The trio made their way through the large double doors of the Adventurer's Guild headquarters.
Feng Ye, Flora, and Anne stepped inside.
The outside of the guild was very impressive. However, its interior was even more so. The main hall was huge. Tall ceilings, dozens of reception counters, a variety of in-house services, and restaurants. It was as though the guild had an in-house food court.
It was very busy. Adventurers moved in and out with purpose. For those who were observant enough, they would notice that there were faint mana traces lingering in the air. The walls, and marbled floors had a faint glow as though it were reinforced with mana.
Flora glanced around with widened eyes. In contrast, this main building was at least ten times larger than the guild branch in Redwood Town.
Anne turned towards the others. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild Headquarters. Try not to pick a fight. Too many eyes watching.""
Feng Ye also looked around. The adventurers here seemed to belong to a variety of different influences. Many wore distinctive cloaks, badges, or sigils. Some were from faraway regions outside of Radiant Kingdom's sphere of influence. If one were well versed in the culture of both Westwind Province and the Northern Abyss Territories, one would recognize some adventurers bringing that culture over or their distinctive customs and clothing.
Here at the capital, adventurers from other races also gathered. It was more so noticeable here at the adventurer's guild headquarters. Feng Ye passed by some elves, dwarves, beasts in a hybrid form like a half man/half beast, and many others who he couldn't recognize. It was a melting pot of different races.
Flora's expression was a mix of excitement and anxiety. "I'm heading to the registry office to submit my transfer paperwork. I'll meet you in a bit."
"You'll be fine." Anne patted her shoulder and grinned. "Tell them you're with me if anyone looks for trouble. My name should deter some."
Flora nodded. She glanced at Feng Ye. "Don't vanish on me."
"Sure." Feng Ye replied.
She gave him a smile before walking away to a different part of the hall.
After Flora left, Anne nudged Feng Ye. "Let's go meet up with the rest of the party. They should be upstairs in a lounge."
"Let's head up from there." Anne motioned towards a door leading to a staircase towards the far end of the hall. Over there, it wasn't as crowded as their current location.
As they began making their way over, Feng Ye's steps slowed.
Anne also felt it.
A subtle pressure lingered in the air. It wasn't aimed directly at her or Feng Ye. Rather, it felt like a broad sweep. One that was a passive scan cast over the room. Like someone letting their spiritual sense drift lazily outward, brushing across everything and everyone… and lingering, just for a second, on them.
Feng Ye narrowed his eyes and scanned the area around them. He looked in the direction where he first felt the pressure come from.
Then he saw them.
A small group sat off to the side at an isolated table near the corner of the lounge area. They all belonged to the same influence as their robes seemed to have similar styles. They wore matching white and silver robes.
Each had embroidery that confirmed they were all one group. On their chest, a patch with the symbol of the sun was stitched in fine dark-colored thread.
They weren't noticeable if one wasn't specifically paying attention as their presence seemed to be shadowed by the loud banter from the main hall.
Feng Ye's gaze locked with one of them. It was a woman with pale silver-colored hair tied in a simple braid. Her eyes were sharp and observant. She met his look with indifference. However, Feng Ye noticed her gaze flickered slightly when they made contact. It was odd. Did she recognize him? Maybe suspicious?
Feng Ye didn't know as he never met this person before.
Then, she looked away and observed other adventurers in the main hall.
Anne who was next to Feng Ye caught this moment. She muttered quietly, but loud enough for Feng Ye to hear. "They are members of the Church. The Church of the Goddess of Light."
Her expression became serious. "They are big players. The crest they wear means that they are relatively higher ranked. They are operatives that are specialized in detecting the unnatural. Things like curses, demonic relics, and the like."
Anne glanced around before continuing. "Most adventurers avoid interacting with them. Getting on their bad side would be problematic due to their influence."
Feng Ye didn't react and continued to have a calm expression. His mind raced however with numerous theories. Perhaps, it was residue from the demonic tentacled monster they had slain several days prior? Or perhaps, it was his blade that was sitting within his inventory space. Since the blade was in his inventory, it shouldn't be detected outwardly though.
It shouldn't be able to get him flagged.
"They don't seem to be hostile." Feng Ye muttered.
"Not yet." Anne's voice remained quiet. "But I wouldn't wave that sword of yours around town either. If you're carrying anything that feels off, keep it sealed. Let's make a stop to get you a different weapon. You can't rely on those daggers only." Anne winked at him.
Feng Ye nodded. "Sounds good."
Feng Ye glanced over his shoulder one last time. The woman with the silver hair was no longer looking in his direction. She was sipping tea, her expression unreadable as another robed figure leaned in to speak to her.
For now, there was no pursuit. Another large influence already seemed to take notice... He would see many groups like this.
However, it was a great wake-up call. The capital is of an entirely different level completely. He had to be careful and wary. Overly cautious as there were many influences lurking waiting to stir trouble.
Those who weren't careful here would be burned. He had to take care not to get burned.
Anne noticed Feng Ye's concern. "They won't follow. The Church doesn't act unless they are certain. If they had a real reason, you would have been surrounded already."
Feng Ye nodded. "I'd rather avoid being on their radar."
"That's a good call. I would recommend being careful. Those people are a pain to deal with. Once they get suspicious, they are hard to get rid of. They will keep digging. They have numerous informers and many hands. Some wear armor, others wear robes, and some sell goods."
She paused briefly before stepping on the first stair at the base of the stairs. "Just don't give them a reason to start sniffing around. I can shield you from idiots like Cedric, but the Church? That's a whole other beast."
"Understood." Feng Ye nodded. Anne could only help so much. It seems that Anne was pretty wary about this influence as well.
They ascended the staircase. As they ascended, it slowly became quieter as the noise from the first level faded.
Anne patted Feng Ye's shoulder. "Regardless, you'll like my party. You briefly met them, but this time, it will be much better."
She grinned. "Try not to act too mysterious. They are a nosey bunch."