The Guild Master and Promotion

In the Adventurers Guild, Creed suddenly sneezed and felt a chill run down his spine. Kyru, concerned, asked, "Captain, did you catch a cold?" Creed shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "No, I don't think so. I just felt like someone was talking about me."

He quickly changed the subject, turning to Shiiyo for a status report on what they had been up to while he was unconscious. "Anyway, Shiiyo, what's the status report?"

Shiiyo began to relay their recent activities. "While you were unconscious, Kyru and I took on some small quests in the Guild, trying to get a better understanding of this new world. However," he paused and brought his hands together, causing his glasses to light up, "We've run into a bit of an issue. We're running low on ammunition."

Creed crossed his arms, clearly concerned. "That's problematic. Ammunition is vital for us."

Kyru added his own worries. "Yes, Captain, it seems that gunpowder is scarce and expensive here. We need to find a solution to this issue."

Kyru then shared a discovery he had made during his time hunting. "I managed to defeat a massive monster, and it dropped something that resembled the weapon crates we had back in our world. Inside, I found a Compound Bow, complete with a case and Fiber arrows. What's even more interesting is that it had an explosive attachment and tracker arrowheads."

Creed's interest was piqued. "Wait, you found a weapon crate? That's a significant discovery." Shiiyo contributed to the discussion. "Yes, Captain, it appears we have our own unique loot drops in this world. Additionally, I obtained a new melee weapon – Kukri Machetes – from one of the monsters we encountered."

Creed was impressed by their discoveries and what this might mean for their continued survival. "This is excellent news. It means that, in this world, we might find various items to aid us."

Creed had an idea and inquired, "So, if these large monsters can drop weapon crates, it's possible that the giant Basilisk we encountered might have something valuable. I think it's worth revisiting that area to investigate."

The trio nodded in agreement, ready to formulate a plan to return to the dungeon and uncover any valuable items it might hold.

Shiiyo approached Lila at the counter desk, ready to report the details of their last quest. Lila nodded and greeted them with a cheerful smile. She was relieved to see the trio back in good health. "That's good to hear. I'm just glad that the three of you are back on your feet. Anyway, let's proceed with the report."

Shiiyo began explaining in detail about their encounter with the Basilisk near the dungeon. However, as soon as the report was finished, Lila couldn't contain her surprise. "What?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with shock. "You guys killed a Basilisk? A literal Basilisk? The kind that requires an army of knights and an S-rank adventurer to defeat?!"

Her exclamation caused quite a commotion among the other adventurers in the guild, who overheard the conversation. Whispers and astonished expressions filled the room. "Did you hear that?" one adventurer said. "I can't believe they killed a Basilisk. They're only E-rank!" another chimed in. "Yeah, it's hard to believe newcomers took it down on their own," added another. Shiiyo quickly tried to hush Lila, leaning in and whispering, "Lila, please keep your voice down." Lila covered her mouth, realizing her outburst had drawn far too much attention.

She then whispered an apology to the trio, "I'm really sorry. It's just incredibly surprising that you three managed to defeat something that usually requires an army of knights." The trio simply scratched their heads, still adjusting to the disbelief of others.

In the corner of the room, a C-rank adventurer named Greg stood up and arrogantly scoffed, "Hah, these guys are just a bunch of liars! Do you really think an E-rank is capable of facing a Basilisk, let alone defeating it? What a joke! And they don't have any proof!"

Kyru was about to respond, his annoyance evident, but Shiiyo held him back with a firm grip. "Stay cool, Kyru," Shiiyo advised, his voice calm. Creed stepped in, addressing Greg, "We're not lying. We're telling the truth."

Greg remained skeptical. "Well, then, where's your proof? You might have fancy equipment, but you're still just newcomers." He was clearly provoking them. Creed shot back, "We do have proof for now. The village near the dungeon can vouch for us."

Greg continued to provoke, casting doubt on the villagers' credibility. He sneered, "Villagers? They're just full of crap. They'll just say anything."

Lila intervened, stepping between Creed and Greg, trying to defuse the situation. She firmly addressed Greg, "Please, both of you, stop this! Especially you, Greg, stop causing trouble in the guild!"

Greg then shifted his attention to Lila, his intentions clearly malicious. He grabbed her hand and said with a sinister grin, "How about you and me have a little fun?" Kyru couldn't stand by and watch this, wanting to teach Greg a lesson, but Shiiyo held him back.

Shiiyo whispered to Kyru, "Kyru, no. Just wait." Kyru looked at him with annoyance, but Shiiyo pressed on, "Just watch."

Creed, seeing Lila in distress, had had enough. He grabbed Greg's wrist, twisting it until Greg released Lila. His eyes glowed with intensity under his helmet. "Let her go, now!" he ordered, his voice unwavering.

