Chapter 37: Willow II
Ini returned to the penthouse thinking. Arike wasn't there, having gone to train. He sat down on the couch, lost in thought, when he heard the doorbell. "It's open," he said, expecting it to be Arike returning from her training.
However, it was Temi who walked in, a smile on her face as she entered the living room. Before she got to where he was, he had changed his expression, no longer showing any signs of being disturbed.
Temi came to give him the money from the raid, as he and Arike had cleared most of it. "An A-ranked core is ten million naira, and you killed about two hundred and ten of those," she said, her voice clear and concise. "That's two point one billion. Could I know how you and Arike took down the beasts?"
Ini's response was simple. "Just make it fifty-fifty." Temi nodded, proceeding to explain the breakdown of their earnings. "You killed eighteen A-ranked beasts, which is one hundred and fifty million each, so that's two point seven billion. The boss was useless, with no good parts, so I didn't include that in the count. I have wired all the money to you. If that's all, I'll be leaving."
However, before Temi could leave, Ini called out to her. "Wait. If I wanted to travel abroad to see an S-rank hunter, what are the procedures?" Temi was taken aback by the question, wondering how Ini could already know an S-rank hunter abroad. But she composed herself and replied, "It depends on the S-rank hunter. If it's just a normal one, you can just go, but the more powerful ones have lots of procedures. You'll have to make an appointment before going."
Ini's response was a simple "Thanks." Temi asked, curiosity getting the better of her, "Could I know the S-rank hunter?" Ini replied, his voice calm, "Willow." Temi's eyes widened in shock. There was no way she wouldn't know Willow, as she was known as the Ice Goddess, a genius among geniuses. She was very powerful and well-known throughout Africa.
Temi's expression turned serious. "That might be hard, but I heard an A-ranked Colossal had taken over an island under their territory. They're calling for S-rank hunters, as it's very dangerous. If they go with the S-rank hunters they have, there are rumors of an S-ranked beast on the island." She looked at Ini, a hint of excitement in her voice. "With how powerful you are, they might agree to let you see her if you help. Should I contact them?"
Ini nodded, his expression unreadable. "Thanks." Temi smiled, replying, "No problem," before leaving the sub-penthouse.
---
In South Africa, Cape Town, a skyscraper stood tall, its sleek design and modern architecture a testament to the city's growing prominence. The building was adorned with a star emblem, a symbol of excellence and achievement. This was the Twilight Guild, a prestigious organization that brought together some of the most talented and skilled individuals in the world.
On the top floor, in the guild master's office, Willow sat behind her desk, reviewing potential recruits for the upcoming raid. She was a woman of great power and intelligence, known for her icy demeanor and sharp wit. As she scanned the files, her eyes narrowed, searching for any sign of weakness or potential.
Just then, an old man in a black suit entered the room, his presence commanding attention. Willow looked up, a hint of a smile on her face. "Good afternoon, Grandfather," she said, her voice warm and respectful.
The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Good afternoon, Ore. How are you?" he asked, using her nickname.
"I'm good, thank you, sir," Willow replied, her expression serene.
The old man nodded, his expression turning serious. "The reason I'm here is that we've found another S-ranked willing to join us in the raid, but..." He paused, his eyes locked on Willow's.
"What does he want?" Willow asked, her voice calm, but her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"He wants to meet with you," the old man replied, his voice low.
Willow's eyes widened in surprise. "Just to meet me? He's risking his life?" She sounded incredulous, her voice rising in amusement.
The old man nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yes, and he is quite powerful." He showed her the footage of Ini destroying the B-ranked Colossal in one strike and his fight with Blaze.
Willow's eyes were glued to the screen, her expression a mix of fascination and curiosity. She could only see Ini's eyes, as he was wearing a mask covering most of his face, but she felt a strange sense of familiarity.
"Which guild is he from?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"White Flame Guild in Nigeria," the old man replied, his voice low.
Hearing that, Willow couldn't help but think of Temi, who had also grown up in the Heritage Orphanage. A small boy's image crossed her mind, and she felt a pang of nostalgia.
"Let him come," she said to her grandfather, her voice firm. "I don't mind meeting him. Besides, he's in foreign territory, so he'll behave."
The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. After some small talk, he left, leaving Willow alone in her office.
Willow didn't get back to work, instead staring at the family frame on her desk, which held a photo of her husband and two children. Her son's face looked eerily similar to the young Ini, causing a flutter in her heart.
"Where are you?" she muttered, her voice barely audible. "Why couldn't I find you? Have you forgiven me, brother?" Her eyes seemed to cloud over, and for a moment, she was lost in thought, memories of the past flooding her mind.
The grandfather, pleased with Willow's decision, decided to send an online message to the White Flame Guild, specifically to Temi.
He typed out a message on his computer and sent it to Temi via an encrypted messaging platform:
"Message for Temi, White Flame Guild:
Ini's request has been granted. Willow agrees to meet with him. Proceed with arrangements.
- Twilight Guild"
The message was sent instantly, and Temi would receive it in Nigeria, allowing her to proceed with the necessary arrangements.