Compared to the receptionists’ desks, the bar isn’t nearly as busy. A few patrons are sitting around the bar’s countertop, but most of the groups are off at their tables. Emily approaches one of the bartenders, a rather thin many with a handsome face, and asks, “I heard I could buy some information here, is that true?”.

The bartender looks at her and says, “You can call me Sam, and yes, you can buy any information you could desire from us. Well, if you can pay the appropriate price, that is. I don’t recognise you, so you must be new. You probably don’t know this, but all the bartenders here are part of the assassin’s Guild, this is just our day job. Feel free to hire us if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.”.

Emily takes a step back, caught off guard by Sam’s forthcoming attitude. “Aren’t assassins supposed to be a sneaky, secret society?” she asks, confused. “How are we going to attract customers if no one knows about us? Besides, assassinations are only a small part of our business. We mainly trade-in information. It’s perfectly legal to be an assassin, just as long as you don’t get caught on the job,” he explains, collecting the empty glasses on the table.

“So, what information do you need?” Sam asks. “Well, my team has a quest to collect wolf pelts, where can we find any wolf dens?” she asks. “Finally, an easy question. New adventurers really make my life easier, never asking about the locations of ancient relics and whatnots. I have a list of five wolf dens and a map to each of their locations, it’ll cost you one silver coin,” he explains.

“It’s a deal,” Emily agrees, handing him a silver coin and receiving a map in return. “Come by again if you need anything,” he says, throwing her a wink. She doesn’t bat an eyelid at his actions, turning around and walking back towards her group.

“So, how did it go?” Eric asks. “I got a map for wolf den locations. Also, the tavern is a front for the assassin’s Guild. It’s weird how the two mix together,” she explains, placing the map down on the table. “This world is odd, in more ways than I expected,” Cale comments. A heroic light shines in Eric’s eyes as he says, “Well, we now have our destination, so let get going. I want to quickly grow strong and defeat the demonic beasts and maybe win the love of a princess or two along the way.”.

Cale shakes his head in disappointment and decides to rather not comment on Eric’s ridiculous notions. Mia, ever the quiet type, happily watches the groups antics, content with the upbeat atmosphere. “We better get going, it’s already past mid-day, there’s not a lot of daytime left,” Emily says, refocusing the conversation.

“First, we need a plan. It’s best if we have Eric at the front with Mia directly behind him. Emily can stand at the back and provide them with cover. I’ll go in whenever they let their guard down. Any objections?” Cale says. No one refutes his plan, trusting his ex-military experience. “Good, let’s go,” he says, standing up. Eric picks up the map and takes the lead, delusions of glory filling his thoughts.

Centum observes the departing group of heroes. He stops writing, closing the leather-bound book and placing it in a special pocket under his robe. He stands up and follows the group outside, none of them noticing their new follower.

Back in the bar, the head receptionist watches Centum leave, her heart full of confusion, “Why is he so interested in a new group of adventurers? I’ve only heard legends of Cardholders before, but who knows what he’ll do. I pray for that team’s safety.”. On the top floor of the Guild building, watching from a widow, a middle-aged man, with muscles bulging underneath his clothes, watches Centum leave.

“Rebecca, that self-important, head receptionist, she must have reported his appearance directly to the top. She’s always playing favourites with her grandfather, completely skipping the chain of command. Well, it doesn’t matter; I sensed his presence the moment he entered. His technique is shrouding him from this world’s inhabitants and hiding his true strength,” the Guild Leader says to himself.

“I saw this kind of power only once before, from the Guild’s founder. When I trained under him, back on planet Elysium, he demonstrated it to me once, but its scale was much weaker, and it quickly drained him of strength. That purple hooded man has been keeping it up ever since he arrived at the Guild, just how strong is he?” he remarks, his eyes full of vigilance.

Centum follows the group of heroes out of the city. He shrouds himself with a special technique, completely hiding him from their senses. If he wanted, he could stand in front of them, and they wouldn’t notice him. The group comes to a stop in front of the forest, and they huddle into a circle.

In the circle, the group is arguing with each other. “Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Emily asks in frustration. “I think so,” Eric replies, his confidence wavering. Cale plucks the map from Eric’s hands, studying it. A deep sigh flows from Cale’s lungs as he says, “We aren’t completely lost, it seems, but Eric is leading us in the complete opposite direction. Now, we’ll probably only have time to attack one den today. Follow me; I’ll lead this time.”.

While walking, a fifty-meter distance is kept between Centum and the group. He opens the leather book and writes, “In front of the forest, the mighty group of heroes gather in a circle, formulating the perfect plan to slay the vicious wolves.”.

The group heads into a new direction, going straight towards the nearest wolf den. They enter the forest. Their group is utterly silent as they traverse the Great Forest, each member hypervigilant of their surroundings. They locate the wolf den in a small alcove; three wolves are peacefully sleeping inside. Right next to the group, completely unnoticed, Centum takes a seat on a fallen tree, his gaze burning with anticipation.