Chapter 59: A Representative
Five hours later, it was late in the afternoon when Elaina returned to the headquarters.
Silver Vanguard," Elaina said as she stepped into the office, her tone composed but carrying a hint of urgency.
Marcus, who had been reviewing a few documents on his desk, looked up.
"Only one?" he asked.
Elaina nodded.
"They sent a representative first. They said it would be better to discuss terms before bringing the entire party."
Marcus leaned back slightly in his chair, thinking it over.
"...Smart," he said. "Less attention, easier to talk."
He stood up and walked toward the door.
"Bring them in," he added.
Elaina turned and gave a small nod before stepping aside.
"Please, come in."
A moment passed.
Marcus’s eyes shifted toward the entrance.
And then he saw her.
A woman stepped inside.
Silver hair, long and straight, catching the light from the window as she moved. Her ears—slightly pointed—were unmistakable.
An elf.
Marcus’s eyes lingered for just a second longer than they should have.
It was his first time seeing one up close.
She carried herself differently, like her expression was calming. There was no wasted motion in the way she walked. A bow rested behind her back, not for show, but clearly something she knew how to use.
And her face, they were charming.
"...So this is—"
He didn’t finish the thought.
Because Elaina suddenly cleared her throat.
Marcus blinked and snapped out of it immediately.
He glanced at her.
Elaina was looking at him sharply. Like if he continued staring at the elf, he might get killed.
"...Right," Marcus muttered under his breath.
He straightened slightly and stepped forward, his expression returning to normal.
"Welcome," he said. "Atlas headquarters."
The elf stopped a few steps away from him, her gaze steady.
"I appreciate the invitation," she said. Her voice was calm, smooth, with a slight tone that set her apart from humans.
Marcus nodded once.
"You’re the representative?"
"Yes."
She placed a hand lightly over her chest.
"My name is Seraphine," she said. "S-Rank, archer of the Silver Vanguard...I must say, you have a rather interesting headquarters here. Most of them are new to my eyes."
Marcus gave a small nod, accepting the compliment without letting it linger too long.
"Thanks," he said simply. "We’re still setting things up, but it works."
He gestured lightly toward the seating area in front of his desk.
"Please, have a seat."
Seraphine didn’t hesitate. She walked forward and sat down with a straight posture.
Marcus took his seat across from her.
Then he glanced to the side.
"Elaina," he said, "prepare some refreshments."
Elaina gave him a short look, still carrying a hint of that earlier sharpness, but she nodded.
"...Alright."
She turned and stepped out of the office without another word.
The door closed behind her.
For a moment, the room fell quiet.
Marcus leaned back slightly in his chair, studying Seraphine more properly this time. Not in the same distracted way as earlier, but with intent.
Seraphine didn’t avoid his gaze.
She met it calmly.
"...You’ve built something unusual here," she said after a short pause. "Even in the capital, I haven’t seen anything like it."
Marcus gave a faint shrug.
"It’s different," he said. "That’s the point."
Seraphine’s eyes shifted briefly toward the window, where part of the base could be seen.
"...I can tell."
A few minutes later, the door opened again.
Elaina stepped back in, carrying a tray. Cups, a simple pot, and light refreshments arranged neatly. She walked over and placed it on the table with practiced ease, then poured for both of them before taking her place beside Marcus.
"Here," she said.
Seraphine gave a small nod.
"Thank you."
Marcus waited until everything was set.
Then he leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table.
"Alright," he said, his tone more focused now. "Let’s get to it. First off, introductions. I am Marcus Manfred, and this is my partner Elaina. I believe you too have already met."
Seraphine inclined her head slightly.
"Yes," she said. "We have. I’ve been sent here on behalf of my party to assess your capabilities and discuss a possible contract."
Marcus gave a small nod.
"Fair enough."
He leaned back slightly, giving her space to speak.
"Go ahead."
Seraphine rested her hands lightly on the table, fingers interlocked. For a brief moment, she seemed to organize her thoughts, then spoke.
"I heard stories about you in the city, on how you defeated the wyverns that attacked the city and annihilated their nest. I must say, I was expecting a man with great stature, the build of a warrior, but you didn’t look like what I imagined."
Marcus simply chuckled. "Well, you should have known from the stories that I didn’t kill the wyverns in pure strength alone."
"A magic arrow I was told," Seraphine said, quickly remembering the stories. "So the reason for me bringing it up is because the threat we are going to deal with involves a powerful creature known as the Red Dragon."
Hearing that, Elaina’s eyes widened.
"Red Dragon?! Your task involves a Red Dragon?"
Marcus looked at Elaina, who was visibly surprised and shocked. He knew about dragons in fantasy stories, huge flying creatures that breathe fire. Oftentimes the last boss in a fantasy world. To think there is a possibility of him seeing one soon if he agree to a contract with them.
"Yes, a Red Dragon, it attacked an island nation of Felsis and the ambassador of Felsis to Kingdom of Renshade has asked for assistance," Seraphine continued, her tone steady despite the weight of what she was saying.
"The request was forwarded to the capital. Naturally, groups like ours were approached first."
Elaina was still processing it.
"A Red Dragon..." she repeated under her breath. "That’s not something you ’investigate.’ That’s something entire armies prepare for."
Seraphine nodded.
"Exactly."
Marcus stayed quiet for a moment, letting both of them speak. His mind was already moving ahead, piecing things together.
"So the kingdom wants it handled," Elaina mumbled.
Meanwhile, Marcus was already contemplating. A Red Dragon, this is going to be interesting.