Talin and Aldric collectively sigh and throw their heads back, clearly resigned to hearing the story once more. Eldrin, however, smiles and begins. "Roughly two thousand years ago, the 11th King of Eldoria had two sons, Aulfric and Auris. Aulfric possessed an exceptional aura of magic and was cherished by the kingdom. Auris, on the other hand, had a weak aura and was ridiculed, called the 'lesser son' of the great king."

He continues, "Solara, the sun goddess, pitied Auris. On his sixteenth birthday, she granted him powers far greater than Aulfric's. But the citizens of Eldoria grew fearful, believing Auris would turn on them. The king thought the same. One day, he brought his sons deep underground to test their powers as a ruse. In the deepest level, he betrayed Auris and left him there for dead. Auris returned twenty years later, appearing like a shadowy wraith with blood-red eyes. His voice remained the same, and he earned the nickname the Shadow Prince."

Eldrin's tone grows somber as he recounts the tale. "The history books tell different versions of this story, but what followed was a great battle that engulfed the other kingdoms. The Shadow Prince swore vengeance not just on Eldoria but on all of Aranthia. Cities and villages were swallowed by the war, and Eldoria was the first to fall, its people scattering in all directions."

"The remaining kingdoms united, each presenting its best warriors for a final conflict that lasted 13 days and 13 nights. The Shadow Prince was eventually sealed away, deep underground. Before that, he created many treacherous dungeons filled with his secrets and great powers. Some believe that one day, the seal will break, and he will return to finalize his revenge. But after so long, it's become more of a legend."

Eldrin pauses for a moment, then adds, "There's another version of the story, though. Some say it wasn't Auris who became the Shadow Prince, but his brother, Aulfric. In this version, Auris was always dedicated to the study of magic despite his weak aura. When he received the goddess's blessing, Aulfric grew jealous and lured him into the caves to kill him, but Auris defeated him. The truth remains a mystery."

Aldric cuts in, clearly bored. "Eldrin, you're rambling again. You forgot to explain what the dungeons actually are."

Eldrin blushes slightly, realizing his mistake. "Right, right. My apologies. The dungeons are vast labyrinths with many floors. Each floor gets progressively more difficult, with stronger monsters and more complex traps. The monsters drop crystals when they're killed, and adventurers can sell those crystals for money to merchants or directly to the guild. Those crystals are highly valuable and a primary source of income for adventurers."

"Interesting," I say, intrigued.

Aldric leans forward, adding, "Yeah, but no one's ever conquered a dungeon. The closest was a couple hundred years ago. They made it to the 78th floor before they were forced to retreat."

"So, the deeper you go, the harder it gets?" I ask.

"Exactly," Eldrin confirms, nodding. "And no one's ever reached the deepest levels. Some believe the final floors hold unimaginable power and wealth, but they're also guarded by the fiercest creatures and deadliest traps."

The weight of the conversation hangs in the air, the tale of the Shadow Prince and the dungeons making me realize just how much of Aranthia remains unexplored and dangerous.

Apollo shows interest too. "It sounds like these dungeons are not only a test of strength but also of strategy and endurance."

Eldrin nods. "Yes, they are. And while many adventurers dream of conquering a dungeon, the reality is that they are extremely dangerous. It's rare to find a team that can even make it halfway through."

Apollo and I share a glance, our determination evident. "Thank you for the information, Eldrin. Maybe we'll take on one of these dungeons ourselves," I say, my mind already racing with the possibility.

Just then, Felicity approaches us, her warm smile returning. "I'm ready for you two now," she says, her tone still bright despite the earlier tension. As Apollo and I rise to follow her, Eldrin suddenly stands, stopping us with a quick hand motion.

"Wait," he says, his voice a mix of hesitation and urgency.

I turn to face him, curious. "What for?"

Eldrin takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Going into those dungeons by yourselves is a suicide run. Especially when you two have never been in one before. The three of us plan to go to one relatively soon. Why don't you two accompany us there? The more the merrier, as they say."

His companions, Talin and Aldric, are clearly caught off guard by the offer. They immediately protest.

"We don't need their help," Aldric grumbles, crossing his arms and glaring at Eldrin.

