Heavy boots wavered the hardwood beneath their feet as Ajax stepped out of the elevator. The first floor was public area for the guild. Relaxing furniture, high definition televisions, and row upon row of cluttered bookshelves. In the center of the room was the dining area. Benches formed long lines atop linoleum floors, a blazing fireplace in the center of the wall. It was guild regulation to never let the fire out. If by chance, the flame were to be extinguished, one would be expected to re-light it as soon as possible.
Ajax called it the ‘Eternal Flame’ and it was not so much for comfort as it was a tribute to those who had lost their lives on bounty missions. Just above the fireplace hung monochromatic portraits of members who had met such a fate. Just below their photos were displayed various weapons, ranging from metal pipes to worn machetes. They hadn’t been touched in years, and sat collecting dust.
His heart felt heavy, every time Ajax would pass the eternal flame. It was a difficult task, but necessary. To the adjacent wall is displayed a large tack-board, with a few bounties remaining from last week’s runs. The rest had been ripped from the wall, leaving behind only small corner-scraps. Ajax removed each piece of paper from his stack, tacking them to the wall in order from easiest to hardest. He always felt a bit uneasy about adding the 5-star bounties, though they were rarely chosen.
“Listen up.” His voice could shake a room if such volume was required. “Bounties are up. I want this list cleared by the end of the week. As always, you’ll need my permission before attempting the 5-star. Understood?”
The 5-star bounties were a treacherous task, and if they were ever selected, Ajax would need to make sure they had an adequate team. Often he wished he could rip them from the wall before anyone caught sight. Doing that, though, would mean he didn’t have confidence in his team. That was not the matter at hand. They were a powerful bunch. But after all, they were his. And it was his decision that could mean their triumph or their downfall.