".... AHHH!"

'In the Middle of the night, inside a lit mansion, a girl with blue hair screamed as she woke up from what seemed to be a nightmare.'

'Sweat fell on her forehead as she recalled everything she saw in her dreams…'

'She didn't want to believe it... The fire and chaos... Destructions and Despair.'

"Are you okay Cassandra? Another one of those dreams?" Asked a girl on the side

'She was currently sitting on a small table, going over several envelopes, stamping the seal of her Familia, and sealing whatever she placed inside each of them.'

"... I… I… I told you... They… Weren't just dreams." Replied Cassandra as she recovered her bearings

"Not this again, we already had this conversation." Said the girl on the side

'Her hair was red, wine red. And her eyes were golden, they seemed to sparkle as the light from the candle shined on them.'

"What are you doing Daphne?" Asked Cassandra as she got up from bed, she wasn't going to sleep anytime soon

'The room they stayed in was rather fancy. Being extremely big even though only two people lived in it.'

'From the exquisite carpentry of the furniture to the expensive carpet on the ground… This room screamed "Expensive".'

'Cassandra got up from her bed and put on her fluffy slippers as she approached Daphne, her only true friend.'

"Don't you remember? We've been preparing for this for the past 3 weeks or so. It's the seasonal party held by Apollo." She said as she stamped the seal on yet another envelope, sealing it with wax

Although Cassandra was never one to remember such meaningless things for long…

"Wasn't that supposed to be in another two weeks?... Was it brought forward?…"

"What does he…Apollo-Sama wish to do this time?" Asked Cassandra as she thought about her dream

"He seemed pretty pissed ever since he came back from the Denatus 3 weeks ago, even more so after the meeting to decide the theme of that War game, so I guess this has something to do with that." Replied Daphne

"He wanted to bring forward the party ever since then, but even after working our asses off every day, we only managed to bring it forward by about two weeks or so." Said

"The letters are nothing out of the ordinary as well, I still don't know why he decided to push it forward."

Although he seems pretty excited about this one… More than the previous ones.

"I am sure he will tell us what he intended to do later, he was always surprisingly open about these things despite his trash personality." Said Daphne

"!"

'Cassandra opened her eyes in shock! This situation was just like her dreams!'

"WE… WE CAN'T!" She said as she grabbed her friends shoulders

"Oi oi. Don't do this with me when I am handling hot wax please." She said as she carefully placed her Familia seal back on the table

'She turned her chair, facing Cassandra directly, and said:'

"I already told you, but those are nothing but dreams, so please, stop talking about them. In case you can't sleep, how about you help me with these to divert your attention?" She said with a kind smile

"..."

But what I saw…

'Cassandra eventually decided to give in, even though she didn't really believe what she had just seen.'

'Even though she saw many things through her dreams, none had been as absurd as today's.'

…

/BAM!/

"ARG!"

"Is that all?" Asked Silver as he looked at the burly man, blood still dripping from his hands

'Around him were… 4 fallen adventurers, all of which had their noses broken.'

'But that wasn't all, one of them had all of his teeth pulled out, or rather, broken, while another one had his hair and parts of his clothes, burned.'

'One seemed half-frozen with several parts of his body blue and white, another one was spamming on the ground, small lighting arcs dancing on his skin... And the last one stayed motionless on the ground with his eyes white, an expression of fear on his face...'

'Silver was merciful and didn't break any other bones, not counting the multiple fractures they received... But he made sure to dislocate their arms and legs.'

'Specially for the guy who said those rude words... That guy won't be leaving any descendants on this Earth anymore.'

"..."

'Everyone in the bar looked at the unexpected and violent scene.'

'After the four adventurers dashed into Silver, they expected him to be subdued really quickly.'

'However, what they saw defied this as Silver knocked the four of them within a few seconds…'

'In a really brutal way…'

'Power, precision, technique, he clearly surpassed them in all of that.'

'They didn't have a chance… Even though Silver was supposed to be a recent Level 2 fighting against 4 veteran Level 2's…'

"..."

'The burly man gazed at his companions in anger and helplessness.'

I was short-sighted.

Even though he is a recent Level 2, it's clear he is stronger than a normal Level 2.

I should've taken that into consideration and rushed together with them...

Just by seeing those movements, it was clear.

I didn't even have time to process what happened and he had already taken the four of them out.

Those refined movements and that strange Magic…

But…

'The strong man clenched his fists.'

I AM LEVEL 3!

/CRACK!/

/FWUSH!/

'The man dashed after Silver, cracking the wood below him.'

/BAM!/

"What?…"

'Instead of evading, Silver did the unthinkable and… Blocked the punch!'

