All of them were running from the spores, which seemed to writhe and coil, closing in with unsettling speed. The air itself felt thick and heavy, pressing down on them.

  As they ran, Matt and Pat exchanged a hard, calculating look. Matthew spoke, his voice low and edged with a cruel practicality, "You know, Pat, this is our chance. Time to lighten the load. Lose some dead weight."

  Their gazes fell on Vicky, who was stumbling badly, her movements sluggish and uncoordinated. She was clearly disoriented, still struggling to shake off the effects of that brutal hoof print on her head. Her eyes were unfocused, and a thin trickle of blood matted her hair.

  Matthew stopped abruptly, turning to face Vicky. His expression was devoid of empathy. "We won't outrun these spores if you keep dragging us down," he said, his tone flat and dismissive. Then, with a callous shove, he pushed Vicky directly into the swirling mass of spores.

  The two of them resumed their flight, their boots pounding on the uneven ground, leaving Vicky behind without a backward glance.

  Alex and Ebony, however, spun around, their faces registering shock and disgust. They could hear Matt and Pat's harsh, triumphant laughter carried on the wind, a sound that grated on Ebony's nerves.

  "Bunch of heartless bastards," Ebony spat, his voice tight with anger. He and Alex didn't hesitate.

  They picked up Vicky, supporting her between them as they stumbled forward, their eyes burning and tearing from the encroaching spores. "This fog... it's too thick," Ebony gasped, keeping his mouth clamped shut to avoid inhaling the worst of it. "We're not going to make it at this pace."

  With a desperate surge of adrenaline, he opened his mouth briefly to yell at the retreating figures, "Go on! I'll try to hold them off!"

  Ebony then whirled around, assuming a wide, defiant fighting stance. He began to punch and slash at the swirling spores, as if they were a tangible enemy.

  Each blow sent ripples through the dense cloud, creating a small, temporary pocket of clearer air. This desperate action bought them precious seconds, allowing them to breathe a little easier and gain some ground on the others.

  As they all ran, Matthew and Pat finally reached Pyrrhus, who was being jostled roughly in the makeshift litter. They lifted him with a surprising gentleness, carrying him away from the danger.

  Pyrrhus, his mind still clouded and disoriented from his injuries, looked up at them with suspicion. He recognized the two men he least trusted, the ones most likely to betray him. His breath came in shallow, ragged gasps, and his eyes held a flicker of fear.

  Pat, attempting to sound reassuring despite the urgency of the situation, spoke to him, "Don't worry, boss. We've got you. We just need to outrun these damn spores. We'll be safe soon."

  Pyrrhus said nothing in response, his gaze fixed on some unseen horror. He could only listen to their words and hope they were true.

  Back at the caravan, those waiting anxiously heard the approaching shouts and the frantic pounding of feet. "Go! Go! We're being chased by spores!"

  The Silver Falcons and Nova, their faces etched with concern, turned to see the six figures emerge from the swirling fog, running for their lives. They paused only briefly to punch and slash at the trailing spores, pushing them back with desperate energy, before continuing their headlong flight.

  "Time to move! Everyone, back to the caravan!" The order was barked out, and the horses were whipped into motion. Everyone scrambled towards the relative safety of the vehicles, running as if their lives depended on it, trying to outpace the relentless advance of the spores.

  Then, just as suddenly as they had appeared, the spores ceased their pursuit. They swirled and eddied for a moment, then began to dissipate, dissolving into nothingness before reaching the caravan. The threat vanished as quickly as it had materialized.

  Everyone had made it to safety, including Xiao Ling, who emerged from the edge of the spores, looking shaken but unharmed.

  Vicky, however, was in a terrible state. She collapsed to her knees, gasping for air, her chest heaving violently. She clutched at her throat, feeling as if the spores were still clinging to her lungs, choking her from the inside.

  Alex knelt beside her, his face a mask of worry. He gently supported her, ensuring she continued to breathe, his eyes scanning her for any other signs of injury.

  Ebony, finally able to catch his breath, leaned against one of the carts, his body trembling with exhaustion and lingering anger. He looked around, taking in the scene. "Wait... wait a minute. Where's my bag? My book bag?"

  Alex, ever observant, held up the bag, which he had been carrying for him. "Right here," he said quietly.

  Ebony rummaged through it, his fingers flying over the contents.

  He noted with a grimace that some of his smaller possessions had indeed fallen out during the chaotic escape.

  "Well," he muttered, trying to sound nonchalant, "good thing I left most of my pearls back at the Adventurer's Guild. I'd hate to be a broke musician again." He emphasized the word "again" with a wry twist of his lips.

  They made it to the exit of Serpent's Pass. The destroyed centaur encampment stood as a testament to their chaotic brawl.

