Meanwhile…
As the massive aircraft of the Red Phoenix Guild approached the outer barrier of Megacity I, the city’s defense personnel monitored its progress closely. Inside the control tower, technicians checked and rechecked their systems, ensuring everything was in place for the guild’s arrival.
“Control, this is Phoenix Leader requesting clearance to enter Megacity I airspace,” the pilot’s voice crackled over the radio.
“Megacity Control to Phoenix Leader, clearance granted. Proceed to barrier access point for authorization,” responded the controller.
In the cockpit, the pilot adjusted the controls, bringing the aircraft towards the magical dome that encapsulated Megacity I. The barrier, a feast for the eyes, a true marvel of magical and technological integration, it protected the city from external threats while allowing authorized aircrafts to pass through.
“Phoenix Leader to Megacity Control, approaching barrier access point,” the pilot reported, guiding the aircraft to the designated entry point.
Outside, the dome glowed as it recognized the authorized approach, momentarily parting to create a clear pathway through which the aircraft could pass.
Ground personnel observed as the Red Phoenix Guild’s flagship made its way through the barrier, eventually touching down smoothly on the designated runway.
As the aircraft landed, the massive doors of the vessel opened, revealing the Red Phoenix Guild’s branch master, Arden, and his team stepping out onto the tarmac. Arden was a commanding figure with his black hair, piercing green eyes, and a sharp jawline.
Arden looked around the area briefly, nodding to the ground crew who approached with respect.
“Good to be back.” he said.
“Any updates from the city’s perimeter?”
One of the ground crew members stepped forward, a tablet in hand.
“Sir, perimeter reports are clear for now. No recent activity from hostile entities.”
“Excellent,” Arden said, his gaze shifting to his team as they began to remove their advanced air filter masks, revealing their faces.
A senior guild member approached Arden, acknowledging his arrival with a nod.
“Branch Master Arden, refreshments are ready for you and your team in the hover limo.”
The guild member informed him, pointing his hand towards the sleek vehicle parked nearby. “Thank you.” ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Arden replied with a nod. “Let’s debrief there. We have preparations to discuss for the next Clearing operation.”
He directed, leading his team towards the hover limo where refreshments awaited-a brief moment to relax before they would go into planning and strategizing to maintain the city’s safety and expand its borders against the wilderness beyond.
As the Red Phoenix Guild members approached the massive black hover limo, its massive size stood out on the tarmac.
Compared to regular limousines, this one was large enough for someone to stand at their full height inside, resembling more of a small bus due to its design and capacity.
Before boarding, attendants holding what looked like specialized vacuum cleaners swiftly removed dust particles from the guild members’ attire. In order to ensure they wouldn’t bring in any unknown microorganisms or diseases.
Many of them had traces of the wilderness outside, where they had been engaged in Clearing activities. Once cleaned up, they entered the spacious interior of the limo.
Inside, plush seating lined the walls, providing comfort and a sense of luxury. As the vehicle hummed to life and lifted off the ground, the members settled into their seats, the sound of the engines drowning out the sounds of the outside world.
Seated beside Branch Master Arden was a seasoned guild member named Marcus. Marcus was a veteran Clearer, known for his skill and strategic mindset.
His face had scars, the marks of countless battles against the wilderness creatures that threatened the city’s expansion.
Despite the scars etched on his face, Marcus’s eyes were just as sharp and calm as they had ever been, a proof to his loyalty to the guild.
“Raids have been particularly challenging lately.”
Arden said, his brow furrowing slightly as he gazed at his trembling left hand, a sign of the toll the battles were taking on him.
“The creatures beyond the walls seem more aggressive, almost as if they’re coordinating their attacks.”
Marcus nodded, his gaze fixed on the city skyline passing by outside the limo’s tinted windows.
“Yes, I’ve noticed the same pattern.”
“If this continues, we may need to request additional support from headquarters.”
Marcus hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
“Speaking of support, Branch Master. there’s something else I wanted to discuss with you.”
Arden turned towards Marcus, his expression attentive. “What is it, Marcus?”
Marcus adjusted his posture.
“There’s been talk among the scouts about a remarkable individual who recently surfaced on
our radar.”
“A potential recruit, one who could significantly strengthen our guild.”
Arden’s interest was piqued. “Tell me more.”
Marcus nodded, leaning back slightly as he recounted the reports.
“This individual has been observed demonstrating extraordinary abilities.”
“They possess a rare combination of skill and potential that could prove invaluable to our
operations.”
Arden considered this information carefully, his mind already evaluating the strategic
implications.
“Have we identified this person?”
“Yes,”
Marcus confirmed. “Our scouts have been monitoring their movements closely. They seem to
operate independently.”
Arden nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the cityscape passing by outside the limo’s
windows.
“Continue monitoring their activities,” he instructed. “If they prove themselves worthy and
are willing to join our ranks, we should extend an invitation.”
Marcus shrugged awkwardly, a faint crease forming between his brows.
“I don’t think we can afford to sit around sir.”
Arden turned to him with curiosity in his eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“I think it’d be better if I just show you,” Marcus replied.
“Pull up the footage.” He called out.
In response, a massive white holographic window materialized before them, displaying a
video of Alister summoning Cinder, the giant drake.
Arden leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the hologram.
“Remarkable,” he murmured. “He must be a summoner.” Turning to Marcus, he asked,
“What rank is he?”
Marcus smiled faintly. “According to our intel, he’s an SSS rank.”
Arden’s eyes widened in surprise. “God rank talent? Talent ranks like that actually exist? I
thought they were only a myth.”
“So did I,” Marcus admitted. “The highest rank we’ve ever encountered before was SS.” Arden furrowed his brow. “So, what are you trying to tell me with this footage?” Marcus’s expression turned serious. “It was leaked on the internet a couple of hours ago. By now, it’s likely reached all the guild branch masters. There’s a very high chance they’ll be
coming personally to secure him.”
Arden nodded thoughtfully. “So, you’re saying-”
“Yes, Branch Master.”
Marcus said, meeting Arden’s gaze steadily.
“You might have to go personally to recruit him.”
A grin spread across Arden’s face.
“All the more reason, then.”
He reached for a glass of wine, raising it to his lips and taking a long sip. Setting the glass
down, he casually wiped his mouth with his thumb.
“I can’t wait.”
