"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

Chapter 307: Welcome to Raven Island - A New Beginning

Seraphis stood tall, her gaze sweeping over the pristine landscape as the Guildmaster hesitated for a moment at her side. The portal had closed behind them, sealing off the world they had come from and opening the door to a future neither had fully comprehended. The vastness of Raven Island stretched out before them, its beauty undeniable but stark in its solitude. The cool wind carried the salty scent of the sea and whispered through the palm trees that lined the shore.

“So,” Seraphis said, turning to the Guildmaster, her voice as smooth as always, “Where would you like to stay?”

The Guildmaster scratched his graying beard thoughtfully, taking in the sights. His eyes, sharp as ever, seemed to study the land before him, trying to imagine what life here could be like. He had spent his entire existence among shadows and secrets, leading the Guild, controlling the darkness. But this place, so full of light, of air, of possibility—was something different.

“Well,” he began, his voice gruff but thoughtful, “I guess at the port city.”

Seraphis smiled, nodding in approval. “Okay, do you want something closer to the ocean or farther inland?”

His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the sea met the sky in an endless dance of blues. “Closer to the water,” he said after a long pause. “I’ve spent my life surrounded by walls, by duty. I think I’m ready for something... more open. Something closer to nature.”

Seraphis nodded again, satisfied with his choice. She extended her hand, palm open, and within seconds, the ground before them rippled with energy. The air shimmered, and a faint hum vibrated beneath their feet. A soft wind blew around them, and with a gesture, she conjured a pathway that led them along the coastline. The Guildmaster blinked, his eyes narrowing at the spectacle of her powers.

 The Path to the Cottage

As they walked along the newly formed path, the Guildmaster couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The land seemed to come alive at Seraphis’ command, and the air around them felt infused with her magic. The path they followed led them toward a small but charming cottage nestled against the cliffside. It was simple yet elegant, constructed with stone walls that appeared as though they had been there for centuries, weathered by the passage of time.

Seraphis stopped in front of the cottage and turned to face him. “Here we are,” she said, her voice calm but filled with an undeniable sense of pride.

The Guildmaster didn’t speak for a moment, his eyes scanning the quaint cottage. “It’s... beautiful,” he finally said, his voice softer than usual. “I never thought I’d be living in a place like this. It’s so... peaceful.”

Seraphis gave him a knowing smile and gestured for him to follow her inside. “Come on in,” she said as she opened the door with a smooth gesture, the wood creaking lightly under her touch. “Let me show you around.”

 The Cottage's Interior

The moment the Guildmaster stepped inside, he was greeted by the warmth of the room. The walls were lined with rich wooden beams, and the floors were covered in soft rugs that added a welcoming touch to the space. The fire crackled in the hearth, the flames casting dancing shadows across the stone walls. A soft, comfortable armchair was situated by the fire, a bookcase stocked with various volumes standing proudly beside it.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Seraphis said, moving through the room with ease. She gestured toward the armchair by the fire. “You’ll find everything you need here. The fireplace will keep the place warm during the colder months, and there are plenty of provisions in the cellar.”

The Guildmaster’s eyes continued to scan the space, impressed by how well the cottage was equipped. It wasn’t overly lavish, but it had everything one could need to live comfortably. It was a far cry from the stark, cold chambers of the Guild or the hard, utilitarian nature of the life he’d once led.

He turned to Seraphis, his expression thoughtful. “It’s perfect,” he admitted. “I wasn’t expecting this... peace. After everything I’ve done, I never imagined I’d get something like this.”

Seraphis smiled, her eyes glinting with warmth. “Everyone deserves a peaceful life, even someone like you.”

 The Balcony Overlooking the Sea

Seraphis led the Guildmaster through the cottage and toward the back door, which opened out onto a small but stunning balcony. The view was breathtaking. Below them, the cliffs dropped off into the crystal-clear water, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks filled the air. The soft scent of saltwater mixed with the fresh, earthy tones of the forest behind them.

Seraphis leaned against the railing, gazing out at the horizon. “This is where I come to think,” she said quietly. “When I need to clear my mind. The view never fails to calm me.”

The Guildmaster joined her, looking out over the sea. The wind tugged at his cloak, and the faint sounds of the waves seemed to resonate deep in his bones. It was a soothing sound, one that spoke of time’s eternal march and the serenity of nature. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking it all in.

Then his eyes flicked to the horizon, where he noticed something unusual—a large stone wall that seemed to stretch along the shoreline, curving around the edge of the beach. He raised an eyebrow. “What’s up with the wall surrounding the beach? It’s a little in the water, and the gate in front of the pier... what is all of this for?”

Seraphis glanced at the wall and then back to him. “The walls are for the protection of the town,” she explained. “There are pirates and other threats in these waters, and we can’t afford to leave ourselves unprotected. The gate in front of the pier is meant to open to allow ships in and out. It’s sturdy, but it doesn’t block the view.”

The Guildmaster narrowed his eyes as he examined the wall more closely. “I see. Still, it seems... imposing.”

Seraphis smiled softly. “It may seem so, but it’s a necessary measure. It doesn’t block the beauty of the ocean, but it provides a level of security that we need. No one can simply come in uninvited.”

The Offer: A New Life

The Guildmaster turned back to Seraphis, his gaze softening. “It’s a beautiful place, Seraphis. I never thought I’d find something like this, a place to live in peace. But how much does something like this cost?”

Seraphis’ smile grew warmer. “Well,” she began, “for an old friend, it’s free.” She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small pouch, handing it to him. “Since you’re of retirement age, I’ve made arrangements for you. You’ll receive 2,000 silvers a month as part of the program for people like you.”

He took the pouch from her, raising an eyebrow in surprise. “2,000 silvers? That’s quite a sum. Are you sure?”

Seraphis nodded. “I’m sure. Consider it part of the benefit of being the first inhabitant of Raven Island.”

The Guildmaster’s fingers closed around the pouch, and he felt the weight of it in his hand. There was a soft jingle of coins inside. He opened the pouch and found not only 2,000 silvers but also a copper coin and a gold coin.

“These are our currency,” Seraphis explained, her tone quiet and serious. “The copper coin has a ship on it, symbolizing our reliance on the sea for trade. The silver coin bears the island’s image, and the gold coin... well, it has a raven on it, which is the symbol of this kingdom.”

The Guildmaster turned the coins over in his hand, feeling their weight and craftsmanship. The copper coin gleamed softly in the fading light of the day, the silver coin shining brightly, and the gold coin held a deep, almost mystical aura.

“I see,” he said, his voice tinged with awe. “The raven... the symbol of your kingdom.”

Seraphis nodded. “Yes. It’s a symbol of freedom, of soaring above, of embracing the unknown. It represents everything we stand for here on Raven Island.”

Settling In

Seraphis gave the Guildmaster a moment to process the information, her gaze calm as she watched him. She knew he had lived a life of hardship and duty, one that hadn’t left much room for peace or rest. But here, on this island, he had the opportunity to start over, to find something new. She watched as his fingers gently traced the edge of the gold coin, and for a brief moment, she wondered if he had truly understood the weight of what she had offered him.

“So,” she said, breaking the silence, “What do you think? Do you think you’ll be able to get used to this?”

The Guildmaster glanced up at her, a look of quiet gratitude in his eyes. “I think this place may be exactly what I need. It’s a new start, isn’t it?”

Seraphis nodded. “Yes. A new start for both of us.”

He offered her a smile, his features softening in a way that they hadn’t in years. “Then I’ll make sure to take care of it. Raven Island... it’s going to be a good place.”