The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Since then, Katrina had become consumed by her desire to uncover the truth about Noel, Leona, and Bastian. It had led her to resort to spying on them, meticulously observing their every move. From discreetly following them through the city streets to eavesdropping on their conversations in dimly lit taverns, she was determined to unearth their hidden secrets.

However, her efforts proved to be in vain as she discovered that their backgrounds were shrouded in an impenetrable web of secrecy. Their records, guarded by the esteemed Grandmaster Weston, were protected by layers of encryption and red tape.

Katrina felt the weight of the challenge intensify when she learned that the same Grandmaster had played a crucial role in King Edward's education, making him an even more formidable obstacle. Frustration gnawed at her, but she clung to a glimmer of hope, a hope that resided in her last resort—Grimm.

...

Lost in her contemplation, Katrina was suddenly startled by a piercing voice that sliced through the air like a blade. Her gaze snapped towards the source, and she found herself confronted by a group of mercenaries, their eyes filled with hostility and suspicion.

Her heart raced, confusion clouding her expression as she scanned the guild hall. To her dismay, she realized that the once-friendly faces now mirrored the same anger she encountered from the mercenaries. Perplexed, she voiced her confusion, her words laced with genuine bewilderment. "What's amiss? Why the collective ire?"

The guild members recoiled slightly, surprised by her evident disarray. One of them leaned in, his voice barely a whisper. "Didn't you know? When receiving a job, it's customary to post it for all to see."

Suddenly, realization crashed upon Katrina like a tidal wave. In an instant, she composed herself, a professional smile adorning her lips. "I sincerely apologize for my oversight. This task shall be handled by the capable hands of the guild staff. Pardon my interruption." The tension in the room dissipated, and the guild members returned to their own endeavors.

Meanwhile, some guild members cursed their misfortune, their luck having robbed them of an effortless job. Nobody wanted to pass up an opportunity for easy coin.

Although the earlier incident still lingered in Katrina's mind, she set aside her petulance, focusing her attention on matters of greater significance. With determination burning within her, she beckoned one of the female staff members and entrusted her with temporary responsibilities. "I must meet with the master," she stated resolutely before making her way towards the secluded rear of the guild.

A concealed button, known only to those who sought an audience with the master, triggered a sequence of mechanisms. The wall shifted silently, revealing a concealed door. Reciting an incantation, Katrina enveloped herself in a shimmering blue barrier before stepping through the threshold.

...

Beyond the door, Katrina found herself in a labyrinthine hallway, bathed in the ethereal glow of floating blue orbs. Each step she took resonated with purpose as her senses absorbed the surreal ambiance surrounding her. Her ears were filled with an otherworldly hum, and a faint scent of ancient parchment mingled with the air.

As she progressed along the corridor, a resounding click echoed through the passage, and Katrina's eyes darted to the entrance she had traversed, only to witness it vanish into the seamless wall. Undeterred, she pressed on, her anticipation heightened by the enigma that lay before her.

Finally, reaching the culmination of the corridor, Katrina confronted yet another door, its surface adorned with intricate symbols etched in mystical script. With a mixture of trepidation and determination, she gras

ped the handle and eased it open, only to be thrust into a frenetic battle against a barrage of sand scythes. Her once impenetrable barrier valiantly withstood the onslaught, crackling with energy, but ultimately succumbed to the relentless assault, shattering like fragile glass.

The room where Katrina found herself offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape, its panoramic expanse shielded by transparent glass. Seated amidst this picturesque backdrop was an elderly man, his weathered features adorned with wisps of smoke curling from a lit cigarette. Standing beside him, an enigmatic figure donning a clown hat and wielding a sword exuded an air of mystery.

As the old man turned his attention toward Katrina, his eyes locking with hers, he posed a question that cut through the air like a knife. "So, what brings you here with such urgency?" Katrina could discern from his demeanor and presence that he held the title of a master, distinguishing him from the grandmaster stature of Weston.

With a slight bow of respect, Katrina replied, "I apologize for intruding, Master Issac. I've obtained additional information concerning Grimm."

Reports had indicated that Issac had once fought alongside Weston as comrades in arms. While Weston had ascended to the prestigious rank of a 3rd class mage, Issac had not achieved the same heights. Nevertheless, he charted his own path, establishing a guild that mirrored Weston's ideals of providing jobs and upholding justice, albeit without the desire to be under Weston's rule.

