Chapter 9: Meeting in Secret

The Hunters’ Guild

—or, as some call it, the Hunters’ Lodge—

was an ancient stone building, its thick walls adorned with old banners bearing mysterious emblems.

Aris entered with Diona and Leona by her side, stepping into the vast hall where hunters were gathered: some eating, others discussing strategies, and a few selecting missions from the boards along the walls.

At the reception desk, a young woman greeted them with a formal smile.

Receptionist:

“Aris, how have you been? … Are you here for Sarah?”

Aris (resting her hands on her companions’ shoulders):

“No. I’ve come for something else. I want to register Leona and Diona as hunters… and I wish to see Jeanne.”

Receptionist:

“Of course. Please, this way—you can meet her now.”

⸻

The Guildmaster’s Office

The three girls entered a wide chamber dominated by a sturdy wooden desk. Behind it sat a young woman with shoulder-length golden hair, clad in a black robe embroidered with the guild’s crest. A calm, unwavering smile graced her face.

Leona (whispering in awe):

“She… she’s on the same level as Anna.”

To the right stood Anna, while on the left sat Sarah—short brown hair, busy reviewing a stack of documents.

Aris (surprised):

“I expected to see Sarah here… but I didn’t think you’d be here too, Anna.”

Sarah (smiling, waving at the girls):

“Leona, Diona! How are you both? I’m Sarah… I consider myself one of Y’s sisters as well.”

Diona (innocently):

“And is the guildmaster his sister too?”

(Light laughter filled the room.)

Jeanne (gently):

“No, I’m just a friend. The true siblings are only those who were with him at the moment of adoption.”

Sarah:

“By the way, I’ve sent a message to Phoenix—he’ll be back soon.”

Leona:

“And what about Aris?”

Aris (quietly):

“My story is a little different… I met Y much later.”

Jeanne (leaning forward with focus):

“Then tell me, how can we help you today?”

Aris:

“Y wants Leona and Diona to become hunters.”

Sarah (rising at once):

“Follow me then, I’ll register them. But… what about Y himself?”

Anna:

“It seems he’ll be a bit late with his own registration.”

Sarah:

“That’s fine… I’ll wait for him.”

Jeanne (with a calm nod):

“Thank you for your efforts, Sarah. Oh, and I’ve heard there’s a secret meeting scheduled next week.”

Aris:

“That’s true… By the way, any news about your father, Jeanne?”

Jeanne (her expression dimming):

“Nothing… I became guildmaster just so I could search for him.”

Aris:

“How strange… maybe Y knows something.”

Anna (in a low voice):

“Speaking of Y… this is his story.”

Aris (shocked):

“What?! Y only awakened a few months ago?!”

Jeanne (thinking aloud):

“Then perhaps… the same thing happened to my father.”

Anna:

“We’ve been wondering about that too.”

Jeanne:

“Much has changed in the kingdom in such a short time—the king… the Hunters’ Guild… the royal guard… and beyond.”

Aris (with a firm nod):

“True. We all hold important positions now… I’m with the royal guard, and you’re the guildmaster.”

Jeanne (glancing toward the door, her tone sharp):

“And don’t forget… all of this must remain absolutely secret.”

Anna (gravely):

“Especially since the black market has put a bounty of three thousand gold pieces on Y’s head. And they’re targeting Lady Lara too.”

Jeanne (striking the desk with her fist):

“Over my dead body! I won’t let anyone lay a hand on the one who saved my life.”

Aris:

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Anna:

“And right now, Lara is more protected than ever.”

⸻

The Ranking Hall

The chamber resembled a vast training ground, equipped with all manner of tools. Sarah stood with sharp eyes, observing Leona and Diona as they underwent their assessment.

When it ended, Jeanne spoke with a calm, evaluating tone:

Jeanne:

“Diona… an excellent fighter.

Leona, not as skilled in combat, but her intelligence is remarkable. Together… you complement each other perfectly.”

Sarah:

“That concludes your assessment. But before you go, give me your hands.”

The two girls raised their hands. Sarah placed her palm over them, and suddenly a golden light flared. A slip of parchment appeared in her hand.

Sarah:

“This parchment holds your details. Give it to Y.”

Leona (astonished):

“Our… details?”

Sarah (smiling):

“It’s my magic. I can see a person’s statistics if they touch my hand.”

Leona:

“Thank you so much.”

The two hurried back inside, interrupting the conversation with bright smiles.

