Of Kaiser and Glamour [Part 3]

The way to the courtyard was surprisingly a long walk somehow. That was just because Valaquendë was telling about her recruitment trip again but to Elros. He was very animated as she was telling him the story, which was fun to watch. Regardless, it was pleasant to listen to their already formed friendly conversations. I think this world won’t be as awful as I initially thought, but I will maintain my skepticism until proven otherwise.

“Hey! Aeryvon!”

Írui shouted to the man in the middle of the courtyard. This Aeryvon person was effortlessly flailing a pretty large sword, a broadsword maybe? He was doing this with one hand then smoothly shifted it to the other. This member of the Guild was the most unique so far. Large body like a fitness model. Perfect face like Írui, with a well defined jawline that was hard to ignore. Also had horns, two of them. With his dark short messy hair, spiked up because of the sweat, it wrapped around his horns. The most unique feature he had was that his eyes are different colors, Heterochromia I think it’s called. Another aloof individual, composed stature and movements.

He plunged his sword into the ground to wipe the sweat from his head. With the other hand he offered a handshake.

“Ack!” I squeak, because Aeryvon grabbed my hand too hard!

“Aeryvon!”

“Be careful!”

“Heh, don’t break the newbie now.”

The other three commented on the involuntary noise I made.

“Oh sorry. When I’m practicing, it takes a lot of grip strength to control my blade.”

“Don’t worry everyone, I’m fine, hah.” I reassured them, shaking my hand with relief, but I still thought: “Damn it! I thought he was going to break my hand!”

“Jeez Aeryvon… Well, this is Ryosuke. Ryosuke, Aeryvon.”

Írui sounded disappointed with her Guild members. One won’t show herself, one was a little rude, and one almost broke my hand! So, I understand that she may be a little disappointed. Just like Valaquendë wanted to make a good first impression, she wanted to do the same. I don’t believe in first impressions. As long as you have good intentions and are trying your best. That’s all that I believe is important.

“Oh Írui, I think Vapula wants to meet Ryosuke.”

Valaquendë pulled out a small stone or trinket of some kind that glowed purple. That must be how they communicate… Great… I was right about the unexpected variables. There's some kind of fantastical system of laws in this world. No matter. It shouldn't be too much of an obstacle… Just one more thing to learn.

“Well, I’ll see you two later!” Írui waved at us and left with Elros.

“Yeah!”

“Okay Ryosuke! Follow me.”

⧫⧫⧫

Valaquendë and I made our way to the upper floor and eventually stopped at a double room.

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Valaquendë gently hit the door with her knuckles, she then opened it, and we walked in. Immediately I felt a pinch in my gut. I was a little nervous to meet the leader of the Guild; I had no idea what I was about to see. The room certainly wasn’t helping either. Chilling, candle lit, mysterious books and objects everywhere. At the desk was a dark mass, behind it were shut yet still moving curtains blocking out the light. The being hunched at the desk moved its head up to look at me with its Tyrian Purple eyes.

“Welcome.” An intensely dark voice echoed in the room.

With a single word, the being sent the blood in my veins rippling through my body like a violent wave. It rose, its massive frame nearly brushing the ceiling. Thank goodness Valaquendë is here. I had no idea what this creature intended, but Valaquendë’s calming presence steadied my racing heart.

The curtains whipped aside, and sunlight exploded into the once dark room, forcing me to blink against the sudden brightness. When my vision cleared, the shadowy mass had shifted. Its form now eerily, impossibly human.

“This is Ryōsuke Matsushita… Ryosuke, allow me to introduce you to the Infernalior of our Guild, Duke Vapula the 8th!”

Valaquendë’s spritely voice calmed me a little more. Regardless, Vapula was an imposing individual, very tall, easily over two meters. Surprisingly, the more sunlight flooded the room, the more I felt at ease. Why? Anyway, he may have an intimidating presence, but he hardly had the image of a leader. His entire appearance felt withdrawn: black dress pants with a white button up. Strikingly dark hair that looks as if it hasn't been cut in decades. In fact, when was the last time he even left this room?

He then walked to one of his cabinets and pulled out a hardcover booklet. He walked over to me and placed it in front of my person. Embroidered with incoherent symbols, or possibly words. Incredibly detailed, with the pressure of blues. I looked at Valaquendë, unsure what to do.

“It’s okay, it’s just another test. All you have to do is grab it.” Valaquendë provides an encouraging smile. Still skeptical, but not as cautious as before, thinking that this may be similar to the test that I did with Valaquendë. There isn’t much else to think about but to gently take this booklet —

“Ah! What the—!!”

My hand flinched back before my mind could process what happened. The booklet blackened at the edges, then burst into a silent, hungry flame. Instinctively backing away slightly into Valaquendë. Less than a second, the flames held its shape in the air before crumbling into grey dust. Leaving only my finger tips softened with freshly burnt cinder.

“Perfect…” Said Vapula.

“What? What did I do?” I asked in clear confusion.

“You passed the test!” Valaquendë shouted.

“What? That’s all?” Still confused, I remarked while rubbing my hand, thinking that it was burnt.

“Yes… Now, would you like to join me? Your nature will be greatly beneficial to our cause.” Said Vapula, vacant of any emotion.

“Come on Ryosuke! What do you say?” Valaquendë eagerly asked me.

This was the only test? That makes me awfully suspicious. Once again, I don’t have many options. This person wants me to join; he must be planning something. Not to mention, he had an imposing stance. I’m almost forced to agree with this. What to do? What have I gotten myself into? Pointless questions… No matter the situation. There was only one possibility for me.

“Okay… I’ll join.”

“Yay!!!”

“Good...”

They both had the same excitement, but their vocals expressed excitement in completely different ways.

Well…

I agreed to join. Now… Let’s see how far I’ll make it in this, Worthless World.