Elara finished her meal before Esme and Ignatius, savoring the last bite of the sweet fruit bread. She gathered Tirn's portion, carefully putting it back into one of the baskets and setting it aside for when he returned from his hunt.

As Esme wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, she spoke, "When we're done, we're going to take a look around and try to gain sight of the other team from the Adventuring Guild."

Elara furrowed her brow, a question forming on her lips. "Shouldn't we wait for Tirn to return before we go?"

Esme shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, I have no intention of escalating the situation into the physical realm. And Tirn, well, he's not the most talkative guy, so he won't be the most useful there."

Elara nodded, understanding her reasoning. Tirn was a skilled warrior, but his stoic nature made him less suited for negotiating with others.

"So, what's the plan?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

Esme met her gaze, her dark eyes glinting with determination. "First, I need to see if it's a team I recognize and get a feel for them. We need to know what we're dealing with before we make any moves."

Elara nodded, appreciating her cautious approach. It was better to gather intelligence before engaging with an unknown group, especially one that had already caused unease among the villagers. Ignatius leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I'll stay here and speak with some of the locals," he said. "I want to gather information about the time since the dungeon appeared. It might give us some insight into its nature."

Esme nodded, her gaze shifting to Elara. "You can come with Ignatius or come with me," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "But if you come with me, I'll do the talking, and you just stand there and look pretty."

Elara paused, considering her options. She was interested in learning more about the other team, to see just how different they are to this team. But she also wished to have more time to ask Ignatius questions. He seemed open and willing to answer her inquiries, and she was eager to learn more about the world she found herself in. However, as she thought about Esme venturing out alone to meet an unknown group of people, a sense of unease settled in her stomach. It wasn't that she thought Esme needed her protection - the warrior was more than capable of handling herself - but something about the situation didn't sit right with her.

She met Esme's gaze, her decision made. "I want to come with you," she said, her voice firm. "I don't feel comfortable letting you meet an unknown group alone."

Esme raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. "I appreciate the sentiment, but it is misplaced."

Elara nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I know, but I still want to come with you. I may not be able to contribute much, but I'd feel better being there."

Esme shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Suit yourself," she said, turning towards the door. "Let's go, then."

Elara followed her out of the barn, the warm sunlight casting a gentle glow on the village. The warrior's strides were purposeful as she surveyed the houses, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Elara struggled to keep up with her brisk pace, her shorter legs working double-time to match the taller steps.

Suddenly, Esme's gaze locked onto something in the distance, and she changed direction, heading towards a cluster of houses in the center of the village. Elara's brow furrowed in confusion as she hurried to catch up with her companion.

"How do you know which way to go?" she asked, her voice slightly breathless from the sudden increase in speed.

Esme glanced over her shoulder, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "The team is staying with the head of the village," she explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "And the head of the village lives in the house that looks the fanciest."

Elara's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but wonder if it really was that simple. She had expected some sort of complicated deduction or insider knowledge, but her reasoning was straightforward and logical. As they approached the cluster of houses, she noticed that one stood out from the rest. It was larger and more ornate, with intricate carvings adorning the wooden frame and a well-manicured garden surrounding it. Esme's assessment seemed to be spot-on, and she found herself impressed by the warrior's keen observation skills.

Despite her lingering doubts, she followed Esme towards the house, interested by the prospect of meeting the other team. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye, but for now, she was content to trust Esme's judgment and see where it led them. As they neared the entrance, the sound of boisterous laughter and loud voices drifted through the open doorway. She hesitated, unsure of what to expect, but Esme's calm demeanor reassured her, and she pressed on. Just as they reached the threshold, a voice called out, "Boss, we got company!" The laughter died down, replaced by a tense silence.

As Esme confidently strode into the house, Elara trailed behind her, cautiously stepping over the threshold. The foyer opened up into a modest sitting room, where five men of varying ages and sizes were gathered around a wooden table, feasting on a spread of dishes. Despite the simplicity of the surroundings, the table was still laden with more food than necessary for the five men seated at it. Plates piled high with hearty stews, crusty bread, and rustic pies filled the tabletop, while jugs of ale and pitchers of water stood ready for refills.

The sense of excess was evident, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sight. These men seemed to regard the space as their own, showing little concern for the modesty of their feast or the space they occupied. It was as if they were oblivious to the fact that they were guests in someone else's home, enjoying a hospitality they hadn't earned. Despite the tempting spread and the casual air of entitlement that seemed to permeate the room, she reminded herself of the satisfying breakfast she had enjoyed earlier. She was more than satisfied.

Esme, meanwhile, showed no signs of hesitation as she made her way to the table, her confidence unwavering. She greeted the men with a nod, her demeanor commanding respect despite the simplicity of the surroundings. The man who had announced their presence sat near the entrance, his eyes fixed on Esme and Elara. He exuded an air of casual confidence. His posture relaxed as he leaned back in his chair, a lute resting against his knee. His dark red leather armor seemed to shimmer in the light, and Elara found herself drawn to his enigmatic presence. Curiosity getting the better of her, she focused her gaze on the man and activated her inspect skill. The words Bard [Level: ??] appeared before her. Surprise filled her. He is the first Bard she had seen.

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Esme, seemingly unfazed by the tense atmosphere, took another step forward, her voice cutting through the silence. "We came to say hello. We heard another team from the Adventuring Guild has made the trek here."

The man with the lute raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so?" he drawled, his voice smooth and melodic. "Then be welcome, dear fellow adventurers."

Elara watched the exchange, her heart racing as she tried to gauge the man's intentions. There was something about his demeanor that unsettled her. The other four men remained silent, their eyes fixed on the newcomers, until the largest man at the head of the table spoke up. Using her Inspect skill, she was unsurprised to what she saw.

