"Isn't that just a rumor?"
Glen propped his chin up and stared at the man next to Jackie.
"Actually, sometimes everything starts with a rumor. What I know about black magic is already ingrained in society, so it's not impossible, right? Because our school has a large area, it's possible that there are places that aren't properly supervised," explained Stefan.
The five teenagers remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Even Ruby joined in the silence.
"Alright!" Jackie clapped her hands loudly. "Whatever it is, we can only talk about it because it definitely falls under the jurisdiction of the major guild. We have nothing to do with it. Let's go, Glen. Class is about to start."
She stood up.
"Ah, right. I'll go first, Ruby. Enjoy your time here. Bye."
Glen followed behind her.
The large room was left with only three students still silent.
"I'm leaving too." Ruby stood up, taking the time to tidy the table of glasses and plates.
"Y-Yeah, okay. Thanks for coming," Liam replied, watching the girl leave the room.
Ruby just nodded.
Who would have thought she'd hear about black magic in such an unexpected place. Since Stefan was the first to bring it up, maybe he's the type of student curious about many things. He also seemed to enjoy thick books.
A dangerous topic.
-o0o-
"How are you, Dad?
Balryn stood not far from a middle-aged man who was staring out the window of his room.
Over Tower, a tall building that was the center of research in the city of Phillium. It was led by a man with long white hair who was turning 70 this year. He spent a lot of time on his research, bringing many changes to the magnificent city. The title before his name was Archmage Morgan.
"You didn't need to come here. Usually, a short message would suffice," Morgan scoffed.
He turned around to look at his eldest son, who had grown up so well without him.
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't forget my face. Besides, if it weren't for my sweet little sister, I wouldn't be here," Balryn replied sharply.
Airy?
"How is she?" Morgan whispered. It had been nearly five years since he last saw his little daughter's face.
Since he decided to seclude himself for his research, he had ignored his daughter. He didn't know what she looked like now, hadn't seen her even for a single day, and perhaps his memories of her appearance were beginning to fade.
"She's growing up well without a father. So, there's no need to worry," Balryn mocked with a crooked smile.
A mockery he couldn't respond to. Even an apology seemed insufficient to atone for his mistake.
"I just came to see my dad for a moment. Let me tell Airy that Dad is also healthy and still busy with his research."
After saying that, Balryn vanished without a trace. The teleportation magic he had mastered so well. He disappeared without leaving any trace.
Morgan looked out the large window behind him again, then at the small family portrait on his desk. The portrait of his small family without a mother, complete with a photo of Airy as a child being held in his arms.
"I'm sorry, Airy."
-o0o-
The day before the raid began.
Ruby borrowed Perrene's room to teleport directly to her destination. She arrived in an artistic room filled with antiques and paintings.
Inside stood a man around Balryn's age. He had dark gray hair, a slender build, but a friendly and handsome smile.
"Welcome, Miss," Lance greeted her.
He was truly handsome.
"Did I make you wait long?"
Ruby sat down at the desk. The room she was in belonged to Myles, her deputy. She had borrowed it for a private conversation with Lance.
"It would be very rude if you had to wait. The boss just left a few minutes ago. Is there anything I can help you with, Lady?
"Yes. Have you heard that Macletic is planning a raid tomorrow?"
Lance nodded. "Yes, the news was even broadcast on the media. Did they invite you to join?"
"That's right." Ruby straightened her back, staring straight at the handsome man in front of her.
"And I want you to come. Alone," she added.
It was impossible not to be surprised; even Lance froze in place.
Alone? Really?
Seeing Lance's reaction, Ruby smiled and leaned back.
"Relax. This isn't a difficult task for you," she chuckled.
Realizing his concern, Lance laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, I was just a little surprised. Then, should I join the main team? Apparently, Cerberus might appear there."
"No. Your task isn't to defeat Cerberus, but what's behind it. Have you heard of the Titan Worm? Defeat it and bring me its cores.
Their conversation was serious and lasted quite a while. Ruby helped Lance strategize, giving him information so he wouldn't struggle.
"Leave it to me. If you believe I can do it, then I certainly can."
A wide smile appeared on Lance's handsome face. A smile that seemed to bring the morning sun.
"Good. I'll wait for the good news. If it's not possible, withdraw immediately," Ruby advised.
"Of course. In that case, I'll take my leave. Thank you for the opportunity."
After bowing, Lance turned and walked away.
Just before he opened the door, Ruby gave further instructions.
"Lance, do as you usually do; I have no issue with that. I'll take responsibility for all your actions."
Hearing those words, Lance flashed his wide smile.
"As you wish, Lady Airy."
-o0o-
"Sorry to keep you hanging like this."
Myles stood beside Airy, who was signing a stack of documents at his desk. The man had done what he thought he could do, but the rest needed prior approval from the Guild owner.
"It's okay. I rarely come here either. How's our business?"
"The mana stone business is going smoothly. We've even stockpiled them in the warehouse, and tomorrow the second warehouse will be emptied to store more mana stones. Oh, by the way, you have some personal letters."
Myles opened his desk drawer, pulling out five colorful envelopes tied with ribbons. He handed them to Ruby.
Leaving the papers in front of her, Ruby opened each letter one by one.
"Macletic? Are they one of the smaller guilds under the main guild?"
"Yes. That's correct. It seems they're very curious about who the real leader is," Myles replied.
Moving on to the next letter, the contents were almost the same. It wasn't the first time Ruby had received such letters. There were probably hundreds of them. Sometimes even proposals from the media came her way.
They always left the letters with the building's receptionist. The public believed the rumor that the building named AREA was the headquarters of the Hunt Guild.
Although that was true, the owner of the AREA company was Myles. And those people didn't know that the building's owner was the deputy of the Hunt Guild.
Those who believe the rumors regularly bring piles of letters, ranging from invitations to threats. Myles and his assistant must sort through the letters again before giving them to Ruby. Of course, threatening letters are burned immediately.
"Don't you mind all the letters coming in? Doesn't it bother you?"
Ruby returned the letters to the envelopes and set them aside.
Myles shook his head slowly.
"We've gotten used to it. The workers on the first floor are also trained to handle such situations. You don't need to worry. I'm more concerned that they might accidentally discover you."
"I've prepared everything. Since those people won't believe that the real leader is a teenager, I should be safe for a few years," Ruby said.
"If it's urgent, you can use Mr. Anos. He'll definitely be willing to give you a new identity," suggested Myles.
The man with the thin-framed glasses looked at the girl who was much younger than him. Concern and care shone in his eyes. He had decided to trust whatever the teenager did, but now he was starting to feel anxious.
Ruby laughed softly.
"That will also be difficult. He won't give it to you for free. If there's no other way, are you ready to reveal the guild? Of course, the leader's name will be your name. How about it?"
The question made Myles lower his shoulders.
"I hope that day never comes."