Dusk began to fall, with each second making them worry more and more about the state their kidnapped companions are in, which they had no knowledge of.

They tried to calm their desperation, acting as rational as they could by exhausting all their options before they could begin thinking about losing hope.

After having asked around the city's local market place, they decided to head to the next place where information flows consistently from the mouths of adventures and people whom have traveled far and wide, those of which a broker could dream of; However, this was seldom for they did not know the city very well.

Exhausted from the ordeal that they had gone through, their minds wandered often, making them lose track of what they need to do.

"Is this the place?" asked Remuil, looking up at the large wooden sign with the word 'Inn' painted on it, and along with that was a rather meticulous image of a sleeping bear on a bed.

"Only one way to find out. Come on. Hopefully we can afford it this time. Who knew the people of Helia were merciless with money," Larrus said, taking in a fresh breath at an effort to return his lost vigor.

The reason for their exhaustion was due to them being unable to find a suitable Inn that they would be able to afford. Most inns in the city offered rooms that were far from what they could pay for, often being turned down harshly when they tried to negotiate, working for them instead of paying for the rooms since all their money and belongings sank to the bottom of the water.

"They're very well versed in business I'll say. I've read about being one and remember how they operate. Truly the books don't lie as much," Andersen remarked, not really giving his friends much hope for success.

"Tch, damn hustlers. Maybe we should rough em up a bit, just to see if they'll still flash us a smug look," Zafra said irritatingly after he had gotten into a heated argument with one of the Innkeepers.

"That'd be bad. We would probably get a bad reputation from doing something like that. Plus, it'll be alright if we don't get a place to stay. The inns allow people to go in if they're looking for work you'd normally find in a guild. For now, let's keep searching. Our luck might turn up soon," Larrus encouragingly said after exiting the inn they scouted, promptly being rejected harshly and sent out.

"I'm getting really irritated with these bastards," Zafra tried to enter the establishment but was stopped by Remuil in time.

"Don't do it, Zafra, It's not worth it! They're just trying to make a living. No need to harm them for that."

"You're too kind for your own good. Fine, let's just find another one," he shrugged and sighed.

They went on their way once more, running out of places to stay in as dusk passed on, nearing the evening as the sun nearly set at the horizon.

Soon, the night fell upon them, and most people have returned to the comfort of their homes, feeling the safety from the boundaries of their walls without having to worry about tonight, or the dangers that lurk beneath.

Merchants and businesses, whom were proactively selling their wares earlier, have also gone on their way, either staying in inns, traveling at night, or staying in their own mobile wagons that serve as their home.

Yet four people still roamed the streets aimlessly, not stopping since it would have implied that they have given up on their secondary task, which was to find a place to rest in, or a place to gather information.

"There's one more place to go. If we're not allowed there, then I guess we're done for," Larrus jokingly said, walking through the stone streets illuminated by street lamps where insects flocked to.

Guards also roamed the area, inspecting suspicious persons and making sure that the peace in the city stays the same under silence of the night- where most people whom have devoted themselves to the temptation of ale and wine might make trouble everywhere they go.

"I hope you're wrong about that one. I'm just praying that we're lucky enough to find someone that'll let us stay, or one that'll give us a lead on those pirates. I'm really worried about them," said Remuil, at his wit's end.

They stopped at the front of a small back-alley Inn at the farther side of town that was said to have a small request board, serving as a tavern on the side; filled with rowdy people yelling and cheering as they drink their worries away, or that's how they perceived it from hearing.

Navigating the alleyways on the directions of a good Samaritan, they faced a well-lit place made of sturdy looking wood, looking fairly clean and maintained despite being located in a tight spaced lot, surrounded by other buildings, looking to be houses or establishments for commerce.

"Alright then, here goes nothing," Larrus took a step forward, gulping as he wished for a miracle.

Though before he could enter, a person came flying through the door at an unbelievable speed, screaming in terror, launched by an unknown person from inside the inn.

Larrus, managing to react quickly, caught the person in his arms before it could hit the ground, whereas the momentum allowed him to be swept off as well, sent back as he fell to the ground with a thud, clutching whoever it is he caught tightly.

Numerous drunk men peered through the door as an intimidatingly large, round man came outside, looking drunk and repulsive, yet fairly well-built.

"And stay out, kid! You're not allowed in here, got that? If I ever see you ever disturb me again, you're really gonna get it!" the large man arrogantly laughed as his bulging stomach bellowed, followed by the laughing of the people form inside the inn, clearly mocking someone.

The person that Larrus caught-- who appeared to be a kid at the age of ten or so-- stood up, approaching the large man once more saying, "Please! They said that you were a strong fighter. You're the only one I can ask help from! I-I don't have money, but I'll pay you back, I swear!" the child begged as he had bruises all over his body, trembling not in fear, but in pain from the looks of it.

