Kingdom of Yggdrasil, Sol Clan Guild*

"Not bad at all ..." said Diavolo while dismounting his mount with a certain fluidity, adjusting his cowboy hat that gave him such a singular look in a city populated by refined elves.

He let his gaze wander over the architecture of the guild. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The building was indeed impressive, both in terms of its size that dominated the central square and its intrinsic beauty.

Kaiser also dismounted, smoothing his silver hair back.

Upon opening the main door, they discovered the warm atmosphere that reigned inside, a contrast with the arrogance outside. The space was vast, supported by high arches where mana crystals floated, diffusing a golden and soothing light.

Large circular tables occupied the center of the hall, where several elves were talking loudly, mugs of mana nectar in hand. One could see organized groups of mercenaries, recognizable by their matching emblems, but also solo warriors, often settled in the darkest corners, checking their blades.

After sweeping the room with his gaze, Kaiser and Diavolo headed toward the counter, ignoring the murmurs and heavy stares from the various warriors inside. Obviously they attracted attention; between Diavolo’s eccentric hat and the cape that covered most of Kaiser’s body, it was obvious from miles away that they were not from here.

Behind the counter, however, the atmosphere was different, more professional. A mature elf wearing fine silver glasses received them with all the politeness of a seller welcoming a high-profile client in her shop.

She possessed that mature and sculptural beauty typical of elves, with porcelain skin and perfectly styled blond hair in a bun. Her outfit, a tight red corsage, highlighted a generous chest that seemed almost too heavy for her slender silhouette, emphasizing a hip curve that her movements behind the polished wood made hypnotic.

"Good evening gentlemen, I hope you had a good journey ..." she said with a melodious and composed voice, immediately noticing that they were not locals. "... We are at the largest guild of the Sol clan, here you have the possibility to post a request or to try your luck to become mercenaries ..." she continued with a presentation.

"Your kindness is only matched by your beauty, milady ..." let out Diavolo while bowing slightly, unable to hold back in front of such a charming woman. He displayed a smile that made his golden teeth sparkle where one could read the inscription FUCK THEM, which made the receptionist raise an eyebrow, torn between amusement and surprise.

Diavolo, with his usual ease, began to lead the conversation. He introduced himself as Diavolo, then presented Kaiser by calling him Klein, explaining that they were itinerant exorcists. He recounted with incredible verve that they wished to register as mercenaries to earn a little money during their journey through the elven kingdoms, vaguely mentioning hunts for evil spirits and purifications of corrupted zones.

The elf listened, playing along with a polite smile, but after hearing that they were exorcists, she seemed a bit skeptical. After all, in the Kingdom of Yggdrasil, it was the priests of the temple and the paladins of the Light who most often handled these spiritual matters, and she was clearly not the only one doubting their skills.

"... Exorcists my ass ..." suddenly spat a slightly drunk elf at a nearby table. He wore a golden plate armor so ornate and shiny that it became almost ridiculous for real combat. "... It’s obvious they are just passing charlatans hoping to scrape a few gold coins off our backs ..."

Diavolo turned slowly, adjusting his cowboy hat nonchalantly. He detailed the elf with his gaze, stopping particularly on the useless flourishes of his breastplate.

"... Nyo-ho ..." he murmured with a drawling laugh. "... Tell me, boy, your armor is so flashy that I wonder if you use it to fight or to serve as a mirror for the ladies of the street. With so many reflections, the monsters must go blind before you even have time to miss your first strike..."

Several guys inside could not help but burst out laughing. After all Diavolo was not entirely wrong, the armor looked more like a figurine than something useful in real combat.

The man instantly turned crimson from the insult, his pointed ears trembling with rage. He stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair, while his companions tried to calm him by holding his arms.

"Repeat what you just said, crook?" he said uncontrollably, trying to draw his sword.

"Stop damn it!" another tried to calm him by holding the sleeve of the sword in its sheath. "You know very well that the rules forbid fighting inside the guild..."

The atmosphere in the guild tensed in an instant, conversations dying down to leave room for the noise of the guy moving in all directions trying to make his way through those who seemed to be his companions.

It was then that another individual, who had remained a bit apart in the shadow of a pillar, intervened. He was dressed in dark and worn leather attire, and wore a blindfold over his eyes that in no way seemed to hinder his perception. His presence emitted a heavy serenity, a sign of a seasoned fighter.

"Why so much agitation ..". he began in a calm voice that cut short the insults of the drunk warrior. "... If they are really exorcists, they just have to prove it, right? A demonstration is worth more than a thousand words ..."

Kaiser, who had remained silent until now, hands in the pockets of his coat, sketched a mocking smile.

"And how do you suggest we prove it, friend? ..." he asked in a tone that suggested the answer mattered little to him, as long as it led to a quick conclusion.

The man with the blindfold detached himself from the pillar, advancing into the golden light of the crystals.

"It so happens that I myself have someone I suspect is possessed..." he replied calmly. "You just need to exorcise him, that should be within your abilities?"

The receptionist put away her papers, observing Diavolo and Klein with curiosity. She seemed to appreciate the idea of putting these two strangers to the test.

"That is an excellent idea ..." she concluded while taking out an official form. "... The reward is substantial, but the risk is just as much. What do you say, gentlemen? ..."