Diona (with pride):

“We’re done!”

Aris (looking at them warmly):

“Excellent… we can return now.”

Back at the House

The scene shifted back to the house—calm at sunset, golden light filling every corner, mingling with the faint echoes of evening.

Aris (entering, removing her cloak):

“We’re back.”

Lara (approaching with gentle steps):

“What happened?”

Aris:

“Everything went smoothly.”

Ash (sighing):

“Then… all that’s left is to wait for Y.”

⸻

One Week Later – Inside the Royal Palace

In an ancient chamber with a vaulted ceiling and golden patterns etched into its walls, dim light filtered through narrow windows draped with heavy curtains. Around a round table of black wood, notable figures gathered—shrouded in silence and secrecy.

Rigon (scanning the room with a reassuring voice):

“This place is safe… no one will overhear us.”

King (arms folded behind his back):

“Rest assured… no word of this meeting has reached anyone.”

The door creaked open, light spilling through as Y entered with steady steps—his calm voice preceding his presence.

Y:

“My apologies for being late.”

Rigon (with a faint smile):

“You’re not late. We just arrived ourselves.”

Y (taking the last seat):

“Very well… let’s begin.”

Thus began the first council between the Kingdom of Mond, the Elves, and Y.

⸻

The Council

Y:

“Let’s review our objectives.

First… the Kingdom of Mond. Its goal is to rise on all fronts—strength, resources, reputation, and alliances.”

Rigon (firmly):

“Correct.”

Y:

“Second… the Elves. Their foremost purpose is to free all who have been captured or sold.”

Licht (nodding, speaking gravely):

“Indeed, but some rescues will be extremely complex. The involvement of nobles could spark conflict—perhaps even crises.”

Rigon (unyielding):

“So be it. I will not step back. The very reason I am king today is my absolute rejection of such practices. I’ll provide every piece of information I have.”

Y:

“Third… my team. We’ll move as we see fit—even if that conflicts with your plans.”

Rigon (calmly):

“Agreed.”

Licht (without hesitation):

“I have no objection.”

⸻

Strategy

Rosary (with a measured tone):

“Then let’s discuss strategy.

To secure results, our first step must be victory in the global tournaments. From there, the kingdom can steadily rise in every aspect. It will take time… but it’s the fastest path to reputation.

The tournaments—such as the Tournament of Strength—are crucial.

But the question is… do we reveal our full hand from the start?”

Y (thinking for a moment):

“I’d rather enter with a team that looks predictable on the surface.

For the Tournament of Strength, the lineup will be: King, L, Ash, Aris, Kaguya… and one ordinary person.”

Licht (catching on quickly):

“Ah… you mean to deceive the other teams. Make Ash seem like just a regular fox, hiding her true power… while they assume the ‘ordinary one’ is a key member.”

Y (with a faint smile):

“Exactly. Not a guaranteed plan… but it serves the purpose.”

Rosary:

“As for the Elves, we could negotiate with the traders—offer them vast sums to sell the captives to us.”

Anna (startled):

“We… never thought of it that way.”

Rosary:

“Traders gather information faster than anyone. If they see profit, they’ll move immediately. We could save many this way.”

Licht (gratefully):

“We’ll rely on you. We can repay the funds later.”

⸻

On Trade and Secrets

Y:

“Regarding trade… I’d like to nominate someone.”

Rigon (raising a brow):

“And who is that?”

Y:

“My brother-in-law—Neval.

He’s skilled in business, sharp in judgment, and pragmatic in negotiations.”

Rigon:

“Very well. We’ll speak with him after the meeting.”

Y unfolded an old map onto the table.

Y:

“Now… I have a question. These locations—I want to know more about them.”

Rigon:

“In the west… those lands belonged to a wealthy family. But they vanished—suddenly, without explanation.

In the south… lies an abandoned mine. It became perilous after a toxic gas spread—rumor has it, caused by some mysterious beast. All expeditions ceased.

And to the east… little is known. It was once a battlefield, long ago.”

Y:

“What of that wealthy family?”

Rigon:

“They were infamous for sorcery… bizarre and reckless experiments.”

Y (producing another map):

“And this site near Valmiz?”

Rigon (with a heavy sigh):

“Yes… that area was forbidden under the former king. It was tied, somehow, to that same family.”

Y (quietly):

“I see… then that covers everything.”

