Chapter Summary: A drunk teenager lets loose a bunch of animals by accident and the rest of the guild has to get them back before a certain 'Animal Tamer' returns. And Nozomi witnesses 'murder'.

Chapter 3: Animal Party

It's been a day since Hiroto and, I went for the body-guarding job. The moment we stepped into the lobby, I could sense the amusement emanating from Ms Vanessa from the entrance and remembered she asked us something. But, by then, I was too tired and in pain to even register her question, so I waved her off and stumbled back to my room. The muscles in my legs and arms were strained because I had used my magic to grow and sustain them. It was beyond my limits, and I had switched between 'Speed' and 'Power' enhancements as well, so it should be no surprise this would happen.

Of course, expectancy doesn't make the pain go away any faster.

For the whole night, I had to switch between using ice packs and hot packs, using the latter first on my thighs and calves, numbing the pain. Then, I removed the ice, replacing it with the heat pack after elapsed time so that the rate of blood flow through my legs would increase, repairing the muscles in my legs quicker. Though the repair process was slow, and even after the night, I could still feel some semblance of pain in my legs. My arms, fortunately, healed on their own.

As for Hiroto, he had to rest and couldn't use his Pict Magic for a while. That meant that he couldn't draw anything, not even his precious beer bottles. Something tells me I'm going to hear a lot more whining the next morning. But instead, I got something much worse.

"Whew, okay, not as bad as last night." I mutter to myself as I wake up from my sleep. My legs had gone stiff from not moving, so I use my back to push myself up into a sitting position. A sting of pain races through my calf as I try to move it out of its stiffness, making me grip onto the bedsheets. But, after a few more attempts, the blood finally flows through them, and I could move them much better than before. The pain had gone away as well, only leaving a lingering sense to remind me that I shouldn't push them.

They still wobble when I try to stand, though.

My eyes flicker over to the bucket of hot packs and ice packs on my brown dresser, sitting right beside my bed. Right, I better drain out the water and toss them into their respective stacks. Until now, I still find it weird that our guild randomly has a bundle of ice packs and hot packs, even after Reign explained how he used them for his animals.

I shrug my shoulders. A mystery to be solved for another day.

Before I could even pick up the bucket, my door swings open with a resounding slamming sound, causing me to flinch back to my bed with a wince. I look over to the door, only to see no one there, just the wind.

"A-Aaah!" A dry, yet fearful scream nearly escapes my throat as I back away into my bed. The atmosphere distorts once more, throwing me into a Deja vu sense. Wait a minute...

"Woe, what the hell?!" I shout at him, just as he appears right before me. My anger only slightly diminishes when I catch the panicked look in his usually calm, violet eyes.

"I am sorry for the sudden intrusion, but a matter of great disaster has struck upon us!" He speaks with an accent so thick and a tone so ancient, I wouldn't be surprised if he were from medieval times. But, if he finds a situation dire enough to commit this kind of act, it's no laughing matter.

"Well, what is it? Tell me as we go!" I get on my feet, ignoring the paining warnings they give me. The two of us promptly leave my room and head towards the Guild Lobby.

"Reign's animals have gone wild and escaped from the guild ranches." He informs me in the hallway. "They have made a mess of our lobby and ran out into the streets. Hiroto went after them, but I had decided it was best to call on you for your help."

Hold on, the Animal Tamer's animals went feral and just wrecked our guild? How's that even possible? The worst they've done was just cause a mini earthquake under our guild, but never gone up the stairs, wreck the lobby, and run away. At least, not under Reign's supposed watchful eyes.

We reach the lobby in a matter of seconds. For a moment, I had to confirm whether I'm looking at our guild lobby or the remains of a tornado attack. Most of the marble tables had been cracked into half, a few into crumbling pieces, along with the toppled wooden bar chairs. Our food stock, which was in crates, were laying on the floor, some spewing out the fish and noodles, but most were still inside. The only thing unscathed was the throne.

And Ms Vanessa was sitting there.

"Ara, ara, look at how those wild beasts destroyed my lobby." Lividity runs along with her silky tone as she spoke, her eyes flickering towards me. My breath nearly hitches at her frigid look, and Woe had disappeared already.

"Hiroto will have to pay for this. Not only for the damages but for being very careless." She says, still staring at me. My confusion breaks through the lump in my throat as I reply, "Hiroto? How's he responsible?"

