Tobe & Miri

The dawn crept into the Cheery Black Guildhouse with golden rays spilling through the windows, casting light on the wooden floors. Inside Tobe's room, the morning air was still as he slept deeply, exhausted from the previous days of recruiting and establishing the guild's foundation. His tranquil rest was interrupted by a series of rapid knocks on his door.

"Tobe! Wake up!" Max's voice called from the hallway. "A messenger from the palace is here! It sounds important."

Groaning, Tobe sat up, rubbing his eyes. His cat-like instincts might have alerted him to danger in combat, but they did little to prepare him for early morning interruptions. With a quick splash of water on his face, he pulled on his gear and made his way downstairs, where Max stood waiting.

"Good morning, Max. What's this about?" Tobe asked, yawning.

"No clue," Max replied. "Miri's already in the meeting room with Yuka and Elma. The messenger left a note, but it's addressed to you and Miri."

Tobe followed Max to the meeting room. Inside, Miri sat at the head of the table, holding a sealed parchment. Elma and Yuka, seated nearby, looked equally curious. Miri looked up and smiled.

"Good morning, Tobe. Took you long enough," she teased, sliding the note across the table.

Tobe picked up the note, breaking the royal seal, and read aloud:

**"To Tobe Kusakabe and Miri Takanashi of the Cheery Black Guild,

Your services are required at the palace immediately. We have urgent matters to discuss that need your expertise.

– King Danayus Riscone"**

Tobe lowered the note, meeting the expectant gazes of his companions.

"The king himself? Sounds serious," Max said, leaning back in his chair.

"It does," Miri agreed. "We'll eat breakfast first, then head to the palace. Elma, Max, you'll stay here for now. If this turns into a mission, we'll let you know."

Max nodded, though his curiosity was evident. Elma simply smiled, trusting their judgment.

After a hearty breakfast—complete with light-hearted teasing and stories of their past exploits—Tobe and Miri prepared to leave. The streets of Riscone bustled with morning activity as they made their way to the palace. Guards recognized them and opened the grand doors, leading them through the opulent halls. The scent of polished wood and old parchment filled the air as they were escorted to the throne room.

King Danayus Riscone stood, his royal attire gleaming in the sunlight streaming through stained glass windows. He greeted them with a warm smile.

"Tobe Kusakabe, Miri Takanashi. Welcome," the king said. "Please, follow me."

The duo exchanged a quick glance before trailing behind the king to a private meeting chamber. Inside, servants set down refreshments, and a detailed map of Falroria was spread across a massive table. Markers dotted the map, each a different color.

The king gestured for them to sit, and they complied. With a snap of his fingers, one of his attendants imbued the map with mana. Black pins glowed ominously, marking specific locations.

"These," the king began, pointing to the pins, "are where the Grey Veil Syndicate has struck in recent months. Villages, capitals, kingdoms—no place is safe from their chaos. But there's one location that concerns me deeply."

He pointed to the far northern region, where a cluster of pins surrounded the Kingdom of Varfelt.

"The Grey Veil's activity in Varfelt is... unusual. For weeks, they've sent groups to wreak havoc, only to disappear suddenly. They'll regroup, strike again, and vanish once more. I fear there's more to this than meets the eye," the king explained.

Tobe leaned forward, studying the map. "Do you think they're after something specific in Varfelt?"

"Possibly," the king replied. "And that's why I need you to investigate. Find out what's happening, deal with the Grey Veil, and report back to me. Bring whoever you deem necessary for the task. In return, I offer you 10 gold coins each and a contract granting free access to the finest equipment at Riscone's blacksmith shop."

Miri smiled. "A generous reward, Your Majesty. Consider it done."

The king stood, extending his hand. Tobe and Miri shook it firmly, sealing the agreement.

Preparations for the Journey

Back at the guild, Tobe and Miri gathered everyone in the meeting room. Elma looked up expectantly as Max leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

"So, what's the mission?" Max asked.

"We're heading to the Kingdom of Varfelt to investigate the Grey Veil," Tobe said. "The king's given us full discretion to assemble a team. Yuka, Max, we'd like you to come with us."

Yuka's eyes lit up. "Count me in!"

Max grinned. "Like I'd miss out on this."

"Good," Miri said. "Elma, we'll need you to look after the guild while we're gone."

Elma smiled warmly. "Leave it to me. The guild will be in good hands."

With their roles decided, they set about preparing for the journey. Miri arranged for a carriage while Tobe, Yuka, and Max checked their gear. Blades were sharpened, potions stocked, and magical tools inspected.

By the time the carriage arrived, the group was ready. Miri stood at the reins with the carriage driver, she extended a hand to Tobe, who handed her sword and shield (Bastion) before climbing aboard.

"Let's get moving," she said.

As they rolled out of the guild's courtyard, Elma waved them off. "Stay safe! And don't forget to write!"

The carriage creaked as it passed through the gates, carrying them into the starry night.

