Black Storm Guild

Under the Shadows of a Skyscraper

Beneath the towering shadow of a dark skyscraper, the headquarters of the Black Storm Guild stood tall among the surrounding buildings. Its reflective glass facade captured the moonlight slipping through the dense clouds, while neon lights from nearby billboards danced across its gleaming surface.

At the top floor of the building, the main hall buzzed with noise—overlapping conversations and bursts of laughter filled the air. Amidst the commotion, Sylvia sat at a long table, resting her chin on her hand. Her cold violet eyes observed the scene before her with an unreadable expression. Strands of her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, adding to the imposing aura she carried. Her gaze was sharp, calculated, as if dissecting every little detail in the room.

Seated before her were four other members, all ranked A—the second-highest elite group in the guild after Sylvia herself.

----

Claire: A mage specializing in barrier and defensive techniques, known for his sharp intellect and analytical mind.

Ethan: A sorceress adept in destructive magic, famous for her recklessness and her mastery over fire and lightning spells.

Victor: A shadow manipulator skilled in stealth, a man of few words but unmatched efficiency in execution.

Maria: A support and healing mage, known for her calm demeanor and keen ability to assess situations with precision.

----

The atmosphere was tense, as the meeting had been called to discuss the illegal activities of Alexander's Guild—particularly their unethical methods of handling dungeons and capturing monsters.

Ethan, leaning back in his chair, was the first to speak.

"There are reports suggesting they're using unconventional methods inside the gates. Some independent hunters have gone missing after entering dungeons under Alexander's control."

Claire crossed her arms. "I've heard similar rumors. There's talk of a secret cult within their guild—something about strange rituals. We don't have concrete details, but it might explain some of their actions."

Victor glanced at Maria before smirking. "A cult? Have they turned into some religious order now? Or are they just a bunch of lunatics?"

Maria's expression remained unreadable, but her voice carried a hint of unease. "It's not that simple. The magical energy in certain dungeons has changed. I can sense something different… something beyond ordinary magic."

All eyes turned to Sylvia, who had remained silent. She finally spoke, her voice calm yet firm.

"If this cult is involved, we'll uncover the truth. We'll gather evidence first, then strike in a way that ensures their downfall. I won't tolerate reckless actions."

Ethan nodded. "So what are our orders? How do we proceed?"

Sylvia took a brief pause before issuing instructions.

"Ethan, track the strange magical energy coming from their dungeons. Claire, I want every piece of information you can find on any connection between Alexander's members and this so-called cult. Victor, you'll monitor their movements in the field—if you see an opening to expose their activities, don't hesitate. Maria, you'll devise a strategy to counter any potential threat we might face."

The group exchanged determined nods, ready for the mission ahead. None of them knew, however, that what they were about to uncover would change the fate of the guild forever…

Alone in the now-empty hall, Sylvia remained seated long after the others had left. Slowly, she stood, her steps steady as she approached the massive glass window overlooking the cityscape. She gazed at the horizon, exhaling deeply.

"Things are moving in the shadows, but I can't see where they're leading. People whisper about rising tensions with the Kingdom of Oria… and I can't shake this uneasy feeling." Her voice was soft, yet filled with a quiet intensity.

Then, with a sharper edge, she added, "But what bothers me the most is the deafening silence from the other guilds. How has no one noticed what's happening in the dungeons? How do they allow Alexander's Guild to tighten its grip on everything? I don't understand… Does being at the top truly mean they get to decide our fate?"

Her voice had risen slightly, but she quickly composed herself when a sound came from the door.

A guild staff member entered, hesitating as he felt the sheer pressure radiating from her presence. The atmosphere itself seemed heavier, charged with an unspoken force.

"Lady Sylvia… I apologize, but I have news," he said, his voice wavering slightly.

Sylvia turned to him, her expression unreadable. She took a slow step forward, her eyes locked onto his. "What is it?" she asked, her tone measured but laced with urgency.

"A number of new hunters have applied to join our guild… due to the reputation we've gained recently." The staff member avoided direct eye contact, sensing the storm behind her seemingly calm gaze.

Sylvia closed her eyes briefly, weighing his words. Then, in a firm voice, she said, "That doesn't sound too bad. Have them undergo medical and physical evaluations first. Then put them through the qualification tests. We need to know their capabilities before making any decisions."

"Understood, Lady Sylvia." The staff member bowed quickly before exiting the room.

As he left, he felt an odd sensation—a sudden release of the invisible pressure that had filled the space moments ago. It was as if the weight pressing down on him had lifted all at once. But deep inside, he knew… if he hadn't been ranked B, he might not have endured even a fraction of that moment.

He whispered to himself as he walked away, "Our leader isn't just strong… she can move the world around her without even blinking."

The staff member hurried toward the adjacent hall, where the new hunters were gathered. The room was quiet, everyone waiting eagerly for their turn, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, the staff member stepped inside, then raised his head and spoke clearly.

"Welcome, everyone. I'm Jacob, and I'll be overseeing the examinations you'll be going through today."

He scanned the room as he spoke. His posture was strong and relaxed, but his expression carried the weight of the moment.

"The tests you'll undergo cover several aspects. First, the physical assessment. We'll evaluate your strength and endurance. We have a series of tests designed to measure your ability to withstand the demands of the field."

He gestured toward a large training device in the corner.

"You'll need to prove that you can adapt to harsh conditions. Working with the guilds requires significant physical capability."

One of the newcomers, a young man who seemed both excited and nervous, raised his hand.

"Does that mean we'll be going through intense training?"

