As they walked along the winding path back to Emberfall City, the excitement of their recent victory fueled their steps. The setting sun's light cast long shadows, adding a beautiful glow to the landscape.

“Noah, do you think the guild will be impressed with our find?” Emberfang asked his small form nestled comfortably on Noah’s shoulder.

“I hope so. This thing is rare, even if it is an E-rank core,” Noah replied, patting the pocket where it was safely tucked away. “Plus, we took down that dungeon faster than anyone else. It looks like the dungeons around here don’t get cleared that often. It’s got to count for something.”

As they continued, the distant lights of Emberfall City began to flicker into view, a welcoming sight after their vigorous journey. The city's silhouette was outlined against the darkening sky, and the sounds of bustling life grew louder with each step.

“We’re almost there, Emberfang. Just a bit further,” Noah said, his voice tinged with eagerness.

Entering the city gates, they were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of merchants closing their shops, children playing in the streets, and adventurers sharing tales of their exploits. Noah and Emberfang went through the lively streets, heading straight for the Adventurer’s Guild.

The guild hall was abuzz with activity. Adventurers of all types were gathered, some recounting their quests, others checking the mission board for new opportunities. As Noah and Emberfang approached the front desk, the guild receptionist, a young woman with a kind smile, looked up and greeted them.

“Noah, Hazel! How’d your day go?” she asked.

“It was a success!” Noah said proudly, pulling out the core and placing it on the counter. “We cleared the E-rank dungeon.

The receptionist glanced at the core as she pondered something. “Noah, let me check something with this core; I'll be right back,” she said, taking the core to the back counter and setting it on another stone surface, like the structure of the magic power crystals but with a round concaved shape to fit cores onto for testing.

She returned to Noah, setting the core on the counter. “Was the dungeon boss difficult or maybe seem stronger for an E-rank dungeon?” she asked.

“It was a little powerful for what seemed like the weakest dungeon. It was a Level 27 Gloom Serpent.”

Noah’s remark echoed in the room as the other adventurers caught a listen. The other adventurers whispered amongst one another. “He defeated a Gloom Serpent!” one adventurer muttered. “I bet he’s at least Level 30 plus,” another adventurer said under his breath. “We don’t get many adventurers here past level 20,” a younger adventurer muttered to his party members.

The receptionist smiled, looking up at Noah. “Well, the core read D-rank in the tester. So, you will be paid for a false contract posting and for clearing the D-rank dungeon. My apologies for the mix-up,” she said as she made her way to a back room. Returning with a leather pouch filled with crowns, she set it on the table.

“Your payment will be 125 crowns. Is that okay?” she asked, setting a leather pouch on the counter.

Noah accepted the leather pouch with a nod and a smile. "Yes, thank you," he said, feeling accomplished. Emberfang, who had been quietly resting on his shoulder, grinned and nudged against his neck a bit.

"Look at you, Mr. Dungeon Slayer," she teased.

The receptionist laughed softly. "It's always nice to see new adventurers making their mark. Keep up the good work, and you'll climb the ranks quickly," she said, smiling.

“We need stronger adventurers here in the Phoenix Guard,” a tall shadowy man said, standing behind the receptionist.

Startled, the receptionist turned around. “Oh, Guild Master Aldric! I thought you were out on important business,” the woman exclaimed.

“I was. Now I’m back, and I’ve brought the team with me that’s traveled far and wide to help clear the C-rank dungeon that's been causing a stir lately.

“What’s the current status and information on the dungeon?” Aldric asked the woman.

“Well, sir, as of now, we have no living adventurer who made it out after venturing inside. The status is still unknown,” the lady said grimly.

“We will clear the dungeon. You can rest assured, Alexa,” he declared to the receptionist.

Turning to face Noah and Hazel, Aldric made a request. “Will you join our team as well? We could really use you guys,” he asked sincerely.

Noah Focused on Aldric's HUD.

-[ Guild Master: Aldric ]- Level: 50 Gender: Male Race: Human Class: Warrior Location: Emberfall City, the Adventurers Guild hall.

The guild master, was an imposing figure with a commanding presence. Standing tall with a muscular build, his piercing blue eyes seem to see through any falsehood. His silver hair, streaked with hints of black, tied back in a warrior's knot, revealing a face marked by a lifetime of battles and wisdom.

Aldric's stern expression was softened only by the occasional glint of a wry smile, hinting at a well-hidden sense of humor. He wears a set of ornate, yet functional armor adorned with the insignia of his guild, a testament to his high rank and storied history. His voice was deep and authoritative, carrying the weight of experience and leadership, making it clear why he is both respected and feared by those under his command.

Noah looked to Emberfang as he barked in confirmation, his high-pitched voice echoing through the guild's halls. “Well, you have your answer. Of course, we’ll join,” Noah chuckled.

“Great! Alexa, register him to the raid party for the C-rank dungeon clearing. It will take place tomorrow Mid-day. Meet everyone here at the guild, and we’ll discuss our tactics from there,” Aldric said.