The road to Varfelt stretched far beyond what Tobe and the others anticipated. The journey, estimated to take five to six days, would test their endurance, resolve, and camaraderie. Despite the daunting length, the group embraced the adventure with determined hearts, setting off as the first light of dawn painted the sky in warm hues.

The journey began smoothly. The carriage rolled along the cobbled road, its wheels creaking rhythmically as it passed through the bustling outskirts of Riscone. Tobe sat at the front, occasionally glancing back at Miri, Yuka, and Max, who chatted lightly within the carriage.

The countryside opened before them in a patchwork of emerald fields and distant hills. Birds sang harmoniously in the trees as the group took in the peaceful sights of Falroria. For the first few hours, they allowed themselves to relax and adjust to the rhythm of the journey.

Max broke the silence. "So, Varfelt… What's it even like? Have any of you been there before?"

Miri shook her head. "Not personally. I've read about it, though. It's known for its towering spires and sprawling gardens. A kingdom of beauty—or... at least it probably was, before the Grey Veil started their chaos."

Yuka leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "If that's true, then it'll be worth seeing. Besides, the thought of unraveling the Grey Veil's schemes has me itching to put my skills to good use."

Miri turned from the front, smirking. "Let's not forget, the king didn't send us to sightsee. This is a mission, and we'll need to stay sharp."

Max stretched his arms. "Well, I hope we encounter something. I've been itching for a good fight since I arrived at Riscone and joined the guild."

The group laughed, the camaraderie setting a positive tone for the journey. The sun dipped low as the day wore on, casting golden light over the landscape. They decided to camp near a serene creek surrounded by tall pines.

The campfire crackled as the group settled in for the night. The scent of roasted meat filled the air as Yuka expertly cooked their meal. Flake, Oculis, and Blubby hovered nearby, the familiars enjoying their surroundings.

Tobe leaned against a tree, watching the stars. "This… this is the kind of peace I'd live with."

Miri, sitting beside him, nodded. "Every step we take brings us closer to ensuring others can enjoy moments like this. That's what being a guild is about.... Probably.."

Max chuckled. "Well said, guild master. But let's not get too soft. We've still got days ahead of us."

Yuka tossed him a roasted skewer. "Then eat up and get some rest. You'll need your strength."

The group ate heartily, sharing stories from their past adventures and dreams for the future. As the fire burned low, they drifted to sleep under the canopy of stars.

The second day began uneventfully, but as they traversed a dense forest, the atmosphere grew tense. The sound of snapping branches and rustling leaves put everyone on edge.

"Stay alert," Max warned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Before they could react, a pack of wolves burst from the underbrush, snarling and baring their fangs. These were no ordinary wolves—their fur shimmered unnaturally, and their eyes glowed with an eerie green light.

"Mana-infused ambush wolves," Yuka hissed, drawing her staff. "They're faster and more aggressive than those we fought before."

The wolves lunged, and chaos erupted.

Tobe was the first to move, leaping from the carriage. With a swift motion, he activated Explosion Impact, his palm striking the ground and creating a shockwave that sent two wolves flying.

Miri dashed forward, her shield raised. A wolf lunged at her, but she countered with Shield Bash, sending the beast sprawling. She followed up with a Slash, her sword cutting through another wolf that tried to flank her.

Yuka stayed near the carriage, channeling her mana. She half-summoned Scale, who roared and unleashed a gust of wind that knocked several wolves off their feet.

Max, eager for action, engaged a pair of wolves. With a battle cry, he swung his greatsword, cleaving through one wolf and forcing the other to retreat. "These mutts aren't so tough!"

The pack leader, a massive wolf with crimson streaks in its fur, emerged from the shadows and charged at Tobe. Its claws sparked with electricity as it swiped at him. Tobe barely dodged, countering with an uncharged Firas Bolto. The firebolt struck the wolf's side, but it shook off the attack and howled, summoning reinforcements.

"It's calling more!" Miri shouted.

"Not for long," Tobe said, his eyes glowing as she unleashed Aqua Control, forming a spear of water that she hurled at the leader. The spear struck true, staggering the beast.

Tobe seized the opportunity, charging forward with Cat-like Instinct guiding his movements. He struck the pack leader with a decisive blow, his palm glowing as he delivered a fully charged Explosion Impact. The leader collapsed, its body disintegrating into mana particles.

The remaining wolves fled, their glowing eyes vanishing into the forest.

The group caught their breath as the forest grew silent again.

Max sheathed his sword, grinning. "Now that's what I call a warm-up."

Miri frowned. "If that was a warm-up, I don't want to see the main event."

Tobe wiped his hands clean. "Good work, everyone. Let's move. We've lost enough time."

As they continued their journey, the group remained vigilant, their bond strengthened by the battle.

By the third day, the landscape began to change. Rolling hills gave way to vast plains dotted with wildflowers. The sun shone brightly, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming lavender.

"It's beautiful out here," Yuka remarked, her voice soft. "You don't see sights like this in Riscone."