"Yeah, we can handle ourselves," Talin adds, his voice dripping with defiance.

Eldrin snaps back, his patience thinning. "Look, Ryu and Apollo are very strong warriors. They came back from such a difficult mission so quickly and so successfully. We need them with us."

His tone shifts as he pleads, "Despite our appearance, we're very capable gold rank adventurers. We just need a chance. With you two, we'll reach far deeper levels."

Before I can respond, Felicity, ever quick to correct, steps in. "Actually, you're now silver rank adventurers," she says, her bright smile returning.

Eldrin doesn't miss a beat. "Right, very capable silver rank adventurers." He turns back to me, his expression earnest. "Please, we need you."

I offer him a calm smile, gesturing with my hand. "I'd be glad to team up with you guys."

Apollo, ever the optimist, adds, "I look forward to working with you too."

A broad smile spreads across Eldrin's face, and he rushes forward, shaking my hand enthusiastically. "Thank you! You won't regret this!"

I chuckle, trying to break free from his overly eager grip. As Apollo and I follow Felicity toward the reception area, Eldrin calls after us, "We'll be here, waiting for you!"

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

At the counter, a large stack of coins awaits us, consisting of gold, silver, and copper. The quantity is staggering: 107 silver coins, two gold coins, and the rest in copper. Felicity's excitement is barely contained as she announces, "You brought in two hundred and eighty-five pairs of goblin ears and completed two quests simultaneously."

Her voice quivers with excitement as she continues to heap praise on us. "This is incredible! I've never seen newcomers accomplish something like this before. You both are absolutely amazing! And the way Garrick praises you two, it's unheard of!"

Her enthusiastic praise escalates, drawing the attention of the entire guild. A nearby colleague, a woman with short brown hair and a kind smile, intervenes. She's dressed in a simple, elegant gown that lends her an air of professionalism.

"Come on, Felicity, let's take a breather," she says gently, guiding the overly excited receptionist toward the back. As Felicity disappears behind a curtain, the woman returns, offering us an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about that. Felicity tends to get a little over-enthusiastic when it comes to high-achieving adventurers." She introduces herself with a nod. "I'm Helena. I'll be taking over for Felicity." She then extends her hand. "Your guild badges please," she asks with a smile.

I nod, amused but still slightly uncomfortable with all the attention. "It's alright. We've already handed our badges to Felicity."

Helena excuses herself for a moment. When she returns, she's holding our badges, their chains dangling from her fingers. As she raises them in the air, the bronze insignias on the badges glow briefly, transforming into silver.

"You've been promoted to silver rank," she says with a smile, handing the badges back to us.

I look at Helena, genuinely curious. "Why? All we did was slay some goblins and rescue the missing girl."

Helena's eyebrows shoot up, and she blinks at me in disbelief, clearly baffled by my simplicity. She stares for a moment as if unsure whether I'm joking or not. Then she lets out a small laugh, shaking her head in amazement.

"All you did?" she repeats, her voice incredulous. "You two completed a gold rank quest and wiped out 285 goblins. Single-handedly. A feat rarely seen by any newcomers. Most adventurers struggle with bronze rank tasks, let alone gold. And you did it in record time."

Her eyes flicker with a mix of admiration and disbelief as she studies me, trying to reconcile my modesty with the sheer enormity of what we accomplished. I just nod, still thinking of the mission as a simple task. But the weight of her words begins to sink in—gold rank, 285 goblins, and the gravity of what we've done. It hadn't seemed like much at the time, but clearly, to the guild, it's a very different story.

Helena continues, now more animated. "The quest alone was incredibly difficult, but those 285 goblin kills? That's enough to earn seasoned adventurers recognition, let alone newcomers like you two. The points from that feat alone were enough to push you up a rank."

Her voice softens as she holds up our badges, the silver insignias shimmering in the warm light. There's a quiet moment where she seems to savor the accomplishment on our behalf, her fingers lingering on the upgraded badges before handing them back to us.

"Congratulations," she says warmly, her eyes still wide with awe. She hands the newly upgraded badges to me and Apollo, her tone filled with genuine respect. "I don't think we've ever seen anything quite like this. It's... incredible."

