Chapter 81: The Information Guild

[00 Months: 04 Days: 16 Hours]

The night had deepened, casting a shroud of darkness over the town of Terance.

I sat alone in my room, the weight of knowledge heavy on my mind. The conversation I had with the merchant's connection echoed in my thoughts, the words swirling and intertwining as I tried to make sense of the puzzle before me.

'According to what he said, it seems I'll have to take action sooner than I intended.'

Rumors of a delegate from the esteemed Lyma Family arriving in Terance had piqued my curiosity.

It seemed that this visit was somehow linked to the exploration of the enigmatic Wild Lands.

'I guess that's why security was so tight when I arrived here. That means they're coming very soon, right?'

The merchant had advised me to seek more information from the Information Guild, an elusive organization known for operating covertly in the shadows.

I glanced at the small slip of paper that held the contact details of the Information Guild, a lifeline to the answers I sought.

"Well, I've been wanting to give it a try too."

One thing I realized about this world was that it was far cheaper to interact with the natives and obtain 'things' such as food and information than to use the System.

In certain ways, the System was obviously better since it provided useful and accurate information.

But the price was exorbitant.

'This Information Guild might be more useful than I currently imagine.'

I hoped that was the case, considering their organization wasn't particularly legal.

They provided underground services, sort of like the Black Market. As such, seeking them out could also be seen as dangerous in its own way.

It was a risky endeavor, but the cover of night offered me the perfect opportunity to venture into the clandestine world of information gathering.

'Might as well...'

Determined, I rose from my bed, my footsteps muffled by the carpeted floor.

I dressed swiftly, donning a hooded dark cloak that concealed my features, and secured my weapons at my side.

The room was dimly lit, a solitary candle casting a flickering glow.

As I made my way to the door, I paused, my hand resting on the cool brass handle. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the unknown that awaited outside.

Using <Concealment Cloak> to completely erase my presence, I ventured forward.

Stepping out into the night, the sounds of the sleeping town enveloped me.

The soft murmur of distant voices and the occasional rustle of leaves carried on the cool breeze.

I navigated the winding streets, my senses heightened, alert for any signs of danger.

Following the directions given to me by the merchant's connection, I arrived at a quiet alleyway nestled between two towering buildings.

The air hung heavy with anticipation, the very walls seeming to hold secrets within their ancient stones.

I approached a discreet entrance, marked only by a subtle symbol etched into the wood.

'Here it is. Not particularly too hidden, but not obvious either.'

They probably had some method of monitoring those who closed in on their Guild's entrance.

My heart pounded in my chest as I reached out and rapped my knuckles against the door.

I had already undone the effects of my Concealment Cloak before nearing the entrance, so they could clearly see a hooded fellow in front of their doors through whatever means they were using to monitor me.

Seconds stretched into an eternity as I waited, the weight of my purpose pressing upon me.

Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a shadowed figure standing within. A voice, cloaked in mystery, invited me inside.

"Alone?" I heard it ask.

"Alone." My response was swift and precise.

I stepped over the threshold, and the door closed behind me with a soft click, sealing my fate.

In the dimly lit room, I found myself face to face with members of the Information Guild.

Their faces hidden beneath hoods, they exuded an air of intrigue and knowledge. Discover hidden content at m,v l'e-NovelFire.net

'It sort of feels like I'm in some.sort of cult gathering...' A wry smile nearly formed on my face, but I hid my facial reaction.

Well, my entire face was covered by a hood anyway, so they couldn't see it. Searᴄh the nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The room resembled a bar, though with a hushed atmosphere that hung in the air.

Hooded figures moved silently about, their faces obscured by shadows, and I made an effort not to stare too much.

'Some are going to be fellow customers, most likely.'

I made my way to the counter, taking a seat without paying much attention to the peculiar attire of those around me.

A bartender approached, their face concealed beneath a hood as well.

"What do you desire?" He asked.

This all sort of felt reminiscent to a detective novel i read a few months ago. I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt my heart racing in excitement.

I leaned forward, my voice low and steady, "I would like a... private session."

'This is so awesome!' My mind exploded for some reason.

The bartender's eyes glimmered with a hint of curiosity behind his hood as they responded,

"That will cost you extra. Are you willing to pay... the price?"

It sounded menacing and mysterious, just as it should have.

It made me smile beneath my hood.

"That is... inconsequential." I nodded, unfazed by the additional fee.

Money was a small price to pay for the information I sought.

Of course, it was because I already knew how exorbitant buying information from the System was.

The bartender's gaze shifted to my right, a silent signal that caught my attention.

Beside me, a hooded figure rose from their seat, their movements fluid and purposeful. Without a word, they gestured for me to follow.

'Oh?' Intrigued, I complied, curious to see where this path would lead.

We moved through a labyrinthine corridor, darkness enveloping us with each step.

The air grew colder, and a sense of anticipation tingled in my veins. Finally, we reached a door, and the figure motioned for me to enter.

As I stepped into the room, my eyes adjusted to the dim light.

A table and two chairs stood opposite each other, reminiscent of an interrogation room. The hooded figure took their seat, and I followed suit, my curiosity building.

Silence settled over the room, punctuated only by the soft rustle of fabric as the figure shifted.

The tension in the air was palpable, anticipation mingling with a sense of apprehension.

Finally, the hooded figure spoke, their voice a low, gravelly timbre.

"What is it that you wish to know?"

Their words hung in the air, inviting me to lay bare my intentions.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, knowing that the answers I sought lay within their knowledge.

There were a bunch of things I would like to know, but...

'Lets start with the main reason I'm here today.'

Leaning forward, I met the figure's gaze, my voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity.

"I seek information regarding the impending visit of the Lyma Family delegate to Terance. I wish to understand their motives and the true nature of this visit."

Would the information be different from what the merchant told me? Would it be more detailed? I wanted to see for myself.

'That'll determine if I'll patronize them in the future.'

The figure nodded at my question, their expression hidden beneath the shadows of their hood.

They leaned back, their posture relaxed yet shrouded in an air of secrecy.

It was clear they held the answers I sought, and so I waited for an answer.

'Don't disappoint me, okay?'

*

*

*

[A/N]

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!