Tobe & Miri

Lala's eyes lit up as she waved enthusiastically, her signature grin bright with excitement. "You two! Tobe! Miri!" she called, practically bouncing in place as she beckoned them over. "Finally, some familiar faces! I was beginning to think we'd never run into anyone else from… you know, before."

Chisa offered a warm but reserved smile, her fox-like ears flicking with interest. "It's reassuring, actually," she said quietly. "We haven't seen anyone else from the crash for weeks."

Umi, shy as ever, managed a small wave, her gaze flitting between Tobe and Miri with quiet curiosity. Toma, in his usual animated way, nearly tripped over himself in his excitement, barely catching the set of daggers he'd just bought before they could clatter to the floor. "Whoa, it's like a mini-reunion!" he exclaimed, his glasses slipping down his nose as he gestured wildly. "Can you believe it? All of us ending up in the same world! The odds of this—it's mind-blowing!"

"Small world, I guess," Miri replied with a smirk, crossing her arms as she glanced between them. She felt a flicker of camaraderie but also a reminder of how little they actually knew each other. It was strange, seeing familiar faces in such an unfamiliar place.

As they settled into a loose circle, their voices overlapping in hesitant conversation, they began swapping stories of their experiences since the bus crash. Despite the initial awkwardness, laughter soon filled the cozy blacksmith shop.

Lala leaned closer to Tobe, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, what have you guys been up to since... you know, everything? You must have had some crazy encounters!"

Tobe shrugged, a faintly playful smile on his lips. "Just trying to survive and learn the ropes like everyone else, I suppose. It's been... interesting, to say the least."

Umi, encouraged by the casual atmosphere, turned to Miri with a gentle smile. "It's... nice to see more familiar faces. I know we didn't really talk much back then, but it feels like... I don't know. A relief?"

Miri's expression softened, and she nodded. "I get what you mean. It's good to see you all, even if it's under these weird circumstances. Surviving in this place alone? Not exactly my idea of fun."

Chisa nodded thoughtfully, her gaze steady. "We're all still figuring things out, I think," she said, her tone more serious. "It helps to have people around who can... understand. At least a little." She cast a glance toward Umi, who returned a small, knowing smile.

The blacksmith, who had been polishing a blade nearby, let out a hearty chuckle. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you lot were a guild on the verge of greatness. Sounds like you've got that same fire I see in seasoned adventurers." He gave an approving nod to the entire group, clearly amused.

The words seemed to sink in, and for a brief moment, they all exchanged glances, as if envisioning what such a guild might actually be like.

Finally, Toma, ever the dreamer, piped up, "Maybe someday, huh? Though I'm not sure I'm ready for the whole 'risking my life' part just yet. I mean, sure, I've read a lot about it, but doing it? Yikes."

Lala burst into laughter, nudging him. "You know, you say that, but I saw you in here looking at every weapon like it was your new best friend. Don't tell me you're scared now!"

Toma flushed, mumbling something under his breath about "research" and "admiration," which only made the group laugh more.

With their catch-up complete, Tobe and Miri turned their attention to the blacksmith's wares. The shop, bustling with sparks and hammer strikes, displayed rows of gleaming weaponry, intricately crafted armor, and tools fit for battle-hardened adventurers.

Miri gravitated toward the swords, eventually bringing her own blade to the counter. Her current weapon had a precious Wyvern Scale embedded within its hilt—a rare material that boosted both strength and durability. Rather than trading it in for a new blade, Miri decided to upgrade it by reforging the blade with platinum ore. The blacksmith, nodding in approval at her decision, took the weapon and set to work, promising her an edge sharper than steel itself. Meanwhile, Tobe glanced around the shop, examining everything from enchanted daggers to potions lined up on wooden shelves.

After collecting her enhanced sword, Miri's gaze moved to a set of platinum-plated armor that gleamed under the shop's lanterns. She could feel its weight and sturdiness and, despite the cost, opted to buy it. After a quick exchange, the blacksmith helped her adjust the armor's fit, securing it piece by piece until she felt both protected and agile. Satisfied with their haul, Tobe and Miri turned to find their friends, who looked on with a mix of admiration and surprise at Miri's new gear.