I glance down at the shimmering silver badge, feeling an unexpected sense of accomplishment wash over me. Helena's expression is a mixture of admiration and disbelief, her bafflement at my modesty clear.

Apollo, standing beside me, leans over slightly, inspecting his new badge with what I can only interpret as quiet satisfaction. I can feel Helena's eyes on us both, still grappling with the fact that what I saw as a routine mission was anything but ordinary to her and the guild.

"We were just doing our job," I mutter under my breath, but Helena shakes her head slightly, still smiling, as though she knows I don't quite understand the full extent of what we've done.

"Maybe," she says softly, "but you've set quite the standard for everyone else."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Apollo and I make our way back to the table where Eldrin, Aldric, and Talin are seated. They've been waiting for us, though their faces are a mix of anticipation and something else—something that flickers briefly in their eyes as they notice the gleaming silver badges now hanging around our necks. Eldrin sits up straighter when he sees us approach, a faint smile tugging at his lips, while Aldric leans back in his chair, his arms crossed. Talin drums his fingers against the table, his expression unreadable.

"We've just been promoted to silver rank," I say, holding up the badge slightly, the light catching on the newly minted insignia.

For a moment, there's silence. Then Eldrin rises to his feet, clapping me on the shoulder. "Congratulations!" he exclaims, his voice warm but edged with something more complicated—perhaps envy or disbelief, though he does his best to keep his tone sincere. "That's... quite the accomplishment, especially for newcomers. You should be proud."

Talin nods in agreement, though his eyes linger on the badge around my neck a little too long. "Yeah, well done," he says, though his tone is more subdued, a flicker of jealousy passing through his expression before he quickly masks it. He forces a smile. "Silver rank, huh? That's no small feat."

Aldric, leaning back with his arms still crossed, lets out a low chuckle. "Silver rank already?" He shakes his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not bad for a couple of guys who just dropped into town. You two must've really impressed the guild."

There's a hint of something biting in his tone, but he stands up, offering his hand. "Congrats," he says, gripping my hand firmly. His eyes flash with a mixture of respect and envy as he adds, "I didn't think anyone could clear out a goblin camp that fast. You really showed us up."

I shake his hand, noticing the slight tension in his grip. "We were just doing our job," I reply, my tone as modest as I can make it, though I can feel the weight of their reactions pressing in.

Eldrin is quick to cut in, eager to maintain the camaraderie. "Well, you've earned it," he says, nodding to Apollo as well. "It's no easy thing to rise through the ranks so quickly. But with your skills, I'm not surprised. And now that you're silver rank, maybe our team can really push deeper into one of those dungeons together."

Talin, though still clearly envious, forces a laugh. "Yeah, maybe with you two on board, we might actually survive long enough to make it past the first few floors." He leans back in his chair, trying to sound casual, though the edge in his voice betrays his underlying frustration.

Apollo, ever perceptive, speaks up in his usual precise manner. "We look forward to working with you. It seems the deeper levels of these dungeons will require cooperation, something we welcome."

Aldric raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "So, we're teaming up with the guild's new golden boys, huh?" He chuckles but there's no malice in his tone, just grudging admiration. "Well, I'm not gonna complain if it gets us a little farther than last time."

Eldrin, still smiling, sits back down, gesturing for us to join them. "This is a good thing. With you two on our side, we stand a better chance. And who knows? Maybe we'll finally get that big break we've been waiting for."

I take a seat, feeling the undercurrent of tension but appreciating their efforts to be gracious. "We'll do what we can," I say, keeping my tone diplomatic.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Talin, his envy still palpable, lets out a sigh but then grins slightly. "Well, here's to hoping you two can keep up with us in the dungeons. Silver rank or not, those places are no joke."

I smile back, feeling the challenge in his words. "We'll see about that."

Eldrin expression then changes, his cheerful demeanor now a more serious one. "There's a dungeon near the elven forest, about a two-week walk from here." Then a look of hesitation crosses his face.

I ask, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Eldrin replies, looking away.

