The doors of the adventurer’s guild creaked open as Adrian, Kael, and Galtier stepped inside. They quickly moved toward the front desk, where a familiar face waited: a receptionist with sharp eyes and an ever-present ledger.

Adrian reached into his satchel and pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle. "We're here to submit the Venomfang spider silk for Mr. Crawford's quest," he said, placing the parcel on the polished wooden counter.

The receptionist eyed the bundle before unwrapping it slightly to inspect the shimmering threads within. "Solid work as always."

Kael leaned casually against the counter, his fingers tapping a light rhythm. "What can we say? We're just that good."

She offered a faint smile before flipping open her ledger. "Adventurer licenses, please, for recordkeeping."

Galtier produced his license card from a hidden compartment in his gauntlet, while Adrian and Kael retrieved theirs from their pouches. They handed them over, and the receptionist recorded their details with swift, practiced strokes of her quill.

"Everything appears to be in order," she said, returning their licenses. "The reward for this quest is seventy-five gold pieces. Given the exceptional quality of the silk, the guild is adding a bonus of twenty-five gold, bringing your total to an even one hundred."

Adrian exchanged a pleased glance with his companions. "Thank you kindly."

The receptionist counted out the coins into a small leather pouch and handed it to Adrian. "Keep up the good work. The guild values competent teams like yours."

Kael gave her a playful salute. "We'll do our best to keep you impressed."

As they stepped away from the desk, Adrian felt the satisfying weight of the reward in his hand. They found an empty table near one of the large windows overlooking the street outside. Adrian poured the coins onto the table, arranging them into three equal piles. "That's thirty-three gold each, with one extra coin. How should we handle the remainder?"

Galtier's armor clinked softly as he took his seat. "We can set it aside for shared expenses: supplies, repairs, that sort of thing."

Kael nodded in agreement. "Works for me."

Adrian placed the solitary coin back into the pouch. "Alright, communal fund it is." He distributed the remaining shares, sliding the gold toward Kael and Galtier.

Kael pocketed his coins, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Not a bad day's work."

"Agreed," Galtier said.

Kael pushed his headband back slightly, revealing just a hint of his closed eyes beneath. “Hey, guess what? This makes it our tenth successful quest in a row!”

He threw his arms out in triumph, chest puffed with pride. “At this rate, we’ll be A-rank adventurers in no time.”

Adrian chuckled at Kael’s enthusiasm. He couldn’t deny the pride that swelled in him at their recent streak of successes. Ten B-rank quests in a row, didn't think I'd enjoy adventuring this much.

"Unfortunately, I’ll have to celebrate another time. I need to get home a bit early today, promised to help make dinner.” Adrian said.

Kael’s expression immediately shifted to one of exaggerated disappointment. “Aw, come on, are you really ditching us for kitchen duty?”

Adrian laughed, shaking his head. “Some things are more important than ranks, Kael. Besides, the quicker I help with dinner, the quicker I can get back.”

But suddenly, Galtier leaned forward. “Actually, Adrian, could I speak with you alone later?"

Adrian’s smile faltered for a brief moment, sensing the seriousness in Galtier’s tone. He glanced over at Kael, who perked up immediately, his curiosity sparking like a lit fuse.

“Oh, if it’s a secret, then I definitely need to be in on it!” Kael said.

Adrian placed a hand on Kael’s shoulder, gently but firmly. “Kael, not this time. I really need to talk with just Galtier.”

Kael’s grin faded into a pout, but he didn’t argue further. Instead, he let out an exaggerated sigh and crossed his arms in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll be outside if you change your mind."

When Kael sauntered off toward the guild’s main doors, Adrian and Galtier moved to a quieter corner of the guild hall, away from the bustling crowd. The two looked around for a few moments, making sure nobody was paying attention.

“I have a lead on the Mourne,” Galtier said.

Adrian’s pulse quickened. “Who? And how did you find them?”

Galtier’s helmet shifted slightly, as if he were recalling every detail. “It was strange. Recently, a girl approached me. She had red eyes and spoke with a calmness that didn’t fit the situation. She asked me if I wanted to know more about the Mourne.”

