Kingdom of Kamelott, in front of the Shakespeare Guild Hall 
----- Guild Master’s Bedroom, 5:00 AM -----
The alarm clock blared, dragging William from his restless sleep.
William’s Thoughts:
Already?
The beeping grew louder, insistent.
William: Groaning, reaching over to shut it off “Okay, okay…” Cuts the alarm and lets out a long sigh.
“Time to fulfill my role… as guild master.”
Courage, William
He swung his legs out of bed and shuffled toward the stairs. The wooden steps creaked beneath his weight as he descended into the empty guild hall. It was quiet, save for the faint hum of the morning wind outside.
Reaching the main counter, William grabbed a mug and began brewing his morning coffee.
I always start my day with a good coffee. Or maybe two… we’ll see.
As the rich aroma of coffee filled the hall, William grabbed a nearby bag of kibble and gave it a shake.
William: “We’re going to wake the fierce beasts!”
Before he could take another sip, a stampede of cats, dogs, and rodents bolted toward the counter, their tiny feet skittering across the floor.
William laughed softly, tossing large handfuls of kibble across the hall. The animals scattered, eagerly diving into their breakfast.
He sipped his coffee, savoring the brief moment of peace.
William: “Fire”
At his command, the hall’s lights flickered on, illuminating oil paintings, stacks of books, and decorative quotes along the walls. One, hanging above the fireplace, read:
“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
William stared at it for a moment, taking another sip.
William
Hmm… maybe it’s going to be a quiet day.
He coughed as he sipped again, already doubting his own prediction.
----- Guild Hall, 6:00 AM -----
Let's open the guild hall and look at the news box, we're sure to have some from the Kingdom of Reihim offensive
As he prepared to check the news box, the hall’s front door flew open with a bang.
??? #1: “OOOOOHIIIIII WILLIAM, BRING OUT THE BOOZE!”
William: “Oh no…”
??? #2: “Ooooh, the little cats, the little dogs!”
??? #3: “Coffee, five sugars, milk, please.”
??? #4: “I need a quest, William!”
??? #5: “I’ve lost my cat again. I’m here to ask for a quest, Master Shakespeare!”
The guild hall filled with voices, requests, and demands as a wave of people barged in, overwhelming William instantly.
William: Holding his head in his hands “Well… I’ve already got work to do.”
Courage, William
----- Guild Hall, 8:00 AM -----
The line of requests showed no signs of ending.
Guild Member #167: “Can you send a messenger to the Kingdom of Reihim? I need to know how my daughter is!”
William: Sighing deeply “I’ll see what I can do, sir.”
As usual, it never ends.. How did I end up here? aaaaaaAAAAAAAAA
Yumi: From behind the counter “Daddy! Get some rest, I’m taking care of the customers!”
William: Eyes brimming with tears “Oooooh, my little Yumi, you’re saving my life!”
Yumi: Playfully shooing him “Hihi! Go wake the others, it’s getting crowded!”
William: “Yes, yes!”
Yumi
William trudged up the stairs, knocking on each door as he passed.
He stopped in front of one open door leading to Gin’s room. The bed was empty, the blanket messily tossed to the side.
William: “Where the hell has this kid gone?”
Kin: Leaning against the doorframe, yawning
“Yo, old man. I think he said he was going to a friend’s place, but you know how he is.”
William: Crossing his arms with a knowing look “Yeah, he lied to you. Go find him, Kin.”
Kin: Shrugging lazily “Yeah, no worries, old man.”
William: Pointing an accusatory finger “IT’S DAD!!”
Kin
Each tooted door gradually opens, several people emerge from their rooms, ready to help William run the Guild Hall
William: “Takeshi, Rika, Minori, serve our customers in the Tavern area”
Takeshi, Rika, Minori: “Yes, Dad!”
William: “Ken, Tadao, we need help in the horse rental department”
Ken, Tadao: “We'll go right away, Dad”
William: “Yuki, Hisako, Haru, go help your big sister Yumi at the main counter”
Yuki, Hisako, Haru: “Yes, Dad!”
----- Guild Hall, 10:00 AM -----
William sat at a corner table in the tavern area of the guild hall, one hand gripping his coffee mug while the other scrolled through the news. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the faint scent of kibble and wood polish from the hall.
Damn it.
He slammed his fist on the table, causing a few startled heads to turn in his direction.
William: Muttering under his breath “The Kingdom of Reihim… reduced to ashes. I can’t believe it.”
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before sipping his coffee again.
I hope the civilians were evacuated in time…
Before he could dwell any further, a voice shattered his moment of reflection.
Kin: Bursting into the hall “OLD MAN! GIN MADE A BIG MISTAKE!!!”
William: Choking on his coffee “AGAIN?!”
Kin: Sliding to a stop, out of breath “No, no, this time it’s serious!”
William: Already pinching the bridge of his nose “What did he do this time? Where is he?”
----- Kamelott’s Adventurer Management Office, Waiting Room -----
Gin was slumped in a chair, snoring loudly, his head tilted back at an awkward angle. Drool trailed down the corner of his mouth as he mumbled incoherently in his sleep.
