Chapter 16: A new S ranker
Ini had finally found a sense of peace, enjoying the best sleep he'd had in years. The morning sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow on his face, and he felt rejuvenated. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't being jolted awake by Tosak's sudden attacks, designed to keep his senses sharp. He was free from that constant disturbance, and his body was grateful for the uninterrupted rest.
As the sound of knocking on his door pierced the air, Ini groggily got out of bed, dragging his feet to the door. He was not pleased about being awakened from his beauty sleep and wanted to see the person who had disturbed him.
As he opened the door, his anger was replaced with a warm feeling in his chest. Standing before him was a familiar face, one that he had thought about often over the years. His heart softened, and he felt a sense of joy that he hadn't experienced in a long time.
The person at the door spoke in a feminine voice, "Can I come in?" Ini's thoughts were broken, and he replied, "Yeah." They both entered and took a seat. Ini asked, "How have you been?" She replied, "I've been well."
Ini's eyes locked onto hers, and he asked, "Temi, why are you here?" Her expression changed, and she looked at him angrily, saying, "What do you mean by that? Are you...?" Ini cut her off, saying, "My main purpose of going to the Warriors Association was to find you. Then, when I could, I researched which guild you were in through social media. I was happy when I thought I found you, till I saw you'd moved on. I mean, that's my fault to think you wouldn't move on after ten years, but I get it. No hard feelings."
Temi's expression softened, and she realized she couldn't emotionally blackmail Ini. She had to come straight out and ask for what she wanted. "I'm sorry, I thought you were gone when we couldn't find your body for so long... I'm here to ask you to join my guild. I promise you won't regret it, and you'll be paid very generously, depending on your contribution."
Ini pondered for a moment before responding, "I'm not planning on joining any guilds, but I could work as a freelancer for a few missions. How about that? Also, you have to update me on how the world has changed and how much I've missed." Temi thought to herself that this was better than she had expected. She had wanted to suggest that herself, as S-Rankers were tough to deal with. She instantly agreed, giving him her card in case he wanted to contact her. She turned to leave, saying, "It's good to see you, Ini."
Ini just smiled beneath his mask as he shut the door without replying.
As Temi walked out of the building, a young woman emerged from the corner, curiosity etched on her face. "What did he say?" she asked, hurrying to keep pace with Temi.
Temi continued walking towards the road, her expression glum. "He agreed to join us for a few raid missions," she replied, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.
The girl looked at Temi's face, puzzled. "Isn't that better? We've gained another S-Rank warrior," she said, trying to lift Temi's spirits.
Temi turned to the girl, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Aren't you wondering why the Association Chairman gave me all his information without argument, even though he didn't have Ini's permission to?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint.
The girl thought for a moment before responding, "Because we're the biggest guild in the South West, and it's better to gain the new S-Rank warrior, so we'll have more warriors to defend this region?"
Temi's smile grew wider. "We grew up in an orphanage together, and came to the Warriors Association together. You can say we have history... and that's not all. He was my first love, and I was his." Temi's voice trailed off, lost in thought.
The girl didn't see anything wrong with the situation and said, "Shouldn't that assure he'll stay?"
Temi's expression turned somber. "That's not all. When we became warriors, I was an A-Ranker, while he was a C-Ranker. We grew apart... or I should say, I distanced myself. I got a lot of attention, and it filled my head. When he took an attack for me, I was shocked and sad. Even after all I did, he still cared for me. I stayed with him when he fell into a coma... as it was my fault. When his body was stolen, I won't lie, I thought I wouldn't see him again, and I thought I had done my best and moved on."
Temi's eyes seemed to cloud over, lost in the past. "Two years later, I became an S-Ranker, and together with Blaze, started a guild. Blaze opened his heart up to me, and I accepted it. Now, ten years later... if you were in his shoes, and the person who made you miss ten years of your life was with another person when you woke up, would you be happy?"
The girl's expression changed, understanding dawning on her face. "He only agreed because he didn't understand anything yet. When he does, he'll leave without looking back."
Temi nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I doubt I can get the information the Chairman asked for, but I'll try. Hopefully, he'll move on, so he won't be focused on what I've done, and seek happiness."
The girl asked, "Do you think he'll forgive you again?"
Temi's smile was tinged with melancholy. "Never make the same mistake twice; it's always more costly than the first." She remembered Ini's words, and a faraway look crept into her eyes. With that, she continued walking, the girl following silently behind her.
White flame guild headquater
Temi, entered the White Flame Guild's gym, where the sound of clashing energies and the murmur of spectators filled the air.
Amidst the various sparring matches, two individuals caught her attention. Blaze and Kale, both S-Rank warriors, were exchanging blows that released massive waves of energy. The crowd gathered around them, mesmerized by the intensity of their duel. As Temi watched, Blaze landed a powerful strike, sending Kale flying backward. The two warriors smiled at each other, their camaraderie evident.
Blaze spoke, "You're getting better, Kale." Kale retorted, "I've been practicing, and besides, you're slacking off, Blaze. Is it because Mrs. Blaze is in the building?" The crowd's attention shifted to Temi, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. Blaze, however, maintained his composure, wiping the sweat from his brow before approaching Temi. "My beautiful Aurora, how did the meeting go?" Kale inquired, "Do we have a fourth S-Rank?" Temi replied, "He hasn't decided, but he'll be working with us on a few raid missions." Blaze and Kale exchanged a look of excitement, and Kale asked, "Why did the Chairman want you to personally go persuade him?" Temi's expression turned somber, and she replied, "He's my ex." Blaze's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his composure.
Temi bid them farewell, waving as she left. As she departed, she turned back to Blaze and Kale, saying, "You won't bully him, will you?" Blaze merely grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement, but didn't reply.
S rankers have code names as a way of making them stand out superficially
Temi's code name is Aurora.