Night had fallen over Oak, as it did every night before and would continue to do every night after. The world, or at least the part of it that effected the citizens, seemed to be falling apart at the seams. No longer did Fiore feel like an untouchable superpower, immune to both the threats outside their walls and the discontent that may grow from within. Once, less than a decade ago, the country seemed to be one of the most stable areas in all the continent. Now, however, they had become evidence of how quickly things could change.

The once ever present Nobility had withdrawn from the borders, leaving skeleton crews in each city and road to do their bare minimum duty. They had been weakened severely, hit harder perhaps than any other individual group or organization other than the guilds who had recently crumbled away. They were attempting to grow their strength, to once again be at the precipice of their power. They were certainly a force to be reckoned with, arguably stronger than any other organization or guild, but they were no longer the untouchable peak.

The Nobility as well, as if taking cue from their neighbors, had withdrawn. Their leadership in the individual towns was no more, and that was perhaps the scariest change of all. These towns had experienced economic booms, inflated of course by refugees and new businesses, but enough to cause a transformation in the country that took place in less than a year. What were once towns were now cities, and these cities were far more profitable than they had ever been prior. For the Nobility to withdraw, willingly and without pressure, was a sign of what was to come.

Yet through their withdraw, and despite the disbandment of some of Fiore's oldest and most long lasting guilds, there was hope. All over the country sprouted new groups, each with their own intent and ideals. For Finn to sit there and say that he understood who was right and who would be lost in the annals of time would be a lie. He had no idea of what was to come, and he couldn't say for certain whether or not Advent World was even a super power right now.

He had no idea how strong Central was, or even if they were on the same side. His mind flashed back to the Grand Ball, and of the Countess whom he had the displeasure of meeting. A grimace took his face, but only for a moment. If the Royals were like that too, then certainly the two factions would have an alliance, albeit a slippery one. Then there were the other guilds that had sprouted up.

The Grand Magic Games would be a spectacular opportunity for him in a multitude of ways. It would serve as a warning, though to whom was still unclear. It would allow him the chance to see the strengths and weaknesses of his own guild, as well as what others could bring to the table. It would also give him a chance, should his guild come out on top, to meet with the King of Fiore. That, he thought, would be quite the opportunity indeed.

Regardless of all that though, what Finn needed to do right now was focus on Advent World, and that meant focusing on the problems that lay right before him. Oak was their home, and Oak would serve as their staging place for anything and everything to come. In order to be a player on the grand stage, he would need to make sure that his fort was secured against all enemies. He would have to find a way to make this city emulate the Fiore of old, in which they were considered a superpower by their enemies and revered by their citizens.

That was, of course, what brought him to Castle Phantasm. Putting his hands forward on the two massive wooden doors before him, he closed his eyes for but a moment. For that single second, it was as though he were trying to feel what lay beyond the door. He had begun, recently at least, to feel as though that was something he could do. It was just hints, here and there, in his every day actions. Stuff he could not quite explain, but had not yet made itself so prevalent as to convince him he could execute it in battle. Hell, it was still such a strange occurrence that he couldn't even think of a less vague way to explain it.

No matter. Flexing his muscle, Finn pressed forward and the doors swung open. Insight, fire light danced off furniture and walls. Multiple fireplaces, candles, chandeliers, and flame lacrima worked in tandem to ensure the room was well lit.

While there hadn't been much noise within before, what conversation had been going on stopped the moment the doors swung open. To either side, rows of guards turned their attention to Finn and became stiff. Butlers and maids in different stages of serving dinner turned their gaze towards Finn, though upon seeing them a look of understanding took over their expressions and they continued on their way. The family at the table, however, had looked at this intruder in complete and utter confusion.

"Well? May I help you?"

The voice came from the man sitting furthest from the door, and older gentleman with full facial hair and a look in his eyes that seemed to know far more about the world than one could ever guess about him. Finn hadn't realized just how much time had passed since entering the building, but a grin took his face as the question came. It was confident, and he nodded his answer.

"Why yes, I think you can. My name is Finn Mertens, can I have a moment of your time?"

"I know who you are, Finn Mertens. The Guild Master of Advent World, the man who has been snatching up influence all over the city, and now the interloper to my family meal. Honestly, couldn't this wait?"

