Staring up at the now clean home, Lyra looks to Kak-Yak. "I take it the villagers helped." *Yawn* "Didn't even notice the...touch up, when I came back last night."

"Like it?!" Kak-Yak said, eyes closed as he posed heroically.

With the faintest of smiles, she responded. "Mhm, it's certainly...homey."

Giggling, he invited her inside. "Come on!! I can show you what i myself have done this morning, hehehehe."

Stepping inside, she takes note of the tidy, well kept home. Sliding to the kitchen, Kak-Yak brews some coffee as he cooked. "Make yourself at home!! You actually just arrived whilst I was cooking breakfast."

Sitting on the nearby sofa, she eyed him as he hummed a tune, cooking up a storm. ("Funny. Never imagined him to be a good cooker. The more you know I suppose.") She thinks to herself. "Wanna say something. You haven't even know me this long, and you're just up and inviting me in like this? Only reason the village accepted you so fast is due to Ninthara reading you like a book, and deduced you weren't a threat. That and the spirit issue being solved."

*grin* "Oh my poor heart, how it weeps so at your words!" *Chuckle* "C'mon, I'm just me after all! Why would I ever have ill intent, EVER?! After all, I am the one and only Kak-Yak, fighter of monsters and evil!"

He does a pose, one again, and raises the pan he's holding into the air. The contents within, by a severe stroke of luck land onto the plate on the counter.

"Whoops. Hehehehe."

*Light laugh* "You have got to be the biggest, most unpredictable enigma of an individual I've ever met."

Smiling widely, he finished up the finishing touches of his breakfast and made two plates. He happily walked over to Lyra, setting two plates down as Kak-Yak plopped onto the spot beside Lyra. "Hey! Remember the two stories I told you on our way to those rock trolls?!"

Nodding, Lyra picked up a piece of bacon with a fork "Yes, I remember."

"Well, this one time, I was-"

Kak-Yak started rambling about his absurd stories. Most would find them ridiculous and made up, And Lyra did at first, but her usual attitude towards them from yesterday was gone completely, replaced with carefree laughs and giggles.

"And then I'm there, standing utop the bugger as squirms under me in shame and defeat, hahahahaha! And the miners all collectively cheered! Hahaha. After that, it was no longer a dungeon, but a mine reopened to its prior glory hahahaha!!!" Grinning, he springs up. "I'm all exited now!!! Now I wanna explore a dungeon again!! Man, imagine I could find something cool!!! Like a legendary artifact or something!!!"

Finishing her food, Lyra gently sets down her utensils, the sunlight from the windows illuminating beautiful off the material. "Hold on, you can't just go into random dungeons and expect it to be a breeze. Besides, it'd be hard to find one without having a detailed map."

Wide grin, he digs into his bag on the table and takes out his map. "Map huh? Huh?! Hehehehe, I have a map RIIIIIGHT here hahahaha! Time to go exploring some dungeons!!" Looking to her, he smirks. "You know, two hero's in a dungeon is better than one don't you think? Think about it, we could destroy any monster or evil doer in a dungeon easily!! With your magic and my fighting abilities, we can make an amazing team hehehehe."

Not entirely against his wacky idea, she thinks for a bit. "I'm a high ranking hero, I have more important things to do than go dungeon crawling in some random cave, which may not even have anything valuable inside. Besides I could always just accept a mission to clear out a high ranking dungeon."

"Dungeons have ranks?!!?"

*nod* "The hero associations, as well as guilds rank dungeons based on their danger and risk level, but it's also determined on the valuables inside. If a dungeon has, let's say an ancient legendary artifact hidden deep within, it'll most likely be a five star dungeon, not because of the artifact itself, but the severe and deadly traps and potential enemies that'll be protecting it. Examples include golems and gargoyles, and sometimes elementals."

"That's...so...COOL!!! Now we HAVE to go find a dungeon to explore."

Kak-Yak rushes to go get ready. Ready...for adventure!

Gathering herself, Lyra stands up and yawns once more. Clearly she didn't get enough rest last night. Heading over to the table with the map, she scans the surrounding areas around the region. She eventually settled on a point of interest. Dusk cave. "Here should be fine."

"Dusk cave? That sounds BORING!! Oh well."

Getting ready and situated, the two hero's eventually set out for Dusk Cave, Lyra constantly thinking to herself why she's even agreeing to join Kak-Yak, someone she barely has known since the yesterday.

