"M...M-Monster....What kind of monster are you!?" exclaimed B-Ranked adventurer, terrified while staring at all dead members.
Apparently, all thirteen guild members died by the hands of SSS-Ranked Michael.
"Say, how come you proud guild members got defeated by your enemy? Don't you think you deserve a punishment? I am just gonna give you a painless death, that's all I can do to reduce your punishment but it is inevitable now." said Michael with a grin as he stares at the last opponent.
"You traitor! You think you can easily fool the guild? Once they will know about your true nature, you are gonn-" before the B-Ranked adventurer could speak more, his throat was slit apart as the blood spread all over Michael's face.
"Since when you all got a big mouth like that? Well, I will have to clean up before I get caught..." said Michael, preparing to dispose of evidence.
The cloud was darker with lightning, the rain started slowly as it turned violent.
"Hah! What a lucky day!? Half of the evidence would be messed up, more easy for me to get rid of em." said Michael, laughing with pleasure.
----
The following day arrived as the guild posted missing adventurers throughout the H-Type city.
There were fourteen of them who went missing according to the information guild had recieved.
The parents or anyone related to the missing adventurers were mostly the ones to report it first.
Kael, Willy, and Noel were shocked at the fact.
Guild proposed a deal and posted another mission to find all the members. Even if it is one, the one who found them would be rewarded.
"Hey, what do you think is happening? I thought the guild had seized the place where prisoners were kept. Does this mean, The Saints have another similar place and eventually started kidnapping again?" asked Noel.
"Well, the higher ups won't open their mouth. But I don't think The Saints have other places like that anymore. It was confirmed that they had only one place as big as that where we were taken as prisoners." replied Willy.
Kael listened carefully as he is staring at a certain person.
"Huh? What happened Kael?" asked Willy, following Kael's eyes.
"Oh? Are you curious about that guild member? Apparently he is Michael of SSS-Ranked adventurer. He is another most well respected member in this H-Type city." explained Willy as he glanced at Michael.
Michael was looking at the case and was seemed to be pondering something. He realised that he was being watched as he turned his head toward Kael.
"Hm? I haven't seen you guys before....wait.... Ah!? Aren't you guys one of the members who were caught up in that bullshit place as prisoners? I am glad you all are safe." said Michael, smiling happily.
"I heard, you were the one who brought down Jeff and helped seize the place. I sincerely appreciate your assistance in that." continued Michael, bowing his head a little, with respect toward Willy.
"Ah! What are you doing!? I just did my job as a guild official! Haha! Nothing much to be appreciated, it's just an honour that's all. No need to bow your head like that! It doesn't suit you!" exclaimed Willy, with flustered expression on his face.
"Haha, anyways. We need such loyal members like you. Keep up the good work and you can surpass everyone including me one day. I have got to go now. I have some unfinished task to deal with." said Michael.
"Oh, are you going to search for those members? We are also gonna do the same." said Willy.
"Oh? Well yeah, goodluck then..." replied Michael, with a little dark expression which was slightly revealed.
No one could notice that eerie expression but Kael noticed something strange about Michael.
Noel observed Kael as she closes her distance and asked with a low voice: "Although I can't tell what is on your head because of that stoic face you have got, but you seem a little perplexed by something..."
Kael didn't respond at all which made Noel back down and give up on pursuing more.
"Well, if you can't tell me that's all right. But I do hope you share a little bit especially if it's related to the current situation like the kidnapping or missing adventurers." said Noel, giving space to Kael and asked no further.
Michael had left the guild bar as if he was in a hurry.
"Hey Kael and Noel, what do you think? Shall we also start searching for these members?"
"But where should we start from?" asked Noel with a finger on her chin as she tilts her head.
"Hmm, how about we try to visit the victims's parents or anyone who knows them? Or those who filed a missing case about them?" said Willy, suggesting to visit those who might know about any of the victim.
"That's not a bad idea. Let's move out ass then, what are we waiting for!" exclaimed cheerful Noel as he went ahead outside the bar.
Kael and Willy stared at Noel as she went out.
"Well, sometimes she might just get excited about these stuff. However, I bet she really doesn't want to be late and want to help them." said Willy, his voice looking a little fragile as if he remembered something.
Kael noticed a hint of sadness within Willy.
But Willy immediately got back to his usual self and told Kael to follow Noel otherwise she would get lost.
With that, Willy also went out.
Kael, before heading out, went to the reception counter.
"Yes sir, how may I help you?" asked Guild Receptionist.
Kael asked for a favour to receptionist.
"Sir, this might be a little bit about privacy...I don't think I can provide you with that...I am extremely sorry." said Receptionist.
Then Kael slowly spoke something.
"What!? Are you kidding me? But if it's true then....sigh....please promise that you won't tell my name that I assisted you, you hear me? I don't want to lose my job you see..." asked receptionist.
Kael nodded and made sure to promise not to tell anyone about receptionist's assistance.
"Fine....I will do that but it would take some time...so..." said Receptionist.
Kael nodded in reply as he understood and left the guild bar.
----
To be continued...