Miri smiled. "Makes you wonder how much of the world we've yet to see."

Max leaned back in the carriage. "After this mission, we should take some time to explore. No quests, no fighting. Just… traveling."

Tobe chuckled. "You?! Not fighting? I'll believe it when I see it."

As the group exchanged banter, their carriage rolled past a lone traveler sitting by the road. The traveler raised a hand in greeting, and Tobe signaled the driver to stop.

The Mysterious Stranger, an elderly man with a long gray beard.

"You folks heading to Varfelt?" he asked, his voice raspy.

Tobe nodded. "That's right. Do you know anything about the road ahead?"

The man's expression darkened. "Aye. The closer you get, the stranger things become. Unnatural folk, disappearing caravans, and… even shadows that don't belong."

The group exchanged uneasy glances.

"Thank you for the warning," Miri said, offering the man some food.

The man accepted with a grateful nod. "Take care, travelers. The road to Varfelt is no ordinary path."

As they left the traveler behind, the weight of his words lingered in the air.

That evening, the group set up camp near a quiet lake. The moon reflected on the water's surface, creating a serene yet haunting atmosphere.

Tobe stared at the lake, deep in thought. "We're heading into something big. I can feel it."

Miri placed a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Yuka tended to Scale, her bond with the wyvern evident in the way she spoke softly to him. Max sharpened his blade, the sound of steel on stone filling the quiet night.

As they prepared for the days ahead, the group felt a mix of anticipation and unease. The journey to Varfelt was far from over, and the unknown awaited them with open arms.

As the ground trembled beneath their feet, a powerful quake rippled through the area. Its origin was unmistakable—the lake itself. Ripples formed on the water's surface, intensifying as if something massive stirred below. Tobe and Miri instinctively stepped back, their movements cautious but steady, while Max and Miri quickly shifted into fighting stances, weapons drawn. Yuka, ever alert, summoned Blubby, who quivered with anticipation.

The tremors peaked as the water surged upward, cascading in sheets, revealing a structure rising from the depths. Massive stone doors adorned with intricate, glowing runes emerged from the lake, heralding the appearance of a brand-new dungeon.

For a moment, the group froze, staring in awe and disbelief at the rare phenomenon unfolding before them. The air felt charged with mystery and danger.

"A dungeon…" Miri murmured, her voice tinged with wonder and unease.

"A literal dungeon just spawned right in front of us," Max blurted, his tone swinging between excitement and alarm. "Are we really going to ignore something this insane?!"

Yuka stood in silence, observing the others as they exchanged glances. She folded her arms, listening intently to the brewing discussion.

"This is incredible," Miri admitted, her grip on her sword tightening. "A brand-new dungeon… That means new loot, fresh resources—" Her voice faltered as a pang of hesitation crept in. "But… our mission to Varfelt..."

Tobe's eyes gleamed as he took in the towering structure. "Weeeell… it wouldn't hurt to take a little detour, right? I mean, Max does feel a bit rusty—"

"I don't feel rusty!" Max shot back, but Tobe carried on, unperturbed.

"—plus… TREASURE!" Tobe spread his arms dramatically. "Come on, Miri! Think about it—untouched loot, rare materials. When else are we going to stumble across a fresh dungeon like this, huh?"

Miri sighed, torn between responsibility and intrigue. Finally, a wry smile crept across her lips. "Fine. But if this takes too long, you're explaining it to the king."

Yuka nodded, her usually calm demeanor softening with a flicker of curiosity. "I don't see why not. A dungeon like this is rare—perhaps too rare to pass up."

Max crossed his arms and grumbled. "I don't like the idea of delaying the mission… but I'm not staying here alone while you all go diving into who-knows-what." He sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'm in."

With the decision made, Tobe stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. His hands reached out, gripping the massive stone doors. With a firm push, the doors groaned open, revealing an ominous darkness beyond. A rush of cool air spilled out, carrying with it the faint scent of damp stone and untold secrets.

As they stood at the threshold, weapons at the ready, Tobe grinned back at the group. "Alright, team. Let's see what this dungeon's got in store for us."

The four of them (along with Flake and Oculis), took their first steps into the unknown, prepared to face whatever challenges—...and treasures—lay ahead.

End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:

Tobe Lvl 72 - (Race Abilities: High Jump, Cat-like Instinct) (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct, Firas Bolto, Rock Spire Shotgun, Vine Whip )

Flake Lvl 33 - (Skills: Ice Creation, Icicle Rush, Frost Breath, Ice Ball Shot, Familiar Fusion)

Miri Lvl 66 - (Race Abilities: Halo Flash, False Judgement, Weightless Embodiment) (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Shield Block, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Bastion Wall Shield, Bastion Weapon Integration)

Oculis Lvl 30 - (Skills: Health Drain Tendril, Soft Healing Glow, Wide Party Heal)

Yuka Lvl 54 - (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 43, Scale Lvl 49, Balboa Lvl 53, Spryt Lvl 40, Gyutei Lvl 45)