The System Guild

Chapter 5: Clytia end

Five years have passed since Boss entered this world.

"Silver, it's almost completed," the Boss breathed out.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Germ grew into such a fine performer. Her skin was healthier and she had additional freckles glittered on her face. She had her hair pulled into two braided buns before applying the white face mask. Through it, she continued her eye contact with those misty bright green eyes.

They were such an alluring color.

[Boss, the mission has reached 99.71%...It has been at 99 for a year now...this was supposed to be an easy mission.]

"You--!"

Knock. Knock.

The sound of bells jingle as a door was opened. When Germ twirled around, her back hit the side of the vanity. Spotting Cricket, Germ released a light breath and rested her gloved palms on the table's edge.

"Good morning, Master," Germ curtsied.

Cricket frowned at her silly act. His face quickly changed, although no one has ever seen his face behind that white mask. Smiling, he glided over to the petite woman and held her hand.

"Nervous for your 1000th performance, my little boss? That's so unlike you!" He knew that as long as he teased her, she'd show her true colors. Those that were more vibrant the the patterned sky and dazzling stage.

"Haha!" Germ laughed," it's been five years since we've met, and only now do I find you funny! Really...I like that." Germ was still in a good mood despite Silver's remark. So close was she to completing the goal.

Cricket lurched. His chest was in pain and his hand was scorched so bad, he threw Germ's hand out of his own. Bewilderment crossed his mind as he stumbled back and protected his heart from Germ, his hand pressing hard on his chest. Germ frowned and tilted her head back.

"Master Cricket? What's wrong?"

This...this illness is acting up again! Cricket shivered.

This feeling had never dissolved even as he met with numerous quack doctors. In fact, the symptoms have only accumulated. The illness is unknown to Clytia, but the cause was clearly...Germ.

"Cricket?!"

He was shaken to reality when Germ firmly gripped his arms and shook him. He had to repeatedly swallow, hating how audible his throat was.

"I...uh...I wouldn't be a harlequin if there was nothing wrong!" He chuckled. He tried to run out of her grasp, but she was stronger than he thought. He opened his mouth to speak, but Germ stared at him, her dimly lit eyes were still so bright behind the mask.

She removed her mask with one hand, revealing a frown.

"Cricket...how are you feeling?"

Like a tall tree, Cricket tumbled down onto her bed. The bed creaked loudly despite its high quality. As a tall man, it couldn't be helped. His legs were still bent to touch the ground, while his arms were spread across the lavender duvet. Germ would've have fallen with him if she had not let go. Instead, she laid her mask down and sat by his side.