Tower of Paradise

Chapter 52: Guild

I stopped abruptly upon observing the cobblestone streets that stretched out before us, filled with so many twists and turns that it was difficult to distinguish their destination. Stone buildings lined both sides while muddy water flowed through narrow channels. Occasionally, a nauseating stench—probably human waste—invaded our nostrils, though after walking for a while, it seemed that no one noticed it anymore.

As we advanced, I distinguished a row of huts next to a variety of people that immediately caught the children's attention.

—Be careful. —I warned the little ones, watching how they advanced with evident concern.

People looked at us as if we were exotic animals, though I must admit that we were doing the same to them. Their clothing consisted of simple rags that contrasted notably with our clothes. Some conversed among themselves, while others simply observed the place with empty eyes. Vagrants drowned themselves in cheap rum, and the voices that reached my ears were loaded with bitter criticism. I wasn't surprised to see some men harassing women as they passed by; I had already imagined something like this, even though I didn't know exactly where we were.

I heard small gasps behind me and when I turned, I saw my companions losing their rhythm. Fatigue and sleepiness were reflected on their faces, especially on the smallest ones, who could barely keep their eyes open after hours of walking. This wasn't turning out as easy as I had anticipated. Our group advanced cautiously through the deserted streets, and the echo of our steps resonated weakly against the damp pavement.

Reinhardt —who carried Cassie on his back— approached my side, his reddish-brown hair shining faintly under the dim light of the gas lamps.

—Look —He pointed toward an imposing building that rose in the form of a pagoda at the end of the street—. It looks like an inn.

—And there's light inside. It could be a good temporary shelter. —I carefully observed the building: it consisted of tall asymmetrical structures that incorporated various architectural styles, with several floors made of stone and brick. On the roof, a sign read: «Tartaros».

The name intrigued me because of its sinister nature, but I decided to try my luck. We needed to find a place where the children could rest.

Upon entering, we found what appeared to be a tavern. The room was spacious and equipped with tables and chairs, but what immediately caught my attention was the figure sitting behind a long counter: an elderly man of short stature whose presence seemed to fill the entire room. There was no one else present.

The man was quite short and older, with green eyes and an almost bald head, retaining only white hair at the edges. His mustache, also white and thick, contrasted with his white tunic, which had a strange symbol on the left side of the neck. Black pants and a formal white coat with fur trim completed his outfit.

—Are you lost, children? —His voice was deep, like distant thunder resonating in the night. He tilted his head as he observed us with curiosity.

I felt his penetrating gaze upon me, and a strange sensation of pressure began to invade me.

—N-no. We were wondering if this is an inn and how much it would cost to stay here.

—I'm afraid you've mistaken this place, boy. This is not a simple shelter, but a guild. —A soft laugh escaped his lips.

—A guild? —Asked Reinhardt, stepping forward as curiosity momentarily overcame his caution.

—That's right. —The old man leaned forward in his seat—. A guild is a commercial organization that maintains and facilitates the flow of goods and services throughout the city.

—What is the purpose of this guild? —Asked Reinhardt, bringing his left hand to his chin.

—The purpose of this guild is to obtain and disseminate job requests among guild members.

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't find any reason for this place to accept us. Even considering it from their perspective, the end result seemed inevitable: they would reject us. However, we couldn't give up. I needed to at least try, regardless of the consequences.

I stopped overthinking the matter and exchanged a quick glance with Reinhardt, who nodded slightly.

—Is there no way we can stay? —I insisted—. We can pay...

The old man raised a hand, interrupting me.

—This is not an orphanage that takes care of children. —He shook his head with disapproval—. Only Awakened ones willing to fight are accepted here. These are trained individuals employed to defend humanity from mutants.

A tense silence fell over the hall.

—How could we become members? —I finally asked, the words escaping my mouth before I could stop them.

—By defeating death. —An enigmatic smile appeared on his face.

—What does that mean exactly?

—A test. One that I myself will impose.

I nodded and stepped away to meet with Reinhardt in a corner of the hall to engage in a tactical conversation.

—It's dangerous. —His blue eyes studied the old man cautiously.

—But it could also be our only chance —I insisted—. The children need to rest, and this place... It seems special.

—You're right, but don't take unnecessary risks. —Demanded Reinhardt, his face hardened.

—Agreed.

A presentiment told me that this test would be anything but safe. The old man observed the scene with a barely contained smile. When I returned in front of him, his expression became serious.

—Are you ready for the test? —He rose from his seat with the agility of a cat.

—Yes. —I replied with a forced smile.

—By the way, I haven't asked you, what's your name, boy?

—Arceus, my name is Arceus. What does the test consist of, sir?

—It's not a big deal, Arceus. —He said, moving his hand with disconcerting simplicity.

—You just have to dodge my fist once.

The smaller children, who had been observing everything with sleepy eyes, let out giggles at the sight of the tiny old man beginning to make circular movements with his arm. It seemed almost comical, like a grandfather preparing to tell a funny story.

But I wasn't laughing. I swallowed, feeling a chill run down my spine upon seeing the look in his eyes. They were filled with incredible power.

—Frankly speaking, you could die.

He wasn't joking. My instincts told me so clearly. I didn't want to waste my life for such a simple reason.

I wasn't a coward... no, perhaps I was very cowardly.

I swallowed once more and stood paralyzed. Silence invaded the place for a while, and I could even hear the clamor in the distance.

—Whether you die or not depends on your attitude... if there is something important to you, something that makes you want to live, even if it's just to crawl on the ground, then it should be fine.

Wasn't he just going to give me a test? That question arose in my mind, but that wasn't the point now. I reflected on the meaning of his words, made sure I understood it, and then gave my answer.

—I'm prepared for it. I leave the rest in your hands.