The trio went to the herb shop to pick up the ten crates of rare herbs. The shop owner had already prepared the packages and handed them to the group.

Soren carefully inspected each package, making sure everything was in order. He then passed them one by one to Beatrice and Runa to add to a cart supplied by the vendor.

The trio head back to the Guild to inform Yuli and add the packages to her cargo. They notify Yuli of their progress and prepare for the journey to Vale. They knew the road to Vale could be dangerous, so they stocked up on food and supplies before setting out.

"Are you all ready to depart?" Yuli asked.

The trio nodded, and everyone got on the wagon, "It's going to be a long trip. It will take two days. We'll stop at a village along the way to rest. Let's hope we don't run into any problems along the way."

As the group began their journey to Vale, Yuli thanked the trio for escorting her and her precious cargo. Soren, Beatrice, and Runa nodded in understanding and promised to do their best to ensure the safe delivery of the shipment.

Yuli turns to the trio and asks, "How have your adventures been? It's been about a month since I last saw you all. Have you been keeping busy?"

Beatrice responds first, "We've been doing pretty well. We've taken on a few quests, some easy and some challenging. We've gained some experience and have been working on our technique."

Runa nods in agreement, "Yeah, and we even got to explore some new places and discover some interesting things. So we're learning a lot."

Soren chimes in, "It hasn't all been easy, though. We've had some setbacks and tough fights, but we're still standing and pushing forward."

Yuli nods, "That's good to hear. It sounds like you're all making progress and gaining valuable experience. However, remember to stay vigilant and never underestimate the dangers on these quests."

She also asked if they had learned any new skills or abilities that could help them in their future adventures. Finally, she asked if they had made new friends or allies during their travels.

Soren told Yuli about his recent sparring matches at the guild training ground and how he had been struggling to win. He mentioned how he had been trying to work on his technique and improve his skills, but it seems he needs more time.

Soren was curious about the time in the library when Yuli shot lightning sparks from her hand without a magic circle and wanted to know more.

Yuli smiled at Soren's curiosity and began to explain. She said that she had been studying and practicing elemental magic for a long time and had finally reached a level where she could cast spells without needing a magic circle. It was a difficult and complex process, but she had worked hard.

Yuli explained that casting spells without a circle allowed greater flexibility and speed in combat situations. However, it was also riskier. Casting without a circle meant less control over the spell, making it more likely to go awry if not executed properly.

Beatrice asked why Yuli was a librarian instead of a mage.

Yuli replied, "Technically, I am a mage, but being a librarian allows me to study and learn more about magic while helping others. Plus, I enjoy being surrounded by books and knowledge."

Yuli continued that while she can perform magic, she has yet to pursue formal training in magic. Instead, she focused on her love for books and knowledge, which led her to become a librarian. However, she still practices and hones her magical abilities alone. She also mentioned that being a librarian allows her access to a vast amount of knowledge and resources that can aid her in her pursuits of magic.

She often comes across magic books and has access to a wide range of magical knowledge. She also explains that being a librarian has challenges and that it takes a lot of work to maintain and organize the library's vast collection of books.

Yuli goes on that she never intended to be a mage, but with so much knowledge of magic, she couldn't resist reading it. She had gained a unique perspective on the world of magic, as she has been able to study the history and development of different magical traditions over time. This has allowed her to see patterns and connections that might take time to be evident to someone solely focused on practicing magic.

Yuli begins to explain the different types of magic:

"There are several different types of magic, each with unique properties and characteristics. The most common kind of magic is elemental, which includes the four essential elements of fire, water, earth, and air. In addition, these types of magic are often associated with particular personality traits, such as fire magic being associated with passion and intensity.

There is also celestial magic associated with the stars and the heavens. This type of magic is often used for divination and prophecy and can be used to gain insight into the future. This form of magic is also known as holy magic.

Another type of magic is necromancy, which is the study of death and the undead. Necromancers can summon and control the spirits of the dead and use their powers to communicate with the other side.

Finally, dark magic is often associated with evil and is generally frowned upon by the magical community. This type of magic is often used to harm others or to gain power and control, and can have dangerous consequences if not used carefully."

Next, Yuli talked about rune magic and explained that it involves using symbols or characters imbued with magical power. These symbols can be inscribed onto objects, written on paper, or even drawn in the air to produce magical effects. Rune magic is often used for protective spells, healing, and divination but can also be used offensively.

