Reawakening: SSS-Rank Villain's POV

The lift descended, Lucian watched the floors beautiful floors as he pass through them.

He could see a few gardens blooming with flowers, training arenas with sparring figures.

After a few seconds, the lobby came into view, it was extremely wide and there were people walking to and fro but in an orderly manner.

Seated in an expensive armchair in a slightly secluded place, usually reserved for esteemed guests, was a young man.

The young man was dressed neatly dressed in an expensive suit with jeweled rings scattered across his fingers.

His hair was dark, neatly styled, and his features were sharp, intelligent, though currently in a neutral, almost pleasant expression.

Beside him stood two guards and a young woman. Lucina recognized the young lady as the one whose hands he had broken earlier.

Though her expression was now obedient and more submissive.

Lucian immediately knew the man was the one looking for him.

Darius turned when he heard the sound of the elevator and his eyes met Lucian's across the lobby.

There was a slighr surprise in his face as he noticed how young Lucian was. Moreover, with his level 5 [Insight] skill, he couldn't see through Lucian's strength at all. It was as though he was an ordinary person which was impossible considering the fact that Lucian easily dispatched his brother and his team of gangs.

He also noticed the shimmer of the legendary armor beneath Lucian's simple shirt, and the surprise in his gaze increased even more.

"Mr. Morningstar, I presume?" Darius offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as he extended a hand. "Darius, Guild Leader of the Green Dragon Guild. It's a pleasure to finally you."

Lucian met the handshake, his grip was firm but brief as he smiled slightly and replied. "Lucian. The pleasure is mine. I'm confused as to what business you have with me?"

Darius gestured toward the hotel's restaurant, a grand space visible through arched doorways.

"Might we discuss this over a meal? The Celestial Rest have some of the finest cuisine in the Great Expanse Lobby. I'd be pleased to treat you."

Lucian considered for a moment. He was curious about Darius's angle, and refusing outright might be needlessly antagonistic. Besides, a free meal doesn't seem so bad. "Very well."

Darius nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. He signaled to one of his guards, who quickly moved ahead to make arrangements with the elven receptionist. Moments later, they crossed into the restaurant, the air thick with the scent of roasted meats and exotic foods.

A waiter guided them to a private table near a transparent glass that could see through the city.

A table was already set for two, filled with an array of dishes that smelled divine, roasted meats glistening with savory sauces, vibrant salads made with exotic greens Lucian didn't recognize, steaming bread, and crystal decanters filled with glowing liquids.

"Please, sit," Darius gestured expansively. The guards remained outside the restaurant as the woman followed them. "Try the Wyvern Steak. A specialty from the seventh floor."

Lucian took a seat, the chair adjusting subtly to his weight.

Darius elbows rested on the table as he spoke. "I'll be direct, Mr. Morningstar. Your name has begun to circulate in the upper brass of the city. No guild leader, administrator nor anyone in this city doesn't know doesn't know your name and ota certainly just because of that little skirmish near the merchant district earlier today."

Lucian's expression remained neutral, but his brain calculated. So they already know who I am.

"See Mr Morningster, not just anyone can afford a Primordial Record therefore, not just anyone can see the changes in the record. I however, notice every changes in the record and keep track of the names. When my brother mentioned your name, I knew where I heard your name from and was quite surprised." Darius said, his tone casual but his eyes intent. "Lucian Morningstar—seventh to solo the first floor, very Impressive feats for anyone in the Galactic Tower."

Lucian took a sip of the water that was before him. It's surface sparkling as it vibrated in his hands.

"Your brother?"

Darius waved a hand dismissively. "A minor matter. He leads a band of… let's call them opportunists and I sincerely apologize for their rude behavior earlier."

"Oh!"

'So that's where he heard my name from.'

'The thieves near the merchant district. Lucian really wanted to kill him preventing himself from future troubles like this. However, the rules of the city prevented him from doing as he wished. Now, the bastard had gone running to his brother, a guild leader no less.' Lucian kept his face impassive. "I see."

Darius smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Now, I know you know this, talent like yours is rare, almost one in a billion, Lucian. I'd rather have you with us than against us."

Lucian was more interested by the wyvern stake and his mouth drooled as he immediately cut into his meal with Darius continuing his speech.

"With all that been said. I'd like to formally invite you to join my guild, the Green Dragon Guild," Darius said, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "We have no lack of wealth. More relic coins than you'd earn even in a dozen solo runs. Access to our training grounds, legendary equipment to accompany you, and the entire backing of our guild. With your skills, we should be able to dominate this lobby from the top ten guilds, the Adventurer's Guild, the Alchemy Guild and even the Alliance Federation Office. We could wield considerable influence in the shadows and overule this entire lobby." The more Darius spoke, the more excited he got as his eyes flashed at the thought of overulling this lobby from those who were currently sharing resources and ruling it.

All guilds naturally have to offer 30 percent of their monthly earnings to the Alliance federation. This naturally made the guild extremely dissatisfied. But they could only grit their teeth and pay. The Allimace Federation's waters ran to deep for any guild to behave unruly but with someone like Lucian, Darius felt his plans would actually have at least 30 percent more success rate.

Lucian naturally didn't know of Darius plans he was simply enjoying his food.