Chapter 21: New Dungeon
Mara paced the Guild lobby, her face twisted with frustration as she checked the clock for the fifth time.
"Where the hell is he?" she muttered, scanning the entrance doors again. Several Guild members gave her a wide berth, recognizing the dangerous glint in her eyes.
Juna leaned against the wall nearby, scrolling through her phone with mild interest. "Relax. He'll show up."
"Relax?" Mara snapped. "This was his chance to prove himself useful, and he's nowhere to be found. I knew we couldn't trust a slum rat."
As the words left her mouth, the lobby fell silent. The Guildmaster had arrived, her sharp heels making no sound as she crossed the room. Despite her small stature, everyone straightened up, conversations dying mid-sentence.
"Good morning," she said, her voice cutting through the silence. Her eyes scanned the gathered Hunters, taking inventory. "Is everyone ready?"
Heads nodded around the room. The Guildmaster continued her survey, brow furrowing slightly.
"Where's Fin Carver?" she asked.
Mara stepped forward. "Missing, ma'am. Hasn't shown up."
The Guildmaster's lips pressed into a thin line. She sighed, a small sound that somehow carried disappointment.
"I see. That's unfortunate." She turned to address the group. "For those who haven't heard, a new unranked dungeon has appeared a few miles north of the city. The Guild Council has approved an initial exploration, with each Guild sending only five members."