"Woe never told you. Sigh, I may as well let you know what had happened. Our Animal Tamer had left the guild's premises to check up on a Hyena in Fang Wild Forest, under our little Hiroto's request. He had left the responsibility of feeding his dear animals to Hiroto, who took it up. But he had neglected his duties, leaving the hungry animals to take their wrath upon the lobby and forage for food outside."

My hand plants itself onto my forehead. Oh boy, the alcoholic is on a streak for angering Ms Vanessa twice in a row, and this time, he wouldn't even know. Well, at least he's out there, trying to get the animals back. I should head out to help him, lest someone tries to take matters into their own hands.

"Wait a minute, Nozomi." Ms Vanessa suddenly calls out to me, just as I made my way to the doors. "Try to get them back subtly. I do not wish to deal with the citizens' complaints if they know those animals belong to us."

"Okay, Ms Vanessa." I give her a reply. I can agree with her on that notion since we don't want to shine Luna Bird under bad light anymore. Sure, publicity rocks, but good publicity is much better! I still remember how my heart fluttered when I heard Mr Trevor would put a recommendation out for our guild, and I know that neither Hiroto nor I would want to lose that.

Keeping her words in mind, I rush out of the guild into the not-so-busy streets of Gier Town.

The Sun barely shows itself in the skies, as white cotton dominates the free blue. The lack of light casts a shadow over the town, covering the buildings and the paths. It's still early in the morning, so not many people would be out roaming about in the streets, which is a miraculous thing. At least, the loose animals won't draw so much attention.

Reign owns about 3 types of animals: A wyvern, two malefs, and a humongous salamander. Sure, the numbers may seem small, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous!

That wyvern, dubbed as Terizla by Reign, is malicious when hungry, tearing up haystacks in the ranch and nearly devouring Gilbert. The salamander, dubbed as Moody, is a rare type of amphibian, not only for its size but also for its traits. Moody's skin can produce certain types of elemental magic based on its mood and considering that it's hangry right now... Something is going to get cooked. Lastly are malefs who, despite being human-friendly, can get into a frenzy, not caring who or what they harm to get their food. A kick to the face by them will leave an injury to sting for a long time unless treated soon.

I walk through the stone-paved street, keeping my eyes peeled for any signs of damage. The people who walked by me had peaceful looks and didn't seem like they ran into any animal. I couldn't bring myself to interrogate them at all, they're total strangers! Besides, the lesser people I ask, the less likely they'll draw the animals back to our guild. Yeah, it's not because I'm shy. Not at all. What's the disbelieving look for?

Small shops litter the area, most with their shutters closed, and some not being food shops at all. While it's good that the food shops aren't open here, since they'll be made targets by the animals, tracing down the animals' locations are made much harder. The only person nearest to them is Hiroto, but I don't even know where the pipsqueak is, so that's an idea shot down. Ninja man had probably gone invisible and untraceable. And Reign is still at Fang Wild Forest, oblivious to all of this, and finding the Hyena that I... almost killed.

"Sigh, no point complaining in my head. If I can just find a lead or a clue..." I mumble to myself, taking a turn in the street to another set of shops.

"Ahhh! Someone, please help me! A huge lizard is eating my shrimp pile!" A womanly lead to my search for the animals reveals Moody's location to me. I perk up at her voice and push my legs towards the 'Shrimps and Pearls' food shop, which was just a turn at the end of the street.

As soon as I make a left turn, the sight of a white-scaled salamander's tail protruding out of the shop reaches my eyes. A woman, dressed in her red apron and pink overalls, stands a metre away from Moody, cupping her mouth with her hands and going pale. Well, so much for food shops being closed in the morning.

"Ma'am, what's wrong?" I ask the pale woman, walking beside her. I got to act like I don't know Moody.

"Can't you see the white monster over there eating all of my seafood supply?!" She shouts at me, pointing to Moody.

"Hey! Moody is-... I-I mean, no need to be so moody! I'll get the creature out for you." I nearly give myself away in my words. Keeping a straight face, I turn to the giant salamander, walking towards him slowly.

"Moody, get out of there..." I lean in and whisper, giving a backward glance to make sure the shopkeeper didn't hear me. Moody flinches and whips his tail at me, striking the ground in front of me. The cement splits into smaller pieces of rubble, scattering at my shivering feet. Grace, if I were standing just a bit closer to him, I'd be the rubble on the ground!

"Moody!" I give a harsher whisper, but the white lizard refuses to budge, continuing to munch on the shrimps. Alright, that's it! I've tried to be nice, but if he isn't going to listen, then I'll have to resort to force... magic.

