Volume 2 Chapter 7 - Return to the Guild
The journey back to the capital took three days.
The once-shaking mountains were calm now, and the air carried a faint scent of new grass.
Everywhere they passed, the land seemed greener, the trees livelier.
Terranox's influence lingered — a quiet proof that the Spirit of Earth was awake once more.
Cindy and Puff walked side by side along the cobbled road. The early morning light glowed soft and gold through the mist.
Puff glanced at her with a small grin. "You're quiet again."
Cindy smiled faintly. "Just thinking. Everything we saw... everything that happened. Terranox, the Order of Embers, Lirael..."
Puff's expression softened. "You mean everything that almost killed us."
That earned a laugh from her. "That too."
?
The Capital Gates
By the time the sun stood high, the white walls of the Capital of Arcluna came into view — tall, gleaming, and alive with movement. Merchants, adventurers, and guards filled the roads, their chatter and footsteps echoing like music after days of silence.
As they passed through the gates, the guards saluted Cindy with a respectful nod. Her guild insignia gleamed on her chest, newly polished but still scratched from battle.
Puff rode on her shoulder again, though now standing upright in his humanoid form, his small cape fluttering behind him. He attracted more than a few curious stares.
"People are staring again," he murmured.
Cindy chuckled. "Can you blame them? You evolved into a walking ball of charm."
He puffed his chest proudly. "Finally, someone recognizes greatness."
?
The Adventurer's Guild
The moment they entered the Arcluna Adventurer's Guild, the familiar hum of voices filled the air — the sound of reports being filed, bounties being claimed, and gossip flying freely.
But when Cindy stepped through the door, conversation gradually quieted. Dozens of adventurers turned to look her way — whispering as they recognized her.
"That's her... the Spirit-ranked adventurer who cleared the corrupted mountain."
"Isn't she the one who took down a golem fused with magma?"
Cindy blushed faintly but walked forward with calm dignity. Puff, of course, basked in the attention.
"Feels nice to be famous," he whispered smugly.
At the counter stood Eleanor, the guild clerk, a petite woman with round glasses and a gentle smile. Her eyes widened in relief when she saw Cindy.
"Miss Cindy! You're safe! We received reports that the mountain had collapsed and—oh, by the gods, you're really here!"
Cindy smiled. "It's good to be back, Eleanor. We need to report to the Guildmaster immediately."
Eleanor nodded, her tone growing serious. "Of course. He's waiting for you in his office."
?
The Guildmaster's Office
The office was dimly lit, the scent of ink and parchment strong in the air. Guildmaster Reynard sat behind his desk — the same kind-eyed man who once saw through Cindy's true identity.
He looked up from a pile of reports as they entered. "Welcome home, Cindy. Puff."
Cindy bowed slightly. "Guildmaster. Mission accomplished. The disturbance at Rothern Hollow was caused by the Order of Embers. They attempted to corrupt the Heart of Earth — the sealed core of the Spirit Terranox."
Reynard leaned forward, his expression darkening. "And the Spirit?"
"Awakened," Cindy said softly. "He appeared before us. We helped restore his power. He's returned to the Spirit Realm to recover fully."
For a long moment, the Guildmaster said nothing. Then he smiled — quietly, but with deep respect.
"You've done more than anyone else could have. The balance of the earth was restored because of you two."
Puff crossed his arms proudly. "We're kind of amazing, aren't we?"
Reynard chuckled. "Indeed you are."
Then his tone shifted — softer, but cautious. "But Cindy... the Order of Embers won't stop. I've already received word of strange disappearances in the western desert. Entire villages turning to ash overnight."
Cindy frowned. "Fire again."
Reynard nodded gravely. "Exactly. The pattern matches what we saw before the earth's awakening. If another Spirit is being targeted..."
"...then the Primordial Fire is next," Cindy finished.
?
A Quiet Moment
After the report, Cindy and Puff stepped outside into the guild courtyard. The afternoon sun painted the stones in warm gold.
Puff stretched, his small tail flicking lazily. "You think we'll ever get a normal mission? Like chasing a chicken or finding lost herbs?"
Cindy laughed softly. "You'd be bored in five minutes."
"Maybe," he admitted, grinning. "But I'd still like to try it once."
She smiled, tilting her face to the wind. "For now, let's rest. Terranox is safe. The world's quiet again."
The breeze danced around them — warm, gentle, alive.
And somewhere, beyond the capital walls, a faint crimson glow flickered on the western horizon.