Tobe then decided to also buy another brown fingerless mana glove to balance his other one.

"Guess we should check out the Adventurer's Guild next?" Tobe suggested, and the group, in agreement, made their way through the busy streets to the grand guild building.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the vibrant energy of adventurers swapping tales, poring over maps, and eyeing the quest board that stretched across one wall. Tobe and Miri approached the receptionist at the front desk, her eyes sparkling with the curiosity that came from seeing new faces.

"We'd like to register our party," Tobe said with a friendly smile, sliding over their information.

"Of course! And the name of your party?" she asked, quill poised above her logbook.

"Cheery Black," Tobe replied.

The words hung in the air for a moment, seeming to echo through the hall. Adventurers nearby who overheard the name suddenly paused, their conversations halting mid-sentence. Even the receptionist, normally composed, looked up in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief. Around the guild, whispers began to spread, and faces turned toward Tobe and Miri, studying them with newfound interest.

It wasn't just a name to them; it was the Cheery Black—famous for the rumored exploits that had spread across the kingdom like wildfire. Tobe and Miri had single-handedly defeated a Great Wind Wyvern at low ranks, cleared a B-A-ranked dungeon, and, most recently, saved the Princess of Riscone and all her fellow passengers during the Mana Rail incident. To top it off, they'd even been knighted by the king. Cheery Black had gained such renown that adventurers from all corners of the land had heard tales of their feats.

"Wait... the Cheery Black?" one adventurer muttered, his eyes darting between Tobe and Miri in awe.

"No way. Those two are the Cheery Black?" whispered another, glancing at his companions.

Miri and Tobe exchanged looks, clearly enjoying the reaction. The members of Vast Star, stunned into silence, looked at each other with wide eyes, realizing just who they'd been adventuring alongside.

The receptionist, her hands trembling slightly, finally composed herself and resumed her paperwork. "It's an honor to have you register here! Just a moment; I'll update your rank."

As she worked, several nearby adventurers couldn't resist moving closer, eyes bright with curiosity. One, a grizzled swordsman, gave them an approving nod. "Didn't think I'd be rubbing elbows with the Cheery Black. Heard you took down a great wind wyvern in Seturia—mighty impressive."

Tobe scratched the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed by the attention. "Ah, that was a tough one, for sure," he replied with a grin.

"So you really went toe-to-toe with a B-rank dungeon boss?" another adventurer chimed in, eyes wide.

"Guess you could say that," Miri replied casually, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "A few close calls, but we made it out."

From the side, Lala, Umi, Toma, and Chisa listened with increasing awe. Each of them had known Tobe and Miri only as fellow students from the same university, without any clue of their impressive deeds. Lala, usually full of lively energy, was unusually silent, her mouth slightly open as she took it all in.

Finally, the receptionist returned, holding out two updated guild cards. "Congratulations!" she announced, her voice filled with respect. "You've been promoted from E-Rank to A-Rank."

At that, the whole guild seemed to pause, taking in the significance of what had just been said. An E-rank to A-rank promotion was rare enough—doing so in just a few short weeks bordered on legendary.

The silence shattered as Lala, Umi, Toma, and Chisa shouted in unison, their voices overlapping in disbelief:

"WHAAAAAAT?! A-RAAAAAANK?!!??"

After the lively commotion died down and the chatter about their newly gained A-Rank status subsided, Tobe, Miri, and the Vast Star party—Lala, Umi, Toma, and Chisa—gathered around the quest board in the adventurer's guild. The board was filled with a range of missions, most marked with the challenging ranks of C through S. They browsed the quests eagerly, each of them eyeing the potential rewards. That's when Tobe's gaze fell on one that caught his interest.

"Look at this one," he said, pointing to a worn piece of parchment pinned to the corner of the board. The title read, Defeat the Hidden Boss in this Location, and included a roughly sketched map with a circled area.

"It pays well," Miri noted, studying the fine print. She scanned the quest details but found no explicit rank listed. "This doesn't seem so bad. Think we can handle it?"