Yuli explains that rune magic requires a deep understanding of the symbolism and meaning behind each rune. It also requires a great deal of concentration and focus and a steady hand when inscribing the runes. The spell's power is also affected by the materials used to inscribe the runes, with more potent materials producing more powerful effects.

Yuli talked about inherent magic. It's the type of magic ingrained within a creature's very being, such as a dragon's ability to breathe fire or a mermaid's ability to manipulate water. She notes that inherent magic is unique to each type of creature and is often an essential part of their survival in their respective environments. Additionally, she mentions that some creatures with inherent magic can even pass down their abilities to their offspring.

It's magic that can't be learned or taught. This type of magic differs from other types, like rune or elemental magic, which can be understood and harnessed through training and practice. Humans also have the potential to possess inherent magic, but it is much rarer and harder to unlock.

She emphasized that inherent magic is a mysterious and powerful force in the world and that it is essential that adventurers like themselves be aware of it and be prepared to encounter it in their travels.

Yuli kept going on and on, and she noticed the trio's overwhelmed expressions and apologized for rambling on about magic. She explained that magic was one of her passions and that she tended to get carried away when talking about it.

Yuli mentioned that they were traveling through the Mirkwood Forest, known for its dense foliage and dangerous creatures. She warned the group to be on their guard, as it was not uncommon for travelers to encounter giant spiders, wolves, or other beasts in the forest. However, she also noted that the forest was home to many rare herbs and other valuable resources that could be found nowhere else. So, for the time being, everyone stayed silent until they passed through the forest.

After an hour, they exited the forest, thankfully without incident. The group was relieved to have left the forest behind and were able to relax a bit. Nevertheless, they continued their journey, occasionally stopping for breaks to eat and rest. As they traveled, Yuli continued to provide information and stories about the various places they passed through, including the history of some of the ruins and ancient structures they encountered.

As the day wore on, the group continued their journey toward the village now visible in the distance, with Yuli occasionally pointing out interesting sights along the way. The sun began to dip lower in the sky, and the air grew cooler as they approached the village outskirts. They drew closer; they could see the glow of fires and lanterns and hear the sound of chatter and laughter.

The village the group arrived in was a small, quaint town with cobblestone streets and wooden buildings. The buildings were painted in various colors with thatched roofs, and there were small gardens and flower boxes on many windowsills. The town had a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, with the only sounds being the occasional clucking of a chicken or the creaking of a wagon passing by. In the center of the town was a small market square where vendors were selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. There were a few inns and taverns scattered throughout the village. The villagers told the children to return home as it was now dusk and would be night soon.

In the center of the village, there is a large stone well with a pulley system and buckets for drawing water. A few villagers gathered around the well, chatting and filling their buckets. In one corner of the village is a small market with vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

In the distance is a small church with a steeple and a graveyard behind it. Overall, the village gives off a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Yuli suggested they find an inn to rest for the night, and they soon located a small one near the center of the village. The innkeeper greeted them warmly and showed them to their rooms, where they settled in for the night. The trio was grateful for the chance to rest and enjoy a hot meal.

While enjoying their meals, Runa asked Yuli, "So what's Vale like?"

"Would you like me to tell you the history of Vale?" Yuli replied.

Runa nodded, intrigued.

Yuli begins talking about the history of Vale, mentioning that it is located to the East of Fulda. She explains that Vale was founded centuries ago by a man named Darius, who sought to create a city that would be a beacon of magic and knowledge. Over time, Vale grew to attract scholars and adventurers from all over Austrasia.

Yuli also mentions that Vale is home to many magical creatures and artifacts and has a strong magic and spell-crafting tradition. In addition, she notes that there are many magical shops, libraries, and academies in Vale and that it is a popular destination for those seeking to learn or practice magic.

"What was his last name?" Beatrice asked.

"We don't know. He only went by Darius," Yuli clears her throat and continues, "Darius was a powerful sorcerer. He was known for his mastery of elemental magic and ability to bend the elements to his will. Legend has it that before he founded Vale, he used his power to part the river flowing from the mountain that runs through it, allowing his army to cross and conquer the neighboring city to the north for the Kingdom of Austrasia when the kingdom was campaigning for new land."

She paused momentarily before continuing, "However, despite his power and influence, Darius was not a beloved figure. Many saw him as a tyrant, ruling his people with an iron fist. He was eventually overthrown by a group of rebels who were fed up with his rule. Some even say that his daughter led the rebellion against him."

