Chapter 2

"What do you think, Joshua?" I ask the man to my left, who had picked me up from my house this morning and drove me to the dealership I had found in L.A.

"When I picked you up sir, you mentioned that having a driver drew too much attention. If I may, how is this less eye catching than me?" My driver for the day asks with a hint of amusement coloring his tone.

"Well, I was originally thinking of going with the M4 over there, but tio come on, it's a fucking Ferrari F8 Tributo. 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and 710 hp of cherry red sexiness with curves and edges that had me bricked up the second I saw them." I excitedly retort while running my hands over the body of the car.

Our presences finally draw the attention of the nearby salesman who instead of immediately greeting us, takes a moment to look us over first, before seemingly deciding that we're worth his time. He probably had some spiel rehearsed or was going to try to use my age against me and rope me into some drawn out honeypot scenario, to get me to buy an overpriced P.O.S Maserati, but before he can get a word out… I beat him to the punch.

"I'll take it."

At first the man takes my statement as a joke but seeing that I'm not laughing along with him and instead staring at him unamused, he quickly shuts up. He tries to rally by talking to Joshua, probably thinking he's my dad even though we look nothing alike, but that gets him nowhere, eventually having to call his boss since he apparently doesn't have the clearance to sell such an expensive car.

Once his boss comes over and I properly introduce myself though, the rest of the process becomes a cake walk with the end result being me saying goodbye to Joshua one final time before driving off the lot in style.

-:][:-

*VRRRRROOOOOOOMMMMM*

The crackle of the exhaust of my new favorite worldly possession, announces my arrival at the next destination on my to do list, as I down shift and pull into the private parking lot of an inconspicuous building at the center of Rodeo Drive.

Getting out of the red beauty, almost everyone in my immediate vicinity turns to look at either me or my car.

Depending on who you ask, my smooth dark chocolate complexion is just as sexy as the seductive red of my new Ferrari. Coupled with a stature roughly measuring 6' 3", a physique honed after countless hours of training, long pitch-black dreadlocks currently in a lazy bun and decorated with gold jewelry, piercing pale blue eyes, and an heir of nobility that's impossible to fake, even I would be stunned to meet me.

The amount of stares were even more impressive because my outfit wasn't eye catchy at all. A plain white YSL t-shirt that looked as mundane as a Hanes tee, but fit my body in a loose manner that the generic brand could never. Black Athletic Fit jeans because ya boy didn't skip leg day and a pair of Air Max 1s x Sean Wotherspoon colab, to tie everything together.

By this point in my life, the stares of the masses are something I have had to get use to because of my other worldly beauty granted by the attributes of my race. But dragons are nothing if not prideful creatures, so instead of bothering me, they served as a validation to what I already knew.

I'm fucking beautiful.

"Hahaha" Chuckling in amusement to my inner musings, I focus back on the task at hand and head to the building with a sign reading 'Emperor's Delight' over it.

"Hooly Shhit…" I hear whispered from one of the pretty women I assume is an employee of the store , as I open the door of the jewelry shop. "G-Good Afternoon sir! My name is Melody, is there anything I can help you with?" The same pretty brunette rallies, putting on a friendly smile and greeting me as soon as I step into the store.

At a quick glance, the shop is like any other jewelry emporium. Glass cases filled with various forms of jewelry, ranging from diamond rings to jewel encrusted collars.

"Actually, yes. I have an appointment with Eric, the dwarf." I reply in a friendly tone, taking in a breath from my surroundings, immediately noticing who's more than what they appear to be.

Although there was a hint of recognition to the name I stated, the pretty young woman didn't let much show and instead went to deny my request. The moment I see that happening though, I channel some magic into my eyes, shifting them from their normal state and into their active one.

Once calm pale blue eyes, quickly shift into tempests of unbridled energy, earning me a gasp from the sales attendant, her own eyes unconsciously shifting into what I assume is their natural feline look.