'His hand was red as his veins seemed to boil due to how red they were!'

"That hurt… But warm-up is over…" He said as he smiled

'For a moment, the burly man locked eyes with Silver's resplendent eyes.'

'But reflected in those eyes were… Anger and bloodlust. Just like those of a beast in the Middle floors.'

'This made him lose himself in fear, even if just for an instant, he felt as if he was about to die... However, he recovered soon after as he clenched his hand in anger...'

'But that was enough time for Silver to act.'

/BAM!/

'Silver grabbed the man's arm and pulled, while at the same time, he placed his foot in front of the man, making him trip on the ground.'

"For a Level 3, you are just so-so." Said Silver as he mocked his fallen opponent

"FUCK YOU!"

'The angry man snapped!'

'He took his knife from his belt and slashed at Silver in desperation!'

'This was all done in a single movement as he got up from the ground! He wasn't a Level 3 for nothing.'

/CLANG!/

'Silver blocked the blow by using a blue knife made of ice.'

"HUP!" Said the man as he slashed sideways

/CLING!/

/CLING!/

'Silver and the man exchanged a few blows, however, it was clear Silver had the upper hand of skill.'

'So much so he seemed to be smiling, mocking his opponent's poor skills.'

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Said the burly man as he slashed downwards

/CUT!/

/GASP!/

'His downward cut was so fast that it actually broke the knife and cut right into Silver!'

'Most of the people closed their eyes and gasped, waiting for the blood to come…'

/THUD!/

'But instead, Silver reappeared behind the man and punched his head!'

"ARG!" Said the man as he flew and hit the counter, shattering several glasses and bottles

/Gasp!/

'The owner of the Inn felt as if his soul had been consumed as he watched the expensive bottles shatter...'

'Silver noticed that and came to the conclusion he had to stop this before things escalate more.'

/KRUNCH!/

'He didn't even let his enemy gather his thoughts as he teleported from his locations and smashed his knee on his face!'

"..."

'The man didn't say anything anymore… Perhaps forever…'

'Everyone looked at the scene in horror…'

'Especially when Silver cleaned the blood from his legs as if it was nothing.'

'What just happened?' That was what many thought at the time.

"... How anticlimactic."

Is this what a Level 3 is supposed to be?

Those poor judgments and moves, and he being prone to anger this easily…

I didn't even need to try and he got angry.

Perhaps he was truly drunk!

How disappointing… No, wait.

He must've been a high Level 2, that's the only explanation.

'Silver looked around him and noticed the fearful looks of the bystanders.'

'Some looked at the scene in awe, some cowered from his gaze.'

'It was then that Silver realized that there was blood on his hand, it seemed he hit that guy too hard on the head.'

I might've gone overboard… They are just nameless tugs being ordered, killing them won't do me any good. Even though I kind of wanted to make them suffer a bit more.

But who gave them the orders?...

'After making sure he was alive and well Silver said:'

"Hey Boss, these guys seem to be from the Tityos Familia, make sure to ask for compensation and to give them a fine in the Guild later."

Adventurers are constantly fighting, so normally, this wouldn't be enough for a fine from the Guild.

However, one of them raised their weapons in public space and openly tried to frame me for murder…

And it's just formal for a Familia to pay for the trouble they caused.

"Tell Tom I am alright, also, here."

'Silver threw a bag of coins to the Boss, there wasn't much inside, just a few thousand Valis.'

'This money was more for his own food and drinks rather than the destruction. That would be paid by the fuckers on the ground.'

…

'Silver made his way out of the tavern and into an alley.'

"... To think they would attack me like this."

When I learned about the War game, I immediately thought about the reaction of Tityos.

I was the one who prevented his plan and killed his children in the process.

However, due to the fact he was from a small Familia, I never thought much of it.

"But it seems they were hiding their true strength all along."

To hide a Level 3 like this… And several Level 2's…

This would be enough to make them slightly inferior to the Apollo Familia in terms of strength, and I don't know how wealthy they are.

"And they dared to threaten me? With my Goddess?"

I can't do much in a public space due to Orario's laws, but that doesn't apply to private property...

Hehe… Where is the Tityos Familia home again?

'In the dark night, Silver's eyes seemed to glow, shining in the dark…'

"Since you decided to approach me like this, don't expect me to remain silent."

But… I can't just storm everything… Not without a plan.

I need to learn a bit more about the laws...

'Silver walked deeper into the alley, his goal? The Guild.'

…

"ATCHIM!"

"Are you okay?" Asked Hephaestus as she passed Hestia and handkerchief

"Uh… Did I catch a cold?" Asked Hestia

"It's possible, you can take tomorrow off." Said Hephaestus as she went back to the papers

"I love you Hephaestus!" Said Hestia as she hugged her friend

"Today is special! Don't expect it to happen anytime soon!"