Aldric, never one to hold back it seems, chimes in, "Eldrin's just too embarrassed to ask for help. We need better equipment and provisions for the dungeon but we lack the funds to acquire them."

I nod, understanding their predicament. I place two gold coins on the table. The three of them stare at it in astonishment, their eyes wide and mouths slightly agape.

"This should be enough for new clothes, armor, gear, and provisions," I say calmly, though inside I'm aware of the significance of the gesture.

Eldrin looks at me, his eyes filled with gratitude and surprise. "This amount is way too much. We could never fully pay you back."

"It's fine," I assure him. "Consider the gold coins part of my apology and upfront payment for aiding me and Apollo in the dungeon."

Eldrin hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Ryu. This means a lot to us."

Apollo, standing beside me, gives a small nod of agreement. "Your skills and knowledge will be valuable in the dungeon."

I look at the three adventurers, noting the relief and determination in their expressions. "So, where can we get the equipment and provisions we need?"

Eldrin, regaining his composure, says, "There are a few shops and smithies in Arroyo that can provide what we need. Follow me, I'll show you."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We find ourselves standing in a shop that exudes an air of aged craftsmanship and meticulous care. The walls are lined with an impressive assortment of weapons and armor, each piece displayed with pride and precision. Swords of varying lengths and designs hang on racks, their polished blades gleaming under the ambient light. Suits of armor, ranging from chainmail to full plate, stand like silent sentinels, each set meticulously arranged to display their formidable protection.

Apollo is drawn to a collection of shields, his attention captivated by the array. There are round wooden shields reinforced with iron bands, kite shields emblazoned with heraldic symbols, and towering tower shields designed to cover the entire body. Each one has a distinct design and purpose, reflecting the diverse needs of warriors from different backgrounds.

Aldric and Talin are similarly engaged, examining the various armors with keen interest. Aldric's gaze is fixed on a robust set of plate armor, his fingers tracing the intricate engravings on the breastplate. Talin, on the other hand, seems to favor the lighter armors, his eyes darting between a finely crafted leather jerkin and a set of mail that promises both flexibility and protection. Eldrin stands by the entrance, watching over his companions with a thoughtful expression, his mind clearly occupied with plans and strategies.

As they are immersed in their explorations, I wander over to the swords, picking one up and testing its balance. I swing it through the air a few times, feeling the weight and responsiveness of the blade. The shopkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard and a twinkle in his eye, approaches me with a warm smile.

"Good day to you," he greets, his voice a deep, friendly rumble. "Anything catch your eye?"

I return the sword to its place, shaking my head slightly. "No, not really. The swords look nice, but they feel off. The balance is a bit strange, and they lack a certain... precision."

The shopkeeper's laughter bellows across the shop, drawing the attention of everyone else. "Ah, I knew there was something about you! Name's Eamon, by the way. You're right, these swords are fine, but they're not the best."

With a knowing smile, Eamon gestures for us to follow him. He leads us to the back of the shop, opening a sturdy wooden door that reveals a hidden room filled with wonderous weapons and armor, each piece radiating an aura of unmatched quality and craftsmanship.

"These," Eamon declares, his voice filled with pride, "are the finest swords and armor in all of Arroyo."

We step into the room, our eyes wide with amazement at the sight before us. The weapons and armor in this room are on an entirely different level, their craftsmanship and diligence evident in every inch. The blades seem to hum with latent power, and the armor pieces exude an air of invincibility.

I turn to Eamon and ask, "What makes these weapons the best in all of Arroyo?"

Eamon beams with pride. "These weapons are made by my brother, Forgrim."

Aldric's eyes widen with recognition. "Forgrim, the renowned blacksmith, is your brother?" He turns to me. "He's famous for crafting some of the finest swords and armor."

Apollo chimes in, examining a nearby sword. "The quality of these weapons is indeed superior. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the balance perfect, and the materials are top-notch."

I raise an eyebrow. "So what's with the lower quality gear out front? Are you swindling your customers?"

Eamon shakes his head, his expression earnest. "Not at all. The swords out front aren't bad, but they aren't made by Forgrim. They're good for those who need reliable gear quickly. But my brother's work... that's reserved for those who can truly appreciate a fine blade. I trust his craftsmanship only to those who understand and respect the art of sword making."

