2 Leader of the Pack

Flower petals were thrown from high towers and bells chimed all over the outer district of the kingdom in celebration of the return of The Light of Dawn from their journey. The pubs in the Trade District are full of merry as men celebrated with cups of beers and wines.

At the gates, Lord Commander Elric, with his legion, welcomed thirteen of them with his arm in his chest as a salute. It was clear that even in his position in the kingdom's military, he held high regard and awe with the famous guild.

"As the representative of the Northmont Kingdom and the High Alterac Empire, I welcome back everyone!

I've heard from the High Council that your quest this time is a Class SS quest. It was to subdue the Black Dragon Dorotar that has been rampaging in the southern colonies of the empire for some time now. It was also written in the papers that circulated throughout the empire that the Cherry Blossom Kingdom and the Blue Leaf Dukedom in the south were almost brought down to its knees by the black dragon. Is all that true?"

As per usual, it was Captain Holt who stepped forward with a gentle smile and fluttering long golden hair in front of young Lord Commander.

"It was all true but the black dragon was much trickier and more dangerous than it was first described from us when we accepted the quest. It took quite a long time to defeat it but worry not, Lord Commander. The evil creature is already dead."

Captain Holt then pointed at the large, eight-wheeled carriage in the back.

"Inside that carriage, we have bought the severed head of the Black Dragon Dorotar for the Adventurer's Association as proof of the completed quest."

Lord Commander Elric curiously walked towards the said carriage with anticipation to look the creature with his own eyes. Other people couldn't also help but also want to take a glance at the carriage. He took a deep breath and slowly opened the back carriage door.

As he opened the carriage door, four large red eyes full of deep anger, tyranny and regret greeted him and everyone around who wanted to watch.

It was the devil himself looked down upon everyone. Its scales were jet black, it had countless horns and its teeth were as sharp as swords. It was so large that the carriage was just enough for the head to fit.

The weak-willed almost peed their pants in fear of the severed creature. If the didn't saw its lopped neck, they would have already run for their lives!

The Lord Commander couldn't help but shiver upon the majestic sight of the extinguished calamity. It was clear to him of the strength of the black dragon when it was alive and yet, with all of its might and glory, it was defeated and killed by the Light of Dawn.

'They are the strongest guild in this land.'

He took another deep breath and slowly closed the carriage door.

Bang!

- - -

That night, a banquet was held to honor the guild's latest accomplishment. A grand celebration was held at the Imperial Palace grounds. Countless foods were lined up for the guests and the host of the banquet was the imperial family of Alterac themselves. Many nobles and distinguished guests were invited to join the celebration.

Yan Norton, the leader and the brain of Light of Dawn is by the stone-bench located in the far corner outskirts of the imperial garden, lying with both hands at the back of his head. Beside the stone-bench was a tall and large apple tree with its emerald leaves swayed with the night sea breeze. Up above, two magnificent red moons and a sky full of stars. Far from the candle lights of the within the palace and city streets, he stared at the millions of flickers as they graced their brilliance to the earth below.

"Ugh. I hate these kinds of celebrations. Too many people. I had planned to sleep in my bed for the next two days."

''I had guessed I would find you here. I told you to interact with other people. Don't just lie there and be the odd man out, Yan.''

It was one of his guildmates, Lady Anna Tyrellus. She is well-known for her adventurer's name the Red Witch, the prime magician of the guild. She wore a red and black gown that truly captures her body shape and charm. Even Yan couldn't help but get mesmerized and swallow a little bit of saliva after seeing her. She gracefully walked towards him and also sat in the stone bench, caressing his messy ash-grey hair.

"You know, if you were to be like Captain Holt who can socialize with any noble and rich men, you would've have been more well-known than him. Then more people would know you are our real guild master and not Captain Holt, Yan.''

Yan closes his eyes and felt her hands in her head, feeling relaxed.

''I've told you before, I don't like other people.''

''Who do you like then?''

''I like you.''

Lady Anna was quite angry at first before coming here but she then charmingly smiled as she heard his smooth words. He stared at her, lovingly. She can genuinely feel that she is his world and only she is all that he needs. Her hands then slowly traveled from his hair towards his brows, to his eyelids, then to his nose and stopped at his lips.

''Hm! You better be. I like you too, Yan. But...''

''But, what?''

''Nothing. Get up! The Emperor is about to give a speech any minute now. As the leader of our guild, you should be there to receive it.''

Lady Anna stood up and hurriedly left the place. Before she left, Yan saw a myriad of emotions such as hesitation, sadness, and guilt flashed from her eyes which made him confused.

''Maybe I'm just overthinking a bit.''

Yan shook his head, stood up and slowly walk towards the banquet place.