Throughout the journey, the landscape and nearby forest provided a sense of ease and relief, and with the occasional deer running along the trail, sun shining down upon it, making the entire experience fable like.

"Hey Lyra!" He said, skipping along the stone trial.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"What do you thinks gonna be the treasure hidden within hmmmmmmmm?!"

*shrug* "Who knows Kak-Yak. Who knows. I still don't even know why I agreed to join you in the first place."

Paw over heart, he laughs as he skips along. "Because I'm the most fearless, selfless hero in all the lands hahahaha!"

Shaking her head, she returns her gaze towards the trail. "Sure you are."

Coming up to dusk cave, the two hero's halt as multiple guardsman stand outside. A guardsman Commander notices them and approaches. "Halt. You two look to be in the business aye?"

They look to one another before back to him. Kak-Yak speaks up. "Of course dear sir!! For no evil can ever stand in our way!!!"

"..." He scratches his head. "Ok then, what are your ranks then? We could use some skilled heroes for what's in this cave here."

"S rank." She glances towards Kak-Yak before responding. "As for him, he's adept. A rank."

"I see." Clearing throat, he points towards the cave. "We were watching over the miners as they worked. Thing is, they dug too deep, ended up breaking open into a hidden chamber. A golem nearly crushed half the dang work force. So here's what I propose." He turns to them again. "You two deal with the golem, and you'll be paid. Simple as jobs go. I'll be here waiting."

The commander went back to doing what it is commanders do.

"GOLEM TIME!!!" Kak-Yak practically bounced up and down in excitement. "Hehehehehehe, never fought a golem before. Good thing I read up on them!! This is gonna be sweet."

("Wonderful.") Akari thinks, knowing she'd have to make sure he doesn't get crushed by the golem. "Don't do anything stupid, golems are tricky to deal with. Depending on the golem, this is either going to be a pain or a slog."

Entering the cave, the two hero's breathe in the dusty, old air from within. Some coughing later, the two head for the mined open entrance, already hearing sounds of the golem within the hidden chamber. Stepping inside, they stare up at the massive golem, standing center of the room as it activates.

"Intruders detected. Engaging."

Laughing, Kak-Yak unsheathed his sword. "Engaging huh?! Well come right on at me big guy."

Casting a defensive spell on both of them, Lyra quickly spoke up before Kak-Yak could do anything dumb. "Do not rush a golem alone, let me deal with the aggro, you focus on trying to hit its core! Strikes to the back and chest are perfect spots to weaken it."

"Thanks for the tips! Now to attack hahaha."

Two guardsman and the commander, coming from outside, steps within, all brandishing different weapons. "We can't let you two fight alone. As our duty, we shall provide assistance, just tell us what to do."

*sigh* "Like I've said to him, I shall provide agro, attack its back and chest core to deal severe damage."

"Noted."

Two hero's and three guardsman. Could make for an interesting tavern and inn song, Kak-Yak thinks, giggling to himself as he engages the golem, dodging and weaving against its attacks.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The commander, unsheathing an enchanted great-sword, joins Kak-Yak as the two aim for the golems weak points. Lyra and the other two guards provide ranged support, Lyra using her magic to cast a variety of spells. Channeling energy, she releases a devastating barrage of frost attacks, hit after hit coating the golem in frost and ice, momentarily slowing the creature down.

Sensing a change in the golems movements, Lyra cast another defensive spell on everyone. "Stand back!" She shouts.

The golem burns hot, its regular form changing to that of a fire golem. The walls illuminate its fiery body, orange coating the entire chamber. Without noise or warning it fires a barrage of fire bolts towards them all, quickly moving in on one of the guardsman.

Thinking quickly, Kak-Yak pounces off of the nearby wall, landing in-front the guardsman and pushing him out of the way, the Golem swinging down.

A loud crash sounds the entire chamber, ground cracking underneath the force.

"Hehehehe, missed me you dumb pile of bricks!" Kak-Yak with his nimble ability's, narrowly avoided becoming the golems victim. Now utop the golems massive body, he quickly strikes at its back in quick succession, damaging its vital core as it struggles to get him off of its body.

"Hahahahaha, this guys crazy. Never seen someone mount a golem before."

"Shut up and focus fire on the chest men!"

Lyra's attacks mixed in with the guards and Kak-Yaks, the golem was sure enough to fall anytime now.

Channeling its inner power, the Golem let loose a burst of flames, sending Kak-Yak crashing against the adjacent wall as he caught on fire.