Jacob allowed himself a small smile, knowing this was a common concern.

"Yes, but the goal is to gauge your endurance. Don't worry—we're here to support you, and we won't push you beyond your limits. That said, these tests won't be easy."

He continued, "Next, we'll assess your mana—your magical energy. This will be done using specialized devices that measure its level and effectiveness. But don't think magic is everything."

A quiet yet focused young woman among the recruits spoke up.

"What about magic classifications? Will our category be determined through these tests?"

Jacob nodded.

"Exactly. There are multiple magical classifications, and we'll determine which one suits your abilities best. This part is crucial, as it will define the kinds of missions you'll be assigned in the future. But… don't be afraid. Everything depends on your potential."

Jacob then added, "Finally, there will be a decisive test—a battle against virtual monsters. You'll engage in combat against creatures designed to assess your combat skills. This will be the toughest part, but also the most important. It will show how well you can integrate both your physical and magical abilities in a fight."

A visibly nervous young man hesitated before asking, "Will we have to fight these monsters alone?"

Jacob's voice remained firm yet reassuring.

"Yes, this will be your personal battle. Each of you will face a monster individually. But don't be afraid—the creatures are virtual, meaning you won't sustain real injuries. This is purely a test of your ability to respond to and handle difficult situations."

He added, "Your final results will determine your ranks. There are five main ranks, from F to A, with the highest-ranking individuals being classified as elite. Your rank will impact the kind of missions you'll be eligible for in the future."

Some of the newcomers exchanged uncertain glances, while others seemed more determined. The atmosphere shifted into a blend of tension and anticipation.

"Any other questions?" Jacob asked, scanning the room.

Another recruit, a calm and composed young woman, raised her hand.

"What happens if we fail the tests?"

Jacob gave her a knowing look before replying, "If you don't pass, you'll have the chance to try again later. We're here to help you improve. This isn't a final judgment—it's an opportunity for growth."

A few nodded in understanding, while others began to show a spark of excitement.

Jacob offered them an encouraging smile.

"Alright, then. Let's start with the physical assessment first. We'll arrange you based on an initial evaluation, then proceed with the rest of the tests. Let's begin."

With that, the recruits moved toward the designated training equipment. Their hands trembled slightly from nervousness, yet they knew this was the moment they had all been waiting for.

When they finally arrived at the apartment, Leo reached into his pocket, retrieved the key, and turned it smoothly in the lock. With a slight push, the door swung open, and he smiled.

"Welcome to my humble kingdom," he said as he stepped inside, motioning for Rianel to follow. "Make yourself comfortable. Sit anywhere you like. And if you need anything, just let me know."

Rianel paused at the entrance, taking a moment to take in his surroundings. Warm lighting cast a soft glow on the walls, and the furnishings were both cozy and elegant without being overly extravagant. Shelves lined with books stood alongside small decorative statues, while carefully chosen paintings adorned the walls.

"This place… is unexpectedly comfortable," Rianel remarked with a faint smile before settling into one of the plush chairs.

"For the first time, I actually feel like I can relax."

Leo chuckled as he took off his jacket and tossed it onto the armrest of the couch. "That's a good thing, I assume?"

"Absolutely." Rianel replied, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes for a moment.

Leo headed toward the kitchen, his tone playful. "Since you're my guest, it's my duty to offer you something to drink. Tea? Coffee? Or would you prefer something stronger after such a long day?"

Rianel opened his eyes and shot him a small smirk. "Tea will do. I'd rather not ruin my first night here with a strong cup of coffee."

"A wise choice," Leo said as he started preparing the tea.

While waiting, Rianel took a moment to observe the room, his eyes landing on a large painting hanging on the opposite wall. The dark hues and sharp details intrigued him, making him wonder about its story.

"You have an interesting taste in art," he remarked, gesturing toward the painting. "Did you collect these pieces yourself?"

Leo returned moments later, carrying two cups of tea. He placed one in front of Rianel before sitting down.

"Most of them were gifts," he said, wrapping his hands around the warm cup. "Some were collected by my grandfather during his travels. He has a passion for finding unique and unusual pieces."

Rianel raised an eyebrow with interest. "Your grandfather, Arthur, right? He seems like the kind of man who has plenty of stories to tell."

Leo laughed, as if recalling something amusing. "Oh, absolutely. Sit with him for just an hour, and he'll take you on a journey through half a century of memories. The way he tells stories makes you feel like you were there yourself."

Rianel nodded, impressed. "He sounds like an incredible man. I'd love to meet him someday."

"Who knows? That might happen sooner than you think," Leo said with a smile before adding, "But let's set my grandfather's stories aside for now. Tell me, how do you find the city so far?"

Rianel let out a soft sigh as he placed his cup on the table. "Different... Not exactly what I expected, but it has a charm of its own. The streets, the people, even the buildings—everything feels like it has a story to tell."

"That's a beautiful way to put it," Leo said, leaning back slightly. "Personally, I love how chaos and order blend together in this city. Every corner has its own character."

Rianel nodded before stretching slightly. "I think I'll take a shower first. I really need one after today."

Leo gestured toward the hallway beside him. "Bathroom's down there, to the left, next to the small room."

"Great. I won't take long," Rianel said as he stood up, then added with a teasing smile, "Don't go overboard with dinner preparations."

Leo laughed. "I promise I won't. Just don't take too long, or I might have to eat it all by myself."

"I'll make sure to be back in time," Rianel replied as he made his way toward the bathroom, leaving Leo to watch him for a moment before getting up and heading toward the kitchen, ready to start preparing dinner.