Aaron sat with the expression of a baby who had just been scolded by his mother. His cheeks were puffed out, eyes narrowed like a child holding back tears. Ignis, arms crossed tightly over his chest, faced the window, clearly trying to avoid everyone else's gaze. Across the table, Alaric and Merlock locked eyes, both wearing dead-serious expressions that seemed to cut through the silence like a blade.
Alaric finally broke the tension.
"Maybe it's time we form a party. It's already sunset, after all."
"You're right about that!" Merlock nodded. "I say we officially form the party today, go back to our rooms, and rest. We can set out tomorrow when the sun is up, and hopefully, everyone's in a better mood."
"He started it!" Ignis suddenly shouted, pointing accusingly at Aaron.
"Oh, yeah? Like you're one to talk!" Aaron shot back, his voice just as sharp and loud.
"Can you two just drop it already?" Merlock said calmly, waving his hand.
Ignis stood abruptly. "Fine! I'm leaving! I'll be back tomorrow." Without another word, he strode off toward the stairs at the end of the guild hall, near the bartender's corner.
"Where's he going?" Aaron asked Merlock.
"How would I know?" Merlock replied with his usual lazy smile.
Alaric chimed in, "He's heading to the local rooms upstairs — the ones for adventurers."
"Wait, there are rooms here?" Merlock asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Of course! And I'm heading to mine now." Alaric turned and left toward the stairs.
Aaron turned to Merlock with narrowed eyes.
"You did book rooms for us for the three days I was out cold, right?" His tone was cold, almost like he was about to execute a crime.
"Yeah, of course! Why wouldn't I?" Merlock said, though his voice wavered just slightly.
"Then why was I lying under the table when I woke up?" Aaron pressed, his gaze sharpening further.
"Well… maybe you were sleepwalking?" Merlock stammered.
A slow, creepy grin spread across Aaron's face.
"Yeah, I believe you. Take me to our room then."
"Right away!" Merlock said brightly, and they headed upstairs together.
Lucky for them, a staff member was waiting with a jangling bunch of keys.
"You wait here," Merlock said to Aaron, then approached the man.
"Can you give us any room? We'll pay in the morning." He whispered quickly.
"Certainly, sir! Here you go." The man handed Merlock a key with the number 13 scratched onto it.
"Room number 13," Merlock announced loud enough for Aaron to hear, who was a few steps behind.
"Coming!" Aaron called out, and together they made their way to the door.
Aaron opened it to reveal a surprisingly spacious room for an adventurer's guild. Two beds stood against opposite walls, covered in clean white blankets with sturdy wooden headboards. A small table sat between them, on top of which flickered an oil lantern casting warm yellow-orange light. Above the table, a window let in a soft breeze.
"Not bad at all," Aaron said, impressed.
"Yeah, I didn't expect this either," Merlock agreed, nodding.
Merlock set his grimoire down on the table.
"Well, I'm going into sleep mode now." With that, he vanished inside the book.
Alone in the quiet room, Aaron crossed over to one of the beds and laid down.
"Feeling sleepy... might as well get some rest." He yawned, turned toward the lantern, and closed his eyes.
The morning sun struck Aaron's face like a dagger, piercing through the window with blinding heat. The light shimmered and flickered, warping the curtains and walls like a mirage.
"Ah, right… it's summer," Aaron mumbled, still curled under the blanket with eyes squeezed shut.
Merlock popped out of the grimoire, stretching his arms.
"What a beautiful morning!"
"You call this beautiful? Don't you feel the heat?" Aaron grumbled.
"Spirits can't feel temperature," Merlock replied matter-of-factly.
"Well, good for you," Aaron muttered, sitting up.
"Let's go downstairs. The others are probably waiting." Merlock's voice was hopeful.
"Alright." Aaron nodded, and they left the room.
As Aaron stepped out, Ignis passed by, shooting him a cold glance and casually bumping his shoulder against Aaron's.
"What's his problem?" Aaron muttered loud enough for Ignis to hear.
"Just keep your cool," Merlock advised calmly.
They headed downstairs, where Alaric and Ignis were already seated. Aaron and Merlock took their places at the table.
"So, maybe we should start by discussing our skills?" Merlock suggested with a slight smile.
"Good idea. I'll go first," Alaric said confidently. "I'm a battle strategist and a healing mage."
"That's perfect. We definitely need a strategist," Merlock agreed. "Ignis, your turn."
"I'm from the famous fire clan Vaelthorn! I know a spell powerful enough to burn down an entire city," Ignis said with pride.
"That sounds terrifying for someone your age," Merlock said with a chuckle.
"Yes, but there's a catch — after using that spell, I lose consciousness because I run out of mana. Someone has to carry me away."
"Got it. We can cover that. But surely you know some less destructive spells too?"
"Nope, that's the only one," Ignis replied casually.
Merlock's smile faded slightly, unease creeping in. Another headache on top of Aaron.
Aaron finally spoke up.
"As for me, I'm a dark mage."
"Well, that's enough introductions," Merlock said. "I'm a spirit — elemental abilities aren't limited for me. And I have a contract with Aaron."
"With that loser?" Ignis sneered.
"Yep, the same one who made your nose bleed!" Aaron shot back.
"If you two start fighting again, I swear you'll regret it," Merlock warned, his voice cold and eyes piercing.
Both Ignis and Aaron fell silent, their anger cooled — at least for the moment.