Her demeanor takes a complete 360 degree turn, no longer acting like a coy sales lady, instead sharpening into a by the book professional.

"Of course, sir. Please follow me." She politely states, turning on her heels and walking towards a door that reads, 'Employees only'.

I'm quick to fall into step, entering through the reinforced metal doors she unlocks with a security badge and walking through a dimly lit hallway that eventually leads to an elevator.

Swiping her security badge on a scanner once more, Melody ushers me into the elevator before following me in and pressing a button showing a down arrow. The moment the elevator doors close, a subtle golden shimmer runs through the body of the woman standing beside me.

Two fluffy brown ears popping out of the top of her head and an equally fluffy brown tail popping out of her lower back.

"Is this your first time in California? I haven't seen you around before." The now much cuter cat lady asks while her tail, lazily swishes behind her.

"I've visited as a child, but what's the saying. Ahh yes, I'm from across the pond." I reply, noticing that she has once again shifted in demeanor after noticing that I didn't have much of a reaction to the appearance of her new appendages.

"You don't sound British though. I would have guessed somewhere from the south maybe?" Melody questions, her voice sounding more upbeat now and full of curiosity.

"Hahaha, I guess the Brits use that saying more so than anyone else. I'm from Spain but my mom is Native American. She was born in Colorado, so English is as much my native tongue as Spanish is." I chuckle in reply, glad that our initial interaction didn't sour the mood.

"Hahaha Well, your English sounds a lot prettier than most American speakers. You kind of sound like Mathew McConaughey, but sexier." The bold young woman proclaims while inching just a bit closer and trying to inconspicuously sniff the air around me.

Before anything can come of her statement, the elevator bell dings, the elevator itself jerking to a stop before the doors open to a sight you would have to see to believe.

The best comparison I could make, would have to be the way Diagon Alley looks like in the Harry Potter movies the first time the brick wall is opened by Hagrid.

But instead of the outdated fashion and architect from Harry Potter, a more cyber punk meets underground city fills my gaze.

Creatures from every walk of mythology, mingling amongst each other's while either selling their wares or buying from the various shops scattered around.

Bright lights illuminate the entire underground system, every inch bathed in neon blues, purples, yellows, and greens.

"You'll get use to it." The cat woman I had forgotten about in my awestruck moment, teases from beside me, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward to continue walking. "Welcome to what the locals call, The Oasis. A neutral ground where any and all are welcome. The only exception being those who don't play nice with others."

"In other words, be a good boy and follow the rules." I good naturedly return, getting a giggle from the mischievous cat.

"The Oasis is the one stop shop for anything supernatural, at least on the west coast. With deep enough pockets, you can buy just about anything. From your run of the mill potion ingredients to mithril encrusted magical weapons. The only question you have to ask, is how much am I willing to spend." Melody continues, pointing out shops along the way to wherever it is that she's taking me.

As we walk along, several other cat people enthusiastically wave at the black-haired woman clinging to my arm. The admirers don't stop just at the people from her own race though, almost every man we pass throws me a dismissive glance before ogling her cleavage that's barely held in place by the black blazer she's wearing. Not to mention the gazes I instinctively feel coming from behind us, more than likely aimed at her well toned ass, only covered by her skin tight black business skirt.

"We're here. Grand Master Eric's workshop." Melody grandly introduces, as we reach a shop made out of layered stone and wooden beams of the highest quality. Through the windows a myriad of swords, axes, spears, bows, and shield are on display for the world to see.

Each piece a testament to the genius that I'm here to hopefully do business with.

Following melody into the shop aptly named 'Dwarven Steel', I begin looking around at all the nicks and bobs while Melody excuses herself to see how much longer Eric will be with his current appointment.

A few of the swords catch my eyes, but my weapons of choice are either the spear or an axe, which leave much to be desired from the choices available.

"Anything Catch your eye, Boyo?" A powerful gruff voice asks, interrupting my perusing.