"FIRE!!! FIRE FIRE FIRE!!!"

Quickly, Lyra casted a status removal spell on Kak-Yak, making the flames disperse.

"Man, I did NOT expect it to do that...ow...ow ow ow."

Lyra quickly casted a healing spell on him, following up with a burst of energy to push the golem back a bit.

One of the guards takes out a fuse grenade then arms it. "Grenade! Everyone get back." He chucks it at the golem. Seeing him do this, Lyra quickly casted a shield spell around herself and rushed in, slashing at the golems chest core with bluish, magical blades coating her paws. The grenade exploded, severely damaging the golem as Lyra remains unharmed thanks to her shield.

Grinning, Kak-Yak regained the grip of his sword as he rejoined the fight, quickly attacking in rapid succession.

Seeing the two hero's on the aggressive, the commander takes out an enchanted rallying horn, boosting everyone's attacks and defense for a small period.

Lyra and Kak-Yak dodged the Golems fiery attacks one after another. The golem swung around, Kak-Yak narrowly dodging another blow as the golems fist plunged into the nearby wall. Luckily, it had gotten stuck doing this, trying to pull its massive hand out of the wall.

"It's stuck!!! Now's our chance!!!" Said a guardsman.

"Obviously you dimwit." Said the other.

In a combined effort, everyone begun relentlessly attacking the golems back core, the massive creature firing multiple barrages of fireballs all around as it was attacked.

Finally, with one last attack, both Lyra and Kak-Yak drove their weapons into the golems core, Kak-Yaks blade and Lyra's magical one combining together into one devastating final blow. With a loud sound emitting from within its body, the golems flames ceased as it collapsed. Unmoving. Defeated.

Both Lyra and Kak-Yak panted, but eventually regained their breath.

"Haha...hahaha...hahahahaha!!! That was amazing!!! Man, we're like monsters fighting machines and stuff! Man oh man that was sick!" Holding up his paw, he awaited a high five from Lyra. "Oh come on now that was fun!"

Shaking her head, she did the so called, high five, as the Suxarine danced in celebration, going to high five the three guardsman as well.

"I have never fought a golem before. That was tense."

"What, to used to fighting bandits that it? Monsters to hard for ya? Just because we're guardsman doesn't mean we can't help fight other threats."

"Both of you, quiet." The commander said, pointing to the opening. "Head back outside. You'll both be rewarded once I'm finished talking to these two."

With a nod, the two guardsmen left, leaving the commander as he turned towards the two hero's. "Even with my skills, I doubt I would've been able to defeat that thing on my own. Which is why we tend to wait for professionals. We guardsman can only do so much with our limited knowledge on monsters. Pah, whatever, meet me back outside for your rewards. As for this...chamber, have whatever is inside. You deserve it after all."

With the commander leaving, that left Kak-Yak and Lyra alone within the chamber.

"CHEST!!! Two of them!!! Hahahahahaha!!! Hey Lyra!! Stop standing and come here!!"

"I'll be there in a second." Lyra walks up to the dead golem. She kneels down, scrapping up the golems materials that has leaked from its core and placing it into her bag.

"Ewwwwww why are you doing that?"

"Because golems drop rare to find materials. And depending on the golem, it can be other rare materials, such as fire stones." Shakes head. "Anyway, did you say something about chest?"

"Yep!!! Over here by me, there's two of them."

Walking over to him, she looks down at the chest mentioned. "If there was a golem that powerful protecting these chest, there has to be something good hidden within. C'mon, let's open them."

Slowly opening them together, the two undo the latches and open up the chest. One thing the two chest have in common is that they both have coin at the bottom. Lots.

"Woah!!! Cool shield!!! Oh, and is that...wha, THERE IS SO MUCH HERE!!!"

The two after some digging finish clearing both chest. Lyra tosses her lightweight chest piece in favor of the newer, more durable and lightweight one she's found.

Kak-Yak equips the new shield he's acquired, it blending in well with his fur, armor and clothing. "I'm like a knight now!!! Hahahaha, don't worry my lovely maiden, I shall protect thee!!"

Kak-Yak practices some of his moves, moving around like a madman as he does so. As for Lyra, she bags the useful pieces of gear and items she found within the chest. Turning her attention towards the back of the chamber, she investigates, old desk, furniture and shelves occupying the back.

