For three days, a series of unusual events shook a specific territory. Furious storms churned up the oceans, howling winds ravaged the forests, and tremors were felt in remote regions. The primordial-css monster, the Abyssal Dragon Syphus, had disappeared after being sealed away for around four centuries.

  For those who knew its fearsome reputation, this disappearance was an omen of its possible return, in some corner of the world, or even of a rebirth. Although it was premature to draw conclusions, ten days after his disappearance, many already decred that his presence was non-existent. For the humans, the Central Cardial Church officially announced his disappearance, but some believed that this was only the prelude to an imminent catastrophe.

  [...]

  On the borders of the kingdom of Zanath, a meeting was taking pce in the guild's central premises. The Inner Master of the adventurers' guild, Framigan, was clearly irritated.

  - Look, I don't have time to waste here... It's not enough the nonsense Count Burmint has been spouting...

  In fact, he had reason to be annoyed. Despite his position of greatest responsibility within the guild, he couldn't ignore the whims of those who belonged to the highest castes of the nobility.

  On the other side of the room, sitting in a lower chair, a dwarf continued to read his book quietly.

  - “The threat known as the [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus has disappeared, so provisions for religious and guild-commissioned activities must be stopped.” Heh... I bet the nobles came down hard on you. But if someone like Burmint speaks out, I don't think he'll be the first or the st, not to mention, of course, the usual adventurers.

  - Shut up, Starko'gus. I have no patience for your provocations...

  Even annoyed, Framigan couldn't help but respond harshly. However, the dwarf only smiled and returned his attention to the book, aware that, despite the provocations, he understood his companion's anger. They both had their own interpretations of what had happened, but everything seemed to converge on a single conclusion.

  The sudden disappearance of the [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus caused catastrophic effects in remote regions of its domain. Ancient legends said that when a celestial creature perishes or simply disappears, no one would ever know the real reason, but there would be noticeable signs. Many questioned this theory as a contradiction, but now no one could doubt it.

  For Framigan, the situation couldn't be worse. As a high-css member of the guild, the news that a good portion of the funds would be reallocated was enough to make him tear his hair out. He knew that this would negatively impact the guild members and even compromise the financial situation, completely altering everyone's outlook.

  When he was notified by Burmint, a nobleman who owned nd on the borders of the Grand Forest of Langri, and who had a certain degree of friendship with Framigan, he quickly realized that new responsibilities would be pced on his shoulders. After all, those nds were a crucial line of defense for the kingdom of Krygan, where his guild was based.

  In other words, the disappearance of the [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus could be interpreted in various ways, but that didn't disqualify the threat it posed. The thought that something even more powerful could take its pce loomed rge in the minds of many, including the possibility of even more dangerous monsters, since Syphus posed an even greater challenge to those considered to be in the same category by humans.

  The fact that the dreaded dragon had disappeared was not a cause for celebration for everyone. It was believed that the unusual movement of monsters in various regions had been one of the factors precipitating this event.

  Although Krygan was strengthening its defenses by reallocating resources, the internal challenges could not be ignored. To guarantee the stability of a kingdom, a financial network needs to circute through various areas. But with the sudden cut in funds, new rules would be imposed, impacting on financing that generated indignation in Framigan.

  How would he deal with the guild-funded commissions? Even private commissions wouldn't be enough to meet the demand for adventurers at the moment. The alternative would be to hire mercenaries, which seemed more feasible.

  He could turn to the king himself, but that would mean an increase in tax rates once the situation stabilized. Framigan knew that if he sank into debt, the situation would become untenable. Although it was a risky move, he still had control, but he knew that time was against him.

  Despite the turmoil that consumed him, Framigan managed to keep his thoughts clear. He could be temperamental, but when it came to business and financial matters reting to the guild, he didn't usually disappoint.

  It was with this in mind that, in order to better understand the current scenario, he had requested the presence of an old acquaintance.

  Starko'gus was well known throughout much of the Langri Forest. As a dwarf, he had free access to both worlds, which gave him a unique position. Although his race was closer to the monsters, the dwarves had an ambiguous reputation among the other races, being neither as respected as elves nor as despised as the demi-humans, who occupied the lowest caste in human society. This intermediate position made him an ideal emissary for both groups.

  Framigan wasn't surprised to think that Starko'gus must already be aware of the rumor going around.

  - I should apologize for that, but if I'm not mistaken, it was you who requested my presence after all. I thought we'd just have a nice chat about business, as usual - Starko'gus replied somewhat calmly, although Framigan knew that the dwarf wasn't easy to impress. He sighed deeply, already knowing his old companion's personality well.

  - Hmph, I just brought forward the inevitable. From the moment you showed up, I knew you'd bring news. But, as I expected, it was something we were already aware of - Framigan replied with a tone of resignation, already anticipating Starko'gus' question.

  The dwarf, his attention sharpened, closed the book he was reading and put it aside, looking at Framigan with interest.

  - So, what does the guild pn to do? - he asked.

  Framigan , upon hearing the question, chose to sit on a stool in front of Starko'gus, rather than at his usual table.

  - Nothing special. We're just drawing up emergency pns for the reallocation of resources, but apart from that, there are no major problems... at least, not that I'm aware of.

  Starko'gus, surprised, couldn't help but react.

  - I'm surprised. Thinking of the Guild Master, I figured you'd already have a countermeasure prepared.

  Framigan smiled, rexed.

  Vaku