Turning to face the source of said voice, I'm met with a stalky short man whose body looks like it's made of nothing but pure muscle. The man has a wild luscious beard that's braided and held together at the ends by metallic bands, much like the golden ones decorating my own dreads. His upper body is bare and only covered by a leather apron, showing off some bad ass tattoos and chiseled features.

"Yes, your work is quite legendary. My father even has a couple pieces made by you, which is how I heard about you in the first place. It's a pleasure to meet you Grand Master Eric, my Name is Darrian Quetzal." I smoothly reply.

Using the smile taught to me by my father when doing business, while extending out a hand for him to shake.

"Ya Fooking Quetzal's and yer silver tongues. Well, come boyo, let's talk in me office and square up on the order ya placed. I don't got all day ya kno!" The brusque man bluntly states in a thick accent, not impressed whatsoever with what could probably be the billionth compliment he's heard regarding his work.

"Don't mind him, he's like that with pretty much everyone." Melody wryly apologizes for the behavior of her employer, only to get a glare from the older man himself.

"I Fooking herd dat ya lazy cat. Wat de hell are you's even doing here? Shuldn't you's be topside makin me muney!" The dwarven man bellows out, causing Melody to wince at his words before slightly blushing. "AH, right! Ya Fooking Quetzal's wer always gud wit da ladies. Headache you's lot are."

"SHUT UP OLD MAN!" Melody screeches out in a manner I didn't see coming at all.

Getting flustered by his words she decides to beat a hasty retreat, offering me a timid smile before rushing out the shop.

"Hahaha, dad said you were quite the character. It looks like America might not be so boring after all." I jubilantly reply, laughing at the play by play.

"Ow iz ya Old Man? You's said e still az da swords I made em?" The dwarf smith asks, turning back in the direction he was walking, prompting me to follow.

"Pops is good and yea he brags about your swords to almost anyone who sees them. Him and mom are still in Spain watching over our European territories." I informally answer, since if my dad is to be believed, him and the Grand Master Dwarf named Eric, are old drinking buddies.

"Good Woman yer Mom. I almost beat yer da in a drinking contest for er and in marriage but the snake che'ated. Used dat blasted magic of your people. Dat's ow e ended up wit da sword." Eric offers information that I have no idea what to do with, so I just laugh and continue following him through his shop until we get to his office. "Now, wat's a lad like you's need diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and all dese udder shiny lil rocks on your list fur?"

Taking a seat on a beautifully made wooden chair with leather cushions, I take a moment to compose my thoughts since the bluntness of the dwarven people allows for very little delicacy.

"As I'm sure you're aware, The Hale Pack was killed quite a few years back. In their wake a power vacuum was left that has yet to be truly filled. We wish to fill that void and bring back stability to these lands. And to do that I need a base of operations." I truthfully answer. Since a grand master smith would be an invaluable ally to have.

"Wards stones." The wizened older man grunts out, filling a pipe with some green herbs and taking a toke out of it. "Ya tink ya got wut it take's, Boyo?"

"Haha, I'm a Quetzal, Grand Master Eric. And we Quetzal's do what we want because we can." I chuckle, my posture straightening while my body subconsciously emits a feint aura that has the dwarf grinning from ear to ear.

"Good Lad! Den ere. Dis be only alf of wat wuz on yur list. For the other alf you'z needing to complete a lil job first. One of our mines wuz infested by goblins. Foocking disgusting little shits. Da Hale Pack uze to eep dem in line, but." The dwarven black smith explains, offering a rhetoric shrug at the end. "You get rid of dem and I'll even give you's a discount fur da rest." Grand Master Eric shrewdly states, throwing a case of what I assume are jewels my way and having me rethink my position on just how strategic the old man can be.

"Let me guess, you couldn't finish my order either because you're supply lines are backed up due to this invasion." I deadpan, earning a hearty laugh from the man. "You got some intel for me then? Like how many and exactly where?"

