Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 109: The Triad of Mystique - Lady Ainsworth & the Divine

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"It's an utter tragedy, what befell Alaric and his family," said Guildmaster Baldin, his voice heavy with sorrow. As he stared into his tea cup, he could almost envision the man's once-jovial expression reflected on the surface of the beverage.

Professor Bayley's ashen gaze shifted to the girl behind the desk opposite the man, her jade green eyes somber as they stirred with a distant memory.

"Lord Beaumont... he embodied the very essence of nobility," she murmured, her voice like velvet despite her grief. "He was patient, patriotic, and stood firmly against discrimination and needless violence."

Guildmaster Baldin nodded thoughtfully. "He also embodied the true essence of a man—he paid little heed to the pretentious and hypocritical social norms of the upper class.

Instead, he preferred rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty while building a strong rapport with his people. He was an extremely charismatic and honest man."

"...But young Soren," Professor Bayley began, his voice tinged with sadness, "he didn't deserve this; he was merely a child."

The girl's eyes shimmered with emotion as she reminisced about the little boy who was like a younger brother to her. He was a beautiful soul just like his father and had a very bright future.

"Mrs. Beaumont made the most delicious cookies," she confessed with a wistful smile. "Soren and I would gather flowers in exchange for her to make us more cookies. She was always so kind, almost like the mother I never had."

The Guildmaster mirrored her smile, his eyes warm and nostalgic. "My Elowen always dreamed of having children," he said, holding her gaze. "You bear a striking resemblance to her in her youth. You both exude an extraordinary radiance."

The girl blushed, her gaze dropping at the unexpected compliment. "I-Is that so? Your wife... where is she now?" she asked without thinking.

The man's expression tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "She—"

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

Three consecutive taps resounded on the door before he could react. With a calming breath, he exchanged a glance with his esteemed guest and Professor Bayley before signaling for the expected visitor to enter.

"A-Apologies for the intrusion," stammered Thalia as she proceeded into the room with a silver-haired boy in tow. "I've brought him as requested."

The clerk's cheeks flushed with color as the young girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes flashed her a warm smile.

"Th-Then I'll take my leave now," Thalia sputtered, giving Daisuke a gentle push further into the room before bowing politely and quickly disappearing behind the door.

Daisuke barely managed to prevent himself from falling flat on his face, his irritation mounting by the moment. Ever since he stepped foot into the building, he had been chewed out and dragged around like a rag doll without any clue of what was going on. Was anyone ever planning on filling him in?

"Care to explain why I'm here?" he asked, doing his best to contain his annoyance, even as he scanned the room.

"It's hard to believe you only recently escaped that dungeon," the Guildmaster remarked, a bemused expression crossing his face.

Daisuke's eyebrow twitched, his patience wearing thin. "If you don't have anything important to say, then I'm leaving."

"I'm amazed you single-handedly managed to wipe out the Mhaledictus."

Daisuke's fingers stilled just before cupping the doorknob. Then he turned, his expression cautious. "How did you—"

The Guildmaster gave a sly smile. "A little birdie told me."

Daisuke's forehead creased, butterscotch eyes burning.

Professor Bayley cleared his throat, evidently more attuned to the boy's exasperation than his colleague. "Information is the lifeblood of any organization. Over the years, the guild has cultivated a vast network, ensuring we have eyes and ears in every corner."

Daisuke's eyes narrowed. The fact that the guild has known and done nothing must mean that, just like the Merchants' Guild, they're a neutral organization that solely focuses on their fundamental goals.

Still, they could have at least informed the lord of Wonderelle—or, similar to Dusthaven, could it be that the lord here is also corrupt?

"You've really outdone yourself again, young Haxks," Professor Bayley praised with genuine warmth. "Well done! Your progress has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm incredibly proud of your growth."

"As requested," the Guildmaster said, his voice tinged with respect. "In recognition of your remarkable achievement, I'm pleased to announce your promotion from F-rank to E-rank. Thalia has already been informed, so be sure to visit her and update your guild card before you leave today."

Daisuke nodded. "Thanks."

"No, thank you," the professor said, smiling as he bowed respectfully. "You've done a tremendous service for us. The Mhaledictus has been a blight on our town for far too long."

"If you've got eyes and ears everywhere," Daisuke said, fixing his gaze on the Guildmaster expectantly. "Is there any information you can share with me about them?"

The professor's expression soured. "You likely have more information than we do," he admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. "All we know is that they go by the name Mhaledictus—a highly organized crime syndicate engaged in prostitution and slave trafficking. Beyond that, our knowledge is sadly lacking."

"We've consistently faced hurdles in obtaining further information, but perhaps that's about to change," said the Guildmaster, his fingers interlaced beneath his chin. "The group you dismantled was merely a small-time gang seeking to align with the Mhaledictus. However, we now have a lead that might provide us with substantial insight into this elusive organization."

"Haxks," Professor Bayley began, motioning towards the girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes. "I'd like you to meet Lumielle Arabella Celeste Ainsworth—she's the princess of Lunarel."