The second floor of the Adventurer Guild exuded a serene atmosphere that felt almost sacred, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the bustling first floor below.

The distant echoes of thousands of Adventurers faded into a tranquil ambiance, punctuated only by the gentle hum of mana flowing through the newly built structures.

Sunlight poured in through tall arched windows, casting warm rays across polished marble floors and elegant furnishings, lending the lounge an air of understated prestige.

This space was designed for decision-making, where conversations could shape futures rather than just finalize contracts.

Sage stood near the central table, arms crossed loosely as he mentally reviewed his checklist of tasks already underway. Moments earlier, Boren and Lyana had rushed out with serious expressions, stepping into the whirlwind of recruitment, logistics, and restructuring that would occupy the Guild for days, if not weeks to come.

Sage exhaled slowly, a faint hint of satisfaction lingering beneath his fatigue. Things were moving quickly, faster than he had anticipated but somehow still not fast enough.

Gregor stretched lazily as if preparing for a warm-up rather than facing potentially dangerous missions. Valeria and her mercenary band followed suit with disciplined efficiency; their movements were sharp and purposeful as they readied themselves to head back down to the first floor.

For now, this second floor remained in transition; no missions had been posted yet, nor had any Bronze Rank exclusivity been enforced. For warriors like them, lingering here served little purpose.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed up the staircase. Sage frowned slightly and turned just as Boren burst onto the second floor, chest heaving and face flushed from clearly having taken two steps at a time without stopping.

His uneven breathing betrayed his usual cheerful demeanor; instead, it was replaced by something strained, almost alarmed.

Sage's eyes narrowed instinctively as he glanced past Boren. Standing behind him was a man who seemed out of place amidst the chaos of the Guild, a figure neither rough around the edges like most Adventurers nor part of their world at all.

Tall and composed, he wore understated yet unmistakably expensive clothing tailored to perfection. A neatly groomed mustache framed his stern mouth; his sleek black hair was tied back simply but elegantly. He carried himself with an innate dignity that didn't need to announce itself, a presence that subtly commanded attention without force.

In that moment, Sage reached an immediate conclusion: this man was either exceedingly wealthy or a high-ranking noble or perhaps both.

"What's going on?" Sage asked calmly while keeping his gaze fixed on the stranger.

Boren bent forward slightly with hands on his knees as he caught his breath before straightening up again and gesturing toward the man behind him. "Guildmaster… this man wants to commission a mission."

Sage furrowed his brows in confusion. "Then why bring him up here? The first floor handles commissions; this one isn't operational yet."

Boren shook his head quickly, swallowing hard. "The mission he wants to post… it's not something I can handle. Not even close."

That single sentence shifted the atmosphere in the room.

Gregor paused mid-step, turning slowly to face Boren. Valeria stopped completely, her gaze sharpening as she studied him more intently. The mercenaries behind her instinctively adjusted their stances, sensing the tension in the air.

Curiosity rippled through the lounge like a current beneath still water.

Then, a man stepped forward, his movements smooth and deliberate. He inclined his head slightly in greeting.

"My apologies for the disruption," he said, his deep voice steady and commanding, carrying the weight of someone used to being listened to. "I was informed that the Guildmaster himself handles high-ranking commissions."

Sage's expression softened into a professional smile, practiced and controlled. "That's correct. Please, have a seat."

He gestured toward the table and waved subtly at Boren. "You can go now. Resume your duties."

Boren nodded, relief flashing across his face as he turned and hurried back down the stairs, leaving the room once again in the hands of those whose presence hinted at an extraordinary request.

The man took a seat across from Sage, folding his hands calmly atop the table as if this were just another meeting rather than a prelude to something monumental.

He spoke politely, offering brief praise about how rapidly the Guild had risen in reputation across the Evergreen Region, its efficiency and fairness spreading like wildfire.

Sage listened attentively, nodding where appropriate and returning polite remarks without revealing too much.

Once pleasantries concluded, Sage leaned forward slightly.

"What mission do you wish to commission?" he asked.

The man took a slow breath; his composed exterior cracked just enough to reveal an underlying weight of concern.

"I am from Riverdale City," he said quietly. "My name is Aldric Goldfeather. I am currently head of the Golden Goose Merchant Group."

Sage's eyes widened, just a fraction.

Riverdale City. He had anticipated influence or wealth but not this magnitude.

Riverdale wasn't just another city; it stood as Greyvale's closest rival in the Evergreen Region, a bustling metropolis thriving on trade and opportunity along the Twilight River.

This river served as half of the Kingdom's commercial lifeline, connecting regions and neighboring kingdoms alike while its waters carried caravans, ships, and fortunes through its currents.

Riverdale's nickname, The City of Gold, wasn't mere poetic exaggeration; it was economic reality. The Golden Goose Merchant Group was one of its foundational pillars.

For someone like Aldric to come personally to Greyvale, to this Guild, signified either desperation or hope.

Sage nodded slowly. "Please continue."

Aldric's hands tightened imperceptibly on the table's surface. "My son has been in a coma for six years."

Those words landed heavily between them.

"He was poisoned," Aldric continued, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

"The poison is so powerful that it has left him incapacitated without killing him outright. Over the years, I've called upon alchemists from every corner of the region, masters and grandmasters alike. Some have failed; others nearly lost their lives trying to counteract it."

He paused to swallow hard. "Recently, I brought in an alchemist from the Alchemist Association in the Capital. The cost was… astronomical. After examining my son, he concluded that there's only one way to save him."

Sage's expression softened, genuine pity flickering in his eyes.

"What does he need?" Sage asked quietly.

Aldric met his gaze directly, pain and determination burning behind his composed exterior.

"The heart and blood essence of a magical beast," he replied.

Sage inhaled sharply. "Which beast?"

Aldric's voice dropped, heavy with finality.

"The Sixth Order Lord Beast," he said. "The Crimson Abyssal Lion."

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