In that warm amber glow, a time of slower thoughts enveloped him. In those moments, with his eyes wide open, Alex's mind transformed into a vast, empty horizon—observant yet content to simply be. He felt the soothing breeze caress his skin, becoming immersed in the soft melody of the crickets chirping around him, allowing the gentle energy of nature to wash over him like a calming tide. Evening had arrived.
After helping Nyx prepare dinner, it was finally time to eat. Tonight's meal was pasta, just the right amount of spice to satisfy his craving. To complement the dish, it was time to pour some wine.
The glass was undoubtedly a vibrant, rich green, while the wine itself shimmered in the deepest shade of red. The bottle had the inviting hue of a warm, deep brown, reminiscent of aged oak barrels.
Once he filled her glass, he poured his own, savoring the aroma of the wine. It was one of those moments he cherished, relishing the simple pleasures of good food and drink.
As he savored his wine slowly, Alex initiated the conversation.
"My immediate goals are clear. First, we need to reach the city, and then I plan to register at the Adventurer's Guild. I'm considering taking the special test to quickly rise in rank."
"You're referring to the special test that requires a down payment of 500,000 gold coins before you can attempt it? If you succeed, you automatically become a Black-rank adventurer?" Nyx asked, raising an eyebrow. He nodded in response. The special test was a long-standing tradition within the guild, one that Typhania had mentioned before the final battle, as part of their preparation for this new world.
The Adventurer's Guild had been around since ancient times, and this tradition had persisted. Few dared to attempt it, primarily due to the steep cost and the inherent dangers involved.
Only someone truly reckless would willingly part with half a million gold. Anyone with that much wealth would likely prefer a comfortable life rather than take on the risks of adventuring. As a result, it had become an almost mythical test that few were willing to undertake. However, those who succeeded would achieve something monumental—not only would they gain a Black-rank, just below the highest rank, but their reputation would also soar.
For Alex, the goal was simple: to take this test. He had both the money and the strength to succeed, and in doing so, he could spread his fame, letting others know of his whereabouts as he didn't have the time to search for them.
Having spent years with her master, she had come to understand his plans all too well.
"Your goal, once you reach Black-rank, must be to attain Platinum-rank and gradually take over the Adventurer's Guild for yourself, am I right?"
Alex smiled, a grin laced with dark intentions.
"As expected of you; you see right through me. Yes, my intention is to claim the Adventurer's Guild as my own. It's one of the three superpowers here, and if possible, I want to control the entire lower realm."
As he spoke those words, a fierce desire sparkled in his eyes, revealing the depth of his ambition. He understood that desiring and achieving something were two different matters, but the first step toward success was to have that desire and be willing to do everything necessary to realize it.
Nyx smiled in satisfaction—a rare expression for her—showing just how pleased she was with her master's newfound mentality.
"I understand your goal, but as you know, it won't be easy. Even if you manage to take over the Adventurer's Guild, there are still two superpowers left: the Empire and the Mercenary Guild. They won't be easy to bring down," Nyx warned him, and it was indeed a source of concern for Alex.
He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, lost in thought. If only there were another force he could leverage to create a balance; it would make things much simpler.
Nyx who was watching him sighed, surprised that he hadn't thought of this hidden power sooner, especially considering he had someone among his allies who controlled such a force in the previous world.
"Why not take over the underworld?" she suggested.
Alex's eyes widened, as if struck by a sudden revelation at Nyx's words.
"Bingo! Great suggestion. Thank you, Nyx."
While there were three superpowers in this realm, in truth, there should be four, maybe five with the Merchant guild but that not what is important. Where there is light, there is always darkness; the stronger the light, the more potent the darkness. This meant the underworld's power was likely on par with the other three superpowers. If he could take control of it, he would level the playing field. Seizing the underworld could fast-track his plans, making it possible to achieve his dream of dominating the entire realm. The underworld likely held many dark secrets about the other forces, and if exploited correctly, it could lead to significant advantages.
A wicked grin spread across Alex's face as he began to outline his plans. He shared his ideas with Nyx, who helped refine them, offering insights as they plotted for the future. His immediate goals were clear: reach the city, take the special test, succeed to spread his name and draw attention from his group members, and then use them to infiltrate the underworld while simultaneously taking over the Adventurer's Guild.
He hoped that among those said to be present in this realm from his group, either Sera or Lilith would be present, as both were skilled in covert operations. Their expertise would be invaluable in executing his ambitious plans.