Yuli takes a deep breath and looks at the group, "Of course, these are just stories and legends. It's hard to say what truly happened all those years ago. But one thing is certain, Darius's legacy lives on in Vale, and his name is still remembered today."

After their meal and listening to stories, they retired to their rooms for the night. The trio shared a room while Yuli had her own. The beds were comfortable, and the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth lulled them to sleep.

In the middle of the night, Beatrice awoke to a loud noise outside their window. She shook Soren and Runa awake, and they all peered outside to investigate. They saw a shadowy figure darting from the inn, disappearing into the darkness. The trio decided to investigate further, quietly slipping out of their room and into the night.

As the trio searched the village's perimeter, they could not find any signs of the mysterious figure that Beatrice had mentioned. It was as if the person had vanished into thin air.

The group decided to return to their room. As they returned to the inn, they talked about the strange figure they saw and wondered if it was related to the cargo they delivered. They decided to keep a closer watch on their surroundings and load during the rest of their journey. After a restless night, they prepared to set out early in the morning to continue their journey to Vale.

The trio told Yuli about the stranger last night. Yuli inspected her cargo to ensure nothing was missing, and everything was intact.

The second day of travel was uneventful, but they came across a few travelers on the road heading toward Vale. Yuli conversed with them, exchanging stories and information about the road ahead.

As they approached Vale, the terrain changed from dense dirt and sand to rolling hills and grasslands. The city itself was built on the slopes of a large mountain, and its walls stretched up the rocky slopes, making it look like a fortress from a distance.

As they entered the city gates, the trio and Yuli were greeted by a bustling market square filled with merchants selling all sorts of goods, from fresh produce to magical trinkets. The streets were lined with shops, taverns, and inns, and people of all races and backgrounds were going about their business.

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Yuli steered the horse toward the central plaza, where the city hall and the main library were. They stopped at the library to deliver Yuli's cargo. First, she pointed out various landmarks and places of interest, such as the local Mages' Association, the arena where magical duels were held, and the Lord's large manor. Then, Yuli went to deliver the cargo to the library. The librarians were pleased to see their delivery.

With their mission accomplished, the trio needed to deliver the herbs. As they proceeded through the bustling village, Soren couldn't help but stare at the different races he saw. There were dwarves with their stocky builds and long beards, gnomes with their small stature and pointy hats, and even a few centaurs galloping through the streets.

"Wow," Soren whispered to himself. "I've never seen so many different races in one place before."

Beatrice noticed Soren's excitement and smiled. "It's quite something, isn't it?"

Soren nodded eagerly. "I've heard about elves and dwarves in books, but I never thought I'd see them in person."

As they continued, Soren saw a group of elves with pointed ears and ethereal features. "Those are elves!" he exclaimed.

Yuli chuckled. "Yes, they are quite common in these parts."

Soren couldn't take his eyes off the elegant creatures as they passed, admiring their grace and fluid movements.

Beatrice pointed out a group of orcs in the distance, their imposing figures and fierce expressions contrasting with the more delicate beings around them. "And those are orcs," she said. "They may not be as pleasant to look at, but they are strong warriors."

Soren's eyes widened as he took in the different shapes and sizes of the beings around him. He saw halflings with round faces and chubby cheeks, half-elves with hybrid features, and even a few lizardfolk basking in the sun.

"It's amazing how many different races there are," he said in awe. "I wonder how they all came to be."

Yuli smiled. "It's a long and complicated history, but each race has a unique story and culture. That's what makes this world so fascinating."

As they made their way through the city, Soren couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. He had always been fascinated by magic and mythical creatures, but seeing them in person was a different experience.

"I can't wait to see what else is here," he grinned.

Beatrice said, "It's amazing to think we are all different yet share a common world. It puts things into perspective."

Soren grinned, "I'm excited to learn more about the different races and their magic. Maybe I'll even get to see some new forms of magic!"

Yuli nodded, "That's a possibility. You never know what kind of secrets and knowledge are hidden in different regions of the world."

"It's a shame we don't get that experience in Fulda," Soren grumbled.

Yuli nodded in agreement. "It is a shame. In Vale, everyone is welcome, no matter where they come from or what they look like. It's a very accepting community. The Lord of Vale is very different from the Lord of Fulda. He's a just and fair ruler who truly cares about the well-being of his people. He doesn't play favorites or abuse his power like the Lord of Fulda. He's respected and loved by everyone in the city."

