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Chapter 208  Alver Is back!

"Why are you running away?" He questioned.

"Hmm, nothing. I was just making a visit to the church, and..." I tried to excuse myself, but...

"Liar, you and God don\'t line up in the same lane at all," he commented.

I shook my head, sighed, and turned around to face Alver.

"It\'s been a while, Ren," he grinned and continued, "I never would\'ve imagined that I would meet you immediately on my first day in Solstice, but it\'s great." He laughed, and I felt extremely uncomfortable with the way he was looking at me.

\'You and uncomfortable? Damn, let me have a look too,\' saying this, Blaze perked his head out of the robe, and...

Fwip*

He immediately went back inside.

\'That guy smiles like a creep! You and him have the same smile!!!\' Well, he understands now. Wait, do I smile like this?

"That\'s great, then...." I paused and looked past him toward the church staff who, for some reason, were standing behind him, "Looks like you are a bit busy. How about we talk sometime later?" I tried to make my escape.

To which he turned toward the church people and said, "Pope, I guess this is all for today. I\'d have to leave. Just remember whatever I told you and do it." He ordered the pope.

"Oh, yes," the pope said as he turned to his subordinates, and they all left almost in the blink of an eye.

I was a bit speechless; he had ordered the head of Ellora\'s church.

"Haha, see, I am quite influential here." He had that smug look on his face—crescent moon-like eyes and a smile that made me want to punch him for no reason.

"Haa... what?" I asked. There\'s no use beating around the bush. "What do you want... or is it the same as last time, being the guild master for one of your branches?" I questioned.

"There\'s a lot to ask and offer, but how about we go somewhere better? A coffee shop? I just got here, and I want something to freshen up my mind. A strong coffee would be great... what do you say?" He smiled.

"Nah, I have classes..." I looked at the small pocket watch he had on his coat and said, "Look, my dorm warden might get worried if I don\'t return now. I\'m just a student, and I must follow the school rules." I have a few things to say to Alver, but man, I am tired.

"Is that so..." he raised his brow before looking sideways and said, "The smell of the blood is thick in the air... I wonder if your teachers would notice it or not, maybe they will."

"..." I for a second felt like he was peering into me, but I just sighed as I replied, "Okay, let\'s go. I know a coffee shop here."

"Great! I hope I can get some cake too... traveling makes one hungry." He beamed. He\'s one weird fellow.

We strolled along the cobblestone streets of Solstice, guided by the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the crisp morning air. The city was bustling with life as people hurried to their destinations, their footsteps creating a symphony of movement.

Finally, we found our sanctuary in a nearby coffee shop, a quaint and cozy establishment tucked away from the bustling streets. The warm lighting and rustic decor created an inviting atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the solemnity of the church we had just left. The soft hum of conversations and the clinking of cups against saucers filled the space, creating a soothing backdrop to our impending discussion.

We settled into a corner table.

Alver, in his seemingly carefree manner, ordered a robust coffee and a generous slice of cake.

As the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee enveloped the table, he savored each bite of the delectable cake with an expression of sheer contentment. His eyes sparkled with delight, and it seemed as though he carried not a single care in the world.

In the midst of our tranquil surroundings, I decided to break the silence. "So, Alver, what brings you here to Solstice? It\'s been a while since our paths crossed."

He set down his coffee cup, leaning back comfortably in his chair. "Well, you know how it is, Ren. I\'m perpetually on the move, ceaselessly expanding the guild\'s reach and tirelessly seeking new opportunities. Solstice, I reckoned, was an intriguing place to explore."

Arching an eyebrow, I pressed for more. "You mean to tell me you traveled all the way here merely for business prospects?"

He chuckled. "Of course, it\'s not solely that. There was something I sought here, and a few land deals as well, not to mention the inevitable meeting with you."

I harbored an inkling of caution regarding his intentions. "Is that so? Haa, let\'s get to the point."

"True, this is getting awkward."Alver agreed, understanding the need to address the topic at hand.

I lifted my cup, taking a sip, and continued, "I cannot assume the role of a guild master, not for the next three years."

"..."He paused for a moment before inquiring, "Will there be any further changes after these three years?"

In three years, the entire ordeal with the demon king would presumably be resolved. The idea of being a guild master and leading a life of leisure appealed to me, but until then, I must adhere to the current plan or the storyboard that is-

"My education," I replied, casting a glance at my cake. "It\'s vital that I complete my studies at the Imperial Academy."

He countered with a challenging perspective. "Do you not realize that it may eventually become futile? Sooner or later, you will reach your limit, and the academy will expel you without mercy. Why squander your time when you have an alternative?"

He did have a point. The Imperial Academy appeared to be a paradise from the outside, but upon rational consideration, it became evident that those who couldn\'t keep up were cast aside mercilessly.

Nonetheless, I clung to my resolve. "Stubbornness," I retorted as I indulged in another bite of the delectable cake.

\'Hey! Let me eat too!\' Smokeball jumped out of my robe and sat on the table.

"Whoa!" Alver exclaimed at Blaze\'s sudden arrival.

I quickly explained, "Oh, he\'s my familiar. Don\'t mind him." I scooped up Blaze and the plate of cake, placing them both on the ground.

After that, an extended silence prevailed between us. It appeared Alver was uncertain about the direction of our conversation.

"So... whom did you kill this time?" he eventually inquired.

"Does it truly matter? How about you enlighten me regarding your activities at the church?" I fired back.

He went silent again

\'You both don\'t trust each other at all,\' Blaze pointed out

"A group of goons," I spoke, picking up my cup and fixing my gaze on Alver. He met my stare with a blank expression. "I killed them."

Alver considered my revelation and then chuckled. "Haha, I bought the church."

"Eh?"The weight of his statement was enough to make me feel like my jaw had fallen to the floor. He bought the church – the very same church we had left earlier?

"Haha, I anticipated that reaction! Even you are aware of the significance of such a purchase," he crowed, a proud glint in his eye.

"That\'s outrageous! There\'s no way that\'s... haa, how much?" My disbelief was palpable, and I felt as though I might leap out of my chair.

Selling and purchasing a religious property was an absurd notion. The royal family held no dominion over the churches, and this was a transaction that, under normal circumstances, should have been unthinkable.

"Far more than anyone can fathom," Alver responded in hushed tones. "It was an astronomical sum, but it was a worthwhile investment."

"Ugh," I sighed, slumping back into my chair, still grappling with the shock of it all.

"Yeah, it is. Everything under the name of Ellora Church now belongs to me," he declared, and that announcement left me somewhat annoyed.

"And you purchased it for how much?" I inquired.

"Too many questions," he initially tried to dismiss my query.

"C-Ranks, five B-Ranks, and two A-Rank Beasts, I can offer you if you do something for me," I explained, tapping my index finger on the table.

".... That\'s great, but..." he hesitated until I added a crucial detail.

"Alive, they are alive," I emphasized, and his interest was suddenly piqued.

"What do you want?" He inquired without delay.

"The orphanage, I want you to maintain it as it is," I made my request explicit,"And I have few more things that can help you for increasing your guild business but that\'ll require some....money."