"Physical Enhancement 1.5x Arms!" My biceps and triceps pulse as I chant. Moving to his tail, I grip onto the scaly end and begin to pull the salamander out of the shop. His size and slimy skin make it difficult to get my hands around it, but I dig my fingers into his white scales to tighten my grip, causing the reluctant salamander to wriggle in my hold. With a few pulls, I manage to get Moody out, along with part of the shrimp shop. "Haargh! Finally!" I give out an exasperated sigh.

Whew, even with the enhancements, Moody still weighs a tonne!

"Grck!" The white salamander turns its head on me, an irritating look growing on its face. Uh-oh...

White turns to orange in an instant, and my hand sizzles on its body. Sizzling turns to heat, which turns to pain, and I bring my hand away with a yelp, backing away from the now angered, flaming salamander. The woman from afar cries at this new revelation, running away from the scene. Great, so much for being subtle about it... She's going to report Moody to the authorities! Royal knights are the last people I want to deal with right now.

Moody approaches me. I take several steps back, trying to steer clear of the flames as I think of a way to subdue him. No water around to douse the fire... Maybe I can give him food to calm him? Taking a quick glance to the shop, I spot spilt shrimps inside, some half-eaten ones laying on the ground. Well, there's my bait. But how do I get it?

The shutter's cold metal touches my neck. I'm out of steps, no more room to go behind, only the sides. Moody, the terribly angry salamander, corners me with a growl. He leans his head back, taking in a large breath. Wait, wait, is he about to breathe fire right now?!

"Wait, Moody, no!"

BANG!

A deafening sound, belonging to that of a gun, rings out. The salamander freezes in place, tail pointing upwards, before eventually slipping to the ground. His eyes roll into white as his eyelids close. And his orange skin reverts to milky white.

What just happened?

"Moody?" He doesn't give a response. I slowly move forward, clasping his white body with my shaky hands. It feels so cold to touch, and slimy, no semblance of the warmth he was flaunting earlier. No, he can't be dead. Oh shit, what the hell am I going to tell Reign?!... What is that?

A small object peeks out from Moody's right side. Upon closer inspection, the object bears a resemblance to a syringe of some kind, containing an icky green liquid, and a fluffy bottom. Is this what he was shot with? My fingers clasp around the unfamiliar object and pull it out of Moody's body. It reveals a sharp front, coated in the salamander's slime. W-Well, at least I have something to show Reign… Oh he's not going to like this at all! I can't just tell him that Moody is dead! He'll be heartbroken. Maybe I'll just bury the salamander and tell him that he ran away-

"Nozomi!" My body tenses up upon hearing my name. I whip around, only to find Woe walking towards me with a sniper from the right side.

"Woe! Glad you're here, someone just shot Moody!" I stay put on the ground, holding the lethal syringe out to him. However, he doesn't seem surprised at my news at all. No wide eyes, no sudden stops, he just continues to walk to me with a glad expression. "Of course. I was the one who shot him."

My jaw falls open. "What?! You didn't have to bloody shoot him dead! He was only hungry!" I immediately get to my feet, throwing the syringe onto the ground. The weapon cracks and the liquid spills out with an acidic touch. However, Woe only shows me a confused look, walking closer to me.

"Murder? Nozomi, I only knocked out the salamander. This syringe," He digs his pockets and brings out an identical one. "contains a serum potent enough to put creatures to sleep. I saw that you were being attacked, so I did not even hesitate in my shot."

Heat rises to my face. "Oh. T- Thanks for that…" My head slowly tilts to the side, as more heat starts to collect at my cheeks. Ah, this is embarrassing. I just scolded him for saving my life, and he didn't even harm Moody! I've known about how Woe carries around all sorts of guns with him, but I didn't take him to be a sniper type. Combined with his invisibility magic, Woe can practically be the 'Invisible Sniper'. People won't know what hit them till they drop down dead!...

Now that I think about it, that's a very chilling thought.

"Ahem." I continue with a small cough. "Anyway, did you see the others around?"

Woe nods his head, glancing at the cloudless sky. "I saw Terizla flying about in the air. She doesn't seem to have any intention of straying away from the tower, but she is certainly still very hungry. I was to snipe her down, but Moody had caught my attention instead."

An arrow of guilt strikes me in my back, comically pushing me forward. Great, not only did I burden Woe, but I even let Terizla escape. Geez, can something else go even more wrong than this-

"HEEEEELP!" The pipsqueak's voice rings out from the far left, gaining volume with each second. No sooner had the two of us turn our heads than a glimpse of pink flashes by us, creating a buffeting wind. It nearly sweeps us off our feet, as we take multiple steps back while holding a protective arm over our faces. Grace, that can't have been Hiroto and Gilbert, can it?

