Myles the Destroyer was becoming more and more infamous across the five nations. Since Windy had moved in, anyone who came by was almost guaranteed to not return alive. He was killing them, and Myles did nothing about it. Perhaps it was a bad thing, since people were dying after all. However, there was little that he would have done to stop the murders. In his eyes, they were walking into it knowing they would die. However by now it was becoming clear that Myles was a force to fear. This was becoming a great concern, particularly for the adventurer’s guild associasian, or the AGA. 

The head of the AGA was a man named Muldrich.  Muldrich was a seasoned adventurer, who had earned his spot amongst the strongest adventurers within the kingdom.

“The problem of Myles the destroyer is more complicated than we thought, SIr Muldrich.” the scribe named Nathaniel said. “Nearly 70 adventurers have been killed so far from all of the five nations. Some of them were A rank as well… we lost 12 A ranks in total, and almost 50 B and C ranks. Thus we only have 193 A rank adventurers left, and 1028 B ranks left… It seems like many but at this rate we will be in danger if it continues. The more people thrown at Myles, the smaller our forces become. This is a deadly trend.” 

“Indeed… This is not going to go well if it continues like this. For now, cease all adventurers from going there. I am going to enlist the help of our top adventurer, and go with him in case anything were to happen. Before that however I will be requiring some… extra materials.” Muldrich grabbed a piece of paper and his pen, scribbling down a few items. “Make sure to go retrieve these before the week is out.” 

“Sir these are…” 

“I do not recall asking your opinion on my list, Nathaniel. Just that you retrieve it.” 

Nathaniel looked at his leading officer and bowed slightly, walking out of the door quickly. He took another glance at the list before shoving it in his pocket. He had enough to go do as it was. This was just an added chore.

Muldrich sighed as Nathaniel left, rubbing his temples before he reached down and picked up a phone. Very few owned phones, and the adventurers guild was one of those organizations that had enough funding to have one. It was for times like this that Muldrich was thankful to the previous head for buying it. 

“Hello? It's good to hear your voice again, Dmitri. I know it has been awhile since we have spoken, however there is a problem that we must discuss. Is now a good time?” Muldrich tapped his finger on the wooden desk of his, stopping only once he realized he was doing it again. 

“Yes thank you. It's about--- yes. Oh it is wonderful to know that you are already looking into it. I was thinking of coming with you, in case-- No Dmitri I really do think it is--” He sighed, quite wishing he could go home already. “It has nothing to do with your abilities, it is simply that we have no real assessment on this villain. I wish to go to ensure you have a quick out if it proves impossible. Yes, thank you for agreeing. I am having Nathaniel prepare-- Oh, I see. Very well then. Thank you for your time, Dmitri. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Take care.” 

The phone line went dead, and with it Muldrich stood up and looked out the large window of his that overlooked the city. Things were going to get serious soon, if this little problem wasn’t dealt with sooner or later. There was nothing more that he hated than problems, especially ones that could impact his retirement. It could not be soon enough before he could clock out and go home. 

-

Myles was quite happy with how things were progressing. Things were finally slowing down, and he could enjoy himself in peace without stupid adventurers coming through and disrupting him. It also came to be that Windy had gotten a bit ahead of himself and offered loggings to another monster of great strength and reputation. This one however was a bit less troublesome, and actually proved to be a great help. His name was Aithe, and he was a vampire. 

For context, vampires weren’t that uncommon. However dangerous ones were quite rare, and well… Aithe was about as dangerous as a vampire could get. He killed, and was taught both magic and swordplay at a young age. He was ancient, much older than Windy or Myles, though he refused to give away the exact number of years he had lived. Aithe looked about 27 perhaps, and was quite the attractive vampire. He was known for seducing women and then murdering them, or turning them into ghouls for fun. However the real reason he was dangerous was that he was the first ‘organic’ vampire created in over a thousand years, and the last one too. Unlike most, he turned by his own will and blood lust. 

Perhaps that was why he felt so drawn to Myles, someone who had grown infamous for killing anyone near. Yet in the end, Aithe stayed for another reason. 

