The ceiling was that of a mirror so reflective and heavy that people stooped lightly when entering the room, as if the weight of the world rested on their shoulders. The oval table of polished black obsidian was built into the floors of glass that reflected the night cityscape. You couldn't tell if there were windows, only patches of diffused light emanating from beneath dark glass panels, giving the illusion of a dark abyss surrounding them. The place was entered by the way of narrow steps that led up as if ascending to the void. This was the most expensive conference suite in New York and the most famed one.
Four men sat at the table. Raised one hundred-twelve floors above the city, they did not speak loudly as one speaks from a height of power, they kept their voices measured as befitted to their status.
"Conditions and circumstances, Supervisor" said Elias Crane "Conditions and circumstances absolutely beyond human control. You had every dungeon mapped and labeled to roll in profit but unforeseen misfortune set in which numbers could not have predicted. That is, until you've given us a chance, Supervisor."
A a cold smirk draped upon Marcus Voss "Seems to be the basic cause of all my moral ambiguity. The dungeons have a certain influence within our society."
"You said it Supervisor, that's where the gold is. It's my absolute opinion that no guild can succeed without sharing the monetary burden in raiding dungeons."
Voss took a sip of wine and put it down again "I wish I could be so certain of that Mr. Crane."
"For instance, consider Aetherion, we've got the most strategic assault and elite dungeon clears in the country and the benefits we've acclaimed from dungeons has helped to keep our organization running. That seems to me an indisputable fact. The only way we can maintain our success is by raiding dungeons. But, the closure of 09-F Dungeon is a national problem. Guilds will lose profit day by day, Supervisor."
Voss said nothing. He sat with his elbows spread wide on the table. The change in his actions made his three companions tense, but they did not seem to question him.
"Nobody can access the low-grade mana ores from 09-F any longer," said Elias Crane "Natural layoffs of lower-ranked hunters and guild sub-divisions, the wearing out of equipment, and shortages of materials, and other unavoidable conditions will wear guilds down."
"It'll slowly kill guilds from inside out." said Ronan Vale.
"Every guild depends on every dungeon-related business," said Elias Crane. "So everybody must be willing to share the burdens."
"That is, I believe this to be true," said Larkin Frost. But, nobody paid attention to Larkin Frost.
"My purpose," said Elias Crane, "is the preservation of the guilds. You could say the fate of all guilds are on trial. Unless it proves its value and resumes its social responsibilities, awakeners won't stand for it. If it doesn't develop a public importance, it's done for. Make no mistake about that."
Elias Crane had appeared out of nowhere, three years ago, and had since been on the cover of every national news magazine. He had started out as a F-Ranked Hunter and a party of shabby awakeners behind him. Now, he was the A-Ranked Guild Head of Aetherion with enormous concern for the future of guilds. This proved, he would like to say, that an individual still had a chance to succeed.
"The only justification of our losses," said Elias Crane, "is a re-assessment."
"That is, I think, doable." said Larkin Frost.
Elias Crane made a noise, swallowing his liquor. He was a large, burly man with gallant gestures; everything about him was full of life, except for the small black slits of his eyes which showed cold calculation.
"Supervisor." he said, "the Ministry of Rift Security seems to be in a tumble with the 09-FDungeon."
"Uh-huh," said Voss.
"I hear there's not a single inspector that's given a consistent Tera-Mana Unit Measurement report on it."
"Nope, not one."
"We've been raiding 09-FDungeon for decades, and multiple awakeners use this dungeon as their source of income. Now, is it true that the dungeon's readings have spiked from F to potential A-class TMU levels within a week?"
"That's right," said Voss. "It's even got potential to exceed A-class TMU levels."
"It's ridiculous. That's impossible. ... Do you plan to put it under observation indefinitely?"
"That's right."
"But, you're inviting disaster."
"Unless you have an offer you want to make to me."
Voss tapped the table rhythmically, as if he was patiently waiting for something to happen. There was a moment of silence.
"The three guilds gathered here today," said Elias Crane, "agreed to cooperate on the terms we each could send a five-party escort team to assist in the observation of 09-F, in return of the acquisition of materials gathered."
"That is, in my opinion, the best we can offer you," said Larkin Frost.
"How interesting," Voss' voice suddenly went cold. "Do believe I'm a fool? When people are unanimous, do they truly believe they can make man a dog? By what right? That's what I want to know. "
Elias Crane's face had become sullen, "Supervisor," he began.
Voss smiled, "What? I'm listening."
"Considering the state of the guilds, our profits have been falling at an ungodly rate. The best we can do is 10 million. Would you say that's fair?"
"No," said Voss "it isn't."
"Supervisor! How can we compete with a man who's got God's voice over what dungeons are accessible?"
"That's right," said Voss "it isn't fair, but I've got nothing to lose. You do."
Elias Crane picked up his drink and swallowed it one gulp, as if the world was about to end. Ronan Vale's eyes darted frantically to Crane's eyes, begging him to not say what he had to say.
"... We can offer you 300 million," Elias Crane said as it brought dread to Voss' business partners.
"Well now," said Voss pleasantly, "thats seems to be the power of conditions andcircumstances, doesn't it Larkin?"
"Uh, ... yes of course." Larkin Frost replied hesitantly.
The room was dead silent. Elias Crane held his head in shame and Ronan Vale was too shocked to believe what happened.
"As always, the Ministry of Rift Security offers their greatest appreciation for all of your contribution."