Hero of Darkness

Two Days Later. 

The word about the murder of the vice president of LNP guild had spread like a wildfire in the entirety of Alfheim. 

Whether it was normal people, law authorities, adventurers associations or even small mercenary teams; everyone heard the news of the 3rd stage summoner saint being killed and his head put on a pike while making a public display in front of the guild's main entrance. 

But even the imperial authorities and law enforcement officials who came to investigate, couldn't find a single clue about who and how they killed Ranobes. 

Plus the declaration targeting the President of the guild himself aroused even more suspicions and changed the direction of the investigation. 

The motive behind the murder appearing to be an act of deep hatred and vengeance to many. 

Even those who had nothing to do with this matter or got affected by this incident remotely started making assumptions and theories of their own. 

Like who was so brazen and courageous enough to declare a war on the 2nd strongest guild in the entire city? 

What did the President do for someone to kill their vice-president out of rage and without fearing the consequences?

And there wasn't even a big battle. How could a 3rd stage saint die so easily? 

On the other hand… This news itself shook the entire community of mercenaries guilds, envoys and teams. 

Even other top guilds became wary of this and tightened their own security as a precaution. 

Although the Elf couldn't talk about the truth to anyone and had many enemies… he already knew whose deed this was. However, he could do nothing else than play the part of an oblivious fool. 

Because he'd have to explain exactly what they did and how they targeted Misthios guild just because they felt insecure about an emerging competitor. 

This sort of practice was already deemed unethical and if the truth got out… it would greatly damage their reputation in the whole Alfheim. 

Sometimes… Glory and Fame could also become your Chains and Weakness. 

The 4th stage Elven President was shaken and full of grief after the death of the Vice-president. 

He and the Ranobes built this Mercenary Guild from scratch when they were young and rookies in this trade. 

Both were outcasts of their respective clans a few decades ago. But fate brought them together and they became lifelong friends. 

At this moment, the president of the guild swore to himself… 

"Misthios guild… You shall know my vengeance." 

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Among the regions surrounded by the sky-touching and ginormous trees placed in Alfheim, there was a 10 kilometer wide region filled with naval boats, trading outposts for sea products and bartering facilities for merchants and customers coming from different regions of the empire. 

Additionally, this region wasn't under the domain of imperial authorities or any large business corporations who handled the economy of this settlement… rather, it was actually the main headquarters of a mercenary guild. 

A wide building colored in blue and yellow that was surrounded by dozens of 3 story buildings and lush greenery incorporated with the architecture came into sight. 

This was the main building of the top management of this mercenary guilds. And in the main office of their leader… was a 6 feet tall figure with long brown hair and multiple blue tattoos on the face, arms and legs, was working quietly. 

Behind the main desk, there was a big black battleaxe carefully placed in a rack while the owner was busy going through a lot of paperwork. 

Swoosh!! 

A gentle gust of wind shook some of the papers on the desk as a lithe figure covered in black and brown attire while having their face hidden behind a dark yellow mask arrived on the other side of the desk. 

This figure quickly knelt in front of the leader, not even breathing loudly. 

"So what is the intel?" asked a feminine voice as the spy appeared hastily. 

"Not good, Guildmaster. Even our spies placed in LNP guild couldn't find anything. 

However… there's even a bigger threat." spoke the spy, giving a hint of his old age. 

The one he knelt before was a 4th stage saint. 

Lagertha Skjoldottir. 

The Guildmaster of this Mercenary Guild who was also a direct descendant of the 4th Hero of Life aka Bjorn Ironside. 

Nobody dared to look down on this woman who was a battleaxe warrior. 

Because not only was she one of the strongest saints, but also the leader of the strongest guild in the entire Alfheim. 

The 12 Valkyries. 

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The 12 Valkyries, the number one mercenary guild of Alfheim which was established only 5 years ago but took the number one position under their leader's ironclad command.

This was a guild with the highest number of saints. And based on the name, it was a peculiar one. 

Because all the saints in this guild… were Females. 

Whether one was human or an Elf… regardless of their species, only female saints were allowed in this guild gained the moniker of a Valkyrie. This peculiarity also made them gain attention way too quickly, especially in the females of the mercenary profession. 

"So what happened? Are we in trouble too? 

To kill a 3rd stage saint without even leaving a trace… 

It can only be done by someone with more saints and powerful abilities." iterated Lagertha in black and brown armor which was made with custom viking designs and had wolf fur on shoulders. 

The spy then replied in an obedient tone… 

"We don't know about that. But there's news spreading about a new guild named Misthios." he iterated. 

In the following moments, he explained the news of this new guild that formed only 5 days ago but became a hot topic soon. 

He also informed about Dante's accomplishments during their first ever job and how he instantly gained fame in the community. 

"All of them are Saints. We don't know about their ranks either. 

But they're all ironborns just like you, leader." spoke the spy and continued in a gloomy voice. 

"The leader is an Elf with Iroborn descent." he declared. 

"What's the name of their guild leader?" asked Lagertha in a dominant and authoritative tone. 

A vertical battle scar on her left eye and cheek giving her fierce appearance despite her gorgeous face. 

"Legolas Ragnarsson." informed the spy.

"Someone has the audacity to have the same surname as our great ancestor Bjorn Ragnarsson?

I guess I'll have to meet this Legolas soon." spoke Lagertha as she looked out of the wide window of her office, gazing down at thousands of people under her domain. 

"Are you going to make an enemy out of him?" asked the spy with an uncertain voice. 

"Why the hell would I do that? I'm just curious. 

 8 Saints, all Iroborn and making a mercenary guild at that instead of joining the military or serving High Elves of the empire. 

This doesn't seem like some random people making a guild. Rather… A super force settling their roots in Alfheim." she spoke in a firm tone, her face revealing curiosity and concern of mind at the same time. 

"Relay my orders… keep a close eye on the Misthios guild. 

And do not intentionally provoke them or their saints unless necessary. 

We need to tread these matters carefully and see if they will become a friend." commanded Lagertha, planning her future steps at the moment. 

"Or become our biggest Rivals."