“Master Myles, if I do say you look quite content right now.” Aithe hummed, looking at the young human mage with an amused expression. “Should I perhaps make you a cup of tea? The weather is nearly perfect for it.” 

“Thank you, Aithe. I have to say, it's been nice without any adventures coming to destroy my peace.. A cup of tea would be lovely.” 

“Of course my young master. It is such an honor being able to follow someone who is so determined in his ideals, and especially one who can appreciate good tea such as you.” Aithe smiled and walked over to the samovar to pour the cup. “Now this is a wonderful jasmine tea from my own personal collection. You will notice the hints of lavender as well as lemon, which should give it a nice refreshing, yet calming scent.” 

“I can smell it from here. It smells wonderful. Though I would expect nothing less from the lord of tea himself.” 

Aithe was the owner of the largest tea company in the nations, and Myles… Well, his love of tea instantly made Aithe grow fond of him. 

“Where are these leaves from?” 

“These, my young master, are a variant from the south of the Yuen Providence, grown specially for tea brewing. It goes through a very special process to come here unharmed, and the soil it grows in is embedded with natural magic. You should find it perfect for what you are looking for.” Aithe brought the cup over and bowed, smiling before he pet Myles’ head. 

“Who would have thought that I would have finally found an heir to my company in circumstances like this~ It is truly wonderful. You have no idea how happy I am.” Aithe hummed, looking at Myles like someone would a puppy. 

“I am glad you think so, however I can reassure you that your happiness is most important. It has been wonderful to have you here this last week. Speaking of, any word on that little issue that we had?” 

“Oh! You mean the adventurer’s guild? No no. The head is a fool and cares more for drinking his weight in ale than actually dealing with these issues. Besides, my nephew works there currently and is keeping in the loop, so to speak. Apparently they wish to send over the hero to defeat you, but honestly that boy is so lazy I doubt he'd do anything.” Aithe laughed. “He may have remarkable powers, but his only wish is to eat, drink, and play around with women. Fighting actual battles is not natural for him.”

“I hope you are correct. A hero is nothing to laugh at, even in these circumstances. If anything, it is all the more concerning that we may have to deal with such a person.” Myles mused, sipping the tea and sighing in happiness. It was delicious. 

“Please do not worry. We shall handle it promptly if it does come to that, young master.” Aithe smiled pleasantly before he bowed. “I am going to go speak with Windy about this matter now. Please call if you require anything.” The vampire quickly disappeared from view, leaving Myles by himself. 

He instantly put down his cup of tea, slowly taking a deep breath. His cheeks however grew red instantly, and he found himself hiding his face in his hands. 

“They… they really wouldn’t send him over would they..?” He asked himself, his face feeling as if it was on fire. “No no no no no… There is no way that can happen. He cannot see me like this-- Oh damn it all!” 

“Young master..?” Aithe asked, appearing next to the villain with a confused expression. Myles nearly screamed in surprise, however he soon caught himself and cleared his throat. 

“Aithe… I’m sorry you heard that. I thought you had left--” 

“Is there something wrong? I do not believe I have ever heard you speak so… excitedly before.” Aithe asked, putting a fatherly hand on Myles’s shoulder. This was making it all the worse for Myles. 

“No no! Nothing is wrong… I.. well, I knew the hero when I was in school. Dmitri. Actually… if he does come through here, please do not kill him. Capture him if necessary, however..” 

“Oh I see! How very wonderful young master! Of course we shall be cautious as to not kill him. I should know that you would like to kill him yourself as our master. Did he perhaps bully you in school, and now you wish to take revenge?” Aithe asked eagerly, looking way too much like a proud father. It was making Myles feel even more embarrassed. At least he could work with this.. Interpretation of his distress. 

“Yes. That is exactly it.” Myles said, forcing himself to become calm and collected once more. “It is paramount that if he does come here, I am the one to deal with him. Please inform Windy of this. Now, I wish to drink my tea in peace. Come back and report if anything happens.” 

“Very well young master. Please, enjoy your tea in peace.” 

There was no peace for Myles, however. Not if the one person in this world who could make Myles’s heart beat fast was coming here, and to kill him nonetheless. Why did the gods hate him like this?