Tatiana used a movement technique that rivaled Lightning Step and quickly closed the distance between them.
Thanks to his Perception attribute, Alex was able to see the attack coming, but unfortunately, his body could not keep up with his thoughts and his instinct to survive.
Alex's eyes, which had been closed as he awaited his inevitable death, slowly opened as he peeked at the world through a crack between his fingers.
To Alex's surprise, the fist that had threatened his life did not hit him because, between him and his opponent, a female figure had suddenly appeared, holding back Tatiana's attack with her delicate, beautiful hands.
"What are you doing? Trying to kill one of my agents right in front of my place? You must be joking."
Those words, spoken by the figure who had just appeared, made everyone's hair stand on end. Alex's eyes remained fixed on the figure as if there were nowhere else to look.
"Ma'am, it's not what it looks like. This scoundrel is not one of your agents."
"Vice-Guild Leader Blue Spirit, you should step back now and apologize properly. The Hunters' Association is not the place for this kind of behavior. You should already know that."
The figure glanced briefly at Alex before continuing.
"Not only did you start a fight in my Association, which is punishable, but you also attempted to kill one of my agents, a fact that constitutes a serious crime."
"Ma'am, I will gladly accept whatever punishment may result from my actions, but this criminal must die today."
Tatiana moved backward using her authority and created six wind arrows that shot rapidly in succession toward Alex.
The blood spilled on the floor by Alex during the previous exchange, along with the blood on his face and the blood still trickling from his minor wounds, gathered into a mass the size of a child's fist.
The blood enlarged. From its center, countless tentacles formed and easily halted all six attacks that threatened Alex's life.
Some of the remaining tentacles advanced like serpents toward Tatiana.
Wind authority granted its wielders high Agility, but even moving at incredible speeds, far surpassing Alex's Agility, Tatiana was still caught within a few movements.
More tentacles branched out and crystallized into sharp blades that encircled Tatiana's neck.
Alex was quite stunned by the display of the two women. With his Perception attribute, he could barely follow their movements.
Instinctively, he felt that a single one of the tentacles would be enough to end his life, even if he were at his most powerful state.
"I gave you a chance, but you wasted it. You did not take my words seriously, Vice-Guild Leader. Tell me, do you still wish to kill my agent?"
The woman's figure floated about a meter above the ground, exerting an overwhelming presence.
"No."
"What did you say? I didn't hear."
The figure stared at Tatiana, her voice cold.
"No, ma'am. I will not try to kill him here."
"You said here? That's at least something."
The figure said with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, ma'am."
Alex could feel the conviction of someone who would never refuse in her words.
"You can carry out the activities that brought you here, for now, but before leaving, do not forget to make amends for the damage caused."
She seemed somewhat annoyed, her hand resting on her intercom, which looked more like a small earring.
With just an elegant gesture of her hand, Tatiana was released. The entire blood construct dissolved, returning to its original form before vanishing into thin air.
She then finally turned to face Alex. Their eyes met, causing a system notification to reach his ears.
System Notice: You are under the effect of charm.
Her eyes were a bright crimson, as if countless stars were trapped within a single gaze. The color seemed to be in a liquid state, on the verge of solidifying. Her long blonde hair fluttered without wind.
Her pointed ears gave her a beauty rivaling that of the elves of the forest. Her suit gave all this supernatural beauty the air of a modern executive woman, completing an imposing and extremely attractive figure.
System Notice: You resisted the charm due to your unique class.
"Who... what is your name?"
The sweet voice, rivaling the song of a siren, pulled Alex out of his daydream.
System Notice: The dignity of a king is at stake. The user's composure is being strengthened by the passive skill. The active skill Command of the King Lv1 was used on the user's body. The passive skill Royal Aura Lv1 was used.
System Notice: Your MP is too low. The active skill Command of the King failed. Passive skills are active.
"Alex Welly, ma'am."
The words that left Alex's mouth came with firmness and the composure befitting royalty, his eyes displaying confidence and dignity.
"Are you his son?"
Although the words came with her usual coldness, Alex could sense something different in the question.
"Yes, ma'am. I am his son."
"You have the same eyes as them."
"If I may ask, who might you be? And what was your relationship with my father?"
The woman's eyes narrowed slightly, as if recalling something. She then cast her gaze toward the surrounding people and said lightly but firmly:
"Return to your work. There is nothing here that concerns you."
Everyone scrambled to return to their posts as quickly as possible.
"You don't need to be so formal with me. My name is Natasha, but that is just for your information, as I do not allow anyone to address me by my name. You may address me as General, as everyone else does."
Alex's mind was divided at the moment. On one side was Tiffany, following her sister into a different room; on the other was the General, a woman with a cold temperament and an aura that sent shivers down his spine.
"You just joined us, haven't you?"
The General asked as she approached and handed the ragged Alex a purple potion.
"Yes, General."
"Drink this potion and come with me."
As he followed the General, Alex's wounds were healed, and his HP bar was fully restored.
"Have your abilities already been tested, Alex?"
"Not yet. I was on my way to meet Miss Joana for that purpose when I was interrupted by the recent incident."
"How did you survive someone of three stars attempting to kill you? This feat proves your abilities. Even though the other person was suppressed to only two stars, you are only one star, and the difference in your levels is very large."
The two reached the elevator, and with the General's delicate fingers, a specific floor was selected.
After that, they exchanged no further words until they arrived at the intended floor.