Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Whispers Of Ruin
It took some moments, but guild members began to recognize him.

“It’s Guildmaster Thalion!” someone whispered.

“The Imperial Liaison himself,” another voice said with awe. A title that hinted at his responsibility to ensure the guild’s actions align with the interests of the empire.

Several adventurers raised their hands in greeting. Some smiled, others nodded respectfully, while a few gave hearty waves.

“Thalion! Good to see you back!” a bulky dwarf called out from a nearby table, lifting his tankard in salute.

Thalion responded with a warm, easy wave, a polite smile on his lips. He kept moving, his steps echoing softly as he passed the tavern section and began ascending the spiral staircase that hugged the interior wall of the guildhall.

The second floor was quieter, reserved for private offices and meetings. The chatter and laughter below softened as Thalion climbed. His boots clicked softly against the polished wood floors.

At the end of the hallway, Thalion reached a door bearing a brass plaque engraved with his name and title. He pushed it open, revealing his office.

The room was spacious but practical, with a large window on the far wall letting in the golden midday light.

Heavy emerald-green drapes, trimmed with silver, were tied back to frame the window. A sturdy mahogany desk sat in the center, its surface meticulously organized documents stacked neatly on one side, an inkstand and quill on the other.

To the right of the desk stood a tall bookshelf filled with leather-bound tomes and scrolls, their covers glinting faintly in the light. On the left, a small table held a polished globe of the known world alongside a single potted fern. A coat rack near the door had Thalion’s traveling cloak.

The scent of parchment, ink, and faint lavender lingered in the air, the latter likely from the oil lamp sitting on the desk, its base etched with floral designs.

Seated before his desk was a woman, waiting.

She had striking long violet hair, her eyes were a piercing silver, and a thin, silver chain rested on her forehead, with a single amethyst that caught the sunlight.

Her attire was professional yet elegant. A high-collared black blouse with small silver embroidery at the cuffs and neckline.

Paired with a fitted grey skirt that ended just above her knees. A thin silver belt cinched her waist, and a small leather satchel was slung over one shoulder.

The woman rose gracefully as Thalion entered, her expression calm and composed.

“Welcome back, Sir Thalion,” she said. “I trust your meeting with the emperor was productive?”

Thalion offered her a nod, stepping fully into the room and closing the door behind him. “It had its moments, Violet. Any updates in my absence?”

She pointed toward the desk, where a folder of papers rested. “Reports from the frontier and a few messages from the guild council. I’ve summarized the key points for your review.”

The Guild Council is the governing body that oversees the actions and operations of all guilds across the continent. Comprised of representatives from various guilds, its members are elected based on their influence, experience, and leadership within their respective factions.

The council serves as the central authority that ensures guilds operate within the boundaries of their nation’s laws, mediates disputes, and coordinates collective actions for the greater good.

It has significant sway over political matters that affect guilds and their interactions with different nations, often directing resources and alliances in response to external threats.

The council is known for its pragmatism and strategic thinking, but it is also notorious for being secretive and sometimes ruthlessly self-serving in its decisions.

But it did not always deeply involve itself in the activities of the individual guilds, and times when it did, it had to be matters of immense importance, but not in the nature of wars or conflicts involving nobles.

No, such theatrics were always very problematic and often more than they seemed.

Thalion walked to the desk, his gaze briefly scanning the documents before looking back at Violet.

“Efficient as always,” he said with a faint smile.

Violet inclined her head. “Shall I fetch you tea while you review the reports?”

“No need,” Thalion said, lowering himself into the chair behind the desk. “Stay. I’ll need your thoughts on a few matters shortly.”

Violet nodded, her hands clasped neatly in front of her as she waited silently.

Thalion sat at his desk, his brow furrowing as he read through the reports, his eyes narrowing as they skimmed past one particular line. He stopped, rereading it slowly, the words sinking in with growing unease.

A heavy sigh escaped him. He set the papers down as he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples before speaking aloud.

“It seems the guild council wants all branches to collectively work together to hunt down some sort of cult… calling themselves The Angels of Ruin. Apparently, whoever they are, they’ve been causing some trouble in the East lately.”

Violet, who had been standing silently, tilted her head to the left. She looked curious yet confused. “Why? I thought the policy of the guilds was to never involve ourselves in conflicts related to any of the nations we were based in?”

Thalion sighed deeply, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface of the desk. “That’s the thing. This strange cult… whatever they are… attacked the guild. Killed multiple branch Guildmasters and their officials.”

Violet’s eyes narrowed in shock. “But that doesn’t make any sense. The guild would never do anything to provoke such a reaction from anyone.”

Thalion’s gaze darkened, his voice lowering slightly. “I know. That’s exactly what makes this so strange. The guild has always kept a neutral stance, focusing only on the tasks of adventuring and trade, never meddling in the political affairs of any nation. Yet, here we are, caught in the middle of something we don’t even understand.”

He paused for a moment, leaning forward, his eyes hardening. “The only problem now is that the council is insisting that all efforts be put toward uncovering what, or rather, who The Angels of Ruin are… and getting rid of them. Which means I won’t be able to have guild members assist in the plans I discussed with the emperor earlier.”