"I'm going to puke!" Yup, that's the alcoholic, no doubt about it.

"Bring Moody back. I will go after them with utmost haste." Woe swiftly gives his orders, dashing off without letting me speak another word.

"Wait, what? Hey-" One blink and ninja man goes back into his day job of being invisible. I lower my outstretched arm with many grumbles, turning to the sleeping salamander. Moody's body heaves up and down slowly, tail flickering about occasionally in reflex. Well, at least one person -or animal—gets their sleep today. Geez, that'll be a joyful run to the guild, no doubt about it.

"Sigh. Force Magic: Speed Enhancement 1.5x Legs…"

Apparently, an hour or so had passed by since I last ran off to find the animals. As I rush back to the guild, carrying the salamander overhead, more people had pooled out into the streets and began busying the streets once more. Random conversations float around, some addressing Moody and why I was running off with him. Again, so much for being subtle.

"Look at the size of that thing!"

"Never seen a creature as white as that salamander."

"Is the guild doing some sort of hunt?"

But, even with the rumors starting to stir up, many of them were more concerned with their own business. Like I said much earlier too, Mage Guilds aren't given much recognition here in Seven. They won't care much about what our guild does. Hell, the only reason why Ms Vanessa told me to be subtle wasn't because of the people, it was because of the royal guards. Those knights don't discriminate at all, only giving their undivided attention if they catch a whiff of any trouble, like the loyal dogs they are.

That's why I was worried when that woman ran away, thinking that she was going to report Moody to the authorities and have them handle the situation instead. They'd have gone for the kill.

The guild building comes into my sight, and I soon make a right turn into the guild, kicking the doors open with my legs. I take heavy breaths of fresh air, stumbling to the nearest wall and supporting my body against it. Grace, my legs feel like I just dumped them into lava for a whole minute!

The two levers I refer to as my arms fall lifelessly down, throwing the salamander to the floorboards without any remorse. And even with that resounding impact, the heavy salamander still doesn't wake up. Man, that serum Woe has are real strong stuff!

"Oh, you have finally returned. How is the retrieval going?" Ms Vanessa enters the lobby from the side, dressed in a '90s-maiden' outfit with the color palette of forest green with black.

"Going great." I say with a huff. "Moody ends up eating out of a shrimp stall, and Hiroto's taking Malef-riding lessons on Gilbert, only he's gripping the mane and not the neck. People saw me with Moody, but thought it was just a quest. Woe's gone after Hiroto, even telling me that Terizla is apparently flying right above the town!"

Despite my blatant sarcasm, Ms Vanessa surprisingly doesn't look cross or worried about the situation at all. Instead, she seems to be hiding a small smirk behind her stoic expression, as she walks over to me. Her heels touch the wood lightly, barely making any sounds.

"Is that so? Well, I have to say, your legs must be going through a very harsh time right now." She speaks. "They must be in so much pain, are they not?"

"Y-Yeah?" I answer in confusion, giving her a perplexed look. Why is she talking like that?

"I do wonder how you are going to continue your work when even your own legs seem to fail you." She stops mere centimeters away from me, keeping her pearly white eyes trained on my amber ones. Before I could ask about what the heck she was talking about, she starts to chant something under her breath, words without any audio.

A few seconds later, the pain in my legs disappears immediately, leaving no traces or warning behind. I let out a small gasp as I look down at them, twisting my foot onto the wood. A few stomps against the wood didn't even bring a tingly sense into my legs, as if all the fatigue build-up from yesterday and today morning had vanished.

But how?... Wait a second.

I raise my head, only to see Ms Vanessa walk back to her throne with the same soft steps.

"Well, I'm sure you will be fine out there."

A chuckle nearly escapes my lips. My, my, I didn't know the stoic, cold guild master could ever be shy, even if I'd been here for a couple of weeks only. It's like spending a day with any of the members here already gives you their personality on a surface level, each of them being unique yet complicated.

"Hah, of course! I can get the other animals, easy-"

GRAWWWK!

A low screeching noise sounds right above the guild building, along with the gasps and cries of the people outside in the streets. I tilt my body towards the entrance, poking my head out. There, right in front of my eyes, is the grey-colored wyvern, perching on top of the stalls as if it was its own home.

And in its mouth, was a young girl.