The rest of the group exchanged glances, intrigued by the potential rewards. Little did they know, the quest was actually an S-Rank, its title alone hiding the true peril that lay ahead.

After gathering their supplies, the party set out, exiting the kingdom's gates and heading into the wildlands. Outside the towering walls, the scenery expanded into rolling hills, lush meadows, and rivers sparkling under the afternoon sun. It was a breathtaking view.

"Pretty awesome view, huh?" Lala remarked, her eyes wide with awe as she grinned at the others.

As they continued their journey, they found themselves at the edge of a dense and desolate woodland known as Ashenroot Grove1. The grove was eerie yet strangely beautiful, with towering trees whose branches stretched like skeletal hands against the sky. Dark patches of ash-colored moss clung to the bark, giving the trees a ghostly appearance.

They moved cautiously, scanning the grove for any signs of danger. That's when the shadowy figures began to appear. At first, they were mere glimpses out of the corner of their eyes—a flicker of movement here, a dark shape there. But soon, the figures grew clearer, drifting just within sight. Faces, blurred and distorted, peered out from behind trees, watching them with hollow eyes.

Toma cleared his throat and spoke in a hushed voice, breaking the silence. "Ashenroot Grove wasn't always like this. It used to be a lively, magical forest, famous for its vibrant leaves and freely flowing mana."

He paused, taking in the dark shapes around them. "But a tragedy struck. A series of murders took place, and a total of ten civilians and seven adventurers lost their lives here. Now, their souls roam these woods, lingering on the edge of the afterlife. If you provoke them or disturb their rest, they're known to retaliate."

The group shivered at his words, and even Miri, who rarely showed fear, looked a little wary.

"So we have to avoid provoking them?" Umi asked quietly, clutching her bow a little tighter.

Chisa, ever the leader, nodded and studied the map. "According to this, we need to make our way to the very center of the forest, where some ruins are located. If the quest is accurate, that's where we'll find this 'hidden boss.'"

They moved forward, stepping lightly to avoid drawing unwanted attention from the restless spirits around them. Every now and then, the figures would drift closer, but the party held their breaths, watching them fade back into the trees without confrontation.

Finally, after weaving through the dense foliage and sidestepping the silent, watchful ghosts, they arrived at a clearing. The ruins lay before them—a collapsed temple overtaken by thick vines and patches of spectral moss. Faded carvings marked the stone walls, worn with age and barely discernible in the low light.

The air was thick with an unsettling energy, and the grove had gone utterly silent.

As they moved cautiously through the ruins, their footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls, the party found remnants of old weapons scattered about—rusted swords, broken shields, and pieces of shattered armor, all lying undisturbed. Vines had grown over everything, reclaiming the stone floor, while faded murals hinted at some forgotten civilization's glory. Symbols of battle, honor, and strange mythical beasts adorned the walls, worn with age but still telling fragments of a story.

As Tobe stepped over an intricately carved stone, the floor beneath him suddenly gave way with a loud crack. His eyes widened as he plummeted through the crumbling floor.

"Tobe senpai!" Miri's voice echoed as she rushed to the edge, looking down to see him sprawled out on a lower level, surrounded by scattered dust and debris.

"You good down there?" Chisa called out, peering over the edge with her usual calm but curious look.

Tobe sat up, brushing dust off his clothes. "Yeah yeah, I'm good. A softer landing than that last time fighting the great wind wyvern, at least," he quipped, grinning up at them.

He stood, glancing around the dimly lit space. His gaze landed on a hallway leading off to the right, with faint light glimmering at the end. "I think I've found something, come down here!" he shouted.

The rest of the group lowered themselves carefully through the gap one by one, following Tobe down the stone corridor. Their footsteps echoed as they approached an enormous, circular chamber with towering walls lined with torches that flickered dimly in the stale air. The floor was cracked in places, and the scent of ancient dust lingered. At the center of the room, a strange, dark purple puddle of liquid shimmered ominously.

