Drifting Embers
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[MGM]: 36 - Hunters Guild
🕑 Added 2025-01-26 15:23:00 +0000 UTC"Why are you always so skittish around Amara?" Finding a brief moment of solitude, I turned to Tania and asked.
I had noticed the dwarf's apprehension toward the vampire, and it made me glower in irritation. I wanted my summons to share just as much fondness between them as they directed at me. Tania's behavior was like a rusted cog in our team that it was bound to escalate into something bigger in the future. That is, if I couldn't help it.
The shy dwarf distracted herself by forming spiral patterns with her fingers. I was coming to a realization that although Tania seemed more accepting of her current situation, her reasoning stemmed more from necessity than any conscious desire.
"Tania." I verbalized, drawing the dwarf's attention.
She chanced a quick look at the makeshift door to the hovel and then turned to regard me. A healthy blush spread along her tanned skin, dyeing her ears and neck a deep crimson.
"What? Do I look that dashing?" I did a quick pose and winked at her, causing the blush to widen further. She looked absolutely adorable with her cheeks dyed a pale red and her big brown eyes blinking. I felt my heart beat pick up.
"Um..." Tania pursed her lips, then seeing my probing gaze, finally said. "Amara is a bit scary." I raised an eyebrow, and she hurriedly articulated the next part. "I mean, she's got that look where she seems to be looking down on me. Not that it isn't warranted. I'm so weak after all."
I blinked, my eyes fixated on the dwarf who kept her head down and wiggled her feet. "Tania..." I meant to speak but found no words to convey. Shaking my head, I sighed.
"Listen, Tania, Amara is a bit quirky." I explained. "I mean, she does kind of look down on others, and even I'm not spared sometimes. But the point is that even though she might act high and mighty, she still cares for you and me. Remember the incident from earlier?" She nodded. "They say actions speak louder than the words."
And that was all I had to say, as Tania's eyes widened adorably. "So she doesn't hate me?" She asked, tentatively.
I shook my head. "No one hates you."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Congratulations! Your Favorability with your summon [Titania - Mystic Forger] has exceeded 30%.
You have unlocked the Attribute Synchronization feature.
[Choose one attribute to synchronize:]
You will receive 5% of your summons's chosen attribute, and it will directly enhance the same attribute in your stats.
Synchronization is permanent, so choose wisely!
[Available Attributes for Synchronization:]
Strength: 380
Agility: 126
Vitality: 297
Intelligence: 270
Perception: 69
A window popped up in my vision, notifying me of Tania's Favorability, which now rested at 34%. I had already informed her of the synchronization feature, but I decided to tell her anyway before making my decision.
"Oh...!"
After listening to my explanation about how it evoked strange feelings after confirming my selection, Tania bobbed her head and said, "Do it."
I observed her expression briefly before making my selection. Although I could've chosen either between Strength and Vitality, there was a difference of nearly 100 points between the two; my choice was already made up.
As the surge of my attributes increasing filled my being, I basked in the feeling for a moment. Suddenly a void opened up in my pit as I doubled down, my vision swimming and the world growing blurry.
I heard the sound of something crashing in the background and the shuffling of footfalls as they drew near. It took me moments before I managed to dim the intensity.
"What happened to him?" Amara asked, her words measured but unable to hide the concern.
Tania was quick to explain the entire episode, and during that time I finally managed to bring everything under control. Somehow the synchronization with Tania was more intense than with Amara, though I didn't know whether that was a result of my compatibility or something else. Maybe I wasn't supposed to synchronize with two summons just yet?
"I'm fine." I pushed myself to my feet, and Tania lent an arm. My gaze drifted to Amara, who was dressed in a three-piece business suit that only officials wore. Although they were more common in The Empire than here, it wasn't my first time seeing one. Despite that, Amara's appearance totally blew me off.
"Wow." I couldn't restrain the expression of awe from slipping past, as I was gazing at a literal vampire goddess. She looked inhumanly gorgeous, a work of art. The top hat only completed the look further, enhancing her air of authority.
