Volume 1 Chapter 41 - The Report of Flames and Shadows
By the time Cindy and Puff returned to the capital, dawn was only a pale line along the horizon. The two walked through the quiet streets, soot and dust still clinging to their clothes.
The usually lively morning bustle hadn't yet begun. Every sound — the echo of boots, the rustle of the wind — felt strangely heavy after what they had seen.
Puff broke the silence first. "You think the guildmaster's awake?"
Cindy smiled faintly despite her exhaustion. "He's always awake before everyone else."
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The Guildmaster's Office
They entered the guild hall, empty except for a few sleepy attendants. One of them blinked when she saw Cindy and Puff's scorched appearance.
"G-Good morning... Miss Cindy, Mister Puff... The Guildmaster is expecting you."
"Expecting us?" Puff muttered as they climbed the stairs.
Cindy nodded slightly. "He probably already felt the mana disturbance from the west."
The heavy oak door opened before they could even knock.
Inside, Guildmaster Elrin sat at his desk — arms crossed, his gaze sharp. The scent of pipe smoke lingered in the air.
"You're late," he said, though his tone wasn't scolding — more weary than angry.
"We came straight here after clearing the cavern," Cindy replied quietly. "There was... something we needed to see for ourselves."
"Then tell me," Elrin said, motioning for them to sit. "Everything."
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The Report
Cindy began her account — the faint mana trail, the illusion-hidden cave, the horde of level 80 monsters, and finally the summoner who controlled them.
As she spoke, Elrin's expression darkened. His fingers tapped the desk in a steady rhythm — the only sound aside from Cindy's calm, deliberate voice.
When she mentioned the mark on her wrist, Elrin's eyes sharpened.
"Show me."
Cindy extended her hand. The faint golden spiral pulsed softly under her skin, as if aware it was being watched.
Elrin leaned closer, his gaze glowing faintly blue — Appraisal Skill Lv. 10 activating.
"...This isn't ordinary magic," he murmured. "It's ancient."
Puff frowned. "The summoner mentioned something called the Order... and that Cindy was a 'missing piece.' What does that mean?"
Elrin leaned back, sighing heavily. "The Order of Embers. An old sect that vanished nearly a hundred years ago — or so we believed. They worshipped the fallen Spirit of Flame, claiming it would one day return through a vessel."
He looked at Cindy gravely. "If the mark reacted to you... then they think you're part of the Spirit Cycle."
"Spirit Cycle?" Cindy repeated softly.
Elrin nodded. "Long before humans and spirits made peace, there were eight primal spirits — elements of creation. When one perished, its essence was scattered, waiting to be reborn in mortal form. You may be one of them — the Spirit of Wind reborn through human soul."
Cindy lowered her gaze. "So... I'm their target."
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A Heavy Decision
Silence fell. The air grew thick, filled with the faint creak of old wood and the smell of parchment.
Puff clenched his fists. "Then we have to hunt them down before they summon anything else."
Elrin shook his head. "Not so simple. They're everywhere — hidden within guilds, noble houses, even temples. Moving too soon could expose you both."
Cindy looked up. "Then what do you suggest?"
Elrin exhaled slowly. "Stay close to the capital. Take smaller quests for now. I'll have my contacts gather more information about this Order of Embers. And..." — he paused — "keep that mark hidden. If the wrong person sees it, they won't hesitate to capture you."
Cindy nodded. "Understood."
Puff grinned faintly. "Guess we're spies now, huh?"
Elrin's stern expression softened slightly. "More like guardians. The balance between humans and spirits is fragile. If you are truly one of the eight, your existence could change everything."
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A Quiet Moment
As they left the office, sunlight filtered through the high windows, washing the guild hall in pale gold.
Cindy looked down at her hand, the mark faintly glowing beneath her glove.
"I didn't ask for this power," she whispered.
Puff glanced at her. "Maybe not. But you've used it to help, not to destroy. That's what matters."
She smiled softly. "Thanks, Puff."
"Besides," he said with a grin, "if anyone tries to come after us again, I'll just kick 'em straight into the next forest."
Cindy laughed — a small, genuine sound that eased the weight in her chest. "Deal."