'Hestia continued to play with Hephaestus, not knowing that at that time, her only Familia member was in the middle of causing yet another storm…'

…

'At this time, the Guild had already closed, and only a few workers were present.'

'Silver did not sneak in, as he wasn't dumb enough to do such a thing.'

'The doors of the Guild were half opened, so he didn't have trouble entering.'

/Step step step…/

'In the silent Guild, the only sounds were of people writing and Silver walking.'

'Without his armor, he didn't attract as much attention, although, there wasn't anyone looking at him anyway.'

"..."

There you are…

'Silver soon found his target… A lonely Elf working on a table in the back section of the Guild.'

'Silver picked a piece of paper, turned it into a ball, and threw it into Loiju...'

/Ploft…/

'Hitting him square in the forehead!'

"#!!"

"Who the fuck dares!…??" Said Loiju in a low tone

'Loiju picked the paper ball in annoyance, before looking to the side and seeing Silver.'

"..."

Why is he smiling?... Should I run?...

…

'Inside the Guild, Silver and Loiju sat on a table inside a small room.'

'Loiju had his two hands blocking his face as he sweated.'

"So… Let me see if I understood…" Said Loiju

"Members of the Tityo Familia attacked you, and now, you want to get back at them?" Said Loiju

"Yes, just tell me where they live."

"No no… Look, if what you told me is right, then they are the ones in the wrong. The Guild can't really punish them, but they are in for a very big fine."

'He picked a small book.'

"Hiding their true strength… An 'assassination' attempt in broad daylight… False accusations…"

"Although there isn't any proof for what happened that day, it's almost sure they are the culprits."

"Even more so during these times, they will be subjected to a thorough investigation."

"..."

'Silver did not say anything and just listened.'

"They will suffer a lot just with these fines…"

'Loiju looked at Silver's expressionless face.'

'He started to sweat…'

"In any case… They are currently with a War game on schedule so it's against the rules to just go there and attack them…"

"The War game is invalid since they hid their strength. It would've been fine if they leveled up recently, but that isn't the case. Isn't that right?" Said Silver as he cut Loiju

"But even so! That doesn't mean you can burn their house down!" Said Loiju

"It's just a fine... And when did I say I wanted to burn their house?" Asked Silver with a kind smile on his face

And that is only valid if there is no proof…

"Silver…"

I should've gone home earlier...

"How do I ask for a War game?" Asked Silver

I need to be fast, else they might refuse the game… That is if they wish to suffer even more humiliation…

"... ARG!"

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT TODAY WOULD BE A GOOD DAY!!

/BAM!/

'Loiju slammed his hand at the table.'

"Alright! I will help you! Otherwise, my name would be tarnished if you committed a felony while being under my care..."

'Silver smiled as he watched the determined eyes of the Elf.'

"There are many ways in which we can do this."

'He picked a paper and started to draw lines in it.'

"Legal and illegal… However, the end result is the same, the repercussions would vary depending on the situation."

"It's true that they hid their strength, but to prove that would take a while, enough time for Tityos to gather excuses and money to pay for the fines."

"At most he would receive a blow to his already bad reputation."

"So we need to strike fast." Said Silver

"But that is only possible if you go there and ask for a War game, however, he can easily refuse you by saying he is already in one, the only one who would lose would be you."

"The same would happen if you attacked them right now." Said Loiju

"You would be giving them bullets to act against you."

"Even though they hid their strength, wouldn't it be revealed during the War game?" asked Silver

"Most likely yes, but in that case, the War game deal comes first."

"It's unfair, however, the Tityos Familia would have to pay a hefty price for lying."

"..."

"... Tell me more about what you said previously, about gathering proof. What would happen after you gathered enough?" Asked Silver

"Hm… The Guild would launch an edict canceling the War game and the rest is bureaucracy." Said Loiju

"Leto would be considered the winner, however, the truth about the murder would probably be buried…" He said

The conditions of the War game would likely be ignored...

And after a few fines, everything would be back to normal… I doubt Tityos would accept another War game anytime soon…

"... So it's just proof? What if I gave you one right now?" Asked Silver

"?... Don't tell me… Do you have it?!" Said Loiju

"..."

'Silver nodded.'

"... It's a risk… But… One that I am willing to take."

"I hope your proof is good enough, else I am most likely going to lose my job." Said Loiju as he got up from his chair

"We don't have much time, come with me." He said as he opened the door

…

'Loiju led Silver through the halls of the Guild, eventually, the two of them stopped in front of an ornate door.'

