Chapter 50: Whispers Of Ruin

    It took some moments, but guild members began to recognize him.

    "It''s Guildmaster Thalion!" someone whispered.

    "The Imperial Liaison himself," another voice said with awe. A title that hinted at his responsibility to ensure the guild''s actions align with the interests of the empire.

    Several adventurers raised their hands in greeting. Some smiled, others nodded respectfully, while a few gave hearty waves.

    "Thalion! Good to see you back!" a bulky dwarf called out from a nearby table, lifting his tankard in salute.

    Thalion responded with a warm, easy wave, a polite smile on his lips. He kept moving, his steps echoing softly as he passed the tavern section and began ascending the spiral staircase that hugged the interior wall of the guildhall.

    The second floor was quieter, reserved for private offices and meetings. The chatter and laughter below softened as Thalion climbed. His boots clicked softly against the polished wood floors.

    At the end of the hallway, Thalion reached a door bearing a brass plaque engraved with his name and title. He pushed it open, revealing his office.

    The room was spacious but practical, with a large window on the far wall letting in the golden midday light.

    Heavy emerald-green drapes, trimmed with silver, were tied back to frame the window. A sturdy mahogany desk sat in the center, its surface meticulously organized documents stacked neatly on one side, an inkstand and quill on the other.

    To the right of the desk stood a tall bookshelf filled with leather-bound tomes and scrolls, their covers glinting faintly in the light. On the left, a small table held a polished globe of the known world alongside a single potted fern. A coat rack near the door had Thalion''s traveling cloak.

    The scent of parchment, ink, and faint lavender lingered in the air, the latter likely from the oil lamp sitting on the desk, its base etched with floral designs.

    Seated before his desk was a woman, waiting.

    Thalion walked to the desk, his gaze briefly scanning the documents before looking back at Violet.

    "Efficient as always," he said with a faint smile.

    Violet inclined her head. "Shall I fetch you tea while you review the reports?"

    "No need," Thalion said, lowering himself into the chair behind the desk. "Stay. I''ll need your thoughts on a few matters shortly."

    Violet nodded, her hands clasped neatly in front of her as she waited silently.

    Thalion sat at his desk, his brow furrowing as he read through the reports, his eyes narrowing as they skimmed past one particular line. He stopped, rereading it slowly, the words sinking in with growing unease.

    A heavy sigh escaped him. He set the papers down as he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples before speaking aloud.

    "It seems the guild council wants all branches to collectively work together to hunt down some sort of cult... calling themselves The Angels of Ruin. Apparently, whoever they are, they''ve been causing some trouble in the East lately."

    Violet, who had been standing silently, tilted her head to the left. She looked curious yet confused. "Why? I thought the policy of the guilds was to never involve ourselves in conflicts related to any of the nations we were based in?"

    Thalion sighed deeply, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface of the desk. "That''s the thing. This strange cult... whatever they are... attacked the guild. Killed multiple branch Guildmasters and their officials."

    Violet''s eyes narrowed in shock. "But that doesn''t make any sense. The guild would never do anything to provoke such a reaction from anyone."

    Thalion''s gaze darkened, his voice lowering slightly. "I know. That''s exactly what makes this so strange. The guild has always kept a neutral stance, focusing only on the tasks of adventuring and trade, never meddling in the political affairs of any nation. Yet, here we are, caught in the middle of something we don''t even understand."

    He paused for a moment, leaning forward, his eyes hardening. "The only problem now is that the council is insisting that all efforts be put toward uncovering what, or rather, who The Angels of Ruin are... and getting rid of them. Which means I won''t be able to have guild members assist in the plans I discussed with the emperor earlier."