"Hahaha, smart boyo. Ye, go talk to da Guild in town, they'll give ya all the info ya need." The dwarf ribs back, shooing me out of his shop so he can get back to work.

Before exiting the workshop, I make sure to put a disillusionment charm on the metallic case in my hand, by channeling my magic through said hand, enveloping the case in a golden aura of intent and turning the shiny metallic case into a run of the mil plastic bag with grocery's inside.

Confident in by abilities, I once again step out onto the buzzing streets, only now realizing that I have no idea where to go. Shrugging my shoulders and picking a direction, I start walking, deciding to ask whoever I run into along the way for directions.

-:][:-

"And you said the guild hall is at the end of this street and to the left?" I ask the older potion's mistress, who happens to be of half elven descent, if her ears are any indication.

"Yes, young one. It's a grand building usually filled with music of some sorts and people going in and out at all times of the day." The older woman patiently answers, wrapping up the ingredients I had bought before handing them to me.

I had already been to a few shops that had items that I would undoubtedly need. Potion material, a bottomless leather backpack to store anything and everything, A rune carving kit, and some interesting books that I found from various shops.

"Thank you mam, I appreciate all your help." I offer to the uncommonly polite elf. Most from her race would either be stuck up or indifferent, so the change of pace truly goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover.

"Not a problem young man. Please do come back for any of your potion needs. It warms my old heart to see today's youth still interested in the old ways." The elven woman named Morwen states, gracefully smiling from behind the counter and sending me off in a brighter mood because of it.

During my exploration of the magical underground city, I had uncovered quite a bit of useful information. I had heard whispers of various incidents that were happening around the country, a lot of them centered around what is now my territory. I even heard rumors of a vampire clan returning to Washington, after being a way for some time.

I made sure to keep my ear low to the ground, making sure to ask around for more information on some of the more serious incidents. The solving of those issues would be sure to help in spreading my name while garnering popularity with the common folk, that I would be sure to need if I wished to rule effectively.

"Drink, Drink, Drink, Drink, Drink…"

Rounding the corner, at the end of the street Morwen told me to walk down, I come to the conclusion that I'm on the right track, since the elven woman mentioned the street the guild was located on, was surrounded by bars.

Walking a little bit further, I finally find the building with the most foot traffic. The building I assume is the guild, looking to be ultra-modern, leaning more towards a sci fi night club than what I would expect a guild hall to look like. Deciding not to waste any more time, I walk in behind a group of people who look to be close in age to me.

"You think they'll finally let us rank up?" Asks a young man who can't be older than 25, to a woman similar in age and a bow on her back.

"I fucking hope so. I thought we would be swimming in dough by now. But instead, we're stuck at this stupid Porcelain rank. If I have to see another group of goblins again, I'm going to lose it." The black-haired woman annoyingly spouts out before her group walks into the hall and heads to a table where another group of young adults are gathered.

"I guess I'm in the right place." I mumble to no one in particular, taking in the bright neon lights, that seem to be the trend in The Oasis.

The place isn't too full, but just like what you would see in a fantasy show or video game, groups of people are lounging all around with every single weapon imaginable on their persons.

"Good Afternoon sir, My name is Alicia, is there anything I can help you with today?" A fairly attractive, green skinned woman, with bright orange hair, and yellow eyes asks from behind the counter I had walked to in search of more information.

"Hi, well actually, Grand Master Eric was telling me about a goblin issue he was having at one of his mines. Asked me to look into it and that I should come here for more information." I quietly reply, after noticing one too many gazes pointed my way.

"Certainly sir. And may I ask, are you a registered member of the guild? Or will this be freelance work?" The woman who I believe to be an orc of some type asks.

"I just recently moved here so no I'm not registered. Are there any benefits with joining the guild?" I curiously ask, since I wasn't old enough to join the guild back home and the rules could be different from country to country.

