“Yes we do have a lot to talk about.” Steven said to Volhorn.

“Although let me apologize in advance.” Steven said with a smile.

“Apologize? Why?” Volhorn replied a bit confused.

“You see, when I get curious I often never stop asking questions. I also tend to get over excited over the smallest things, sometimes it gets to the point where it annoys people.” Steven explained while scratching his head.

“No problem Professor-“ Volhorn replied before Steven cut him off.

“Steven, just call me Steven.” Steven insisted.

“As you wish.” Volhorn obliged.

“As for your eccentricities worry not. For I am probably just as annoying as you when I talk to other people about their adventures..” Volhorn explained while laughing.

“Oh, do you not go on quests anymore?” Steven asked.

“Yes I’ve stopped going on adventures ever since I became the Guild Master a few years ago.” Volhorn said to Steven.

“Why? You don’t look weak at all.” Steven asked as he gave a scanning glance at Volhorn.

Despite his graying hair, Volhorn possesses a physique that can rival any young warrior. His muscles are still well defined and his overall stature is very intimidating.

“HAHAHAH! Thank you, but it is not my physical strength that is the problem.” Volhorn laughed.

“Then why did you stop?” Steven continued his questioning.

“Well aside from Guild Master duties, I also decided to dedicate my remaining years guiding the young ones.” Volhorn replied with a smile.

“I feel like I need to impart all of my collected wisdom and knowledge to the next generation no?” Volhorn said in a joyful tone.

“And besides, if I still went out on adventurers then we probably would not have met today.” Volhorn then gave Steven a knowing look.

“Well I guess you are right.” Steven replied.

“Then ask away, Steven. I can see that you have a lot of things to say no? Your eyes have been very expectant ever since you entered my study.” Volhorn revealed.

“Then I shall take you up on your offer.” Steven said as he fixed himself a bit.

“First off, tell me, what does it feel like to be an adventurer?” Steven asked his first question.

Volhorn didn’t reply immediately but instead looked up to the sealing for a little bit. After pondering a bit he simply smiled and looked back at Steven.

“It’s simply the best.” Volhorn replied joyfully.

“Journeying into dangerous territories, living off the land, enjoying the company of your party, and most importantly the thrill of facing creatures far greater than yourself is experience you cannot find anywhere else.” Volhorn explained.

“Sure being a Knight will give you a more secure income, and the occasional battles when sent out to missions but.” Volhorn paused.

“But being a knight means being in service, it means being tied to your King.” Volhorn said as he shook his head.

“Being an adventurer means having the freedom to journey wherever you want and being bound to no-one! Your life is simply your own, and you choose how to live it.” Volhorn then smiled at Steven once again.

“I UNDERSTAND! I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND!” Steven replied in an outburst of emotion.

“Hahaha! I see. The thrill of adventure seems to exist no matter what world!” Volhorn said while laughing.

“Then, onto my next question.” Steven said as he calmed himself down.

“What is the most terrifying beast that you encountered in your time as an active adventurer?” Steven asked with great interest.

Volhorn then looked as if he was in deep thought, crossing his arms and looking down on to the table. It appears that he had a lot of close encounters and was now having a hard time choosing one. Then after a minute he replied to Steven. This time however, his face had a hint of seriousness to it.

“Well I have a lot of terrifying encounters back in my days but there was only one encounter that really stood out.” Volhorn said to Steven.

“Yes yes, go on.” Steven replied with enthusiasm.

“10 years ago during a not so special hunting request in the Mystic forest, my party was going about our business when suddenly a legendary beast appeared before us.” Volhorn paused a little.

“We encountered a Dragon, but not just any Dragon. It was an ancient Dragon.” Volhorn said with serious eyes.

“Ancient Dragon? How is it different from a normal dragon?” Steven asked Volhorn.

“You see Ancient Dragons are far larger than normal dragons, but the most telling features are their wings!” Volhorn replied.

“Wings?” Steven asked a bit confused.

“Yes, Ancient dragons have a total of three pairs of wings. Six large wings that seem to invoke a hurricane every time it moved.” Volhorn explained.

SIX WINGS? Steven said to himself obviously in disbelief

“They possess great magic power as well and frankly, I don’t think any human can match its might.” Volhorn continued as he shook his head.

“I see then what happened during your encounter?” Steven asked.

“Well, the Ancient Dragon hovered above us for a few seconds. It looked like it was observing us” Volhorn began recalling his encounter.

“Observing?” Steven then had a perplexed expression on his face.

“Yes, it simply looked at every single one of us.” Volhorn explained.

“It didn’t do anything else. It didn’t attack, it didn’t even land. It just stayed in the air and looked down on us. After a few tense minutes, it then flew away as sudden as it has appeared.” Volhorn continued his recollection.

“Wait if it didn’t attack you and simply looked at your party, then is it wrong for me to assume that the Ancient Dragon is an intelligent creature?” Steven asked.

“Well, according to legend, Ancient Dragons are wise creatures who possess knowledge that far surpasses any land dwelling creature, be it humans or even elves.” Volhorn replied a bit unsure of his answer.

“Intelligent gigantic monsters.” Steven became excited at this prospect.

“Still I am not sure whether the legend is true or not. I don’t recall hearing any story of someone communicating with an Ancient Dragon.” Volhorn shook his head.

“I see.” Steven replied.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

“Guild Master Volhorn!” A female voice from the outside exclaimed. It was the receptionist from earlier but she had a rather frightened tone.

“Yes what is it?” Volhorn replied.

“A letter via secret carrier just arrived; it’s from a Naztec branch. “ The receptionist then paused to catch her breath.

“Secret carrier!? Volhorn suddenly lost his carefree demeanor.

“Is something wrong?” Steven asked.

“Ah ahem, it’s nothing to be worried about. But I am afraid our little chat has to end here for now” Volhorn said apologetically.

“No, no it’s fine. I’d feel guilty if I took more of your time” Steven replied almost immediately.

“Well one more thing, where do you keep your catalogue of beasts? And do you have any specimens, alive or dead?” Steven asked.

“Oh, you can ask a receptionist for the catalogue but sadly we don’t have any specimens.” Volhorn shook his head.

“I see that’s too bad. Well then, thank you for giving me a bit of your time Guid Master Volhorn.” Steven said as he shook Volhorn’s hand.

“Don’t mention it.” Volhorn replied.

Steven then excused himself and left the room. The receptionist then entered and handed Volhorn the letter.

Volhorn’s face then twisted with anger upon reading the contents of the letter.

“Bastards!” Volhorn exclaimed as he crumpled the letter in his hand.