Reacting quickly from the bad feeling in his gut, Larrus tried to reach out to the kid, "Hey, get back here!"

As he spoke, the man drew near, fuming intensely, "You annoying brat! You don't fucking get me, don't you?!" the large man lifted his large arm, bringing it down quickly on the kid, looking like it might kill him if nothing were to be done in time.

Failing to get the kid out of the way, Larrus lunged forward, taking the kid by the collar and pulling him towards him and narrowly dodging the large man's heavy arm, "Ah, careful now. You're lucky that I still have some energy to spare," he said to the kid, exhaling in relief.

Larrus stood up, looking straight at the large man with intimidating eyes.

"That's pretty low, trying to hit a kid."

"W-Who're you and what do you want now?" the large man said, further exposing his hideous face that is now illuminated by the light.

"Just your everyday roamer. Hey, could you ask the innkeeper if he could let us stay in exchange for work? I'm getting pretty desperate here."

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"The hell are you talking about? Are you making fun of me, huh?!"

"What's there to make fun of? You're already a walking joke. C'mon pitch in for me here. You look like a regular," Larrus said, with an aloof expression, almost as if he was provoking the man.

"Why you!" the man barreled forward, becoming larger and larger as he closed the gap between them.

The kid beside Larrus cowered in fear as he shielded himself after seeing what was coming close.

Defiantly, Larrus stood forward, covering the kid as he readied himself, stretching his right arm.

Within a few meters of each other, when the large man was close enough for Larrus to reach, he unleashed a devastating attack at breakneck speed as he punched straight, directly at the man's face, causing a satisfying crunching noise as his fist dug further in.

Swinging harder, he sent the large man flying to the ground in one punch, knocking him out as well which surprised and silenced those around him, thinking that the results would have been the opposite.

"Talk about temper. Don't push me. I'm too tired to do this. Anyone else?" he asked, cracking his knuckles as he looked at those who peeked from the inn's windows, resulting in them to hide and abruptly close the doors, leaving the unfortunate man outside in the cold.

He turned around to face his dazed companions saying, "Well, I guess that's a no then... Remuil? Hey? What's wrong?" he waved his hands at them, returning the three from their state.

"I almost forgot that he was strong enough to do that," Remuil said, blinking as he looked at the unconscious man.

"Remind me to never get on your bad side," Zafra added, turning away as he crossed his arms.

"What a truly terrifying man. I would have made a ballad of only my lyre were here," said Andersen weakly, trying his best to speak as he leaned on Zafra's shoulder.

"I don't get you three," he said, returning his attention to the kid who also sat on the ground, dazed as he stared at the large man lying on the ground.

"I-Is he dead?" he stuttered upon asking, glancing at Larrus from the side due to fear.

"What?! No! I didn't punch him that hard... or maybe I did. Well it was either you got hit, or he got hit. I chose the latter. Anyway, let's get away from here for now before we get into trouble," Larrus extended his hand to the kid, who hesitated in taking it after having seen quite the spectacle.

He pulled him in and ran with his companions towards a safe place after hearing the footsteps of a group of people coming from the nearby alleyway, suspecting that it might have been the city guards, checking in on the peace.

The group made for the nearest city plaza, where a stone made fountain with the image of a maiden holding a vase where water was expelled from.

Its surroundings were clean and kempt, decorated with flowerbeds and bright lamps what were lit up by magic, illuminating the area and the stone pavements leading to the different districts.

They sat on the dry edge of the fountain, breathing hard after having ran without stopping as to avoid the guards who might become suspicious of them.

"I think we're safe for now. There's no one here except for us from the looks of it," said Larrus smiling despite their current state.

They took the time to breathe some more and at the very least, ease their exhaustion.

Approaching the fountain, Laruss washed his face, filled with renewed energy after feeling the cold splash of fresh water coursing through his skin.

He faced the kid, having calmed down, but was still somewhat cautious towards all four of them, having his arms close as if to defend himself with.

The rest sat, looking around in the case that any guard might just waltz in here, suspecting them and ultimately arresting them, again.

"So, why were you almost beaten to death? Don't think you'd go there just for that, "Larrus began, sitting beside the kid on the edge of the fountain.

"W-what are you going to do to me?" the kid twitched back immediately after Larrus spoke.

"Relax, I won't do anything to you. I just want to know something. You looked like you were in trouble anyway, might as well hear you out if you'll let me," he slouched forward, in an attempt to lighten the mood and rest his body for a bit while he's at it.

"Really? A-alright then, I guess," he lowered his arms, sitting uncomfortably, fidgeting in the presence of complete strangers in the dead of night.

After relaxing somewhat, he looked at what the boy looked like, having short, dark hair, a fair complexion, and wore a casual clothing of white and brown garments.

