Her stance was confident, arms crossed under her chest, accentuating her curvaceous figure and projecting an unshakable sense of assurance. She wore an outfit that blended traditional elements with a modern, functional touch, designed with a balance between aesthetics and practicality. The top was a light gray with a satiny texture that reflected the light in soft glimmers, featuring a deep V-neckline that highlighted her curvaceous figure, revealing exquisite collarbones that seemed carved from marble.
The fabric hugged her torso perfectly, with folds that followed the lines of her body. The sleeves, short and open at the shoulders, were adorned with black and yellow details, with panels that appeared to be made of a stiffer material, possibly metal or reinforced leather, hinting that her attire was designed not only for aesthetics but also for combat or a demanding mission.
Over her shoulders, she wore a cape or jacket in a deep, intense green, with golden edges that shimmered subtly, adding an elegant contrast to the ensemble. The cape fell with a natural weight, its folds indicating a thick, durable material, and was secured with an invisible clasp that maintained its shape with precision. A wide black band cinched her waist, tied with a firm knot that highlighted her slender, defined silhouette. The band, made of what seemed to be leather or thick fabric, had visible stitching that added a touch of realism to the design, with small signs of wear suggesting constant use. Her hands revealed long, delicate fingers with short but well-groomed nails, painted a vibrant red that stood out against her pale skin.
—¡Hmph! —Alice and Anastasia huffed with disdain in unison before returning to their seats with heavy steps. The tension dissipated like mist under the midday sun.
It was then that I understood the true nature of those around us. Each of these children was an Enlightened, mercenaries capable of fulfilling missions that defied logic and reason. I had felt special for my early awakening, but now reality hit me with brutal force: I was far from exceptional. These protégés were not mere children; they were prodigies, almost monsters in terms of skills and power.
Had they been raised for some specific purpose?
A sense of unease settled in my stomach like cold lead. There was no logic in children so young possessing such abilities unless someone had deliberately shaped them from the cradle. Only an entity with immeasurable power could acquire stellar cores and awaken these children at such an early age, turning them into living weapons for a purpose I couldn't yet discern.
With a discreet gesture, I caught the bartender's attention and took a seat on a nearby chair at the bar. Curiosity outweighed my natural caution, pushing me to engage with this new world unfolding before me.
—Do you have something for breakfast? Could you serve it to me, please? —I asked politely, my voice slightly shaky after witnessing the exchange between those powerful young women.
As if someone had flipped a magical switch, the bartender's fierce expression transformed completely. The veil of severity lifted, revealing a maternal warmth that took me by surprise. She gave me a genuine smile, her blue eyes sparkling with tenderness as she nodded with a gentle motion.
She turned to a small wooden window behind the bar, opening it with a barely audible creak. From there, she retrieved a steaming plate of oatmeal decorated with small cubes of fresh fruit resting on the creamy surface like multicolored jewels.
—A healthy breakfast for a growing child —she commented sweetly as she placed the plate in front of me. Her warm, soft hands caressed my face with an affection that caught me off guard. An involuntary blush crept up my cheeks as her smile widened, filled with a gratitude I couldn't quite understand. Before returning to her tasks, she playfully pinched my cheeks, releasing me with a light laugh that rang like silver bells.
I couldn't help but wonder, as I had so many times before, why adults insisted on that gesture with children. Personally, I had never felt the urge to do it, but the warmth of her touch left me with an unexpected sense of comfort I didn't know how to process.
As I savored my breakfast, my mind buzzed with thoughts and analysis. The oatmeal was surprisingly delicious, its creamy texture perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the fruits. The pieces of strawberry, kiwi, and mango burst on my palate with each bite, small explosions of flavor that allowed me, for a brief moment, to forget the complexity of our situation. I granted myself that small pleasure, an oasis of normalcy amidst the chaos we had lived through.
My eyes scanned the room, meticulously studying the dynamics of those present. The guild was a vibrant microcosm, filled with complex personalities and power balances I had yet to fully decipher. I needed to be cautious. Appearances can be deceiving, and in this world of supernatural powers and uncertain loyalties, a misjudgment could cost us our lives.
My immediate priority was Cassie. Her recovery was imperative, not only because of the deep affection I held for her —though I would never admit it openly, not even to myself— but also because her abilities as a priestess could prove crucial to our future plans. She was a beacon of hope on a path sown with uncertainty and dangers.
I finished my breakfast with a sigh of satisfaction. I thanked the bartender with a courteous gesture and a slight bow of my head, my mind already anticipating the next moves like a complex chess game. I stood, adjusting my clothes with a quick but precise motion.
The Paradise Tower awaited, enigmatic and promising, possibly holding the solution we so desperately sought. But before venturing into its mysteries, I needed to gather more information, carefully assess the risks, and above all, ensure that my temporary absence wouldn't compromise the safety of the other children who depended on me.
One certainty had crystallized in my mind: I couldn't blindly trust any member of the guild. My natural caution, sharpened like a dagger by years of survival in a hostile environment, had intensified exponentially since our arrival. So far, that methodical distrust had kept us alive. I had no intention of abandoning it, not when so many fragile lives hung by the thread of my judgment.
I rose, determined to visit Cassie in the infirmary. Perhaps her condition had improved overnight. Though reason warned me it was unlikely I'd find her awake, I felt an almost visceral need to see her before embarking on any risky endeavor.