Chapter 453 Dark guild (part 1)
Following the instructions, two lines formed, five metres apart from each other, at either side of the hall. Behind the large door, there were several staff members dressed in the same dark purple clothing as the ones outside. Their faces were visible as they stood straight and proud like guards.
This wasn’t the typical entrance or type of group that Kai was expecting. The Dark Guild was a well-known gang. Although gangs operated differently and did different businesses all of the guards were gang members, but this was almost like a well-tuned army.
Guiding the guests in the front was a woman who was dressed in a skirt, a white shirt and a purple waistcoat. Next to her was a man with a purple sleeveless waist and a top hat. They didn’t say much other than for the guests to follow them for the time being.
The hall they were being led through was littered with giant paintings that depicted scenes of old armoured knights, kings with crowns as well as fantastic beasts like dragons. At times the hosts would explain some of the paintings as they explained the history of the Dark guild.
However, the further they went the more modern the decor became. Rather than paintings, photos started to fill the walls, depicting items that had been sold in prior auctions. Apart from weapons like swords, axes, bows or shields which looked to have been created with unnatural materials, there were also fantastical creatures next to syringes.
When a guest had asked about who these items were exactly sold to, the hosts just smiled as they carried on.
‘The Dark Guild seems to have quite a history.’ Kai thought as they silently followed the group. ‘All I could find out was that their gang has been around for quite a long time, but for some reason they have stayed out of the way of others, mainly focusing on their auction house.
‘Strangely, I haven’t found even a single report about anyone daring to attack them. I’m still not sure whether this means that somebody might have tried and that information got buried by them, or something is actively stopping others from even trying it.
“I doubt that an unspoken rule not to attack them would keep everyone in check. They must have either made a deal to have the others guarantee their safety… or they have the means to protect themselves.’
Although it was rare for Tier-1 gangs to face each other due to the potential fall-out of such a confrontation in terms of damage and problems it would cause as an aftermath, it was normal for small disputes to occur. After all, the larger a gang was, the harder it was to control each and every member.
On top of that, there were plenty of people with big egos who had a high amount of pride. Those that just had to prove themselves or thought that their gang was better than others. They just couldn't help themselves but get into a fight. So at some point and time, every group had some type of report come out about them causing a bit of trouble, the sole exception to this appeared to be the Dark Guild.
Not even an attempt to see if they were truly as strong as people thought they were. Or at least not one that had been reported.
‘It makes me wonder, how strong are these guards that are filled in this hallway? If we want to rise to the top, there is a lot of work we need to do.’ Kai analysed silently.
Suddenly, the two guide members stopped and turned around.
“All those from a Tier-1 city, please follow me upstairs to the gallery seating. There is a bar and we’ve prepared refreshments for your convenience.” The lady’s soprano voice filled the hall as she lifted her hand toward the staircases that were on either side.
“As for the rest of our guests, please follow me to your seats.” The man added in a deep baritone as he started opening the doors on their level. Inside there was also a bar area, allowing the guests to order as they wished provided they were willing to pay for it.
“I guess there’s always someone higher up than you,” Innu noted with a big sigh, but it wasn't because of the split of people, there was another reason. “Goodbye, pretty ladies.”
“Oh… I thought you only had eyes for one.” Austin commented. “Maybe I should come with you next time you pay Kevin and…what was her name again, a visit.”
“Will you get out of the way?!” A man’s loud voice disrupted the previously sombre atmosphere. The commotion was coming from upstairs. A group of three men, all with shaved heads that looked like they had been slightly waxed, were stopped at the top of the staircase, blocked by the purple guards from taking another step forward.
“Why are you stopping us?” The man asked at the front, gritting his teeth.
“Because you have disrespected the rules.” The one in the middle answered in a neutral tone. “You’ve been informed that the upstairs is only for guests from Tier-1 cities. You’re not one of those. Please head back down and make place for those who deserve to be here.”
“And how would you even know that?” One of the gang members pointed at the guard.
Watching the situation, it wasn’t hard to figure out what was going on. Unless the Dark Guild’s staff had decided to single them out, the trio must be pretending to belong to a Tier-1 city. With how many gangs and organizations each one of them could hold, there was no way to prove who was and who wasn't from a Tier-1, unless they asked those forms that said city, or some questions of proof.
Judging by their behaviour, Kai assumed that the trio was trying to sneak in. He himself had entertained the idea, yet the risk would far outweigh the potential benefit, so the Werewolf had refrained from acting upon it.
“Sir, we’ll ask you once more to leave on your own.” The Dark Guild member repeated, raising his hand, and placing it by his chest. “Please, enter the appropriate way, or we will have to escort you out of the place.”
‘Maybe we will see just how strong this Dark Guild is?’ Kai thought.
****
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