The moment Sage stepped fully into the Guild Hall, sound crashed over him like scalding steam bursting from a sealed chamber.

Voices overlapped chaotically, laughter, exclamations, sharp gasps, incredulous whispers, and the heavy thud of boots striking marble.

The air vibrated with excitement, thick with an energy that only arises when something historic has just happened. Everyone felt it, even if they didn't yet grasp its significance.

If this had been the old Guild Hall, the atmosphere would have been stifling. Back then, even fifty people felt overwhelming; bodies pressed together, tempers flared, and complaints arose at the slightest encroachment.

Now, however, hundreds of Adventurers and commissioners filled the space, and yet the hall breathed easily. Wide walkways allowed for free movement; seating areas absorbed clusters of people naturally. The sheer scale of the expanded structure swallowed the crowd without strain.

Sage paused just inside the entrance, hands tucked into his coat pockets as he quietly took it all in.

It was beautiful chaos. Groups of Adventurers stood frozen mid-step, staring upward at towering pillars and an arched ceiling as if afraid that blinking might make it all vanish. Others knelt to touch the polished marble floor, knocking their knuckles against it experimentally as if testing its reality.

Laughter erupted near the Mission Board as people argued loudly about how many missions could possibly fit on something so massive.

And then there was the bar.

Sage's gaze drifted effortlessly toward it. A dense cluster of Adventurers had already gathered around the counter, their faces flushed, not from alcohol (there wasn't any yet), but from pure excitement.

They leaned forward eagerly; voices animated as hands gestured wildly toward shelves and brewing equipment glimpsed behind a curtain, the stools lined up neatly like an invitation.

"I'm telling you, if this place starts selling drinks…"

"No way! This is a Guild, not a tavern!"

"Then why put a bar in here? Genius?!"

"I don't care what anyone says; if I can drink after a mission without walking halfway across the district, I'm signing up for ten more!"

Sage smiled softly to himself. "Exactly," he thought. "That's the idea."

He moved through the hall at an unhurried pace; his footsteps echoed calmly amid the noise while his eyes scanned familiar faces. The energy here felt different now, no longer tentative or experimental.

The Guild wasn't just something people tested anymore; it was something they belonged to.

Eventually, his steps carried him toward the receptionist desk where his expression shifted, first to disbelief, then exasperation, and finally mock fury.

The lounge area behind the desk was occupied.

Boren stood behind it with hands clasped awkwardly in front of his enormous belly, a sheepish grin permanently glued to his face. His eyes darted from side to side as he watched chaos unfold around him while occasionally scratching his head in embarrassment, while his stomach jiggled gently, like waves on a lazy sea.

Behind him, on the sofas Sage had mentally claimed as his own, sat Gregor, Brutus, Calista, Leona, and Caelis. They poked at the cushions, leaned back to test their comfort, and murmured appreciative comments to one another.

Meanwhile, Mina treated the entire lounge like her personal playground. She hopped from one sofa to another with unrestrained joy, spun in circles, and dramatically flopped onto the cushions as if trying to determine which one was the softest.

Suddenly, Sage's left eye twitched before he exploded. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

His roar sliced through the chatter of the hall like a knife through silk.

"That's my personal space! The Guildmaster's area! Do you want your licenses revoked on the spot or publicly trampled?!"

The reaction was immediate. Leona nearly stumbled as she scrambled to her feet. Brutus shot up so quickly that the sofa creaked in protest. Calista and Caelis exchanged a knowing glance before bolting upright with cheeky grins and backing away.

"Yes, sir! Understood, sir!" Brutus laughed loudly as he retreated. "We'll leave the royal throne to you!"

They scattered toward the Mission Board like mischievous children fleeing a scolding, their laughter blending into the general noise of the hall.

Only two remained unmoved: Gregor leaned back deeper into his sofa with arms crossed comfortably while Mina sprawled across the cushions dramatically, one leg dangling over the edge.

Gregor rolled his eyes and said lazily, "Come on, Guildmaster. You can't hog everything for yourself. Sharing is caring, right?"

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Petty Uncle Sage, even that green bush agrees! You can't keep all the nice things for yourself!"

She grinned mischievously and added, "Besides, I'm just a little girl. Can't you let me enjoy this? After all, you used me for your gains, this is my payment."

Sage stared at them for three solid seconds; words eluded him.

"You two," he finally muttered while rubbing his temples in disbelief, "are absolutely shameless."

He waved his hand weakly in resignation. "Whatever. Do what you want."

Gregor smirked triumphantly while Mina beamed with delight. Sage turned away before his blood pressure spiked any further and focused on Boren, the one person who had been watching their entire exchange with wide-eyed fascination.

Boren stood there scratching his head; his grin stretched from ear to ear as his belly wobbled slightly with each movement.

Sage sighed heavily. "You."

Boren flinched but hurried forward at Sage's gesture, trotting toward him with surprising enthusiasm despite his massive frame wobbling hilariously with each step, drawing amused glances from nearby Adventurers.

Gregor and Mina leaned forward curiously to examine him openly.

Mina tilted her head, eyes wide. "Wow… petty Uncle Sage, who's this fat pig?"

Sage reacted instantly, flicking her forehead with a practiced ease.

"Show some respect."

"Ow!" Mina rubbed her head and pouted, sticking her tongue out at him.

Boren laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. "It's okay, Boss. I'm used to people calling me names anyway."

There was something in his tone, casual and unbothered, almost resigned, that made Sage pause. He studied Boren for a moment before sighing and shaking his head.

"This," he said, turning slightly toward Mina and Gregor, "is Boren. He's the new receptionist."

Gregor's eyes widened as he broke into a broad grin. He stood up and gave Boren a friendly clap on the shoulder.

"Welcome! I'm Gregor," he declared proudly. "The first Adventurer in history! If anyone gives you trouble, just come to me."

Mina jumped up next to him. "And I'm Mina! The second Adventurer ever! Well… sort of!"

Boren blinked in surprise before bowing clumsily. "N-Nice to meet you!"

Sage waved them off playfully. "Alright, that's enough introductions for now. You two can play later."

He grabbed Boren by the sleeve and started pulling him toward the desk. "Come on; it's time for orientation."

As the lively sounds of the Guild swirled around them, Sage felt a sense of calm settle in his chest.

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