I nod, understanding the sentiment. "I see. Well, we do appreciate quality. Let's see what you've got here."

Eamon motions towards the back of the shop, the faint clinking of weapons filling the air as I take in the sight of the finely crafted items around me. "These weapons back here? They're more expensive than the ones out front," Eamon explains, his voice calm but with a hint of pride.

I glance at Aldric and Talin, and it's clear they're disheartened. Their expressions fall as they exchange disappointed glances. Eldric, keeping his face neutral, nods and begins to lead them back towards the front of the shop, where the more affordable weapons are displayed.

Apollo, on the other hand, is in his element, inspecting a set of shields with an intensity that makes even Eamon raise an eyebrow. It's as if Apollo is scanning each one for structural integrity and efficiency, occasionally turning them over in his hands, as though calculating their effectiveness in battle.

While Apollo is occupied, something catches my eye. Across the room, a sword rests on a stand, its dark blade gleaming with an almost unnatural sheen, as if calling out to me. The runes carved along its fuller glow faintly, hinting at some ancient enchantment or forgotten power. The cross guard's angular designs seem both defensive and aggressive, while the hilt—wrapped in supple, dark leather—feels like it's waiting for the right hand to wield it.

I pick it up, and the sensation is instant. The weight, the balance... it's perfect. Lighter than it looks, the sword almost feels like an extension of my arm. I give it a few swings, marveling at how smoothly it moves, as if cutting through the air with little effort.

Turning to Eamon, I hold up the sword. "Mind if I give it a real test?" I ask, the excitement barely contained in my voice.

Eamon grins, clearly happy with my interest. "Of course. Follow me."

He leads me outside to a wide-open practice yard. The area is lined with various targets—humanoid figures stuffed with straw, wooden mannequins, some made of metal plates, all battered and beaten from countless tests before me. Eamon waves his hand casually. "Pick a target."

I step up to one of the crude wooden mannequins, gripping the sword firmly. With a powerful swing, I bring the blade down, and the target splits cleanly in two, almost as if it was butter under the sword's edge. The sword slices through with such precision and sharpness, even I'm taken aback.

I lower the blade, glancing at the mannequin, now lying in halves on the ground. "Sorry about the target," I say, a little sheepishly, realizing I just destroyed his property.

Eamon waves it off with a chuckle. "Don't worry about it. Those are cheap and meant to be cut down. Happens all the time. What do you think of the sword?"

I look at the weapon in my hand, still feeling the perfect balance and power it holds. "It's... incredible," I admit, unable to hide my admiration for its craftsmanship.

Eamon nods, folding his arms across his chest. "That's no ordinary sword. Those runes you see? They're not just for show. There's power in that blade. Power only someone with real skill can tap into."

I turn the sword over in my hand, inspecting the intricate runes once more. "I can feel it. This is no ordinary weapon."

Eamon grins, clearly pleased with my reaction. "A blade like that doesn't just find its way into any hand. Looks like it suits you."

"It's fantastic," I reply, marveling at the weapon in my hands. "What's the price?"

"Fifty silver coins," he says without hesitation.

"I'll take it," I respond, following him back into the shop.

Apollo has found a shield that catches his interest. It's round with a slight curve, made of reinforced steel and emblazoned with intricate patterns. The edges are reinforced with a thick band of metal, and the handle is padded for comfort. The craftsmanship is impeccable, clearly designed for both defense and durability.

As we gather at the counter, Eamon tallies up the cost. "One gold and twenty silver," he announces.

I calmly pay the amount, feeling satisfied with our purchases. Meanwhile, the other adventurers, holding their chosen gear, ask Eamon if there are any changing rooms. He points to a set of small rooms tucked into the corner of the shop. They head inside, and Eldrin, waiting outside, starts to look bored.

When they finally emerge, their new appearances are impressive and befitting their roles. Aldric sports a set of sturdy armor with intricate engravings, his new sword gleaming with deadly intent. Talin's outfit is a blend of leather and chain mail, providing both protection and agility, and his daggers are now finely honed and balanced.

