Changing Colors

The Mercenaries' Guild base in Corvocitta, like those in other cities, had been established through the Guild’s funds and local support. These bases were built to store members’ belongings and provide shelter while they were engaged in hunting missions.

Naoko led the group, moving her arms to shake off the numbness caused by the restraints. Upon reaching the entrance hall, they found a reception desk, along with several tables, chairs, and sofas arranged to create a welcoming space for members to spend time together.

As Arya curiously examined the furniture, something caught her attention.

"Look at this!" Arya’s excitement drew the others’ attention. Sitting atop an armchair was a doll with green hair, dressed in a frilly black dress with wine-red and white details, her left eye covered by an eyepatch. "How cute! I saw some village children with dolls, but I was always too embarrassed to make one myself. I never thought there were life-sized versions."

Fascinated by the level of detail, Arya unconsciously picked up the doll, hugging it around the waist. That was when a muffled voice came from it:

"You're suffocating me... Someone help..."

"Whoa, it talked!" Arya loosened her grip in shock, giving the doll an opening to escape—only for it to clumsily fall back onto the armchair.

"Of course, I can talk..." Despite her soft, porcelain-white skin, her frilly clothing, and her still demeanor until she was squeezed, she wasn’t a doll—she was a real human.

"Mamiko Switchblade... We meet again."

"Naoko, I refuse to play the rival in your fantasies. I'm exhausted..."

"And when are you not exhausted? You're always lying around somewhere—no wonder people mistake you for an object."

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn’t mean to!" Arya hurried to apologize for the misunderstanding.

"It's fine, it's not the first time this has happened to me." Still slouched in the armchair, Mamiko reached for her bag and pulled out a porcelain doll. Though its head was slightly oversized, its silhouette was identical to Mamiko’s—a miniature version of herself. "Here, you can play with Mami for a bit."

Arya's cheeks burned red as she turned her face away. "That’s not it! I’m not a child—I was just impressed..."

"Allow me to introduce her properly. This girl is Mamiko Switchblade, also a member of the Mercenaries' Guild."

Mamiko adjusted herself into a proper sitting position. "...Nice to meet you."

"Does the Mercenaries' Guild have a policy of recruiting only little girls?" Reaper asked, visibly annoyed.

"It's not my fault I'm this cute."

"Did you just tried to call her cute right in front of me?" Magdalena grabbed Reaper by the ear as he frantically denied the accusation.

"Anyway, getting to the city was exhausting, so I’m taking a break to recover my energy."

As Mamiko explained her situation, Jack and Edward entered the room. Mamiko and Naoko's eyes met like clashing swords, and before Jack could react, both of them were already standing in front of him.

"Oh, what luck! It seems we meet again, Jack!" Mamiko flashed a sly grin.

"Switchblade... What do you want?"

"Well, well, I was wondering if the legendary Undertaker Jack, my fellow guild member and Rank #4, might be interested in helping out a poor little pawn like me."

"This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?"

"Naoko, how could you accuse me of such a thing? How could I have possibly known I’d run into someone from the Elite here? I was just waiting for someone at my level!"

"She doesn’t even bother denying her laziness..."

"Looks like Yoru keeps sending you on hunts against your will, but unfortunately, Naoko and I have our own hunts to take care of as well..."

"Oh, come on, don’t be cruel! I’m just a poor little girl." Mamiko tried to use her charm on Jack, but it couldn't have been less effective. All she managed to do was cause agony for Naoko, who struggled with jealousy at the thought of another girl walking alongside Jack.

"If all you need is someone to help..." Jack turned to the rest of the group.

"Who are they?"

After a brief explanation from Jack, the group introduced themselves, thus wrapping up the formalities. Mamiko ended up impressed. "A fragment of Mors and a necromancer walking together?! And on top of that, a necromancer who survived an encounter with the Undertaker?! That’s a lot to process... I think I’m getting tired..."

Meanwhile, Jack made a proposal to the group. "What do you say? Since you’re interested in joining the Mercenaries’ Guild, how about taking part in a mission as honorary members?"

Reaper interrupted: "Actually, Mag and I aren’t interested in joining the Guild, at least not for now. I’m just heading back to Floating Moonlight City to reunite with my friends."

"Then why do you care?" Peter responded.

"Hey, that hurts my feelings! I’d also like to get some combat experience, but if it’s too dangerous, I’m out!"

"Switchblade may be lazy, but she’s an excellent mage. I’m sure she can handle protecting you. Besides, it’s not like you guys are weak. Do you accept the invitation?"

Peter noticed the exhaustion on Edward and Arya’s faces, and an idea popped into his head. "Leave this to me! ...I feel like I didn’t do enough in the last fight, so this is my chance to make up for it. I’m the one with the most energy."

"I admit I’m a bit tired, but you don’t have to force yourself."

"It’s fine, the masked guy here is coming with me—it’ll be all good!"

"I am?"

Peter pulled Reaper aside. "Those two have been through enough today. I want to let them rest a bit and have some time as a couple." Peter had a good point—Edward and Arya hadn’t had a proper moment to enjoy their romance.

"In that case, since it’s for a good cause..." Reaper stood up alongside Peter, speaking in a grandiose manner. "That’s right! This duo will take down any demon in our way—let’s do this!"

"Yeahh!"

Edward was perplexed at how the two, who almost hated each other, were suddenly acting so friendly. But it didn’t take long for him to understand his friend’s message. "Well, since they’re so motivated, I guess we should sit this one out, right, Arya?"

"Oh, I wouldn’t mind a bit of rest."

"Then it’s decided. Peter and Reaper will go with you. Satisfied, Mamiko?"

"Works for me. Any help that lightens my workload is welcome. We’ll go hunting tomorrow morning, agreed?"

"Why tomorrow?"

"It’s raining today, which only makes things harder."

"Oh. And now..."

"You can stay at the Guild overnight—there are spare rooms. Let’s just rest and enjoy the rest of the day."

Following Jack’s instructions, the group searched for rooms to settle in and later gathered again in the hall, where they spent the rest of the evening. While the boys entertained themselves with a card game in pairs, the girls sat at a slightly distant table, chatting among themselves.

"I think that’s it—I don’t have any more tips to give. Living as a necromancer isn’t easy, but you learn over time."

"I never thought I’d be getting advice from another necromancer. At the start of this journey, I had so many uncertainties. I never imagined I’d reach this point."

"Go ahead, Mi. Romeo and I may not be the best, but we know how to handle tense situations."

"You’ve been an amazing friend all this time, Magdalena."

"Friend..." Magdalena’s gaze drifted as the word brought back some memories.

"Naoko was the first necromancer I ever met, but I never really understood this avoidance toward necromancers. It seems like something only the old folks care about."

"Most necromancers are still dangerous—you’re just used to having me around."

"Well, you and Jack are famous figures in the Guild. I think most members just got used to seeing you as a mage. That must happen to you too, Arya."

"I hope so. I don’t want to cause trouble for others."

"Don’t worry—causing trouble is a trademark of the Guild. It’s impossible to fight at full power without leaving some destruction in the wake."

"The Mercenaries' Guild... Do you guys know much about this Yoru person I’m supposed to meet?"

"Oh, the expert is right in front of you." Naoko pointed at Mamiko.

"W-What are you talking about?! I have no idea what this little bitch meant!"

"Little bitch?! You wanna die, airhead?!"

"H-Hey, please calm down..."

Despite the insults, Naoko and Mamiko simply enjoyed teasing each other, and before long, they were already laughing together.

The night ended on a pleasant note, while tomorrow promised new surprises for everyone…