She digs and rummages around for a bit, finding nothing of real value. Eventually she finds a desk hidden in a dark corner. Walking up to it, she looks down at the many writings of a madman on countless scraps of paper, all littered around the small desk. Some of the writing is complete gibberish, while the readable ones speak of absurd theory's and myths, such as the world will end one day due to the dolphins creating a bomb made of wood, and another saying how worms are going to multiple and cover the earth into one giant super worm. Absolutely insane and wacky stuff

"Oh. My. GOSH OH MY GOSH!!!"

She quickly turns to him. "What, something happened?"

Smiling wide, he turns to her, holding up a stuffed toy of a cute bee. "I LOVE STUFFED TOYS OH MY GOSH!!! I miss these things!!! I remember I had one of a rock back home."

"...A rock?"

"OH MY GOSH IM PUTTING YOU RIGHT BY MY BEDIDE WHEN I GET BACK!!! Every time I wake up, I'll see its goofy little eyes just staring at me while I stare at it!"

Giving a feint smile, Lyra just watched as Kak-Yak talked to the stuffed plush. Despite his childish and goofy behavior, she had to admit, he's definitely the most entertaining hero she's ever met. She didn't even care that he dropped out anymore. He had the spirit. Valor, and many more traits that made him a perfect hero. She already knows he'd be one of the more popular hero's if he had just stayed and did everything in his hero school.

*Loud beeping*

Lyra quickly takes her communicator device from off her item belt. Before she could even speak, an authoritative voice spoke through the device.

"Attention all A and S rank heros. An unknown threat has made itself known to the association. I repeat, an unknown threat has made itself known. Any A and S ranked hero's not on mission must head to the coordinates listed immediately. This message will only be given out to the listed ranked hero's. If you are a hero below A or S and you have received this message, ignore."

Confused, she puts the device back into its place on her item belt. "Unknown...unknown." She repeats. "This cannot be good."

"Hey Lyra!" Kak-Yak pointed to the communication device. "What's that thing? What was that voice that came from that thing? It looks cool!! I wanna touch it!"

Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked to Kak-Yak. "I'm not letting you touch it. C'mon, let's head on out already and collect our reward."

Finally leaving the chamber and the cave, the two finally head back outside, already seeing miners re entering the cave to get back to work.

"Finally, wondered when you two would eventually show up." He immediately walks up to them. "Here. Should be enough. Don't go spending it on anything dumb."

Handing the two their coin pouches, the commander goes back to doing his job.

"Hehehehehehe, coin coin coin! Man, gonna buy me something good with this. Or not, probably just gonna save it."

"..." Lyra quickly pockets her coin, looking over to Kak-Yak. "Hey. Kak-Yak. Could you do me a favor?"

Ears perking up, he turns to her. "Sure!! What's the favor?"

Collecting her thoughts, she speaks lowly and softly. "Tell Ninthara back at the village that I might not come back in a while. Hero business."

"Hero business?! I thought us going to explore a dungeon was hero business?!"

"What, fighting a golem and chest within a hidden chamber isn't enough dungeon experience for you?" She says jokingly, smirk on her face.

"I mean that was fun, but that wasn't like actually dungeon crawling though!!! That was more like-"

"Ok ok, I get it. Gotta stop you before you go on a rant. But seriously, tell Ninthara I'm not gonna be back at honeycomb village for a while."

"Hero business, like you just said." He tilts his head, arms crossed. "What's this hero business? If it's monster fighting I can help!"

Head shake. "No. Too dangerous and risky for you."

"But fighting a golem that SHOOTS FLAMES and can smash me into a million pieces isn't quote on quote, risky?" His expression hardens. "I remember you said I was an enigma right? Well, let me prove it further. I know I'm not some fancy graduate of a hero school or whatever, but I've enough courage and determination to scare a dragon! And besides, yes, I did study monsters during my time in my hero school. So I know some things."

"..." Sighing, Lyra lets up. "Fine, but first let me explain. Here, listen to the."

Taking out her communication device again, she replays the message sent to her and other high ranking hero's.

Once it eventually finished, Kak-Yak spoke. "Unknown threat?! That sounds so cool!!! I wonder if it's a vampire or something!!!"

"Only one way to find out. Come on, follow me."

And thus, the two set off for the coordinates listed on the device. Lyra wondered to herself just why, why is she letting him join her? Especially for something only meant for high ranking heroes. Who knows. Maybe she just likes his company. Whatever the case may be, she's just glad to have someone like Kak-Yak around to lighten the mood. Unbeknownst to the two however, they will soon find out that this would be no simple monster they had to deal with.