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat. He stepped closer, his gaze intent. “Did she have black hair?”

Galtier paused, considering Adrian’s reaction. “Yes, why do you ask?”

“Never mind,” Adrian said quickly, though his thoughts churned. Could it be her? Seven? How is she alive? And why would she be working with them?

Adrian pushed the thoughts aside for now, focusing on what Galtier was saying. “What did she tell you?”

“The girl wanted to know if I was truly interested in learning about the Mourne. I was… less than welcoming at first, as you might imagine.”

“And then?”

“She told me that if I approached with an open mind, the Mourne would be willing to undo my curse, and my sister’s."

“Did you accept her offer?”

“Not yet. She told me to meet her in South Tusk in a week’s time. She made it clear that this was not a standing invitation.”

Adrian’s thoughts raced. “When did you see her?”

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“Two days ago, just before we started our tenth quest.” Galtier said.

Adrian fell silent, turning the possibilities over in his mind. If it really is Seven, why would she be working with them? Is it possible they made another homunculus that just looks like her?

The implications were dizzying. He took a steadying breath. “Do you trust her words?”

Galtier’s helm tilted ever so slightly. “Trust is not the word I would use. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious. If there’s even a chance that this curse could be lifted, I must consider it.”

“So that’s what you were trying to hide from me,” Kael said suddenly.

Adrian whirled around, his surprise quickly giving way to mild exasperation. “Kael? How did you hear that? And why are you even here?” He glanced around, scanning for any sign that Kael had been nearby, but he hadn’t sensed him at all.

Kael grinned, tapping the side of his head where his headband rested. “I never went too far, but you know me, I picked a good spot and have good enough hearing to catch the gist of things.”

Adrian pressed a hand to his forehead. Of course, he’d listen in.

“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” Adrian muttered. “This isn’t something you should be getting involved in without knowing all the risks.”

Kael’s grin faltered slightly. “I’m already involved, aren’t I? The Mourne hurt you, Adrian. They’re connected to Galtier’s curse. And if they’re as dangerous as you two say, then that makes them my problem, too.”

Adrian opened his mouth, ready to argue, but the intensity in Kael’s expression stopped him. Doesn't look like we can keep Kael out of this forever.

Galtier’s armored frame shifted, his focus now on Kael. “This isn’t a game, boy. The Mourne are ruthless. They will not hesitate to kill or worse.”

“Listen, I’m not taking this lightly. But if we’re really going after them, you’ll need all the help you can get. And like it or not, I’m already here.” Kael said.

Adrian’s shoulders slumped slightly. “Fine, you'll need to be much more careful than usual."

Kael nodded. “I can do that."

“If you are to stay involved, you follow our lead. No reckless moves." Galtier said bluntly.

Kael tilted his head, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “You might be asking a lot there, big guy.”

Galtier’s armor creaked as he stepped closer, his shadow swallowing the light around them. “I am asking because it is necessary. We cannot afford mistakes.”

Kael’s expression sobered, and he nodded. “Understood.”

Adrian drew a deep breath, feeling some of the tension in the air release. “With that settled, we should meet here again tomorrow morning. There’s a lot to prepare.”

“Very well. We’ll be ready.” Galtier said.

***

The glow of candlelight bathed the dining room as Adrian sat down with Marcus and Anisa. The simple wooden table was set with care, each place adorned with a plate of hearty stew, fresh bread, and a small dish of herbs.

Adrian was especially proud of today's meal, as he played a great deal in helping to make it. Took a while, but the results are undeniable.

Marcus tore into his bread with enthusiasm. “You’ve gotten better at this, Adrian. Almost like you actually like cooking now.”

Adrian grinned, dipping a piece of bread into his bowl. “Only because I have good teachers,” he said, glancing at Anisa. “Though I’m not sure I’ll ever get the seasoning just right.”

Anisa, seated across from him, chuckled. “You’ve come a long way. t’s not just about the food, you know. It’s the heart you put into it.”

"Of course, I always keep that in mind."

They ate in companionable silence for a few moments. But Marcus broke the silence first, his tone more serious. “What’s next for you, Adrian? Any plans?”