"Mind telling me what happened back there?"

"Yes! I mean, yes. I was looking around for someone who's strong and can beat monsters. I-I'm too weak, and I doubt I could do anything against them," he cast his eyes down, feeling dejected.

"How'd you think, or at least think, that guy back at the inn was strong enough? I think you're looking at the wrong places."

"B-but they said that he was strong. I heard them say that he defeated dragons and saved many people. Isn't that strong?"

"Sure, that's pretty strong to me."

"Then I should go back and- "

"If any of that were true. Listen, I know that we've been taught never to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes things are already implied and obvious that you only need a mouth to speak your mind. That guy was no hero, firstly because he tried hitting a kid for some reason, and second, he just looks disappointing," Larrus made a disguised face, contorting it as to make fun of the man.

Not realizing it, the kid laughed, but stopped himself from making any other sounds.

"Why did he try and hit you anyway? Makes no sense if there's no reason. I Don't think anyone can stoop that low."

"Yeah, what was that for?" Remuil came up to them, curious as he stood in front of the two.

"Well, he said that I kept on disturbing him... I couldn't do anything else! If I don't find someone quick, then he might... he might die, and I'll be left alone again," the unnamed kid's tone became distant and downcast.

"Who are you talking about?"

"My teacher, he went down to the nearby dungeon three days ago, but he hasn't come back. It's filled with strong looking monsters, so I was too scared to go in there alone... If only, if only I was stronger! I don't want to be weak, but there's nothing I can do now. I can't save him," tears started falling from his eyes slowly as he covered and wiped them, trying his best to look strong.

"Calm down, calm down! Man, I'm not really good at dealing with kids, more so if they start crying. Fine, how about I go find him. I don't look that strong, but I might manage somehow," said Larrus, causing the kid to look at him with wide eyes.

"Really?! You'll do that for me?" he asked, looking ecstatic.

"Wait, Larrus. I hate to remind you, but we're also missing some people. I don't want to imagine what's happening to them right now, so I want to save them as fast as we can. And we don't even have any weapons to fight monsters with," Remuil intervened, not looking too enthusiastic about Larrus's proposition to the kid he barely knows.

"We don't know where to find them. At this point, I'm considering making up with that cranky Farronian commander and asking for their help. But I guess I'm just too stubborn. How can you find someone that's missing easily anyway? If only Cecil were here, she might have had magic to do that," Larrus brooded upon their misfortune.

"I-I think I know someone who can help you," the kid said, catching their full attention.

"And who's that?"

"My teacher, the one who went down to the dungeons. He might be able to help you; I know he can. He has these weird eyes covered by a piece of cloth that he said could see far and wide. He's called the all-seeing sage, or that's what I heard the, call him sometimes," the kid went on, further captivating their interests.

"Then I guess that settles it. We’re gambling on this one lead, Remuil. Call Zafra and Andersen over. We’re going to find this man," Larrus said with a serious expression.

"Right!" Remuil said as he ran towards the two, taking them to Larrus.

"We'll do it. Where's the entrance to the dungeon?"

"Wait, right now? Are we going in now?” Remuil asked wide-eyed and surprised.

"I don't think I'll last longer. We've not eaten yet, and what is worse is that we will be inevitably sleeping outside the cold streets of the city," Andersen argued.

"I-If you're going to help me, then I can help you with that too. You all seem like nice people, plus, you saved me. I have to repay that no matter what," the kid stood up, running to the right district from the fountain. "Follow me!" he yelled.

"I can't believe this. More running?!" Zafra said angrily, following them through the lit up streets despite his complaints.

They ran under the cover of the night, the moon and stars covered by the clouds as owls and crickets sang, creating the normal atmosphere of the evening.

Exiting the city without suspicion, they were led to the outskirts of the city where a small forest was located, following a paved trail.

"You live out here?" Larrus asked.

"Well, I guess you could say that I was just an orphan. I was picked up by my teacher, then raised around here. I don't know why, but my teacher preferred the wilderness rather than society, or he really just likes the quiet area."

After navigating through a specific set of roads, including the need to deviate from some paths that led to another one.

Thought it was dark, they made it through somehow by simply following the kid in front of them, who ran rather fast and had quite the stamina to be able to keep up with the group of adventurers despite being so young.

"Here it is," he said as they came upon a small clearing where a rather wide, mansion-like house made of sturdy looking wood stood in the middle.

"Well this is unexpected."

"Huh, who knew there'd be a fancy looking lodge out here."

All four of them looked in awe and admiration upon the lodge in front of them.

"Come in! Don't worry, I-I've tidied everything up before leaving," the kid entered, leaving the others as they stood outside, dumbfounded still.

"Well... Might as well go inside, right?" Larrus laughed, then came inside unable to believe their luck.