Chapter 158 - Number One

The person who stood in front of me was on a whole other level. Usually, adventurers carried an aura around them, the stronger I became the more I was able to sense it. But with him…it was like he wouldn't allow me to see it. 

Just how strong is this guy's control to be able to completely mask his energy? No, it's not just that. Now that we're talking, I can see traces of it.

The moment we locked eyes, it was over. I got a first-hand glimpse into the power he had sealed behind those gem-like eyes.

He was a monster, far greater than any I had ever met before. Not only was he completely overwhelming me, but he had enough power to easily level a city if he wanted to.

He extended out his hand in the greeting, his hand was firm. I could tell he was a master of the blade, his hands were rough, and it felt like I was holding a block of metal.

"Hello, I'm Eren Gardner. I'm the guild master for the Shared Sword guild. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner, it seems like my manners have dwindled from my recent journey in the Tower."

I was starstruck, my absolute hero stood right in front of me and just apologised to me too. I was in shock that someone so important was acting so formally to me, a nobody!

"It's not a problem…I'm just glad your guild made it back alright. I'm Rei Alos, an adventurer too. A big fan…" I stumbled over my words a bit.

I tried to keep a level head, it was bad enough that he was every adventurer's icon but he looked amazing too!

His chiselled face only further shined under the silky blue hair that hovered above his eyes. His features were so defined, not only in his face but his entire body. I knew he was a warrior but I was seriously intimidated by his muscles. 

If I didn't know any better, I would have thought he was sculpted by the goddess of creation herself.

"So how did you know Edward?"

I was caught off guard by his question and snapped back to reality.

"How did you know that we knew each other?"

"You had the expression of someone who missed an old friend. I've been an adventurer for quite some time now, It's a given to have that look in this occupation."

He gave off a wise tone as he spoke, I felt as though I needed to soak up every word he said. 

"Were you friends with Mr. Ed as well?"

"We were more rivals than anything but I always considered him my friend. He was an adventurer I respected more than anyone."

"I didn't know guild leaders could get along. Usually, the larger guilds end up fighting more than anything." I responded.

"They usually don't but we seemed to be the exception. Besides, I'm not sure Istoria would be able to handle a fight between two of the pillar guilds." 

Mr Eren gave a light chuckle as he stared off at the statue. A twinkle beamed from his eyes as he admired Mr. Ed's memorial. He grinned proudly, I only wish I could have known what he was thinking to make him smile like that.

I knew he was joking but even I got a little anxious at the thought of two major guilds colliding. The damage would have blown away half the city, had anything like that have to happen.

"If I'm being honest Rei, it isn't the first that I've heard of you. You're quite popular from what I've gathered."

That's strange…I've never felt popular.

"I hear you have a unique skill as well."

I wasn't in the middle of a fight, there was no danger either and yet…my hands wouldn't stop shaking. It had been such a long time since my body refused to listen to me, I thought I had a better grip on myself but I was outmatched.

Eren's eyes lit up with a powerful blue glow, almost as though they were emitting small flames. I felt like cowering under his intense stare but I fought back against it. I didn't want to feel that way anymore, not even to him.

I returned his deep stare with one of my own and he smiled. The last thing I wanted to do was piss him off but since he started it, I didn't give it a second thought. 

His grin returned and Eren placed his hand over my shoulder. All the tension in the air might as well have shattered, I finally felt my body calm down once his intense glare disappeared.

"You're definitely an adventurer alright, I can see it in your eyes that you've been through quite a bit. I'm sorry that I put you in that position, I just needed to see it for myself."

"I…uh, it's no worries." I forced a smile.

See what? I wondered.

I felt a little odd after nearly fainting from his stare but I managed to pull myself right again. His attention shifted from me and onto two figures that stood by the cemetery's entrance. They looked our way with weary eyes and Mr. Eren smirked back.

"Sorry Rei, but that's my signal to head back. I have a lot of work to get done now that I'm here in the city again, about two years' worth of paperwork."

Mr. Eren adjusted the buttons to his dress shirt and waved at the two adventurers waiting for him. They nodded back and stood patiently for him by the entrance gate.

"Of course– I understand! Please take care, sir!"

I gave a short bow as he walked away but before he left, he turned around and shot me one more warm smile.

"It was nice meeting you Rei, I'd like to see you again sometime, so I hope you'll excuse my brashness. Come around to the guild building tomorrow afternoon if you're not busy, I have something important to discuss with you."

I couldn't trust my ears anymore, I refused to believe what I just heard. How could I believe that the number one adventurer in Istoria had invited me to his guild building?!!

"Uh…yeah…I mean, yes! Yes sir!"

My mouth hung open, still not sure how to reply. All I managed was a babbling string of non-sensical responses.

He chuckled and waved goodbye as he turned back to the two people waiting for him. 

Mr. Eren left with what I assumed were his guildmates. It was two adventurers, dressed in their gear unlike Mr. Eren, who left in a suit and tie. They shot me a disapproving glare as they left, I wasn't sure how but I must have offended them.

I was alone again, my mouth remained open. I was still staring out at the entrance gate where Mr. Eren had left but still couldn't wrap my head around the situation that passed.

"I'm not dreaming, right? Did all that really just happen…?!"