/Knock knock knock/

"You can enter." Said a gentle voice

'Loiju nodded to Silver and opened the door.'

/Creak/

"Loiju? And… Oh! The rookie everyone is talking about." Said a Chienthrope man

"I don't think we had the opportunity to meet each other, although we pretty much see each other every morning." He said

"I am Rehmer, Guild Section Leader of Orario. A pleasure to meet you." He said as he fixed his glasses into place

"Nice to meet you, sir, my name is Mellios Silver."

"No need to be so formal." He said as he smiled

"So… May I ask why you two came in here today? I imagine it isn't just for some talk, considering the time…"

"Indeed sir. We came here to report something rather serious. It's related to the Tityos Familia." Said Loiju

"So it's about that… Tell me then, I am ready."

'Loiju looked at Silver, giving him the chance to speak.'

"There are two things I would like to say, the first one is in relation to the event that happened a few months ago, and the other is what happened today."

"A few months ago?... Ah, you must be talking about the conflict that happened between them and the Leto Familia right?"

"However, whatever was wrong, both Familias have already decided to settle it with a War game, the theme and location have already been decided, it will happen on the first day of March." Said Rehmer

"Alright, I expected that…"

'Silver opened his hand, slowly, a strange white gas started to form in it.'

'Rehmer looked at Loiju and the latter nodded.'

'The gas slowly transformed into a thin white plate floating on the air.'

"This is what happened a few minutes ago…" Said Silver as the plate started to show some colors…

'The plate slowly showed a POV video of Silver and the entire interaction between him and the adventurers from the Tityos Familia.'

…

'The room was in silence.'

'Rehmer was thinking about what he saw, now understanding what this was all about.'

'Loiju cringed after he saw how Silver handled those adventurers…'

"I know why you two came here, and this is enough proof." Said Rehmer

"May I ask if it's possible for you to display that again? I need to record it for later."

'Silver nodded and replayed the video.'

"Loiju, may I trouble you with confirming their identities?" Asked Rehmer

"On it." He said as he started going over the books on the shelves

"If they are confirmed to be members of the Tityos Familia, then the War game would be canceled. However, if they are confirmed to have Leveled up recently, then the War game is bound to continue." He said with a serious face

'Silver nodded.'

"I found it." Said Loiju

'He went over the pages yet…'

"Apart from their captain, the Familia is said to be composed of Level 1 players… and the 5 that attacked you are also recorded to be Level 1." Said Loiju

This makes me worry… The man Silver met was only the Vice-captain… The Captain is bound to be stronger... Right?

"... So it's set in stone."

'Rehmer got up and went to a secluded section of the office, he took out a golden piece of paper from inside a compartment, not before blowing some dust out of it.'

"It's my first time writing in one of these, I am actually quite excited." He said with a small smile

"Is that…" Said Loiju in distress

"Yup, it's paper made from a Sacred tree, no need to worry as they are made from dead twigs through a special method." He said in consideration for Loiju

'Silver patted his friend's shoulder.'

"I am not really that offended…" He said in annoyance

It's just from twigs...

…

"Here you go… I imagine your first stop will be Tityos right?" Asked Rehmer

"..."

'Silver nodded'

"Young people are so rash… Well, they live in the South… This is their address." He said as he gave Silver a piece of the Golden paper and another smaller white paper

"Make sure to keep it within the limits, I don't want to wake up tomorrow to a mess..." He said as he turned around

"From here on is pure bureaucracy, Loiju, I will need your help for this."

"..."

Fuck…

'Rehmer turned his head back to Silver and said:'

"If I were you, I would start moving, else they may 'escape'."

'Silver nodded and left after bowing.'

…

"... You have quite the adventurer don't you Loiju?" Asked Rehmer as he sat on the table and frowned

"But sir, will this be alright?" Asked Liju as he smiled awkwardly

"That I can't say…"

"Sir!"

Normally, for something like this, they would have to go through the head of the Guild…

Unless it was in a branch, like in Melen, since it would take too long to have the head review the situation.

"As long as he succeeds, then nothing will happen." Said Rehmer

"And if he…"

"Don't you trust your adventurer? I bet on him this time due to all of the boosting you did. Are you telling me you lied?"

"Never!"

"Then sit down and relax…"

That wasn't the only reason why though.

What I saw in that strange magic… I don't think the Tityos Familia has that big of an advantage.

Being the Vice head is such a pain. Not only do I have to help my subordinates with their personal problems but I also have to help their adventurers' problems... Sigh.

This is too much excitement for a job that should be about reading and signing papers...

"..."

'Loiju remained silent as he sat down at another table and started to write…'

.

.

.

Notes