Beatrice added, "That's refreshing to hear. However, it's a shame that not all rulers are like that."

Yuli nodded in agreement. "Yes, it is. But that's why Vale is such a special place. It's a place where everyone can live in peace and harmony, no matter who they are or where they come from."

Beatrice added that she had heard of a famous mage living in Vale who was rumored to have a collection of enchanted books and artifacts. Soren's interest was piqued, and he asked Yuli if she knew the mage's name. Yuli said that he is named Orin and the Lord of Vale.

Excited by the prospect of meeting a famous mage, Soren asked if it would be possible for them to visit Orin after delivering the herbs. Beatrice and Runa nodded in agreement, and Yuli smiled and said they could try to get an audience with him after the delivery. Then, they can spend the day in Vale and return home tomorrow.

As the group continued their journey through Vale, they couldn't help but notice that some of the people they passed on the street looked ill. Yuli was the first to voice her concern.

"Have you noticed how many people here seem unwell?" she asked the others.

Soren and Beatrice nodded in agreement, and Yuli continued. "It's strange. Vale is a beautiful city, full of magic and wonder, but I've noticed many people who look like they're suffering from some illness."

As they went deeper into the city, they saw more and more people who looked pale and weak. Some were coughing, while others were struggling to walk. It was clear that something was amiss.

Upon arrival at the herbal shop, they were greeted by an older man. He introduced himself as the owner of the shop. He was a friendly-looking fellow with a wispy white beard and sharp blue eyes. He welcomed them and asked if they were the ones who brought the rare herbs from the forests surrounding Fulda. Yuli nodded, and Soren and Beatrice helped unload the ten crates from the wagon.

The old man inspected the herbs and nodded in approval. Then, he invited them inside for a cup of tea and to discuss their journey. "It's a shame this was all we were allowed to order," The old man said.

"Allowed to order?" Yuli questioned.

"Yes," He confirmed.

As they sipped their tea, the old man began to tell them more about Vale and how it relied heavily on the rare herbs that were only found in the forest surrounding Fulda. All trade goes through Fulda due to its location. He explained that these herbs are currently highly sought after in Vale.

It is because the people of Vale had been suffering from an extremely rare illness for some time, and these herbs will treat it. He suspected the Lord of Fulda might have something to do with it, as he had recently increased the taxes on the herb merchants traveling to Vale.

Soren was curious and asked why the people of Vale couldn't get the herbs from the forest. The shopkeeper chuckled and shook his head. "It's not that simple, my boy. The only way to Fulda is through the Mirkwood Forest, which is very dangerous, and the creatures that live there are fierce. Also, we only have a few adventurers here, and mages usually take on support roles, so we have to rely on the people of Fulda to bring us what we need.

Beatrice: "It's good we didn't run into trouble in the forest."

Yuli's eyes widened, "So do you think the Lord of Fulda would intentionally afflict Vale with an illness?"

The old man looked around before speaking in hushed tones. "I have heard whispers that the Lord of Fulda is not content with the power he already holds. He wants to expand his influence over Vale as well. I wouldn't put it past him to sabotage Vale's health to gain control."

The group exchanged worried glances. It was disturbing that someone could intentionally harm an entire city for gain.

Yuli interrupted, "That doesn't make sense. Vale and Fulda are under the rulership of the Kingdom of Austrasia."

"True," the old man said, "But every city maintains its sovereignty so long as it pays taxes and doesn't go against the Kingdom."

"That means Fulda can't openly take over Vale, but if something were to happen to Vale's Lord or he was deemed unfit to rule, the nearest Lord would be given control of the city. which is Fulda," Yuli said.

"Wouldn't someone in his family take over?" Runa asked.

They talked in detail about the Lord of Vale. He was an interesting character who didn't have a family. Unlike most nobles, he was not born into the nobility. Instead, he was a powerful mage appointed by the king himself.

The king recognized the Lord's magical prowess and saw the value of having a powerful mage in the nobility. As a result, the Lord of Vale used his supernatural abilities to serve the kingdom and became well-known for his healing and protection spells.

However, some nobles felt that Orin didn't deserve to be Vale's Lord because he was not born of nobility. In addition, they feared that his magical abilities would give him too much influence over the kingdom and that he might even try to overthrow the king.