Aldric's armor boasts reinforced plates designed for heavy combat, and his new sword is a broad blade of impeccable craftsmanship. Talin's gear emphasizes stealth and flexibility, with dark leather and silent boots. Each adventurer now carries weapons that reflect their skills: Aldric with a formidable sword, and Talin with twin daggers that glint dangerously in the light.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

As we step outside the shop, the midday sun casts a warm glow over the bustling streets of Arroyo. Aldric stretches, his heavy frame still weighed down by the disappointment from earlier. "Well, we need provisions if we're going to be ready for that dungeon," he says with a sigh, clearly trying to focus on the next task.

Talin nods in agreement, his eyes scanning the market stalls. "Yeah, let's make sure we're well-stocked. No point going into the dungeon unprepared."

Eldrin glances at me, adjusting the strap of his satchel. "I'm heading to a magic shop nearby to restock on supplies. Care to join me?"

I nod. "Sounds good. I'd like to see what kind of enchantments and items they offer around here."

Apollo, who had been silent up to this point, turns to Aldric and Talin. "May I accompany you?"

Aldric raises an eyebrow but chuckles. "Sure, why not?"

Talin smirks. "We could use the extra pair of hands."

I share a brief look with Apollo, who offers a small nod before following Aldric and Talin down the market street. Eldrin and I head in the opposite direction, weaving through the crowded square toward the magic shop.

As we walk, Eldrin glances over. "You have an interest in magic? I didn't think someone like you would be into enchantments."

I shrug. "I've seen enough strange things in my travels to know that magic has its uses. Always good to know what's out there."

Eldrin nods thoughtfully. "You've got a point. Some adventurers shy away from magic, but it can be the difference between life and death, especially in the dungeons."

Our conversation continues as we make our way down the street, the magic shop looming just ahead, its faint glow visible through the window as mystical runes shimmer faintly on the glass.

We stand before an enchanting establishment named 'Arcane Haven'. The shop's exterior is adorned with mystical symbols and runes, with an ethereal glow emanating from the windows. The sign above the door, carved from ancient wood, shimmers with a faint magical light.

As we step inside, we are greeted by a beautiful female mage. Her robes flow gracefully, and her eyes sparkle with an arcane glow. "Welcome to Arcane Haven," she says warmly.

The interior of the shop is a treasure trove of magical wonders. Shelves lined with enchanted gear, exotic ingredients, intricately designed weapons, and garments of mystical quality fill the space. Crystals of various colors and sizes emit a soft, pulsating light, adding to the shop's otherworldly ambiance. The air is thick with the scent of herbs and incense, creating an atmosphere of ancient magic.

While Eldrin moves with purpose, gathering what he needs with ease, I wander through the aisles, marveling at the array of magical items. The shopkeeper approaches me, her smile inviting.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" she asks.

The magic shop is an absolute wonderland of arcane items and artifacts. As soon as I step inside with Eldrin, the air hums with a faint magical energy, and the shelves are lined with all sorts of mystical trinkets and enchanted gear. My eyes scan the room, taking in everything: crystal balls that pulse with inner light, enchanted weapons with glowing runes etched into their blades, potions of various colors bubbling inside glass vials, and robes that shimmer with threads of starlight.

"I'm amazed by the amount of magical items here," I admit, still taking in the sights. My voice betrays a hint of awe I hadn't intended to show.

The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with silver-streaked hair and eyes that gleam with knowledge and experience, smiles at me from behind the counter. She's dressed in elegant mage's robes, adorned with intricate sigils that seem to shift ever so slightly as she moves.

"Thank you," she replies, pride evident in her tone. "I've gathered and crafted most of the merchandise myself. It's taken years of study and travel, but every item here has its own unique charm."

I nod, impressed by the depth of her knowledge and craftsmanship. Then, a thought strikes me. "Do you have anything that can store large quantities of items in a small container?"

Her face lights up, clearly pleased with the question. "Ah, you're asking about bags of infinite holding." She gestures towards a display of finely crafted messenger bags hanging on the wall behind her. "These bags are enchanted with pocket dimensions, allowing you to store much more than their physical size would suggest. They're one of our most popular items."