"Yes sir, there are quite a few benefits. The most obvious ones being that getting hired for quests is a lot easier when you have a ranking backed by the guild. We also offer competitive market prices for any members wishing to sale magical creature remains or valuables found during missions. But most importantly, the guilds network is present in all major cities across the country, so work and lodging will always be available to you. All this and so much more, for a measly 10% of your total earnings from any guild sponsored quest." Alicia rattles off, reminding me of one of those infomercials that pop up during late night tv.

"And how would that differ from someone doing freelance work?" I ask, already making assumptions of my own but looking for confirmation.

"Freelance individuals do not operate on a ranking system which mean that most employers will often either overlook them when looking for help or pay them considerably less. Now of course, if you are well known and have a respectable reputation for doing good work, then that can be mitigated, but you would still have to pay out of pocket each time you wanted to use any of our member only perks and would be charged a premium when selling any items to the guild." The pretty green lady expertly recites.

"Just like Vegas, the house always wins then. Hahaha, Well I've always wondered what it would be like to be an adventurer like Natzu or Momonga, so why not, I'll register." I answer to the patiently waiting guild employee after taking a moment to think my options over.

"Brilliant! Then please fill out this form with all your information and I'll get started on your new member starter pack." Alicia beams, handing me an iPad, turning to start typing information into her own computer.

The registration form is pretty straight forward, full name, DOB, next of kin, yada yada yada. It only takes me about 15mins to fill out and after I do, Alicia has already put together the starter pack she was talking about.

"First, If you could say Cheeesseee." The upbeat woman says in a sing song voice, waiting for me to smile before snapping a picture of me. "Handsome… U-mmm I mean, that was for your Guild profile." She unconsciously says the first part, only to blush and stammer through an explanation. "Anyways, each new adventure is gifted with the latest iPad, which comes with the supernatural's equivalent of a social media app, Avalon, pre installed.

Your profile has already been set up with the information that you provided and using the Avalon app you can accept any quests handed out, as well as receive all the information on said quest that the guild has."

Taking the offered iPad, Alicia gives me a moment to open the app, letting me explore my profile.

Name: Darrian Quetzal

Race: Dragon Born

Age: 16

Rank: Porcelain

Sub Rank: I

Profile Picture:

The information was pretty basic, but what drew my eye the most was the ranking system that I wasn't too familiar with.

"Would you mind explaining the ranking system?" I turn to ask Alicia who was typing away on her computer.

"Certainly sir. All new members start at Porcelain rank, no matter their experience level. As adventurers…" The woman begins explaining, giggling at the word I used before, while sending me a teasing smile. "Complete missions coinciding with their current rank, their sub rank will increase from an 'I' being the lowest to an 'SSS' being the highest. In ascending order, the ranks are Porcelain, Obsidian, Steel, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The sub ranks within each rank, again in ascending order are I, H, G, F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and finally SSS."

"And I'm assuming that the higher the rank of the quest the more difficult it will be, and the higher your personal sub rank the more likely employers will want to give you quests outside of your current rank?" I follow up, making sure to understand the logistics of what the ranks represent.

"Correct, and the way you move up in ranks, is by completing missions outside of your current rank difficulty." Alicia adds on, more than happy to help. "The current quest issued by Grand Master Eric is rated at a Sapphire rank, but since Grand Master Eric has already endorsed you, there will be no issue with you accepting it. I'm not sure if Grand Master Eric told you, but he has also contracted another team for this quest. They're actually over there if you would like to meet them." The Orc lady points out, while gesturing to the group I had noticed when I first walked in.

"He didn't mention them, but I don't see it being a problem. The more the merrier." I reply, giving the group a quick glance.

"Perfect, then let me show you how to accept the quest."

We talk for a couple of more minutes, Alicia showing me some of the other features the iPad has to offer, even showing me how to download the magically protected app on my iPhone.

Thanking the woman for her help, I bid her goodbye before walking over to the group I would be adventuring with.