Weapons ready, they cautiously approached the puddle, which suddenly trembled and floated upward, shaping itself into a perfect orb. Miri stepped forward, shield raised.

"Bastion!" she called out, ordering the shield to form a wall before her. But the liquid orb didn't flinch; instead, it exploded in a billow of thick, black smoke, engulfing the entire room. They coughed and braced themselves as the smoke swirled around them, obscuring everything in sight.

As the haze began to settle, Miri found herself standing alone in the room. She spun around, only to come face-to-face with a mirror image of herself, composed entirely of that same purple liquid. In the middle of the mimic's chest, a red gem pulsed where her heart should be. Miri's eyes narrowed.

"So, you're the boss we're after, huh?" she muttered, raising her sword defensively.

Meanwhile, Tobe found himself in a similar predicament. Across from him stood his own replica, an exact copy down to the faint scars on his cheek and the smirk on its lips. The mimic's hand glowed faintly with mana, ready to cast his spells.

Tobe blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Alright, now this is just rude. If you're gonna copy me, at least fix my hair, will ya?"

The mimic stared back with a blank expression, unfazed. Tobe sighed. "Guess I'll just have to teach... myself... a lesson."

Each member of Vast Star was similarly separated, each now facing their own doppelganger. This hidden boss, the Crimson Heart Mimic, had the uncanny ability to replicate both the equipment and skills of its targets, leaving them facing a battle with their most dangerous opponent: themselves.

The cavernous room echoed with the sounds of clashing steel, the air thick with the intensity of their battle. Miri's mimic moved with terrifying precision, every strike mirrored with deadly accuracy. It was as if she were fighting herself, but without the instinctive knowledge, the understanding of her own body's limitations. This copy—this reflection—was cold, calculated, relentless.

Miri's sword clashed with her mimic's, a spark flying from the impact as her shield deflected another overhead strike. Her arms burned with exhaustion. Every movement, every breath, felt heavier than the last. But there was no stopping now. She couldn't lose this fight.

Her mimic read her every move, every feint, every strike, anticipating with uncanny precision. Miri gritted her teeth, forcing herself to ignore the exhaustion coursing through her muscles. She could feel the heat of her pulse in her ears, the rush of blood fueling her desperation.

"Come on," she growled, pushing herself to her feet after being knocked back by the mimic's shield bash. "I'm not done."

The mimic charged, its shield raised in a defensive posture. Miri's heart raced. She wouldn't let herself fall. She wouldn't lose to a copy. Not like this.

With a battle cry, she sprinted toward her mimic, her shield glowing faintly with the charged aura of Strength Up, Agility Up, and Defense Up increasing her muscle strength, and she swung her sword in a wide arc—Slash! The mimic met her strike with its own sword, the clash vibrating through the air. But Miri was faster. She stepped to the side, her shield already raised for a counter. In a blur of motion, she unleashed a Shield Rush, her shield colliding with her mimic's in a resounding crash.

The mimic staggered, its body slamming into the stone wall behind it. Miri saw an opening. She readied her sword, focusing on her next move as her Penetrate skill came to life. She rushed forward, her sword cutting through the air like a blur, aiming for her mimic's midsection. But her mimic, in perfect imitation, ducked and twisted, bringing its shield down to block the attack with a brutal Shield Block. The force sent a shockwave through Miri's bones.

"Not bad," Miri panted, feeling sweat drip down her brow. The mimic's glowing red gem seemed to pulse in time with its steady, measured movements, like a heartbeat echoing in the stillness of the battle. "Now try this!" she shouted, as she integrated and fused Bastion with her sword.

Miri's eyes narrowed, and she dug deep. The mimic might know her moves, but it didn't know her mind.

With a sudden, fluid motion, Miri activated False Judgement, feinting a vicious high strike. Her mimic mirrored her exact move, thinking it had calculated the proper defense. But Miri's real strike was a low, slicing thrust aimed at its legs, catching the mimic off guard. The mimic staggered, and before it could recover, Miri followed up with a Slash, the edge of her sword scraping across the mimic's chest.

