The Shadow Of Fate

The bustling Adventurer Guild hall was abuzz with gossip, the latest rumors sweeping through the ranks like wildfire. Conversations overlapped as adventurers of all calibers speculated about the same topic: the arrival of Iglis van Xenon.
"Have you heard? The genius of the Xenon family is coming here!" one adventurer whispered, his voice tinged with awe.
Another leaned in, eyes wide. "They say he's not just a genius—some are calling him the reincarnation of Lucid van Xenon, the Sword King himself."
"Lucid van Xenon?" a skeptical voice interjected. "That's a stretch, don't you think?"
"Not when you hear the rest," the first adventurer countered. "Word is, Iglis inherited Iradeus, the Sword King's legendary weapon, and he's mastered it like no other. His magic and swordsmanship are beyond compare."
The skeptical adventurer folded his arms. "If he's so incredible, what's he doing here?"
"To challenge the Minotaur's Labyrinth," the second adventurer said in a hushed tone. "They say he's come to cement his name in history, just like his ancestor did."
The rumors grew with each retelling, details becoming more extravagant as they spread. Soon, the entire guild was buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of the prodigy.
Meanwhile
Alucard and his party sat at a corner table, poring over their finances. The sale of the Hydra's body had provided a temporary reprieve, allowing them to pay off Amabel's medical expenses and restock their supplies. Still, the weight of their struggles lingered.
Amabel, still pale but significantly better, pushed aside the ledger Alucard was studying. "Enough numbers. We're finally out of that mess, aren't we?"
"We are," Alucard admitted, though his tone was still serious. "But we can't let our guard down. This mission saved us, but we need to start planning for the future."
Eleanor leaned back in her chair, sipping a mug of ale. "Maybe we can take on a few smaller quests to rebuild our funds. Nothing as dangerous as the Hydra for now."
Aldous grunted in agreement. "We need to keep Amabel in mind. No point pushing ourselves back into trouble before she's fully recovered."
"I'm fine," Amabel insisted, though her voice lacked its usual vigor. "Besides, I'll be back to full strength soon."
The group's conversation was interrupted by a nearby table, where a group of adventurers spoke in hushed yet excited tones.
"Do you think we'll get to see him in action?" one said, his eyes gleaming.
"Who?" Eleanor asked, her curiosity piqued.
"The genius of the Xenon family!" the adventurer replied, as if it were obvious. "Iglis van Xenon. Haven't you heard?"
Alucard exchanged a puzzled look with Eleanor. "Iglis?"
"Wait, you don't know?" the adventurer exclaimed, his voice growing louder. "He's a prodigy. They say he's as skilled as Lucid van Xenon himself, and he's coming here to challenge the Minotaur's Labyrinth!"
Amabel frowned. "Lucid van Xenon... the Sword King? That's a big claim."
"It's not just a claim," the adventurer insisted. "They say he even wields Lucid's sword. Imagine being so skilled that you're entrusted with a weapon like that!"
Aldous rolled his eyes. "Sounds like a lot of hot air to me. You know how these rumors are."
"Maybe," the adventurer said with a shrug. "But you'll see. When he arrives, you'll understand."
The party dismissed the gossip and returned to their discussion, unaware that the rumors were about to collide with their reality in a way none of them could have anticipated.
When Iglis van Xenon finally stepped into the Adventurer Guild days later, his arrival was as dramatic as the rumors foretold. The doors creaked open, and a wave of cold air seemed to follow him. His presence silenced the lively hall, every pair of eyes turning toward the man who had been the subject of so much speculation.
Tall and imposing, with jet-black hair and ice-blue eyes, Iglis carried himself with effortless confidence. His long black coat with silver trim swept behind him as he walked, and Iradeus, the fabled greatsword, was strapped securely to his back.
Gasps and whispers rippled through the room.
"It's him!"
"The sword... it's really Iradeus!"
"I can feel his power from here..."
Iglis's sharp gaze swept over the room, pausing briefly on the more vocal adventurers, who quickly averted their eyes. He made his way to the counter with measured steps, his voice calm yet commanding.
"My name is Iglis van Xenon," he announced. "I've recently been ranked as an S-rank adventurer. I intend to challenge the Minotaur's Labyrinth. I seek information on it, as well as a place to stay."
The clerk, flustered and intimidated, handed him a leather-bound book about the labyrinth. He took it with a nod and moved to a nearby table, ignoring the awestruck and wary glances from the crowd.
At that moment, Alucard and his party entered the guild. They froze as a wave of overwhelming presence washed over them.
"That aura..." Eleanor whispered, her hand instinctively gripping her staff. "It feels like Lazarus."
Aldous shook his head, his face grim. "No, it's different. It's not malicious, but it's just as intense."
They pushed their way through the stunned crowd, their eyes landing on the figure now seated and reading the labyrinth's tome.
When Iglis looked up and locked eyes with Alucard, his expression shifted from cautious to pleasantly surprised.
"Alucard?" he asked, rising to his feet. "Is that really you?"
Alucard's tension melted into a grin. "Iglis! It's been far too long."
Their reunion was swift, filled with warm greetings and introductions to the rest of the party. As the rumors had claimed, Iglis was every bit the prodigy they had heard about—but to Alucard, he was still the childhood friend who had always been one step ahead.
What none of them realized was how pivotal Iglis's arrival would prove to their future adventures.