Issac's guild had operated for nearly twelve years, ever since King Edward's ascension to the throne. The collaboration between Weston and Issac had ensured a heightened level of security within the kingdom. However, the emergence of the notorious Krox organization had complicated matters.

Though both the Issac Guild and the Krox organization had refrained from openly clashing, their elite members engaged in covert reconnaissance and carried out targeted assassinations within their respective factions.

With the main headquarters of the Issac Guild situated in the northern reaches of the capital city, the Krox organization had lost its stronghold in that region but remained a formidable force.

...

Upon hearing Katrina's revelation, a flicker of vitality danced within Issac's previously withered eyes. He leaned forward, an eager glint in his gaze. "Pray tell, what kind of information have you uncovered this time?"

Katrina repeated the details she had gathered, her words hanging in the air as the room took on a warm and weighty atmosphere. Every word she uttered seemed to stir a chord within Issac, his attention unwavering.

"It appears that Grimm may have played a pivotal role in aiding Krox in building his organization," he mused, his mind delving deep into contemplation. "And if I'm not mistaken, you mentioned that he was actively seeking the young man you saved?"

"Yes, Master," Katrina affirmed. "Based on the information I've gathered, it seems that this young man is intricately linked to the tavern incident."

Issac's weathered features creased with intrigue as he narrowed his eyes, delving into the depths of his thoughts. "Ah, it seems we may have caught a significant fish on our line. Have you managed to uncover any details about the young man's background?" he inquired, his tone laced with anticipation.

[🔓JAILBREAK] "I apologize, Master. I haven't had the opportunity to delve deeper into the investigation. However, I did uncover that two servants in their employ are from the family of the 2nd Witch, Leona," Katrina responded with a tinge of regret in her voice.

The revelation struck Issac with surprise, his brows furrowing in contemplation. "Isn't it evident then that one of the family members is involved?" he questioned, his tone filled with curiosity.

Katrina explained further, hoping to shed light on the complexities of the situation. "Well, the predicament lies in the fact that there is only one remaining child in the family. Based on the information I've gathered, it seems highly implausible for that child to be entangled in a case of this magnitude."

Confident in her findings, Katrina emphasized the disparities between Desmond and the enigmatic young man, assuring herself and Issac that they were distinct individuals.

Issac inquired, seeking more clarity. "Do they share any resemblances or has the child been implicated in any similar incidents?"

Katrina replied humbly, "I apologize, Master. I will delve further into the matter and provide you with a comprehensive report."

She hadn't anticipated her master's keen interest in the young boy, deeming it inconsequential. Yet, Issac's investment in the matter remained unwavering.

A sigh escaped Issac's lips as he addressed Chester, who had been silently observing from the corner. "Chester, you've been by my side for a considerable time. From now on, you have the freedom to explore, but always remember to safeguard the guild."

Issac's leniency towards Katrina's oversight or limitations was evident. As he spoke, their attention shifted to the enigmatic figure in the room.

Clad in a clown's attire, Chester bowed respectfully before fading away. To many, including Katrina, Chester remained an enigma, spending most of his time in the company of Issac. Rarely did she witness him taking on assignments, as most tasks were directly entrusted to him by the guild master. Such was her perception of him.

Katrina bid farewell to Issac and exited the room, activating the same button to conceal the doorway once more.

Issac pondered to himself, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Grimm and Krox... I must inform Weston about this."

...

In another corner of the realm, Desmond found himself surrounded by concerned witches. One of them approached him, her voice filled with compassion. "Desmond, how are you feeling?"

He sighed deeply, weariness evident in his response. "Tired. I've been confined to this room, undergoing treatment for days now."

Attempting to steady himself and recall the events that transpired at the tavern, Desmond felt increasingly suffocated by the constant attention from the medical experts.

"We understand, but Clementine sent us to ensure your complete recovery," another witch explained, her tone conveying a sense of duty.

Desmond nodded, resigned to his circumstances. "I comprehend. What do I need to do?"

The witches resumed their healing rituals, casting spells and administering potions to facilitate his physical recovery. Despite his frustration, Desmond acknowledged their intentions were genuine, aimed solely at aiding his recuperation.