The mimic flinched, the red gem at its core dimming momentarily, but it was far from finished. With a growl, it swung its sword for a counterattack, aiming directly for Miri's throat. But Miri wasn't finished yet.

She lunged backward, activating Halo Flash. The bright burst of light temporarily blinded the mimic, giving Miri the opening she needed. With one final, decisive motion, she thrust her sword forward, impaling the mimic through its chest and crimson heart. The mimic's body froze in place as the red gem core flickered one last time before shattering, concluding her fight with her mimic.

The air in the room crackled with tension. The mimic stood across from Tobe, its posture mimicking his perfectly, the same wild grin, the same posture. But there was no humor behind its eyes. Only a cold, calculating determination.

Tobe's gaze flicked to the mimic's glowing red core. This fight wouldn't be easy. The mimic had all of his abilities, and it moved with terrifying precision. Every time he tried to strike it with Explosion Impact, it countered. Every time he tried to outwit it, it was one step ahead.

"You know, for a copy, you're not half bad," Tobe muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But let's see if you can keep up with the real thing."

With a fluid motion, Tobe raised his hand, casting an Explosion Impact. As he lunged forward, his palm struck the ground with explosive force, sending a shockwave explosion of concussive energy rippling outward. The mimic had anticipated this and blocked the blast with its own hand, but the force still pushed it back. It took a moment to recover.

Tobe didn't wait. He vaulted into the air using his High Jump, coming down hard from above with a Firas Bolto fully charged in his hand. The fiery bolt blazed with an intense blue light, crackling with energy as it flew toward the mimic.

But the mimic was fast. With a swift motion, it raised its own hand and Aqua Control kicked in, sending a jet of water spiraling in front of it, deflecting the firebolt. The collision of fire and water created a brilliant explosion of steam, momentarily obscuring their vision.

Tobe grinned, his fingers twitching with anticipation. "So, you like water, huh? Let's see how you handle this."

He focused, manipulating the water around him with his own Aqua Control, forming it into a spear-like shape and hurling it directly at his mimic's chest. The mimic mirrored him, creating its own spear of water. Their two projectiles collided with a splash, sending water droplets spraying everywhere. Neither spear gave way.

Tobe's eyes narrowed. Time to bring out something stronger.

He immediately summoned a jagged rock from the ground using his Reconstruct spell. His palm pressed against the stone floor, and the ground rippled as the rock shot upward. With a roar, he hurled the massive shard of rock at the mimic, but the mimic was ready, summoning activating Space Space from the air to consume it.

"Clever, but I'm not done ye-."

Then the mimic rushed forward, raising its hand to cast Explosion Impact, and Tobe barely had time to react. His instincts flared, Cat-like Instinct kicking in, and he dove to the side just as the explosion rocked the ground where he had been standing a second ago. The blast left a crater, and Tobe rolled to his feet, his eyes sharp.

He needed to end this fast.

Tobe gritted his teeth, calling down Fall Lightning. A bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, crackling through the air, striking the mimic square in the chest. The lightning coursed through the mimic's body, electricity arcing in every direction, slightly lighting up the entire room.

For a moment, the mimic staggered, its red core flickering under the assault, but then it roared and shook off the blast, reforming its stance.

"Impressive," Tobe said, his grin widening as the mimic started to regain its composure. "But I think it's time to put you... me! Down for good!"

Tobe's hand went outstretched as he summoned the full force of Firas Bolto once again. The firebolt swelled in his palm, the blue color shifting to an almost pure white, its intensity growing with every heartbeat. The mimic, trying to counter with its own Firas Bolto, but Tobe's charging was faster.

With a cry, Tobe unleashed the blast. The bolt shot forward, and the air hummed as it collided with the mimic's Firas Bolto reaching the mimic's chest. The mimic's unfinished firebolt exploded into a burst of flame, Tobe's Firas Bolto overwhelmed and shot through it. The force of the blast ripped through the mimic, sending it flying to scraps and pieces backward.

The mimic's form shattered into pieces, its body turning into purple liquid as the damaged red core flickered one final time before extinguishing. Tobe lowered his hand, panting but triumphant.