Orin felt the other nobles have been plotting against him. Despite these fears, the Lord of Vale remained loyal to the king and continued to use his powers for the kingdom's good. He had even helped to train the kings' other mages and had established schools of magic all over the kingdom before being appointed to Vale.

"He's such a greedy bastard! He already has power over the Eastern region, but he's not content with that! I guess he thinks because Vale is tiny compared to the huge city of Fulda..." The old man was getting angry, "Being on the Eastern border, we have no choice but to go through Fulda! The King of Austrasia doesn't allow trade with foreign countries unless it's coin or bullion!"

The old man sighed deeply and turned to face the trio. "I must apologize for my outburst. It's not my place to speak ill of the nobility."

Yuli spoke up, "It's quite alright. Don't be afraid to express your feelings on the matter."

The old man nodded. "Yes, well, let's just say that the Lord of Fulda has much power in this region. All trade to and from the East goes through Fulda, and the Lord can control what enters and exits the city. It's no secret that he's quite fond of his position and the influence he wields."

Soren frowned. "But still to go so far as to afflict Vale with an illness? There has to be more to it."

The old man sighed again. "That, I'm afraid, I cannot answer. The Lord of Fulda may see our Lord as a threat as well. He may be trying to weaken Vale's position by spreading illness."

Yuli's eyes widened in realization. "The Lord of Fulda could just be manipulating the trade to his advantage for more profit. But that doesn't explain the illness."

The old man nodded gravely. "It's a sad reality that we must live with. But, unfortunately, only the Lord of Vale can do something about this."

After thinking about it, "Soren, I know you wanted to try to get an audience with the Lord of Vale, but at the moment, I don't think that's a good idea," Yuli said, breaking the silence. "It seems he has much to worry about with the city's illness. So we should probably get out of here as soon as possible. So we don't end up catching the illness as well."

The trio nodded in agreement, feeling uneasy about the situation. Yuli thanked the old man for the tea and information, bidding him farewell. The old man apologized again for his outburst and wished them safe travels.

As they started their journey back to Fulda, Yuli expressed concern about the situation in Vale. "I think it's best to avoid getting involved with the Lord of Vale and his troubles. We have already done our duty in delivering the cargo, and it's not our place to meddle in the affairs of others," she said.

The trio agreed with her, but Soren couldn't help but feel curious about what was happening in Vale. "But don't you want to know what's happening there? Why are the people sick, and why the Lord of Fulda might be involved?" he asked.

Yuli nodded. "Of course, I am curious. But we have to think about our safety too. If the Lord of Fulda is involved, it could be dangerous for us to get involved."

They continued their journey in silence; each lost in their thoughts.

About a couple of hours later, they came upon the village again. Though it was the middle of the day, Yuli recommended they stay the night as it would be several hours after nightfall before they reached Fulda, and the road is dangerous at night.

After settling in, they decided to explore the village. The village was quiet and peaceful, with friendly locals doing their daily business. They found a small marketplace to buy supplies for their journey.

Walking through the marketplace, they noticed a group of travelers who seemed to be in a hurry. The travelers looked exhausted and worried, carrying a sick man on a wagon.

"Excuse me," Yuli said, approaching the travelers. "What happened to your friend?"

"He's sick," one of the travelers said, looking worried. "We're taking him to a healer in Fulda."

Yuli looked at the sick man and realized he had the same symptoms as the people in Vale.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Yuli said. "We just came from Vale and noticed that many people there were sick, too, with the same symptoms."

The travelers looked at Yuli, surprised.

"You came from Vale?" one of them asked. "We've been hearing strange rumors about that place. Do you know what's causing the sickness?"

"We don't know for sure," Yuli replied.

The men were sad. Their sick friend was unable to move on his own. He had been afflicted with this illness for a while and feared he had no time left.

"I'm sorry, their not much we can do," Yuli said, "You can try rushing to Fulda. You won't make it until after nightfall, but your friend needs help immediately."

"Fuck!" one of the men said, "What should we do?"

"The road is too dangerous at night," the other man said, "Look, I hate myself for saying it, but I think we should stay and set out at the crack of dawn."

"Grrrr! OK, fine, we'll leave in the morning." So the two adventurers head in the opposite direction with the sick man.

The group decided to keep exploring the village. The village was much smaller than they had imagined. But it had its unique charm, with small shops, restaurants, and cafes dotted throughout. They walked past a quaint little bookstore with a display of colorful books in the window.

