9 Chapter 9: Legends and Chaos (2/2)
”No, they don't. They answer to a different master. We all have our bosses. I'm not theirs.” Replied Garen his voice heavy with anger and hostility, speaking low to not be overheard. ”I've got a special place in my heart full of hate towards them. Those two you see over there aren't really elves. No matter how much they want to be. They were originally human and chose to masquerade as members of my people, and the World Dungeon accepted it. Same with the dwarf and the demon-kin. Pretenders all of them, and one day I'll make sure they suffer for it.”
”So, like me? I was human, I think I still am, just you know, with an upgrade” Asked Luca thinking of the wings he had grown that covered his back. Wings that even now fluttered in response to the breeze against his skin. I wonder if I'll be able to fly with these?
The elf leader shook his head in disagreement, responding with a real laugh, ”Not even close, kid. You're the real deal. Whatever you are, whatever you've become, its anything but human. It's not a costume, not some cosmetic selection to wear. Call it intuition, but it's in my interest to help you out.”
Garen gave Luca a quick glance over as if mulling over whether to interfere or not. ”Listen to me like your life depends on it. Whatever happened to you before. Don't talk about it. No one here is your friend, and everyone is going to want that power you have once it blooms.. If anyone asks where you got those wings, just tell them it was part of a costume you were wearing when you came into the World Dungeon. No more and no less. Leave it like that, and don't pad in any details. Anyways, I'm out kid, I said my peace, good luck to you.”
”Why should I trust you?” Asked Luca, thinking of the way the elf had attacked him when they first met and then threatened him after. ”Were not exactly friends. I don't know you.”
Garen sighed, irritated, ”You don't know them either kid, but use your brain and use your eyes. Don't trust a single human here in Hometown that looks like their not having a rough time. Think of this, what's in it for me? What's in it for them? I'm maxed level. I can't gain anything from you.”
With that warning, Garen walked away, leaving Luca even more confused than he had been before. It was an odd sensation receiving friendly advice from the elf, considering the undercurrents of hostility he had felt radiating off of him earlier. Man, why do things need to be complicated? What would you do, dad? I've got enemies all around me and not a single friend to be had.
With that thought lingering in his mind, the group approached. Their hands raised up by their sides in a sign of peace. Intentionally showing, they had no weapons drawn and had towards him no hostility. I guess I'll need to play this one by ear.
From the back of the group, the demonic-looking man spoke up, yelling as he called out to Luca. Cupping his hands together to make sure his voice carried. ”We're here to talk, so nothing crazy ok?”
”Hey stranger, I see you're new here. I'm Dominic, I'm what you might call a devil-man,” Dominic explained as he reached out with his taloned hands to shake Luca's hand as he closed the space between them. Luca tried to ignore the feeling of revulsion he felt holding the cold and lifeless hand in his own. It must be a racial thing. Since this guy isn't human anymore either. ”I'm the leader of the Guild Chaos and welcome to Home Town. I hope we can work together in conquering this dungeon.”
Following Dominic, the two elves introduced themselves next. Each waving and smiling at Luca, seeming to want to make sure he felt relaxed in their presence. ”I'm Layla, and this is my sister Keira. We're known as the Gemini Twins. We run the Legends Guild with our cousin, the fat dwarf over there. His name is Kevin. Kevin, don't be rude. Say hello.”
The grumpy and surly-looking dwarf gave Luca a head nod and mumbled a quick ”Hi. Welcome.” Luca internally smiled, relaxing and congratulated himself inwardly for guessing correctly the dwarf was young. Maybe even his own age, something about that made him feel a lot better and more comfortable in general with the group.
The elf Keira spoke up. ”Were doing the daily round-up of new arrivals, and you've managed to make a bit of a stir around here. We'd like to talk to you personally about joining one of our guilds. We share a common area and are basically one guild family with two branches. We'd like you to head back with us to talk where it's safer down in the Human Quarter. We couldn't help but see Garen had been bothering you. We can help with him too. He's one of our big problems too and part of the reason we travel in groups. He can't take on all of us, and with our protection, he'll leave you alone too.”
The thought of avoiding the aggressive elf or at least having protection from him was enticing, but Luca was hesitant. He had listened to enough stranger danger talks that his parents had given him when they were still alive to know better than accept gifts from a stranger. Still, by the way, they held themselves and the interest they showed in him, Luca guessed he didn't have much of a choice in the matter.
Luca's gut was screaming at him that this meeting to talk wasn't optional. He decided to not fight it and just go along with the four of them. A hungry rumble sounded from his stomach, and the two elves looked at each other in embarrassment while the remaining members of the group laughed. It was Kevin who spoke up, ”When we get back, we have food, you know? Going hungry around here sucks, you know?”
Honestly, a meal is enticement enough. ”Sure. Let's go.” Luca responded in resignation, slumping his shoulders as his wings snapped, folding up against the flat of his back and causing the elfs twins to jump. ”Oh, that's how I do that. Sorry, new to this.”