“You got it, sir,” Noah said, taking his leave.

“Oh! And Noah! Great job on the D-rank clearing! Sorry for the mix-up!” Aldric exclaimed with a compliment.

“No problem!” Noah shouted as he and Emberfang headed towards the exit.

The other adventurers glared in jealousy at Noah as he passed by, whispering amongst themselves yet again.

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“He’s a brown nose,” one said. “He got lucky,” a second said. “Aldric is taking it easy on the rookie. Why does he get to go?” a third asked, muttering to his party members.

Noah just shrugged it off. It was just another normal occurrence of negativity and resentment. Noah had always been looked down upon and bullied. “Eh, Nothing new. They’ll come around when they see how powerful I become in the future,” Noah said confidently.

As they were about to leave, another adventurer approached Noah. He was a tall, muscular man with a great sword strapped to his back. "Hey, kid," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Name's Rinku. Heard you took down a Gloom Serpent. That's no small feat for someone new."

Noah blinked, surprised by the sudden attention. "Thanks, Rinku. It was definitely a tough fight."

Rinku nodded approvingly. "You've got potential. If you ever need a hand or some tips, look me up. Always good to see fresh faces around here."

"Will do," Noah replied, grateful for the offer. "Appreciate it."

As they stepped outside the guild hall, Emberfang turned to Noah, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is just the beginning, Noah. We're really doing it!"

“Yes, we are!” Noah shouted as he noticed a nearby lady looking at him, puzzled by his sudden exertion of energy.

“Uh… We are going to clear the C-rank dungeon! Yeah!” he yelled, scratching the back of his head with a flustered grin.

“Sorry if I startled you, ma’am. Gotta go bye,” he said, running off in embarrassment as Emberfang laughed hysterically on his shoulder.

“Yes, we are!” Emberfang re-enacted as he giggled. “You should have seen your face When you saw that lady, Noah. It was priceless,” Emberfang said, grinning.

“Hush you. This whole telepathy thing is confusing sometimes,” Noah said, sticking his tongue out at Emberfang as he stopped near an empty alley way.

Emberfang just gave another warm smile. “Well, we made a killing today, huh?” Emberfang questioned, changing the subject.

Noah nodded, the weight of the pouch in his hand a tangible reminder of their progress. "Yeah, we sure did. Let's head back and get some rest. We've earned it."

They made their way through the bustling streets of Emberfall City, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink hues. The day's success had not only filled their pockets but also boosted their confidence. With each step, Noah felt a growing sense of purpose and determination.

Arriving at the Rusty Goblet Inn, they stepped inside, ready to rest and prepare for tomorrow's endeavors. Upon entering, they noticed the whole Inn chanting at the sight of three unknown adventurers in the middle of the room.

“My name is Seth. I have come far to clear the C-rank dungeon. Do not stress, people of Emberfall City! My party, consisting of two others, Serenity and Blane, will put your worries at ease!” The man in the middle shouted.

The skinny young man cut a striking figure, clad in sleek black light armor that hugged his slender frame. His short, jet-black hair is styled sharply, framing a face marked by a confident, almost arrogant demeanor. Around his neck, a flowing gray scarf adds a touch of flair to his outfit, its two ends trailing behind him like wisps caught in a breeze as he moves. In his hand, as he held it upwards, he wielded a short sword, its blade gleaming with a polished edge that reflected the faintest of candlelight playing off the walls and the table in front of him.

Beside him was the other man he named Blane. The tall, medium-built young man stood with a commanding presence, his form wrapped in light leather armor. The armor was crafted with incredible detail, bearing subtle engravings hinting at a theme of nature and resilience. The armor fit snugly across his chest and shoulders, emphasizing his athletic build and offering freedom of movement.

In his hands, he held a spear of impressive craftsmanship. The spear's shaft looked sturdy and well-balanced, tapering to a sharpened point at its tip. Along the blade, a striking dragon design was molded into the metal, its intricate scales and sinuous form seeming almost alive in the flickering light. Despite his youth, there was a calm confidence in his stance, a readiness born of training and determination.

And behind them, standing in the faint candlelight, was the most beautiful young woman Noah had ever seen. The young man mentioned her name was Serenity.

The young blonde woman resonated an aura of elegance and mystique. Her features were framed by cascading waves of golden hair that caught the light with a gentle shimmer. Her complexion was fair, with a hint of rosy cheeks contrasting softly against her porcelain skin.

Her black dress was draped with a white bodice that complimented her delicate shoulders and chest area. The dress flowed gracefully around her, the black fabric adorned with intricate golden trim that wove in elaborate patterns, catching the eye with its subtle yet luxurious detail.

Beneath the dress, a short thigh-high black skirt peeked out from the middle, adding a touch of practicality to her elegant attire. Her short boots matched the attire in sleek black, their simplicity contrasting with the ornate design of her dress.

Her most striking feature, however, was her eyes—a mesmerizing shade of deep, beautiful blue that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. They held a depth of wisdom and serenity, reflecting the magic she wielded with such finesse.