Soren was drawn to the sound of music from a nearby tavern, and Yuli was intrigued by a shop selling rare and exotic spices. Beatrice was fascinated by the small botanical garden of various flowers and herbs.

As they continued to explore the village, they stumbled upon a small park with a beautiful fountain in the center. The trio sat on a nearby bench and watched as the water flowed peacefully.

Soren, being the curious one, started asking Yuli about her experiences with magic. As they talked, they noticed that the village had a strong sense of community. Everyone seemed to know each other and saw people helping each other with small acts of kindness.

As the sun set, the trio decided to head back to the inn. On their way, they passed a small bakery with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting out.

Soren couldn't resist and convinced the group to stop and grab some bread for a late-night snack. So they walked back to the inn with the warm bread in hand, feeling satisfied with their exploration of the village.

The group called it an early night, wanting to set out early in the morning, opting to save the bread for the early morning trip.

After sleeping for a few hours, Soren began to have another nightmare. He found himself in the middle of a dark, misty forest. The trees were tall and gnarled, their branches twisted like the fingers of an old crone. The ground was muddy and slippery, and Soren struggled to keep his footing as he walked.

Suddenly, he heard a low growl, and he froze in terror. A pair of glowing eyes appeared in the darkness, and Soren realized he was not alone. Something was stalking him in the shadows, and he knew it was dangerous.

The figure appeared from the shadows but was cloaked in black smoke. The figure began to speak, its words incomprehensible and guttural. Soren felt a sense of dread wash over him. He tried to turn and run, but his feet were now rooted to the ground. The figure slowly advanced towards him, glowing eyes piercing Soren's soul.

He tried to run, but his legs felt heavy and uncooperative. The growling grew louder and more menacing, and the eyes drew closer. Then, just as the creature was about to pounce, Soren woke up, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath.

Soren quickly sat up in bed, breathing heavily as he shook off the last remnants of his nightmare. But as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw something more terrifying: the village was on fire.

He quickly jumped out of bed, grabbed his sword, and rushed to the window. From there, he could see the village in chaos. People were screaming and running, chased and cut down, while buildings burned uncontrollably. Soren could hear the sound of shouting and clanging metal as raiders attacked the village.

Soren woke Beatrice and Runa, yelling at them that the village was under attack. As the girls quickly dressed, Yuli was banging on their door, screaming to wake them up, stating the village was on fire. Soren let her in, and she was in a panic. Yuli yelled they needed to get in their wagon and flee. The group leaves the inn running to the horse-drawn wagon, but a raider charges at them as soon as they're outside. Beatrice drew her sword and blocked the attack.

The group a terrified. With terror in her shaky voice, Beatrice yelled that they must defend themselves and kill anyone attacking them. "R-R-Right," Runa scared replied. "D-don't worry, I'm with you too," Yuli said. Everyone drew their weapons. The raider attacked again; this time, Soren blocked, and Beatrice attacked, stabbing him through the chest, and the raider collapsed. "I-I've never killed a person before," Beatrice said.

Yuli: "You can't think about that right now! We need to get out of here!"

Suddenly another raider attacked, and Yuli shocked him with lightning, "Runa!" She yelled, signaling Runa to attack, stabbing the raider in the neck and causing him to fall over, choking to death on his blood.

The flames illuminated the night sky as the trio fought off the raiders with all their might. The attackers seemed to come out of nowhere, and Soren couldn't understand why they were attacking the peaceful village.

Despite their valiant efforts, the raiders soon overwhelmed them. A prominent figure appeared from the darkness behind the group with two smaller figures. Heavy footsteps came from the more prominent figure.

"Ah, there you are," the giant figure said. The group turned around and, to their horror, saw the goons harassing Juna at the Guild. Soren was terrified to see this man again, recalling the incident at the guild training grounds.

"T-Those are the men who infested the library basement with the muridae." Yuli squealed.

"Oh, it's that librarian with the big tits! It's our lucky day!" A goon said.

"W-What are you doing here?" Soren asked, struggling to speak.

"Oh, I'm here for you, kid," the goon said, laughing with the other two goons.

"M-Me? Why?" Soren asked.

"Oh, 'cause we're gonna fight again." the goon smirked.

"I-I don't w-want to fight you," Soren's heart sank.

"No, you don't have a choice, and you better give it all you got. Cause remember, I said the next time we fight...

..it's to the death!"