Chapter 650 Guild Duties and Personal Desires (1)
Erik had been walking through the corridors of his guild's headquarters, his boots echoing against the floor.
His initial destination had been his room, but the gnawing hunger in his stomach persuaded him to make a detour to the cafeteria. He wasn't the only one with that idea, as fate would have it.
"Erik!" a voice echoed, its tone laced with an unmistakable joy that danced in the chilly air. Turning around, Erik's eyes met Mira's.
Her face radiated pure elation, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Her lips curved into a wide, sincere smile that seemed to light up her entire face, and her rosy cheeks glowed with warmth and happiness.
She was a few meters away, but at that moment, the distance felt insignificant.
Erik's heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm that matched the excitement mirrored in Mira's eyes.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkling with joy as he watched her approach. Affection overwhelmed the young man, leaving him breathless.
As she approached, he readied himself, opening his arms to embrace her, and realized, in that instant, that being with her was all he desired.
Erik felt her body press against his, her arms wrapping around him. He caressed her head, his fingers running through her soft hair.
"It's been a while, Mira,' he whispered, his voice soft as a feather, laced with an undercurrent of warmth that seemed to radiate from him. His eyes, deep pools of affection, held hers in a tender gaze.
His hand reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from her face.
As his fingers brushed against her cheek, they lingered there for a moment, conveying a deep sentiment through their light touch.
Meanwhile, his thumb traced a soft line, causing a warm sensation to spread and leaving her cheeks flushed in its wake.
His heart throbbed in his chest, beating a rhythm that spoke volumes of his feelings for her. The way she looked at him, the way she fit into his arms - it seemed like she was made for him.
From an outsider's perspective, saying "It's been a while" after only three days since their last encounter might seem odd.
But for Erik and Mira, who had spent months side by side, sharing secrets and nurturing feelings that were as fierce as they were tender, three days felt like an eternity.
Mira gently pulled back, creating a delicate space between them. Her eyes, a mirror of her soul, studied his face hidden behind the familiar mask. Her brows furrowed in a mix of curiosity and concern. "You've been away. What was so urgent?" she asked, her lips forming a playful pout, but her voice was laced with a layer of worry that she couldn't quite hide.
Erik sighed, a soft exhalation that ruffled his mask. His eyes, so full of warmth and mirth, clouded over - a stormy sea reflecting the burdens he carried.
His jaw tightened. "Guild matters," he replied, his voice steady. He chose his words carefully, not wanting to delve into the complexities of his recent tasks, as it was too bothersome.
Erik's hand reached out, finding Mira's in a comforting embrace. Fingers entwined, a gentle stroke over her knuckles conveyed a silent promise of unwavering support.
Thoughts of Mira filled his mind - a whirlpool of concern for her well-being, a burning desire to protect her, coupled with a wave of gratitude for her steadfast support. Each heartbeat echoed these sentiments, their silent exchange speaking volumes about the depth of their bond.
"And you? What have you been up to?" Erik steered the conversation away from himself, his voice laced with genuine interest. His eyes, still holding hers, sparkled with curiosity. His fingers squeezed hers, a silent encouragement for her to share.
A radiant smile blossomed across Mira's face, transforming her features into a picture of pure joy. Her eyes twinkled with excitement, and her cheeks flushed with pride. "Quests and training," she began, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Her free hand moved as she spoke, reflecting the energy in her words.
However, it was her next words that lit up her face. "I have to share some news: I established a new neural link. I've reached the ξ level!" She announced, her voice ringing with triumph. Her chest swelled with pride, and she held his gaze, eager to see his reaction.
Erik's eyes widened, his heart swelling with pride. "That's incredible, Mira! You did a good job!" he said, his voice tinged with awe and admiration. Erik lifted and spun Mira in the air. They shared a tender laugh before Erik placed her back on the ground.
"We should celebrate this," Erik said, his voice carrying a note of excitement. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, locked onto hers, their depths reflecting his sincere admiration for her achievement.
His fingers intertwined with hers, confirming his words and his heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm that echoed his anticipation.