⸻

Closing

Rosary:

“Then… the kingdom’s plan will begin soon—precisely after Mond exits the lower rankings.”

Y:

“We have time to prepare well.”

Rosary (looking around the table, her voice carrying weight):

“Then I declare it official… the negotiations between the Kingdom of Mond, the Elves, and Y are complete.”

Scene: The Outer Courtyard – At Sunset

The evening breeze stirred the banners hanging along the fortress walls as Y and King stepped into the courtyard.

Y (quietly, tightening his fist):

“Forgive me… but I want to train a little.”

King (smiling, hands folded behind his back):

“I like your spirit.”

Y (drawing a deep breath):

“My body… is the only thing I can train right now.”

Suddenly, a soldier shouted.

Soldier:

“I can’t stand it anymore!”

He rushed forward, stopping in front of King, his voice trembling with determination.

Soldier:

“Commander… I want you to increase the intensity of our training!”

His cry was echoed by the others.

Soldiers (in unison):

“Yes! We want harsher training!”

King (raising his brows in surprise):

“What’s this sudden change? I thought you all despised my training.”

Soldier (glancing at Y, who was still training alone in the distance):

“That’s true… but every time we look at Y, we feel ashamed of ourselves.

We have magic. We can reinforce our bodies… and yet we tire and collapse.

But look at him—training before dawn, leaving after everyone else… with no magic at all!

Watching him makes me want to be stronger… like him.”

In unison, the soldiers bowed deeply, their voices filling the courtyard.

Soldiers:

“Please… make the training harsher!”

King fell silent for a moment. He looked at Y, drenched in sweat yet still relentless, then smiled with pride.

King:

“Very well… from today onward, training will be intensified.”

⸻

Scene: Inside the House – The Team’s Meeting

The wooden house glowed warmly, the soft orange light of a small fire flickering across the room. Y and his companions sat around the table, their eyes gleaming with resolve.

Y (looking at them calmly):

“Alright… let’s set our personal goals.”

He paused, then spoke with quiet certainty.

Y:

“As for me… I want to learn more about my weapon. I feel there’s something hidden within it… something unknown. That’s why I’ve decided to visit the Dwarven Kingdom. That is my new goal.”

L (her voice heavy with both strength and sorrow):

“My goal has always been the same… to gain power and experience, so I can protect my clan.

A battle is coming… and there’s no room for weakness.

I thought I had time, but after being imprisoned for two months, I realized the truth.

Fortunately… I met you, Y.”

Y (serious):

“How long until the battle?”

L (looking away):

“Not long…”

Y (nodding):

“I see.”

He turned his gaze to the others.

Y:

“Who’s next?”

Ash (raising her hand with a confident smile):

“My goal hasn’t changed… I want to protect everyone I love. That’s why I became a hunter.”

Aris (eyes sparkling with enthusiasm):

“And I… I want to become the greatest swordswoman in the world!”

Anna (glancing at Licht beside her, then speaking firmly):

“My goal is clear… we will rescue all the Elves. I’ll never back down from this.”

All eyes turned toward Kaguya, who had remained silent.

Y:

“That leaves only you… Kaguya.”

Her gaze dropped slightly before she whispered:

Kaguya:

“It’s not exactly a goal… but I want to grow my family. My kingdom borders the Dwarves, so that’s a start.”

Y (quietly):

“Then… it seems our paths align.”

He paused, then asked another question.

Y:

“Has anyone heard of someone I know… someone else who came to this world?”

Anna (thinking):

“I don’t know all your friends, but… there’s someone they call the Kaiser. And others like him. He seems rather well-known here.”

Y (smiling faintly):

“Kalus? I thought so… he’s an incredible person.”

Anna (continuing):

“I also heard that many who crossed into this world… joined guilds. And most guild headquarters are in the Kingdom of Rocara.”

Y (raising his head):

“Rocara?”

Aris (cutting in):

“Yes… or as they call it, the Hunters’ Kingdom. It’s ruled by Milena, famed as the strongest hunter.”

Y (calmly):

“Which means… we may be able to find some of our old acquaintances there.”

He rose from his seat, a faint smile on his face.

Y:

“I want to add new people to our ranks… but not at random. I already have a few names in mind.”

Placing his hand on the door handle, he turned back briefly.

Y:

“We have some time to rest. Enjoy it… I’ll be out for a walk.”

He stepped outside, leaving behind a silence filled with anticipation—and a trace of wonder.