"That was a hell of a workout," he muttered, looking at the puddle of liquid on the ground. "I swear, these fights are getting more hectic."

But then

In each of their rooms a purple light shined bright, then the purple light dimmed and the blinding glow faded, Miri blinked and looked around. She was back in the room where the battle had begun, feeling an odd sense of relief that the fight was over. Her heart still raced from the adrenaline, and as she exhaled deeply, her eyes met Tobe's.

Before she could fully process the situation, she found herself suddenly enveloped in a tight hug. Her breath caught for a moment before she relaxed into it, Tobe's hug was the kind of gesture that was both endearing and completely unexpected in such an intense moment.

"Well, I didn't think we'd be hugging it out after facing ourselves," Miri said, the edge of her voice soft but amused as she patted his head. "Don't make this weird, Senpai."

Tobe pulled away with a smirk, his eyes sparkling with that ever-present energy. "What? You didn't expect this after a crazy fight like that?"

Miri sighed, though her lips curled up slightly in amusement. "I'm just glad it's over… and that we made it through."

Umi's voice suddenly cut through the air, teasing them in a way that only she could. "Jeez… get a room, you love birds!" The words were laced with mock annoyance, but Miri could hear the faintest chuckle behind them.

Miri and Tobe both stiffened, their faces flushing bright red. The air between them immediately became awkward. Miri cleared her throat and looked away, crossing her arms. "That wasn't—" She stopped herself, then shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Never mind."

Miri didn't respond at first, but instead she noticed the chain necklace hanging around Tobe's neck. It seemed to glow faintly, pulsing with mana. Miri raised an eyebrow. "What is that?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.

Tobe nodded, a grin spreading across his face as he let the chain rest in his hand. "Looks like a reward! This thing's a mana-recovery necklace, I think. Feels pretty good too, like the mana is just flowing right through me, and I can control it better now. It's actually kinda helpful!"

Miri tilted her head slightly, impressed. "That's... pretty useful actually."

But just as quickly, her gaze shifted to her sword. The blade had transformed before her eyes, no longer the platinum it once was, but now shimmering with the power of titanium. Miri ran her hand along the edge, feeling the new weight, the sharper edge, the refined strength it now possessed.

"Looks like my sword just got a huge upgrade," Miri said, her voice full of quiet wonder. "Titanium alloy... This feels even more stable than before."

She gripped the sword's hilt tighter, testing the balance, the precision, and then nodded to herself. "I can work with this."

Tobe, now holding the necklace and eyeing her sword, couldn't help but tease, "So, that sword is even more sharp now, huh? I'll need to watch out when asking to spar with you, I guess."

Miri flashed him a playful glare but didn't comment further. Instead, her attention turned to Umi, who was standing off to the side, still looking a bit shy but holding a new cloak in her hands.

"What about you, Umi?" Miri asked, her voice soft but inquisitive. "What did you get?"

Umi glanced down at the cloak, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I, uh, got a new cloak. It has the ability of Accuracy Advancement." She held it up, letting the dark green fabric sway in the air. "It helps with my aim when I use my bow, so I can be even more precise."

Then Tobe and Miri shared happy glances between Umi and them.

Just then, the others began arriving back in the room, each of them returning with their own rewards, and the atmosphere lightened. 

"That was something..." Lala muttered, brushing off the dirt from her armor as she stood tall. She glanced around the room, meeting Tobe's eyes. "So, how did you two do?"

"Good," Tobe said, now in a much better mood. "We got some cool rewards. What about you guys?"

Lala stepped forward, her hands lightly gripping a new spear. It was long, with intricate markings along the shaft, but the most interesting part was the weapon's voice—a soft, deep rumble emanating from the blade itself.

"I got Fervent1," Lala said, smiling as she playfully taps the spear's head. "It's a sentient weapon, the Grand Spear of Nature. It speaks to me, and it's got a voice that... well, I'm not sure if I like it yet." She paused, grinning. "It's kind of cheeky."

"Fervent, huh?" Tobe couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds like you've got a new... friend, just like Miri, she has one too."

