Tragedy of Divinity

Chapter 45: Into the Adventurers Guild

The trio limped into the Adventurers Guild just as the morning sun began to creep over the horizon. Despite their attempt to appear composed, it was impossible to hide the battle-worn state they were in. Lucian's coat was torn at the shoulder, revealing a bloodied bandage hastily wrapped underneath. Seraphine's usually pristine hair was disheveled, and dried blood streaked her temple. Quintin, wide-eyed and pale, clutched his side as if the weight of his newly acquired revolver added to his exhaustion.

The bustling guild fell silent as the group staggered inside. Adventurers paused mid-conversation, their eyes tracking the trio with a mix of curiosity and unease.

The receptionist, a young woman with auburn hair tied in a neat bun, gasped at the sight of them. "What in the heavens happened to you three?" she exclaimed, rushing out from behind the counter.

Lucian waved her off, his voice gruff. "We're fine."

"You're not fine," she shot back, her sharp eyes scanning their injuries. "Wait here. I'm calling the head nurse." Without waiting for a response, she disappeared into the back room.

Quintin groaned, sinking into the nearest chair. "I think… I might actually die this time."

"You're not dying," Seraphine said flatly, though her hand instinctively checked the bandage on her arm. She turned her attention to Lucian, her voice low. "We shouldn't have come here like this. It's drawing too much attention."

"We didn't have a choice," Lucian replied, leaning against the wall. His usual composure was strained, and the dark circles under his eyes spoke of a sleepless night. "We need supplies and information. Besides, they'll figure out we were in the ruins sooner or later."

Before Seraphine could respond, the receptionist returned, accompanied by a tall woman in a crisp white uniform carrying a medical bag. The nurse's stern expression softened slightly as she assessed the group.

"Sit," the nurse ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. She gestured to Quintin first, who reluctantly obeyed, wincing as he moved.

"You three look like you've been through a war," the nurse muttered as she began tending to Quintin's bruises. "And judging by the look on your faces, I'd wager it wasn't a successful mission."

Lucian let out a dry chuckle. "You could say that."

Alaric Arrives

As the nurse worked on patching up Seraphine's arm, the heavy wooden doors of the guild swung open. The room tensed as a tall figure entered, his boots echoing against the polished floor.

It was Alaric, the guild master.

He cut an imposing figure, his tailored black coat flowing behind him as he strode forward. His hair, neatly parted in the middle, framed a face that bore an expression of perpetual amusement. His round glasses caught the morning light, reflecting an almost mischievous glint as his piercing eyes settled on the trio.

"Well, well," Alaric said, his smooth voice cutting through the silence. "I received a rather curious letter about a certain group causing quite the stir."

Lucian straightened, his hand instinctively resting on his sword hilt. "What do you want, Alaric?"

The guild master raised a brow, the faint smile on his lips never faltering. "What I want, dear Lucian, is to understand why the three of you look like you've crawled out of the depths of hell and brought its stench with you."

Quintin, who had just been released from the nurse's care, attempted to speak but was silenced by a glare from Lucian.

"We ran into trouble in the ruins," Seraphine said calmly, stepping in before Lucian could make the situation worse. "Demons. Far too many of them."

Alaric's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "Demons in the ruins? That's troubling. Those ruins were supposed to be dormant."

"They're not," Lucian said bluntly. "And whoever told you otherwise was either lying or incompetent."

Alaric tilted his head, his fingers brushing the edge of his glasses. "I'll look into it. In the meantime…" He gestured toward the nurse, who had finished treating Seraphine and was now standing by Lucian, waiting for him to sit.

Lucian waved her off. "I'm fine."

"You're bleeding," the nurse said flatly, her tone brooking no argument.

"Let her do her job, Lucian," Seraphine said, her voice holding a note of authority.

With a begrudging sigh, Lucian sat down, allowing the nurse to tend to the gash on his shoulder.

A Subtle Warning

As the nurse worked, Alaric leaned casually against the counter, his gaze never leaving the trio. "You're drawing quite a bit of attention," he said, his tone light but pointed. "First the Crimson Witch's lackeys, and now demons in the ruins. It's almost as if trouble is following you."

Lucian shot him a glare. "We didn't ask for any of this."

"No," Alaric agreed, his faint smirk returning. "But you've certainly done little to avoid it."

Quintin shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "We're just trying to figure things out, okay? It's not like we're running around looking for fights."

Alaric chuckled, the sound low and almost condescending. "Perhaps. But if you continue down this path, you'll find that Loyrn is far less forgiving than its quaint facade suggests."

The warning hung in the air, unspoken yet understood.

Aftermath

Once their wounds were tended to, the trio stood to leave. Alaric watched them with the same enigmatic expression, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Do try to stay out of trouble," he said as they reached the door. "Though I suspect that's asking too much of you."

Lucian didn't respond, pushing the door open and stepping into the crisp morning air.

As they walked away from the guild, Quintin finally spoke up. "That guy creeps me out."

"Good," Lucian said. "He should."

Seraphine glanced back at the guild, her expression thoughtful. "He's watching us closely. We need to be careful."

Lucian nodded, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "We always are."

End of chapter 45.