Greg grunted, clearly in pain as Creed's strength prevailed, "You... you jerk!" He tried to throw a punch at Creed but was abruptly halted by an authoritative voice that echoed through the guild. "Stop right there!"

A tall and stern woman with a piercing gaze emerged from the back of the guild counter. She was clearly a formidable presence. She continued with a sinister smile and piercing eyes, "If you don't stop this at once, I will have to resort to violence. You wouldn't want that, would you, Greg?"

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Greg swallowed hard and turned to leave, muttering, "Tsk... you're lucky today," as he exited the guild in defeat.

The trio stood in amazement, their eyes locked on the formidable woman who had just made the unruly thug retreat with a mere presence. Shiiyo leaned towards Lila and inquired about her identity. Lila, with a hint of pride, explained, "Oh right, you guys haven't met her yet. Her name is Aizeah Rheavyn, she's the guild master."

The trio stared at her, still astonished. Kyru, in a tone filled with amazement, commented, "Woah, really? So that's the Guild Master, huh?" Shiiyo nodded, equally impressed.

Lila continued, "I've heard incredible stories about her. They say she once led the charge in defeating a horde of demons back in the day. I've also heard that she soloed a demon general and emerged victorious. Not to mention, she's said to be on par with the most skilled Royal Knight Captain, Lady Leona!"

The trio was left in stunned silence, responding with a simple "Woah" in unison.

Aizeah, their eyes still focused on her, suddenly approached the trio, making them stand up straight in reflex, reminiscent of their military days when a superior officer demanded attention. Aizeah scrutinized the trio, her piercing gaze assessing them from head to toe. She then turned her gaze to Lila and gave her a firm command. "Bring these three idiots to my office."

Lila, taken aback by the unexpected order, stammered, "Y-yes, ma'am!" As she walked away, the trio collectively let out a deep sigh. Shiiyo spoke, "Man, she gave me flashbacks to our first days in the military." Kyru agreed, "You said it, dude. It's like seeing that commander of ours."

Lila, looking at the trio with a tinge of worry, tried to reassure them, "You three will be fine... probably." The trio exchanged glances, their faces reflecting their concern. With that, Lila escorted the trio to the Guild Master's Office.

The trio found themselves standing in front of the Guild Master, Aizeah Rheavyn. She began reviewing the reports provided by Lila, and while she was focused on the paperwork, Kyru and Shiiyo couldn't help but chat in whispers, their concern palpable.

"Do you think we're in trouble?" Kyru asked quietly.

Shiiyo whispered back, "I don't know, but we're about to find out."

Creed, sensing their unease, commanded, "You two, knock it off."

After finishing her reading, Aizeah slammed the papers on her desk and locked her piercing gaze on the trio. They immediately straightened up in reflex, and Creed couldn't help but voice his concern. "Is there something wrong, ma'am? Are... are we in trouble or something?"

Aizeah couldn't help but smirk at their nervousness. "So, you three managed to defeat the Basilisk, huh?" she commented.

Shiiyo replied hesitantly, "Ye...yes, ma'am, we did."

She continued, "Based on the reports from the village, it seems you pulled through, although someone almost died. But I guess you made it work somehow." The trio went silent, unsure of how to respond to her.

Aizeah continued, "From what I've gathered here, Lila sent you for what was supposed to be a scouting mission, but we didn't expect there to be a Basilisk living in the woods."

She chuckled and then addressed the trio. "You three!" Their reflexes kicked in once again, and they straightened up in unison. In response to her question, they replied in harmony, "Yes, Ma'am!"

Aizeah's tone became more serious as she declared, "I'm promoting you to C-rank adventurers, and I'll personally hand you your missions from now on!"

The trio's tension transformed into surprise and excitement, glancing at each other with happy faces. Lila, standing next to Aizeah, clapped her hands with a smile, thrilled for the trio's promotion to C-rank.

Shiiyo couldn't help but express his amazement."Really? That fast? But it's only been a couple of weeks since we joined! How come we're getting special treatment?"

Aizeah's sinister smirk didn't go unnoticed, and Kyru voiced his concern. "I don't like that smile." Aizeah assured them, "You three are perfect for the job. You've shown great coordination and professionalism, especially for newbie adventurers. Don't worry; since I'll be handling the quests personally, you'll be promoted to A-rank in no time."

Creed, as the leader, confidently replied, "We accept your offer, Lady Aizeah." With that, the trio exited the room, leaving Aizeah and Lila behind.

Lila, still concerned, asked Aizeah, "Are they going to be all right, Guild Master?" Aizeah, holding a letter with the city palace crest, responded, "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. A friend of mine recommended them, especially that big man in full armor she spoke of."