Lala shrugged, her lips twitching into a smile. "I think we'll get along just fine."

Chisa stepped up next, her new armor gleaming under the soft light of the room. Miri could immediately see the flexibility in it, and she couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. "Nice," Miri commented, tilting her head. "That armor looks like it'll make you even more nimble and flexible."

"It's not just about flexibility," Chisa explained, adjusting the fit. "It's meant to help with mobility too. The way I move with my sword should be faster now."

Tobe grinned. "Looks like we all got some nice upgrades. This'll make things interesting."

Then, Toma appeared, quiet as ever, holding up his new daggers made from the rare Shadow Shards. "These blades... I'll be able to move even faster now," he said simply, though his expression showed a quiet satisfaction.

"Woah, those daggers could give me a run for my money," Tobe remarked, impressed. "I bet they'll let you move like a shadow or something."

Chisa then caught sight of a small purple puddle still lingering on the floor. "We should grab some of that as proof," she suggested, pulling out 2 flasks from her bag. With a careful hand, she scooped up the liquid and sealed it inside.

"Good idea," Miri said.

After a few more moments of talking and inspecting their rewards, the group shared a quick celebratory cheer. There was a sense of unity between them—victory wasn't just about the rewards, but about what they had done together.

The last remnants of the battle still lingered in the air, but it was time to move on.

With that, the group exited the ruins, traveling through the desolate grove until they reached the Riscone Kingdom's Adventurer's Guild, to report in and claim their well-earned rewards. 

The large wooden doors of the Riscone Kingdom's Adventurer's Guild creaked open as Tobe and the Vast Star members made their way inside. The warm, familiar atmosphere hit them immediately, the chatter of guild members and the soft clink of coins and drinks in the background. After their grueling battle, there was an air of relief among the group as they made their way to the reception desk.

Chisa stepped forward first, a small flask in each hand. With a calm but confident expression, she placed the flasks on the counter, the purple liquid inside swirling with a faint glow. "We've completed the task," she said, her voice firm yet quiet. "We also brought back proof."

The receptionist, a friendly middle-aged woman with her hair tied back in a neat bun, eyed the flasks with curiosity before glancing at the group. "I see you were successful then," she said, impressed. "And the liquid—this matches the description of what we expected to find. Excellent work, all of you." She gave them a smile before motioning for them to show the rest of their rewards.

The Vast Star members each stepped up in turn, presenting their new items: Lala's sentient spear Fervent, Chisa's new armor, Toma's Shadow Shard daggers, and Miri's upgraded sword. The receptionist looked over each item, nodding approvingly.

"Everything checks out," she said with a nod. "Your work is most impressive, and it's clear you all have earned your rewards. Twenty gold coins each, plus the items you've acquired from your mission."

The group collectively sighed in relief, the weight of their reward settling in as they all received their 20 gold coins. Miri slid the coins into a small pouch at her side, her face lighting up at the thought of what they could do with the money. "This should cover our next adventure... and a few rounds at the pub," she added with a grin.

Tobe let out a low whistle, inspecting the coins. "Not bad for a day's work." He looked over at Miri and winked. "How about a little celebration to go with this?"

Miri chuckled. "I think a celebration sounds just right."

"Count me in," Umi added softly, adjusting the new cloak she'd been gifted. "It's been a long day."

With their reward securely in hand, the group made their way out of the guild and down the cobbled streets to the heart of the kingdom, where the most famous pub and restaurant awaited. The place was always bustling with adventurers, locals, and travelers, its warm lights flickering invitingly in the evening dusk.

Inside, the noise was a blend of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. They found a large wooden table near the center of the room, where the smells of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air. The staff quickly greeted them and brought over drinks and appetizers to get the night started.

Tobe took a long sip from his mug, leaning back in his chair as he looked around at his comrades. "It feels good to be back in familiar surroundings. I never thought I'd be saying that after dealing with... that thing."

Miri rolled her eyes but grinned. "Yeah, fighting a mimic version of yourself is... never something I want to do again. That was exhausting."

