--
The Bounty Hunter Guild, the Holy Temple, and the Trial Union were the landmarks everyone knew in Flower City. People might not remember where to find the best shopping spots or restaurants, but they could all direct you to these iconic establishments. Of these, the Bounty Hunter Guild stood out, bustling with energy and alive with the hum of constant activity.
After a quick taxi ride, Anos stepped out in front of the Guild's main headquarters—a towering, 23-story building that loomed over the cityscape. The building wasn't just tall; it was imposing, a fortress of steel and glass that practically pulsed with purpose. Smaller branches of the Guild dotted the surrounding counties, but this was the heart, the place where serious hunters gathered and where even minor requests were turned into missions worth their weight in coin.
Inside, Anos felt a rush of excitement and a tinge of awe as he took in the scene. The grand lobby stretched upward, and each floor seemed to buzz with life, filled with bounty hunters, mercenaries, and the occasional informant. People walked briskly, their faces focused, with an air of confidence that was unmistakable. This wasn't just a workplace; it was a gathering ground for the skilled, the fearless, and the ambitious.
Anos glanced at his watch, noting he had only about thirty minutes left to meet The Iron Reavers, Sofia's recommended team. "Sofia did say they're known for their strength," he thought, mentally preparing himself for what might come. Room 1607 on the 16th floor. It wouldn't do to arrive late.
He spotted a young receptionist sitting behind an information desk, looking both calm and slightly amused by the intensity of those around her. When he approached her, she met his gaze with a small, friendly smile.
"Excuse me, could you help me find The Iron Reavers? Their leader is Matthew. I believe they're on the 16th floor, Room 1607?"
She raised an eyebrow, her expression one of mild surprise as she looked him over. "The Iron Reavers, huh?" she replied, a slight smirk on her face. There was a hint of respect in her voice, as though the team's reputation spoke for itself. "You must be new here. Yes, they're on the 16th floor, Room 1607. Just be on time; they're not the type who enjoys waiting."
Anos returned her smile, sensing a faint note of warning in her words. "Got it. Thanks for the advice—I'll make sure not to keep them waiting."
The receptionist nodded, her eyes following him with a look of curiosity as he made his way to the elevators. "Good luck," she called out as he stepped away. "And... watch your step."
As the elevator doors closed, her last words lingered in his mind. Clearly, The Iron Reavers weren't just any team, and he couldn't help feeling a mix of anticipation and caution about what lay ahead.
---
When the elevator doors opened on the 16th floor, Anos immediately sensed a shift in atmosphere. Gone was the bustling, energetic vibe of the lobby below; here, everything was calm yet charged with purpose. Hunters moved quietly but deliberately, checking gear and reviewing mission logs, their voices lowered in focused, serious discussions. Anos strolled down the hallway, his footsteps muffled by the carpet, taking in the intensity of the space.
Upon reaching the Floor Rooms, Anos examined the signboards of various guilds, his eyes searching for the distinct emblem of The Iron Reavers. Mercenary groups here made their living on reputation, with many investing in rented spaces to establish a base in the Bounty Hunter Guild. For a group like The Iron Reavers, reputation was everything. A solid reputation brought clients directly to their door, while lesser-known groups relied more on general missions posted through the Guild.
But what truly caught Anos off guard were her eyes. Large, bright, and filled with an unexpected maturity, they seemed far too knowing for someone of her age. They sparkled with curiosity, yet held a quiet intensity that gave her an almost ethereal presence. Her gaze was warm, yet there was a certain depth that felt ancient, beyond her years. It felt... unsettling.
Anos blinked, shaken out of his daze, only to be greeted by a sudden and unexpected notification.
Ding... Congratulations on triggering the mission [Make Zoey Your Woman].
Mission Penalty: Drop Cultivation Realm by 5 Stages.
Mission Reward: Heaven Tier 10 Star Skill [Name Unknown].
Current Favorability: -5.
(Note: When favorability reaches 50, a successful confession may occur. Higher favorability increases the chances.)
Mission Duration: 1 month.
Anos froze, his body going rigid with disbelief. What? His mind reeled as the words on the screen began to sink in. No, this can't be real. It must be some kind of mistake!
He glanced at Zoey again, his thoughts spiraling into confusion. A 13 or 14-year-old girl? The thought felt almost suffocating. The system's telling me to make this young girl my woman?
His eyes darted to the mission penalty: Dropping his cultivation by 5 stages. His heart sank into his stomach. That was a crushing penalty. To lose five stages of cultivation would devastate his progress, setting him back to where he started. He couldn't afford to have his cultivation weakened; not now, not when he was so close to his goals. The system's reward, Unknown Heaven Tier 10 skill, barely registered in his mind—his focus was entirely on the catastrophic penalty that loomed over him.
Anos clenched his fists, irritation bubbling up. This is beyond ridiculous! What is the system even thinking?
He turned his attention back to Zoey, but his gaze lingered on her, more carefully now. Her appearance, her expression... there was no way she was a mere child, despite her age. There was an aura about her, a quiet forcefulness in the way she carried herself. But why the sudden negative favorability? -5. Anos hadn't even spoken to her yet, and already, the system seemed to think she had an issue with him. What could he have possibly done to deserve that?
His thoughts were a whirlwind of frustration. Why her? Why now?
....