I stood behind Chaaya. She was sitting on a wooden chair, in front of her was a human, a mage. His name was Celdrick and he was the most powerful adventurer. We were in an office. It reminded me of a principal's office. There was large wooden paneling and a window behind him. He sat behind a big desk with paperwork scattered over the wooden table top.
It had been a month since the event. My wyvern wing has leveled up to a dragon's wing which means I can fly infinitely. I became level eighty and since then we have been farming B-rank gates. We became famous around the lower ranks for being powerful enough to take out a B-rank gate without getting so much as a scratch.
"My name is Celdrick if you didn't know. I am a rank SS and I am in charge of the Golden Key. We are an organisation like your party 'The Summoners Domain' and I am constantly on the lookout for strong adventurers who might be able to join my raiding party. And a few weeks ago I heard about a party that had started solo clearing gates with two people. So naturally it piqued my interest." he spoke in a low and elegant voice and his words were pronounced perfectly. He sat in his chair looking down at Chaaya. Everything about this guy wreaked superiority, as soon as we had entered it had been like he was looking down his nose at us. It annoyed me, he was just another human who when given power only wanted to rub it in our faces.
"Are you saying you want us in your raiding party?"
"Ye, naturally we would be clearing A-ranked gates and I would handle the bosses. But if I am careless I might overexert myself and be overwhelmed by weaker monsters. So I need a party to help me."
As much as I hate this guy, his organization is incredible. This entire company handles every action associated with the gates, he had a complete monopoly. His empire spanned from clearing the gates to making weapons, from writing grimoires and developing magic and restoring bubbles. He really has made the most of this situation.
"Well I don't know. I might have to talk to my teammates."
"Teammates? Ah I see it is alive?"
"Wh… how did you know?"
"It's not unheard of and quite frankly ever since seeing him I had my suspicions. Well now what do you think?"
"I think people in this world really need to stop calling me "It"."
"Wow, that's a first. Normally people are scared of me. Now I see why he chose you."
"He?"
"Oh don't worry. Anyway, besides our society's view of summons, what are your thoughts on my proposal."
"It seems to be generous but I have some concerns and some questions."
"Ah yes I would be disappointed if you didn't." his eyes seemed so kind, but he's such a jerk, why does he seem so harmless.
"Firstly how do I know you wont make us sign a contract and screw us over making us lose out on all the drops? Since neither of us can read, that is a big worry of mine. Secondly how do I know that you can handle an A-rank boss, I mean we have no proof here. And lastly I know of your company and its huge reach. Would there be any additional perks to joining you like connections since I have quite a uh skill for making weapons."
"Well now that is quite the set of questions I am impressed. Firstly I won't make you sign anything but all drops are distributed by me and my view of your work. You can appeal and the votes of seventy percent of the party will over rule my decision. As for my skills, well I would be happy to fight you young man I believe that would clear up any controversy. And lastly if you have weapons to sell I would be happy to buy them and sell them in my shops provided the quality is good enough but you would have to obtain the materials yourself."
"Alright that seems good to me and I would like to take you up on your offer but as my master said we still have one more person to talk to."
"Ah well that is fine I am free this week but we have an SS conference to discuss the control of the capital next week so I urge you to hurry and make your minds up. Please come and visit me when you have decided but I most certainly hope you say yes. And concerning our dual we will fight when you come back."
'Alert: party request pending from - "Celdrick of the Golden Key" '
We left the building behind. It was late at night so we decided to go to sleep and talk to Avon tomorrow. I am excited about it. It seems like a good way to break the leveling wall I've had recently but every time I think about entering an A-rank gate I remember the feeling of a hand being thrust through my chest. The sensation of complete powerlessness. I don't think I could ever rest if I died leaving Chaaya at the mercy of something like that.
We walked into the tavern the next day Avon was sitting at a table drinking a mug of beer as we entered. He waved to us.
"Hey Rhy and Chaaya, how's it going?"
"Good, How are you, Avon?"
"I'm fine but all the people in this town are so weak I can't find a good challenge."
"So listen we got approached by a man called Celdrick he asked if we wanted to be part of his raid party."
"Celdrick?"
"Yeah"
"That bastard!" Avon's hand slammed into the table, our drinks spilling his teeth gritted and his head lowered with anger. "Damn him, just what is he planning?" He then ran out of the tavern. I chased after him as he ran through the streets, past the shops, past the inn, past the arena. They run to the same large building and Avon charges in slamming open the door to Cedrick's office. He shouts
"Brother!!!!!"