I move closer to the display, inspecting the bags. They look ordinary at first glance, simple leather pouches with sturdy straps. But when I pick one up, I can feel a subtle, almost imperceptible hum of magic coursing through the material. It's fascinating.

"How is that even possible?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity. "How does it work?"

The shopkeeper chuckles, clearly enjoying the opportunity to explain the intricacies of her craft. "It's quite simple—once you understand the basics of spatial manipulation, that is." She gives me a playful wink before walking over to a corner of the shop where a wooden dummy stands, dressed in mage robes.

"Let me show you," she says. She adjusts the pouch of infinite holding slung over her shoulder and closes her eyes, concentrating. The air around the dummy begins to shimmer, glowing with soft blue light. Then, before my eyes, the dummy disintegrates into pure energy, its physical form breaking down into glowing particles. In a swift motion, the energy flies toward the shopkeeper's pouch, disappearing into the small bag without a trace.

My mouth drops open in amazement. "What... just happened?"

She grins, clearly enjoying my reaction. "The dummy has been stored within the pocket dimension inside this pouch. It's a form of arcane compression—matter reduced to energy and then stored in a separate space altogether. The enchantment allows me to retrieve it just as easily."

With a simple wave of her hand and a whisper of a command, the pouch glows, and the energy flows back out, reforming into the wooden dummy exactly where it stood before. The entire process is seamless.

I blink, still trying to wrap my mind around what I've just seen. "That's incredible. Can it store... larger objects? I mean, things like weapons or equipment?"

The shopkeeper nods thoughtfully. "This particular pouch is for smaller objects, things like books, clothes, or small tools. But I do have pouches of infinite holding that can handle larger items—up to the size of a small piece of furniture or a weapon. Those are more expensive, of course, due to the complexity of the enchantments involved."

"How much more expensive are we talking?" I ask, intrigued.

"They cost a little bit more—about three gold coins each for the medium-sized ones that can hold larger objects."

I don't hesitate. "I'll take five."

The shopkeeper blinks, clearly taken aback by the suddenness of my decision. "Five? That will cost you fifteen gold coins in total," she says cautiously, perhaps thinking I might reconsider after hearing the price.

But I'm already reaching into my satchel, retrieving a large, weighty pouch of gold coins. As I begin to unravel it, the gleam of gold catches the shopkeeper's eye. Her surprise deepens as she realizes I have the necessary funds.

"Is that enough?" I ask calmly, pushing the pouch across the counter toward her.

She stares at the gold for a moment, clearly not expecting such a straightforward transaction, before breaking into a smile. "Yes... yes, that's more than enough."

I nod, feeling a sense of satisfaction as she carefully retrieves the five pouches of infinite holding from behind the counter. Each one is expertly crafted, the leather supple and enchanted with intricate sigils that seem to shimmer in the light.

As I take the pouches from her, I can't help but smile. "Thank you. These will definitely come in handy."

The shopkeeper, still slightly amazed by the quick sale, nods in return. "You're very welcome. And I must say, not many adventurers come in here prepared for such a purchase. I'm impressed."

Impressed by the pouches of infinite holdings still, I then inquire, "Do you have anything that can help settle my nerves? I've been dealing with nightmares a lot and have had trouble getting good rest or calming down from them."

The shopkeeper ponders briefly, then retrieves a long wooden smoking pipe and a large pouch filled with magical herbs from behind the counter. "This pipe has been enchanted with special properties that can help settle your nerves, along with these herbs."

I nod, appreciating her help, and proceed to ring up the pipe and herbs. Just then, Eldrin arrives at the counter, now donning a new robe, hat, staff, and carrying a case of various potions and a pouch of infinite holding of his own.

We step out of the shop, geared up and ready, and head toward the city gate. There, we reunite with Apollo, Talin, and Aldric, who have successfully acquired provisions. The provisions include dried meats, fruits, bread, water skins, camping gear, and other necessities for the journey. Their faces are determined, and they look ready for the adventure ahead.

With everyone equipped and prepared, we set out toward the dungeon near the elven forest. The city gates close behind us as we embark on our journey, our minds set on the challenges that lie ahead.