Lala raised her glass with a smirk. "I'll be honest, I almost didn't make it through the last part. I wasn't sure which one of us was more stubborn—the mimic or me."

"I think it's totally you," Tobe said with a grin. "You kinda have a way of making everything look like a fight for the ages."

Lala snorted, taking a drink herself. "I guess that's what happens when you deal with nature's challenges all the time. You learn how to fight dirty."

"I didn't know you had it in you, Umi," Miri said, glancing at the quiet archer who had hardly said a word since they sat down. "To be the first to beat your mimic—that's impressive. You're really full of surprises."

Umi flushed a little, pushing her hair behind her ear. "I just... kept my distance and took it slow," she said softly. "I'm not exactly built for close combat like you guys, so I focused on what I'm good at."

Chisa smiled, her usual calm and composed demeanor never faltering. "You did great, Umi. I'm sure none of us expected you to be the first, but you proved us all wrong."

Umi gave a tiny nod, looking pleased but not one to seek the spotlight. She sipped her drink quietly.

"Yeah, Umi, you really came through," Tobe added, raising his mug. "The shy ones always end up surprising us. You're like the silent force behind your team."

Umi's cheeks reddened slightly, but she gave a shy smile, murmuring, "Thank you, Senpai."

The conversation drifted as they dug into the hearty feast that had been laid before them. Plates piled high with roasted meats, fresh vegetables, bread, and rich sauces. The warmth of the pub, the laughter of their group, and the mingling of voices created a comfortable and familiar atmosphere.

"Here's to many more adventures," Lala said, raising her mug in a toast. "And to making memories like this one. We've earned it."

"To many more adventures!" They all echoed in unison, clinking their mugs together.

The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as everyone joined in the celebratory mood. It felt like the world had slowed down just for them, a moment of pure joy amidst the chaos of their adventures.

Tobe, who had been leaning back in his chair, a mischievous grin on his face, added, "Just as long as the next mission doesn't involve fighting copies of myself. I'm not sure I could handle it. One me is enough for the world, don't you think?"

Lala snorted, raising an eyebrow. "You can't be serious. You're one of a kind, Tobe."

"Exactly," Tobe said with a wink and smug face. "Why mess with my perfection?"

The group burst into laughter once again, the sound echoing through the pub. For the first time in a while, they were able to relax—no threats, no dangers, just friends enjoying the simple pleasures of a hard-earned victory.

As the evening wore on and the food began to disappear, the atmosphere remained lighthearted. The Vast Star had faced their own versions of hell, but they had come out the other side stronger and more connected than ever. It wasn't just about the rewards or the missions—it was about the bonds they had formed and the way they had each grown through their trials.

Chisa leaned back in her chair, satisfied but thoughtful. She looked at her friends, the people who had fought beside her through thick and thin. "You know," she said softly, "we really do make a good team."

"I think we've always known that," Umi said, her voice warm. "But it's nice to hear it out loud."

As the night grew late and the festivities began to wind down, the group shared a final round of laughter, recounting smaller stories of their journey, from their first encounter with monsters to Tobe's occasional outbursts. Their spirits were high, their hearts full. It wasn't just a victory over a quest—it was a victory for their friendship, their growth, and the shared path they walked together.

The adventurers knew that the journey ahead was filled with unknowns. There would be new challenges, more trials to overcome, and obstacles they couldn't predict. But with the strength they had found in one another, they were more than ready for whatever came next.

As they finished their meal and stood to leave, the door to the pub swung open, letting in the cool night air. With a final glance around, Lala smiled at her friends and said, "Let's make sure this isn't the last time we sit down like this."

"Not a chance," Tobe replied with his signature grin. "The best adventures are always the ones with good food and even better company, right?."

And with that, they stepped into the night, ready for a good day's rest. Ready for the adventures they will face the next day.

End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:

Tobe Lvl 58 - (Race Abilities: High Jump, Cat-like Instinct) (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct, Firas Bolto)

Miri Lvl 54 - (Race Abilities: Halo Flash, False Judgement) (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Shield Block, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Bastion Wall Shield, Bastion Weapon Integration)