Mira's eyes sparkled at his suggestion, intrigue lighting up her gaze. A playful smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? And how do you propose we do that?" she asked, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper that sent a thrill down his spine.
Her question hung in the air between them, a tantalizing invitation that promised a world of possibilities. Erik could see the excitement mirrored in her eyes.
The young man grinned, his eyes twinkling in the lights. "Nothing too extravagant. How about a dinner? Just the two of us."
A delicate blush bloomed on Mira's cheeks, painting a picture of mixed emotions. Her eyes, so bright, held a hint of disappointment that she couldn't quite mask. However, the spark of happiness in her gaze was undeniable.
"A dinner sounds perfect, Erik," she responded, her voice holding a note of slight disappointment that was overshadowed by her genuine happiness. Her lips curved into a warm smile, softening the disappointment in her eyes.
Her fingers tightened around his in a reassuring squeeze, communicating her acceptance and anticipation. Despite the initial disappointment, her heart fluttered with excitement at the thought of spending more time with him.
The world around them seemed to fade away as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms. All that remained was the profound connection between them.
"Ok, but let's go grab a coffee if you don't mind. I was headed there," Erik said, his voice carrying a casual tone.
"Me too." Mira's response was immediate and accompanied by a bright smile lit up her face. Her eyes sparkled with shared anticipation, and she gave his hand an eager squeeze.
Erik and Mira left the embrace of the corridor's bright light, making their way to the guild's cafeteria.
The atmosphere was casual, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the indistinct murmur of conversations.
Erik modified his mask so that he could eat and drink without removing it, a feature that came in handy in moments like this.
"Two coffees, please," Erik said to the barista, who nodded and prepared their beverages.
As they waited for their orders, Mira turned to Erik, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"I've been so wrapped up in quests and training that I've lost touch with the guild's affairs. How are things going?" Her voice held a note of concern.
Erik's eyes remained on Mira, reading her expressions as he planned his response.
"We're doing well financially and slowly expanding our fleet of vehicles. Our reputation has spread, and the number of applicants wanting to join is rising." His voice held a note of pride, reflecting his satisfaction with the guild's progress.
Mira's eyes widened at his words, her surprise clear. Her lips parted, a silent gasp escaping them as she took in the information.
"That's fantastic news," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Erik couldn't help but return her smile, his heart warmed by her reaction. He felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, knowing that their hard work was paying off.
"Indeed, I've also found some powerful people, and I plan on making an elite team with them," Erik said.
"Also, today, I met with a merchant to purchase armored vehicles. The idea is to help our newer and newbie members step up their game. I also ordered a large batch of high-quality weapons."
Mira nodded, taking a sip of her own coffee. "That's a smart move, especially considering how dangerous our missions can be. Having spare weapons could be a lifesaver, but I guess the cost was high, right?"
Erik made a face that was halfway confirming what she said and halfway denying it. "Yes, and no. I know the merchant, and we have an agreement, so I'm not worried about the price. But I can't tell how much it will cost since I left the specifics to others who will start taking care of these matters on my behalf. Honestly, I didn't have time even to go to the bathroom."
Mira chuckled, "Glad you found the time to take a shit, then."
"Stop it…" Erik said, faking being annoyed but also smiling.
Mira paused, her eyes narrowing. "We should invest in advanced medical supplies and maybe even hiring a full-time healer. Our missions are getting riskier, and having immediate medical attention could make a difference."
Erik looked at her, his eyes reflecting deep thought. "That's an excellent suggestion, Mira. I'll give it some serious consideration."
They finished their coffees, the empty cups a testament to the warmth and depth of their conversation. Erik glanced at his wrist communicator, noting the time.
"We should get going," he said, standing up. "Why don't you go get ready? I'll pick you up in an hour, and we can head to the restaurant."
Mira's eyes sparkled, her smile radiant. "I'll be ready."
They stood, and Erik pulled her into a brief but meaningful hug. "See you in an hour," he said, his voice tinged with anticipation and affection.
Mira nodded, her eyes meeting his one last time, before she turned to leave. "See you, Erik."
As she walked away, her steps light and her heart full, Erik watched her go.
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