"Of course it can, my apologies. I'll be back." Turning to wait, an annoyed groan was heard from the man. A grin took Finn's face, one of victory. He was terrible at these sorts of games. It was only through the help of Xandra that he began to understand the inner workings of Nobility, and those who thought themselves equal to that title. This was, albeit short, a game of chicken. Who would cave first, letting the other know that a relationship here was necessary. This time, it seemed, the senior Phantasm had caved.

Taking the napkin out of his collar, he lazily threw it down onto the table. The kids began to get up, each looking at the Guild Master with a different expression as they made their way from the table. The help came quickly, escorting them through a side corridor so that they could be removed from eavesdropping distance. The matriarch, a woman not much older than himself, stood up. She looked at Finn with a knowing gaze, her understanding of the situation not lagging behind her husband in the slightest.

However, she did not leave. As she stood, the guards changed formation. Half of them moved behind Finn, as if blocking him from the door. The other four made their way down the table, separating him from the rich couple. They were good, highly trained and likely paid more than he earned in a year.

She had moved, standing now behind her husband with a hand on his shoulder. His own hand, surprisingly tough and calloused, went up and rested on hers. It was a silent move, but one which showed solidarity. The two were partners in everything, not just their marriage, and this declaration was their way of telling Finn as much.

He stepped forward, but on the first step the guards all moved to a fighting position. Finn stopped, glancing at them, and then at the owners of the house. He looked at them, as if asking how they wished this to play out. The wife spoke up, telling them to stand down, and inviting Finn to the table. Giving his appreciation, he made his way to the other end of the long arrangement and took his seat.

"You already know why I'm here, I take it?"

The couple nodded, and this time the man spoke. "How could we not? You've been laying your claim all over the city, establishing both you and your guild. You're bringing everyone to your banner, and now you're here to drag us in as well I take it."

His words told a story in themselves. The way he spoke of Finn was not that of a guild who was making themselves known, but that of an invader. Which, to be fair, he was. Advent World was a new guild; it hadn't existed in Fiore until recently, and certainly hadn't been within Oak. For those long since established, especially for those whose livelihood had been based on understanding the changes coming to them, Finn would be little more than a nuisance.

So, Finn's job was to either play on their perspective, or shift it.

"That's correct, we have been expanding our influence. Rather rapidly, in fact. It'd show an extreme lack of awareness to say we were anything other than powerful. That being said, we have not once used our power to expand. And we don't plan on starting now." The wife reached down, whispering something in her husbands ear. He coughed and nodded, admitting that it seemed to be the case that what he was being told was indeed true. So then, he wondered aloud, what was Finn there for?

"Well, you were right. I'm here to make you guys lean on Advent World. But not by force. I want a mutually beneficial agreement."

"How do you mean?"

Finn turned his eyes to the matriarch. She had taken over the conversation quickly, yet the transition had been effortless.

"We are no Phantom Lord. We are not here with the explicit goal to go to war with every guild, and we especially don't want to bring war here. My goal is simple; I want to protect the people." As he finished, the two looked at him in disbelief before scoffing. Seconds went by, and then they grew silent.

"You're- You cannot be serious." She didn't seem disgusted, nor did she seem to dislike the idea. Rather, she seemed to think Finn was lying to her. That he was trying to cover up his goals with something else. At this point, Finn leaned forward.

"Your family has benefited from Oak, more than any other family could. You guys have been able to make a dynasty here that your kids will one day inherit, and I don't plan on stopping you. Somehow, you've managed to ensure that the people don't hate you either. They fear you, maybe. They most certainly respect you. But none of them feel as if you are inherently bad. Which means I have no qualms with you."

Looking to each other, then back to Finn, they asked him to elaborate one what it was he wanted then.

And his response, to their surprise, was less than they'd ever imagined. Advent World would become similar to the leader of the town, almost like a local King. They would remain loyal to the Crown, of course. There would be no bids of independence. Nothing would change, so long as the Royals and Nobles didn't do anything to cause mass harm to the citizens. Finn would lead the city, and eventually-

His words continued, and their looks went from surprised to absolutely shocked.

"That... That would mean-"

Finn smiled, though this time it was different. There was a sadness to it; an understanding of the risk behind the words.

"You're exactly right."

The two of them took on different looks. The lady, for the first time, looked to pity and empathize with Finn. The man, however, looked as if he was about to take the most exciting gamble of his life.

They agreed, thanking Finn for his time and wishing him luck. They both led him to the door personally, before stopping him.

"We will be watching you closely. If your story checks out, if you seem to be genuine, well- You will have our support from this point forward."

And that was fair.

[EXIT]