the problem we were facing. Defeating the Black Knight was already a daunting task, and if he were in his own domain—the castle—the difficulty would increase exponentially. Dozens of questions surged in my mind at that moment; I would definitely need to understand this situation better.
— Yes, I'm fully aware of that, but with this boy, there's a real chance at victory — Bearnuld insisted, resolute. — You, more than anyone, know I need to do this. Honestly, I don't even care about sharing the loot with you.
I could sense something deep behind Bearnuld's gaze. There was a quiet sorrow, something dark and heavy. He had probably lost someone important in that battle or under related circumstances.
— Even if I agree to your proposal, we don't even know how to summon him again — Malaca replied, still hesitant.
Bearnuld lowered his head, lost in deep thought, before raising his eyes with surprising resolve, as if he had finally made a crucial decision.
— I know exactly how to summon him.