As she moved gracefully and purposefully, one could sense the quiet power that emanated from her—a mage not defined by staff or showy attire but by the quiet strength and elegance she carried with every step.

As Noah and Emberfang headed towards the counter, his eyes met with Serenity’s. She noticed his movements from afar. Serenity gave a warm smile as Noah blushed and looked away frantically.

“Feeling, okay?” Emberfang asked.

“Yeah, it’s nothing, just a little tired, is all,” Noah said, walking to the counter.

The wench behind the bar met him with a greeting. “Welcome back, adventurer. What can I get for you?”

"Just a warm meal and a tall drink, oh, and another room for the night, please,” Noah stated, handing her the crowns. “And here’s a tip,” Noah said, handing her another crown to relieve her troubles.

“You’re a sweet adventurer. I’ll be right out with your meal. As for your room, you can keep the same one from yesterday,” she said, walking to the hearth area.

Noah relaxed his elbows on the counter as he sat on a stool, taking in the crowd's rowdiness and banter from the mysterious adventurers making their promises to clear the dungeon.

“Hope these guys are legit. I’m getting a bad vibe from the two men. But if they work together well, I guess it’ll be okay,” Noah said.

Just then, someone approached Noah from behind. He turned, realizing it was her. The girl from across the room.

Noah felt his heart skip a beat as Serenity approached and asked, "Is this seat taken?"

He blinked, momentarily speechless, before managing a slightly awkward smile. "Uh, nope, it's all yours," he replied, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in his stomach.

Serenity settled onto the stool beside him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You seem a bit flustered. First time talking to a girl?"

Noah chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Is it that obvious?"

"Just a bit," she teased gently, her smile widening. "Don't worry, I won't bite."

Noah relaxed a little, grateful for her easygoing demeanor. "Thanks for the reassurance,” Noah said playfully.

Serenity smiled, nodding. "So, what brings you to Emberfall?"

Noah glanced at Emberfang, who was curiously eyeing Serenity from Noah’s shoulders. "Just passing through, I guess. We're adventurers," he said, gesturing to himself and Emberfang.

"Adventurers, huh?" Serenity raised an eyebrow playfully. “We are here to help clear the C-rank dungeon to the north of town. Are you with the adventurer’s guild by any chance?” she asked.

“Yes, we will be joining you guys tomorrow for your raiding party. The Guild Master asked me personally,” Noah said.

“Oh wow, you must be strong then,” she giggled.

“Who’s this little guy?” she asked as she examined Emberfang.

Emberfang tensed up as he stared at Serenity. “It’s okay, boy. This is Hazel. I saved him from a trap in Emberfall Forest,” Noah said.

“Awe, poor little guy. I’m glad you were able to save him. He’s so adorable,” she said.

“I sense a warming personality from that human Noah. Her aura is very gentle and sincere. I like her so far,” Emberfang said, his voice playing inside Noah’s head.

“So, what kind of magic do you use?” asked Noah.

“I’m just the healer for the party. I have some light magic skills, though. I’ve been traveling with those two for a few days. They are an interesting pair. Seth is so full of himself, and Blane is pretty much his mindless bodyguard that does anything he says,” she mentioned.

“I got an unsure vibe about Seth when I first saw him,” Noah said.

“They’re both strong. They work together well. I’m glad we’ll have you there with us, though. I’m told this dungeon could be a mystery. No one has come out who entered it. Sounds suspicious to me.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought Noah said.

“But anyway, See you tomorrow? What’s your name, Mr. Adventurer?” she asked.

“Noah. Noah Blackwell,” he said as he blushed.

“My name is Serenity Sinclair. Goodnight Noah. I look forward to raiding with you tomorrow,” she said as she walked away, a slight pink hue playing off her cheeks as she smiled.

“G-Goodnight Serenity...” Noah said, fighting his shyness. Finishing his meal, he drank the rest of his mead and carried himself and Emberfang to their room for the night.

As they lay in bed, Noah thought about tomorrow and what it might hold for his future. Emberfang curled up on Noah’s chest and whispered a random remark.

“So, you liked that girl from before, huh?” he asked with a playful grin.

“What! N-NO. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Noah said, his face flustered with a red hue on his cheeks.

Emberfang chuckled. “I could feel your heartbeat racing when she came to sit with you. I think she liked you too, Noah,” Emberfang said.

“What? You think so?” he asked.

“Yeah, she had a slight flirtatious aura when conversing with you.”

“She’s so beautiful. I’ve never met a girl like her. Something about her felt special,” Noah said as butterflies raced through his stomach.

“Indeed, she felt like a kind young woman,” Emberfang said as he yawned.

“Okay, let’s get our rest now. We have a big day tomorrow,” Noah said.

“Good night, Noah,” Emberfang said, nuzzling against Noah’s chin.

“Good night, Emberfang,” Noah said, a smile stretching across his face as Emberfang’s fur tickled him.

The two fell asleep, the glow of the hall's candle light playing under their rooms door…