The tavern buzzed with the electric energy of adventurers celebrating their newfound powers. The atmosphere was intoxicating, and with my fresh resolve, I let myself get caught up in the festivities. Waitresses darted between tables with trays of ale, and I grabbed a mug, downing it in one gulp.

“There you go, Doc!” Ghimli appeared next to me, grinning broadly. “Finally relaxing a bit, huh?”

“Yeah.” I burped loudly, feeling the warmth of the ale settle in. “After the onsen, I feel like a new man.”

Ghimli’s eyes widened. “There’s an onsen?”

“Yeah, just down the street. It’s only two copper and…” Before I could finish, Ghimli took off running. I chuckled, remembering how we’d both dreamed of visiting an onsen in Japan.

I made my way over to Amanda, who was leaning against a wall, looking smug. “Feeling better?” she asked.

“Much better. Do you believe Wee Wee is more of an asshole than a dick? I was surprised,” I said, leaning against the wall beside her.

“You talked to your god?” she asked, genuinely surprised.

“Yeah. I don’t know why you’re so shocked. You’re a tiefling, and Ghimli’s an orc. Talking to gods seems pretty par for the course.”

She laughed. “Fair point. I suppose I’ll need to seek out a patron soon too. Did Wee Wee make you resolve to embrace this new world?”

“In a way. But I also realized something else. You were right. You had a solid plan and executed it perfectly. You’re a good leader, Amanda.”

“Not as good as you,” she said, her tone serious.

“So you say, and I’m done avoiding my responsibilities. I’ll need your help, though. If you’re willing.”

Amanda’s smile widened, and for a moment, I saw the same warmth in her smile that I’d admired since we were teenagers, even with her newly sharp teeth. “Sure.” She glanced back at the party, keeping an eye on Bea, who was letting loose without her big brother hovering over her. “So, what’s the plan?”

“I’m not entirely sure yet. But if you point me to the guild hall, I’ll find us a new contract for tomorrow. We need to level up quickly if we want to keep progressing, especially with…” I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the word. “Milestones.” Amanda shivered beside me at the mention.

“Good call. The guild hall’s at the end of the street, next to the guard tower. Look for Mildreth, she’s a nice lady.”

I nodded, and just as I was about to leave, Ghimli stormed back into the tavern, fury in his eyes. He marched right up to me, leaning down so our faces were inches apart.

“Tomorrow,” he growled. “You’ll show me where this onsen is. Got it?”

I nodded. “Got it.”

“Good.” He returned to the party, and I headed outside, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. The bustling city had quieted down, with only the occasional worker or passerby on the streets. The distant sounds of children’s laughter had faded, leaving a peaceful calm in their wake.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

I made my way to the guild hall, eager to get first pick of the new contracts before the other newly leveled adventurers. The building was a simple annex to the guard tower, consisting of a modest hall with a desk and bulletin boards lining the walls. The desk was manned by a middle-aged elf with white hair tied into two braids. She wore half-moon glasses that drooped low on her nose as she read something, seemingly oblivious to my presence.

I scanned the contracts on the boards.

Missing Person.

 A group of lumberjacks went missing near the Braundes property while collecting wood. Reports suggest monsters may be involved.

 Recommended Level: 4.

 Reward: 40 Gold Pieces.

The level seemed high for a missing person case, but what did I know about this world? I moved on to the next one.

Dragon Spotted.

 A red dragon has been spotted at the southwest border of Kethlen and Tsenk.

 Recommended Level: 15.

 Reward: Gear of Choice and 200 Gold Pieces.

A dragon? That sounded awesome, but definitely not something we were ready for. I looked at the next contract.

Farm Expansion.

 Secure new grounds for farming expansion. Reports suggest a nearby monster hunting ground poses a threat. Clear the area of monsters and ensure it’s safe for future farming.

 Recommended Level: 2.

 Reward: 20 Gold Pieces.

This seemed more our speed. I reached for the contract, ready to tear it from the board, when a voice called out from behind me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” The elf had finally acknowledged me, setting her glasses down on a stack of documents.

“Sorry, I just wanted to take this contract.”

“And you think ripping it off the board is the way to do that?”

“Uh… yeah. Sorry.”

She sighed loudly. “Name?”

“Doc.”

“Not your name, your party’s name, genius.”

“Oh. I don’t know. Amanda took care of that the first time, and I didn’t even…”

The elf’s eyes narrowed. “Amanda? About 1.80 tall, red skin, black horns?”

“Yeah, that sounds like her. Why?”

“She owes me a new employee!”

“What? What happened?”

“She came in here last night, regaling my assistant with tales of her adventures, filling his head with grand visions of dragon hunting and treasure troves.”

“Yeah, that sounds like her…”

“If that wasn’t enough, she flirted with him. He was just a kid! Barely 30 years old”

“Sorry about that.” I decided to ignore the age.

“And now I’m stuck here alone with all this damned paperwork!” She gestured wildly at the pile of documents on her desk. “Do you have any idea how long it’ll take to sort this mess out?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

“He was my nephew!”

“Wait, what?”

“My assistant was my nephew. How am I supposed to tell my sister that her son wants to be an adventurer? And that he’s chasing after a fucking dragon?!”

“Oh…” Realization dawning on me. “Oh, shit!”

“Yeah, ‘oh shit’ is right. Now, you tell Amanda she has to convince him to come back, or else…” A flicker of magic sparked above her head, coalescing into the form of a fireball.

“I will. Don’t worry. I’m sorry about Amanda. About the contract…” She pointed a finger at me, and a bolt of electricity shot in my direction. Instinctively, I raised my arm, but my shield was strapped to my back. Instead, an ethereal barrier formed from my arm, deflecting the bolt to the wall, just missing the contract I wanted.

I looked back at her, puzzled, and she returned my gaze with fierce eyes. I took a cautious step back toward the door. Her finger flickered again, and I bolted out the door, the arc of magic narrowly missing my head.

“Don’t come back without my nephew!” she shouted from inside, slamming the door behind me. I found myself kneeling in the dirt, sweat beading on my brow.

As I looked up, I saw Amanda’s silhouette approaching from the tavern, a mischievous grin on her face. “You alright, Doc?”

“I’ve met Mildreth. Lovely person,” I muttered.

“I know!” she replied, her voice dripping with exaggerated surprise. “Did she invite you to a tea party yet?”

“Yeah. Tomorrow.” I sat on the ground, looking up at Amanda. “You have to fix this.”

“I know,” she said sheepishly. “Can you help me?”

I met her gaze, seeing genuine concern in her eyes. “Sure.”

“That’s it? No questions?”

“We’re a party, Amanda. If one of us needs help, we help them. Now, what do you need?”