Warrior [Level: ??]

The man's massive frame filled the seat, his muscles bulging beneath weathered metal armor. A scowl marred his rugged features, and a tangle of scars crisscrossed his face. Evidence of countless battles fought and won. His hands rested casually on the table, calloused and strong, and a gleaming two-handed axe leaned against his chair, within easy reach. Despite his seated position, there was an unmistakable aura of danger and strength that surrounded him.

"There's more than enough food to entertain two guests," he said, his voice deep and gruff. "Especially guests of such imposing presence."

Esme raised a brow but walked into the room, taking a seat at the other end of the table, opposite the large man. Elara hesitated, unsure whether to stand behind Esme or take a seat herself.

Before she could decide, the bard stood up and pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit. At a loss for what to do, she complied, thanking the man as she took her seat.

The Bard's eyes sparkled with mischief as he returned to his own chair, his fingers idly plucking at the strings of his lute. "So, what brings you lovely ladies to our humble abode?" he asked, his voice smooth and charming.

Esme leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table as she fixed the bard with a steady gaze. "We're here for the same reason you are," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "The dungeon."

The large warrior at the head of the table let out a low chuckle, his eyes narrowing as he studied Esme. "Is that so?" he rumbled, his fingers drumming against the wooden surface.

Elara sat quietly, observing the exchange between Esme and the warrior at the head of the table. The man's gaze shifted to her, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to assess her. A flicker of disdain crossed his features, and she felt a twinge of unease. However, she remembered Esme's instructions and remained silent, maintaining a neutral expression.

Esme, seemingly unfazed by the man's reaction to her, continued the conversation. "We arrived yesterday," she said, her tone casual yet firm. "And we heard your team has been here for a few days already."

The warrior leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "That's right," he confirmed, his voice gruff. "What of it?"

Esme leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table as she fixed the man with a steady gaze. "Well, I can't help but wonder if there's danger lurking nearby, given that even a team of your level and numbers seems to be taking their time before venturing to the dungeon."

The man's eyes flashed with irritation, and she could sense the tension rising in the room. "No," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "We've been recuperating here before making our way. It would be unfair to my team to have them trek such a long way without proper rest."

Esme nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I see," she said, her tone measured. "That makes sense. It's important to ensure your team is at their best before taking on such a challenge."

The warrior grunted in agreement, his posture relaxing slightly. "Exactly," he said, his gaze shifting back to Elara. "And what about you? Is this little mouse ready for the dangers that lie ahead?"

Elara felt her cheeks flush at the man's condescending tone, but she held her tongue, remembering Esme's instructions to remain quiet. She met the man's gaze evenly, refusing to be intimidated by his words.

Sensing the tension, Esme intervened. "She is a valuable member of our team," she said, her voice firm. "And we have full confidence in her abilities."

The warrior snorted, his eyes still fixed on Elara. "We'll see about that," he muttered, his tone dismissive.

Elara watched as the man’s eyes narrowed, a condescending smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "It's only expected for a team unable to attract new members to train their own," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But you should be careful taking a mouse to a dungeon."

Despite the barb, Esme maintained her poise. "It falls upon the leader to ensure the team's survival," she countered evenly.

Elara could sense Esme trying to shift the focus away from her, but he interrupted, his voice booming. "I am Gorvach," he declared, his chest puffed out with pride.

Esme's expression remained neutral, but Elara could see the annoyance flickering in her eyes. "Of course," Esme said, her tone suggesting familiarity. "But I find it curious that a five-man team, all with levels exceeding 80, hesitates at the dungeon's threshold."

Gorvach's face reddened with anger, his fist slamming against the table. "There is no hesitation!" he roared, his voice echoing through the room. "We are simply recuperating."

Esme raised her hands in a placating gesture, her expression apologetic. "My apologies," she said, her voice smooth and conciliatory. "I meant no offense."

Elara observed the exchange, her mind racing as she tried to decipher Esme's plan. It seemed like she was deliberately provoking the other team, but to what end? Was Esme attempting to gather information, or was she simply trying to antagonize them? As she pondered Esme's motives, she couldn't help but be shocked by the revelation of the other team's levels. All of them had levels above 80, a staggering difference compared to her own meager level. She felt a twinge of nervousness, realizing she was vastly outmatched by these seasoned adventurers. Her thoughts raced as she considered the implications. If Esme could see their levels, did that mean she was near level 80? The mere idea sent a shiver down her spine.

Meanwhile, Esme continued the conversation with a pleasant smile. "I'm glad to hear that you're taking the time to recuperate," she said, her voice smooth and friendly. "It's important to be at your best when tackling a dungeon."

Gorvach grunted in response, his eyes still narrowed in suspicion.

"In fact," Esme continued, her tone light and casual, "I think it's very considerate of you to take the last spots to enter the dungeon. It would be quite a hassle for us to have to compete with a team of your might for a good position."

Elara observed as the men at the table exchanged uneasy glances, their smiles fading. She could sense the tension rising in the room, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Esme had pushed too far.

But Esme seemed unconcerned. She stood up, her movements graceful and deliberate. "Well, we won't take up any more of your time, since you seem to need it," she said, her voice pleasant. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Elara quickly stood up as well, following Esme's lead. She could feel the eyes of the men boring into her back as they made their way towards the door. As they stepped outside, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder. The men at the table were no longer smiling, their expressions ranging from annoyed to outright hostile. She shuddered, wondering what Esme's provocative words might have set in motion. But Esme seemed unperturbed, striding confidently away from the house. Elara hurried to keep up, her mind racing with questions about what had just transpired. She couldn't shake the feeling that Esme had just stirred up a hornet's nest, and she couldn't help but wonder what the consequences might be.