The waiting room was empty except for him, but the faint hum of activity echoed from the offices beyond. Despite the quiet, Gin’s snoring was relentless.
A tall man in noble clothes and polished leather boots entered the room, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Gin.
??? (Tall Man): Clearing his throat “Gin Shakespeare?”
Gin snored in response, oblivious.
??? (Tall Man): Voice louder now “GIN SHAKESPEARE?!”
Gin jolted awake with a loud snort, flailing as he fell off the chair and landed in a heap on the floor.
Gin: Scrambling to his feet, saluting clumsily “Y-YES SIR!”
The tall man chuckled warmly, stepping closer. His face came into view—a kind smile framed by sharp, aristocratic features. His piercing violet eyes sparkled with amusement.
Tall Man: “Sorry for the wait, little Gin. We had some very urgent business to attend to.”
Gin blinked as he took in the man’s face, and then his jaw dropped.
Gin: “M… Master Siegfried?!”
Siegfried, the grandmaster of Kamelott’s guilds, smiled down at him, exuding both authority and warmth.
Siegfried: “Come on, Gin. Forget the honorifics with me! Ahah!”
Siegfried Pendragon
Gin stood frozen, his wide eyes shimmering with awe. The clumsiness and embarrassment from a moment ago melted away, replaced by pure admiration.
Gin’s Thoughts:
The great guild master, Siegfried Pendragon! He’s personally meeting me… ME! This can’t be real!
Stars practically danced in Gin’s eyes as he stared at Siegfried, his expression one of unrestrained wonder.
Siegfried: Laughing softly as he clapped a hand on Gin’s shoulder
“Come, let’s talk. I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”
Gin swallowed hard, his throat dry, but managed a small nod as Siegfried led him toward one of the private offices. His legs felt like jelly, but he willed himself to stay upright.
Stay calm, Gin. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of him!
Gin: Every muscle tense, saluting awkwardly “Y-Yes, Master Siegfried!”
Siegfried: Chuckling “Relax, little Gin. You’ve done well.”
They walked through the corridors of the adventurers’ management office, the ornate walls adorned with gilded dragon motifs that shimmered under soft, golden light. The polished black marble floors reflected their movements, amplifying the grandeur of the space.
When they reached Siegfried’s office, Gin froze momentarily, marveling at the lavish room as the door swung open.
Golden books and ancient grimoires lined tall shelves that stretched to the ceiling. A study table cluttered with intricate maps and strange, glowing tools sat to one side. Behind Siegfried’s desk, a ferrofluid sculpture floated and swirled in a large aquarium lit by violet light, pulsating as if alive.
Siegfried gestured for Gin to sit as he walked to his desk. He casually ran his hand across the polished surface, setting a Newton’s cradle in motion.
Siegfried: Sitting comfortably in his chair “Good!” He sifted through the papers on his desk, eventually picking up Gin’s report.
“I’ve read through your account, but I’d like to confirm a few details with you. Is that all right?”
Gin: Still stiff, nodding quickly “Y-Yes, of course!” Forces a nervous smile.
Siegfried: A gentle, reassuring smile “Relax, Gin. I know how hard you’re working to save your sister. You’ll be properly rewarded—including the third-class title you’ve been aiming for.”
Gin’s eyes widened, his face lighting up with joy.
Gin: Blushing “Th-Thank you so much, Master Siegfried!!!”
Siegfried: Smiling “Good. Let’s take a look, then.”
Siegfried scanned the report, occasionally underlining sections with his finger. After a few moments, he looked back at Gin, his expression thoughtful.
Siegfried: “So… you were captured by the Silver Fang bandits?”
Gin: “Yes… I got caught while I was preparing an earth-type capture spell.”
Siegfried: Nods “And you were saved by a certain ‘Ao,’ correct?”
Gin: “Yes! He helped me a lot, but… he made a rather odd request in return.”
Siegfried: Raising an eyebrow “Oh? What was it?”
Gin: Scratching the back of his head, embarrassed “He told me to tell you his name. He said it was ‘Aotahi,’ also known as ‘Blue Light,’ and that I should report it to my superiors… uh, to you.”
Siegfried froze, his smile fading. For a brief moment, his eyes seemed distant, and the air in the room grew heavier.
Oh no… Master Siegfried doesn’t seem to like this… What did I do?
Suddenly, Siegfried threw his head back and let out a booming laugh.
Siegfried: “Pff… AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Gin: “Uh…” Completely baffled by the reaction.
Siegfried: Wiping a tear from his eye “That’s all? What a bizarre request! Sounds like you ran into someone with a superhero complex!”
Gin: Nervously chuckling “Well… the name ‘Blue Light’ does sound a bit superheroic…”
Siegfried: “Exactly! A kid with delusions of grandeur, no doubt.”
Siegfried leaned back in his chair, his smile softening.
Siegfried: “But you kept your promise, and that’s what matters in the end. Good work, Gin.”
Gin: Beaming “Thank you, sir!”
