Chapter 4: Greymoor Guild

— So this is it… — Nor said as he approached the entrance to the guild.

But just as he was about to step inside, something flew out, smashing through the doors and hurtling straight toward him.

What the…

Nor didn't even have time to finish the thought before he felt something slam into him.

But he didn't move even a millimeter.

Instead, the body that had crashed into him bounced off and flew into the building behind him.

At that same moment, a tall, beautiful woman with light hair walked out of the guild at an unhurried pace.

The moment Nor saw her, he unconsciously looked at her status.

Nor's eyes widened at what he saw.

She was the strongest person he had ever encountered.

But what shocked him even more was the age listed in her status: 47 years old.

And yet, she didn't look older than twenty-five.

While Nor was still lost in thought, Edora walked past him and stopped in front of the hole in the shop.

From inside, a man's voice rang out.

— Hey! That's not fair! You attacked me from behind!

He shouted as he stepped out into the sunlight.

The man was about the same height as Nor, with brown hair and light stubble. After looking him over, Nor was surprised to see that there wasn't a single scratch on him — only dust in his hair and on his clothes.

Nor immediately decided to check his status as well.

Nor's eyes widened even more than before.

Not because of his stage.

And not because of his strength.

But because of his age.

Fifty years old?! He looks almost as young as Edora… How is that even possible?! Nor thought in disbelief.

— Excuses. I would have beaten you either way, — Edora said in a neutral voice.

Orlan walked right up to her.

In the next second, Edora released her battle aura.

Orlan responded with his own.

Their auras collided.

For several seconds, they pressed against each other, until Orlan realized he was going to lose.

He was the first to withdraw his aura and, with a smile, said:

— Alright, let's stop. Can't you see? The houses are already starting to crack.

He pointed toward the nearby buildings.

And sure enough, cracks had begun spreading across the walls.

But Orlan's thoughts were focused on something else entirely.

I'm still no match for her…

After that, Edora also withdrew her aura.

— Let's go. We have a lot to do, — she said, rubbing her temples.

She was about to return to the guild when she suddenly stopped and looked at Nor in confusion.

— Were you standing here this whole time? — she asked, drawing Orlan's attention to him as well.

Nor answered immediately.

— Yes… ma'am?

— HAHAHAHAHA! MA'AM?! HE CALLED YOU MA'AM! — Orlan burst out laughing loudly as he looked at them.

Edora shot him a threatening glance over her shoulder, but that only made him laugh even harder.

However, inwardly, Orlan was thinking about something completely different.

How did I not sense him?..

After examining Nor, he realized he couldn't feel any stage from him. That could mean only one of two things: either Nor was stronger than him, or he was an ordinary person.

But if he was an ordinary person, then why hadn't the collision of their auras forced him to the ground?

The same thoughts were running through Edora's mind.

— Who are you, and why did you come to our guild? — she asked directly.

— Nor Verner. I came to find a teacher for mana control, — he answered quickly.

Sensing that he wasn't lying, both of them lowered their suspicion a little.

But not completely.

Orlan decided to himself that he would need to keep an eye on Nor. Something about the boy didn't let him feel at ease.

— Vice-Captain, clean this up and pay for the damages out of your own pocket, — Edora said as she walked past Nor and entered the guild.

— Understood, Captain, — Orlan replied with a sour expression.

Watching this, Nor felt slightly awkward because of the man's reaction.

After that, Orlan walked up to him.

— I wasted your time, so come with me. I'll help you, — he said in a tired voice.

Nor wanted to refuse at first, but Orlan insisted, and the two of them entered the guild.

Inside, the guild looked much better than Nor had imagined.

The hall was spacious, with a reception desk, resting tables, and well-dressed people everywhere. Some were writing down information, some were handing in items from completed requests, and others were simply talking.

Noticing Nor's expression, Orlan smirked.

— Much better than you expected, right?

Nor nodded with a distant look on his face.

Orlan laughed loudly, and almost everyone inside turned to look in their direction.

— Who's that with the Vice-Captain? — some people began whispering.

— Not awakened. Nothing interesting.

Most of them, after failing to sense any mana from Nor, immediately returned to what they were doing.

At that moment, Orlan and Nor approached the reception desk.

— Kate, find Chuck and tell him to help Mister Nor with his request. And make sure everything is done perfectly.

— Yes, sir.

Nor hadn't expected that.

He immediately bowed and began thanking Orlan.

Orlan only waved his hand.

— Consider it compensation for the trouble I caused.

After that, Orlan said goodbye and went to deal with the mess he himself had created.

Nor was asked to sit down and wait for a few minutes.

He walked to the farthest corner, sat at a table, and began looking through the mercenaries' statuses with interest.