Chapter 109: In the Office
The building rose with imperious elegance at the heart of a spacious and verdant complex, isolated from the rest of the district by a series of geometric gardens and fountains with shimmering waters. The main tower, a structure of glass and steel with bluish reflections, stretched up twelve stories, each floor slightly offset from the previous in a subtle spiral evoking a perpetual upward motion. The façades were not just glass panes but composed of intelligent polarized material that changed hue depending on the angle of the light, creating the illusion that the building was breathing in rhythm with the day.
At the top, overlooking the city with commanding presence, sat the guild’s emblem, a spiral-shaped star whose branches seemed to stretch into infinity, inlaid with mana crystals that captured the light and transformed it into a phosphorescent halo. Even in full daylight, the bluish glow remained visible.
Isaac felt the atmosphere change as they approached. The very air seemed denser, charged with mana particles that lightly tingled against his skin. The outer walls, which an untrained eye might mistake for mere decorative elements, were actually embedded with protective runes, visible only to trained eyes or under magical light. These ancient symbols formed a complex defense network, making this building one of the most secure places in the city.
The car entered a private lane that led to the main entrance. Guild members moved across the esplanade, some in combat gear, others in more formal uniforms. Isaac instantly recognized the telltale signs of intermediate-ranked hunters, the way they moved, their carefully maintained gear, that confidence that was not yet arrogance but well beyond the self-assurance of novices.
When the car stopped in front of the main doors, a sudden silence fell over the nearest group. Conversations halted, and eyes turned toward the vehicle. Isaac understood then that the arrival of Lazare Korr was not an everyday occurrence, even here, within his own domain.
The engraved glass doors parted with a silent glide. Lazare stepped forward, his movement fluid yet purposeful, creating around him an invisible zone of respect. Isaac followed, fully aware of the eyes now fixed on him, curiosity, suspicion, assessment. He held his head high, his face impassive, but his senses were alert, cataloging every face, every reaction, every murmur.
— That’s him? whispered a short-haired young woman with a fighter’s posture, speaking to her companion without bothering to lower her voice.
— The dungeon survivor? replied the man next to her, a stocky hunter with rune-covered arms.
The young woman frowned slightly, looking Isaac up and down.
— He doesn’t look that tough...
Her partner gave her a small nudge with his elbow, shaking his head almost imperceptibly.