Siegfried: “Well, let's see the rest of this report!”
Suddenly, angry shouting echoed through the corridor outside.
William (from outside): “WHERE IS THAT DAMN KID?!!!”
Gin’s face went pale as the door burst open, slamming against the wall. William stormed in, his furious gaze locked on Gin.
William: “COME HERE, YOU LITTLE IMP!!!”
Gin let out a panicked yelp and dove behind his chair.
Gin: “AAAAAHHH!!!”
Siegfried: Calmly raising a hand “William, what’s all the fuss about?”
William: Pointing a finger at Gin “What’s this killing nonsense I’ve been hearing, huh?!”
Siegfried: Sighing lightly “We were just about to discuss that.”
William: Fuming “This runt killed Zack Silver? Are you kidding me?!”
Gin: Wailing “I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING, DAD!!!”
Siegfried: Placing his hands flat on the desk “William, calm down. According to Gin’s report, Zack Silver was corrupted by dark energy. He lost control… there was no other choice.”
William’s anger slowly faded, replaced by a somber expression.
William: Voice quieter “Oh…”
William’s Thoughts:
Just as I feared… poor Zack. Touched by the dark energy…
Siegfried: With a reassuring smile
“Why don’t you sit down, William? Let’s go over this report together.”
William grumbled under his breath but eventually took a seat. Gin hesitantly slid back into his chair, still wary of his father’s mood.
Siegfried: Pressing a button on his desk
“Clara, can you prepare a coffee for my friend William?”
Clara (through speaker): “How many sugars?”
William: Growling “BLACK.”
As Clara prepared the coffee, the three of them began discussing Zack Silver’s tragic fate
----- 12:00 PM -----
William, Gin, and Siegfried rose from their chairs, having finished reviewing Gin's report.
Siegfried: “Well done, Gin! You’ve earned your reward.”
Gin: Beaming “Thank you again, Master Siegfried!”
William: Side-eyeing Gin, growling “Why don’t you go join your big brother Kin? He’s waiting for you outside.”
Gin: Startled “I-I’ll be off then! Bye!” He bolts out of the office like his life depends on it.
Siegfried bursts into laughter, watching the boy disappear.
Siegfried: “Holy Gin! That boy’s got energy.”
William: Pinching the bridge of his nose
“Don’t let him fool you. He’s going to give me a stroke one of these days…”
He turns toward the door, his expression hardening.
William: “I need to pay the king a visit. The people are worried about the Kingdom of Reihim.”
Siegfried: Smiling warmly, gesturing for William to sit back down
“Have lunch with me instead. You’ll want to hear this first.”
William: Narrowing his eyes “This is about Reihim, isn’t it?”
Siegfried gives William a big smile and beckons him to sit down once more..
William complies without asking anything more
Then, Siegfried presses a button on his desk
Siegfried: “Clara, is lunch ready?”
Clara (through speaker): “Yes, sir. As requested, we’ve prepared an extra plate.”
William: Crossing his arms, growling “You had this planned, didn’t you?”
Siegfried: Playfully snapping his fingers “You know me.”
The curtains slide shut with a soft hum, dimming the light in the office. The atmosphere shifts to something more serious as a two-armed robotic device emerges from the floor. It carries two plates of salad—green leaves, fresh tomatoes, and creamy white cheese. The device sets the dishes on the desk before retreating silently into the floor.
William: Sitting reluctantly, glancing at the food “I take it this is more bad news?”
Siegfried: Picking up his fork, his tone soft but firm “Yes… You remember the reports about the portal near Reihim? We all thought demons were going to pour through, didn’t we?”
William: Pausing mid-motion “All signs pointed that a portal to
Dirium (The dimension where the “Demons” live)
was going to rip open not far from them, why? Were they attacked by something else?”
Siegfried sets his fork down and folds his hands on the desk, his tone growing heavier.
Siegfried: “The portal opened… but it wasn’t demons that came out of it.”
William: Abruptly rising from his chair “What?!”
Siegfried: “Every one of my sources confirms the same thing: what emerged from that portal… were humans.”
William: “Humans? That doesn’t make any sense!”
Siegfried leans back in his chair, letting the weight of the revelation settle over the room.
Siegfried: “It’s being kept quiet for now, as you can imagine. But there are two possible explanations for this phenomenon:
1. The demons have begun using necromancy to control human bodies.
2. The dark lord has found a way to return human form to demons.”
William: His fists clench, his voice low “Either way… this changes everything.”
Siegfried: Nodding solemnly “It does. But there’s something even more concerning.”
William: Groaning “More?! What could possibly be worse than that?”
Siegfried leans forward, his violet eyes locking onto William’s.
Siegfried: “Right now, in the Kingdom of Kamelott… demons are already among us.”
William: Silent, his face pale
Siegfried: “We don’t know how many. We don’t know what they want. But one thing is certain: they’re not here to make peace.”
The weight of Siegfried’s words pressed down on William like a leaden cloak. He slowly sat back down, his mind racing.
William: Rubbing his temples, muttering “What a shitty day…”