Adrian paused, his spoon halfway to his mouth, then forced himself to smile. “Just… more work, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Anisa’s eyes lingered on Adrian, a hint of concern shadowing her otherwise bright expression. She studied him for a moment longer, setting down her spoon with a quiet clink. “Adrian, I know there’s more on your mind than just ‘more work.’ What’s really going on?”

Adrian’s fingers tightened around his spoon, his appetite suddenly waning. He tried to look away, but Anisa’s steady gaze anchored him. I can swear that she's psychic, but… I'm probably just bad at hiding my feelings.

He exhaled slowly, setting his spoon down. “I… I have to go to South Tusk.”

“Adrian, please. There must be another way.”

“I wish there was, but I can’t ignore it, Anisa. There's someone important in South Tusk that I have to see, and I might not get another chance."

Anisa’s shoulders sagged, and she shook her head slowly. “South Tusk… it’s a place that consumes people, Adrian. Even seasoned warriors don’t always come back. You’re walking into a den of vipers.”

“She’s right. It’s a pit of thieves, cutthroats, and worse." Marcus said.

“I know the risks, but I’ll be careful." Adrian said, hoping to assuage Marcus and Anisa's concerns.

Anisa’s eyes glistened, and she reached out, gripping his hand tightly. “I've… seen those eyes before, you're not going to back down from this, are you?"

"Sorry, Anisa, I need to do this."

"Then at the very least, please promise me you'll come back home after whatever you do in South Tusk."

“I promise,” Adrian said, squeezing her hand back. “I’ll do everything I can to come back.”

Finally, Marcus cleared his throat. “If you’re really set on going, there’s someone who might make it a bit safer.”

Adrian tilted his head. “Who are you thinking?"

“Seth, he knows his way to South Tusk and around it. If anyone can help you get in and out with less risk, it’s him.”

“Who's Seth?"

Anisa let out a small, exasperated sigh, lips curving into a tired smile. “Seth was the rogue in our adventuring party, remember? He’s not around often, but that doesn’t mean you should forget him.”

Adrian’s eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Isn't he the one who liked the mage in your group?"

Anisa chuckled softly. “That’s the one. He owes us a favor or two, and he'd likely be your best bet for navigating South Tusk.”

Marcus leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “He'll at least help you get in the city in one piece."

“Thank you both, “I’ll speak with him. If there’s a way to do this with less risk, I’ll take it.” Adrian said.

After dinner, Adrian quietly excused himself and made his way to his room, leaving Marcus and Anisa to clean up. As he shut the door behind him, he leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath. No turning back now.

He shrugged off his cloak, letting it fall over the back of a chair, and called softly, “Mimi.”

A small, flickering green light peeked out from beneath the fabric of his cloak. Two luminous emerald eyes blinked up at him before a fox-like shape made of green flames emerged. Mimi hopped onto his bed with a graceful, almost playful motion. She stretched lazily, curling her tail around herself before relaxing fully on the bed.

Adrian smiled despite the heaviness of his thoughts and reached over to rub her belly. The magical fox’s green flames flickered softly as she leaned into his touch. This feels right.

Eventually, he stopped rubbing her belly and sat down on the edge of the bed, his expression growing serious. “Mimi, I need to ask you something.”

Mimi’s ears twitched, and she lifted her head, her eyes focusing on him with an intensity that made it clear she was listening. She tilted her head slightly, her green flames flaring softly.

Adrian hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “What do you think about going to South Tusk?”

At the mention of South Tusk, Mimi’s flames dimmed noticeably, and her ears drooped. She let out a low, uneasy rumble. Her bright eyes were shadowed with concern, and she shifted closer to him.

Adrian nodded slowly. “I thought as much, but it might be the only way forward.”

Mimi nuzzled against Adrian, the warmth of her magical flames pulsing gently against his skin. Her form, usually bright and reassuring, now cast a dim and hesitant glow. You don’t like this any more than I do, do you, Mimi?

He reached out, his hand settling lightly on her head between the fox's drooping ears. “Sorry, but South Tusk is the only place where I can find answers right now."