Amara snorted derisively though I did catch her eyes roaming my body. Honestly, the only reason I was playing around with her childish tantrum was mostly to see her puff her cheeks and stuck out her hefty bosom that wasn't quite as prominent in her dark robes.
"Shall we go then?" I proposed and received a nod of confirmation. Tania was the only one among us who hadn't changed, expressing how it would be chore to carry her bulky armor and would defeat the entire purpose of supporting new garments.
Her logic was solid and I wasn't going to argue so I we settled in silence.
The Hunters Guild building was a marvelous piece of architecture, probably the only thing resembling a capital enterprise this far south. The front stairs had dozens of steps, each carved of stone with ornamental beast statues decorating the handrails.
The front of the building showcased a tall, slightly angular door. Long window panes in the shape of liquid droplets decorated the sides, usually reflecting the glare from the sunlight. Though right now, the entire structure was shrouded under the rainy gloom.
I walked inside, Amara and Tania flanking my either side. We spotted a sparse number of guilders shuffling here and there, the hallway looking desolate and solemn.
"Keep close." I voiced lightly and picked a familiar direction before walking at a sedate pace. Soon enough I spotted the counter where we would get our quests sanctioned. However, the place was empty.
I frowned but kept walking. Just as I was about to reach the counter, loud talking to my left caught my attention. I turned and spotted the woman who usually handled the requests yammering loudly to the mousy-haired short woman behind her.
"Tell them we need it ASAP!"
"B-But—"
"No buts!" The woman curled up a finger in warning. "They need to get their asses back before I file an official complaint to higher-ups, got it?"
The short woman nodded furiously and scuttled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"And who the fuck are you?" The woman turned to address us, distaste evident on her expression.
"Ah well," I said, "I was looking for my teammates who were probably here a few days ago. Would you please confirm their location for me?"
"No." The woman replied brusquely.
"Sorry?"
"I said no!" she scowled. "So come back later when I have this mess sorted out. I can't spare any time on your request when I have a whole town crumbling before me."
I frowned. "I thought they were handling it well. What with that cornering strategy they got going."
"Were." The woman nodded. "Not anymore."
"What do you mean? Did something happen?"
She heaved a tired sigh, and suddenly I could see how worn out she was. Her hair was messy, her clothes were wrinkled, and even her eyes supported two dark circles.
"Listen, kid, I got work to do. So unless you have something really urgent, I insist you come back at another time."
I shared a quick glance with my companions, and suddenly an idea sparked in my mind. "Actually," I smiled, "my friend here would like to register as a hunter."
I gestured at Amara and smiled widely.
"A vampire?" The woman looked skeptical.
Amara, on the other hand, was staring at me with glaring intensity.
"She's a powerful B-rank warrior." I added.
"Really?!" The woman's eyes shone like twin suns, all the fatigue evaporating as an energetic look took over.
"Yeah." I nodded. "Though we really need to find her teammates, as they are the only ones with whom she would be willing to work."
"That can be arranged." The woman spoke thoughtfully, stroking her chin. Her attention then shifted to me. "What about you?"
"Oh, I am already registered with the Guild, but I lost my registration ID." I said, offering a dismissive wave.
"A renewed ID can be sorted." The woman nodded, her gaze shifting to Tania. "What about her? Is she also a hunter of our guild?"
Tania, being the only one among us wearing the armor, was probably what caused the misunderstanding. Though it didn't mean she wasn't powerful or anything. In fact, the dwarf was strong enough to easily handle C-rank monsters and hunters alike, despite her inclination toward forging rather than combat. Unfortunately...
"No, she's not a hunter. Neither is she willing to join the guild."
Her talents were too precious to be wasted on fighting.
"Very well, come with me."
Comments
Immortal Phoenix
Desperately waiting for when she finally gets the chance to show her abilities
hawkshe .
Wait, the mc thinks her tantrum is cute? I'm trying desperately not to judge him for it and failing miserably. Why mc, why? Also, I'm happy that he values Tanias abilities so highly since a good weapon can be a force multiplier and armor could easily save his life, to say nothing of how valuable her skillset is when it comes to making money.