  It was a slow ride; everyone was exhausted, tired, and drained of energy. A heavy silence settled over the group. No cheer, no relaxation, just constant, wary alertness.

  Ebony and his companions were particularly on edge. Vicky, her head wrapped in bandages and an ice pack, cradled her throbbing temple.

  She rubbed the spot where the ice pressed against her skin, feeling a dull ache.

  Alex, her partner, held her hand, his wand ready, his galaxy eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, though he longed for rest.

  Ebony, too, remained vigilant, Armadarian in his hands. He examined the blade, its silver surface gleaming with an ultraviolet glow. It was a beautiful weapon, a pity it was wielded by someone so cruel.

  Without another word, Ebony sheathed Armadarian and turned to Pyrrhus, who sat nearby, battered, bruised, and silent. He, too, seemed to crave only rest.

  Pyrrhus’s face was a canvas of bruises, cuts, and scratches; his eyes swollen, his lip torn, and his hair disheveled. He was a picture of defeat.

  Ebony tossed Armadarian and Pyrrhus crossbow into his lap.

  "See? I told you I'd return them," Ebony responded.

  Patrick screamed, an ignorant anger in his voice, "Hey, what do you do when he's hurt? Do you know no shame?" Patrick said, as if he himself were a paragon of virtue.

  Ebony shut down his question, "I don't want to hear anything from you right now." He extended his hand. "My blades."

  But Matt and Pat, like the geniuses they were, pondered whether they should return them. Ebony was not in the mood for their antics.

  Matt and Pat hesitated, exchanging glances. "But…I really like the green hilt of this one," Matt said.

  "Yeah, and I like the red hilt," Patrick added smugly. "It matches my hair."

  Without warning, Xiao Ling stepped from the trees, grabbed both their arms, and twisted them. "Give them back now," he hissed.

  The dumb-dumb brothers dropped the blades into Ebony’s outstretched hands and then Ebony sheathed his swords, sitting beside his companions in silence.

  Xiao Ling turned back to the brothers, grabbing them by their collars. "I know what you did," he whispered. "Don't think you two morons are getting away with this. I will fillet you both. I'm not kidding."

  Both of them nodded, paralyzed with fear. Xiao Ling sat across from them and had his head down.

  The group remained silent and vigilant, the tension lingering even as they moved past the forest. A half-hour later, they finally reached the glottis entrance, a collective sigh of relief escaping their lips as they entered the kingdom. They had reached their destination.

  They landed at a warehouse filled with goods and crates, making their way to the warehouse management doorway where Nova, Pyrrhus, and Ebony entered, reaching the main office.

  The person in charge of the warehouse was visibly relieved at the arrival of the caravan, a hint of worry still etched on his face.

  "Oh, thank goodness," he said, "I thought it was never going to come. I see you guys were a little late." He then looked at the battered and bruised group, his expression shifting to concern. "Well, I see you encountered some troubles coming over here, I see."

  The two leaders, Pyrrhus and Ebony, remained silent, arms folded, waiting for the transaction to conclude. Nova, however, spoke on their behalf. "Yeah, just an encounter with a couple of bandits, but that's neither here nor there.

  They're out of the way. Let's just make the exchange and get the coins, okay, It has been a long day for all of us?" Nova, clearly eager to finish the task, got straight to the point.

  The worker agreed, "Yeah, okay, okay, your reward. He went to a chest and retrieved the correct amount of gold: 600 pearl coins.

  He filled two bags, handing one to Pyrrhus and one to Ebony. Ebony took his, turning to the man with a polite nod. "Thank god Good sir, have a good one."

  Both leaders then walked out of the warehouse, where their associates waited, ready to depart once more.

  Both groups, wanting nothing to do with one another, prepared to part ways without another word.

  But before they could, Ebony turned and addressed Pyrrhus. "Oi, Pyrrhus!" Ebony shouted, a mocking lilt in his voice.

  Pyrrhus turned, his glare unenthusiastic.

  "Just a little heads-up," Ebony said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "If you're feeling a bit light in the coin purse, I've got some more spices coming in soon. The kind you seem to enjoy 'acquiring' when people are not looking."

  Pyrrhus's eyes narrowed. He realized Ebony was fully aware of his plans. He hadn't expected the musician to be so perceptive. The warrior clenched his fist, his carefully laid plans unraveling before him.

  He wanted to retort, to deliver a cutting insult, but the sheer disgust he felt prevented him from speaking. He simply couldn't stand to look at Ebony any longer.

  "Silver Falcons!" he barked, turning to his group. "We're moving out! Patrick, carry my shit!"

  The Silver Falcons, battered and weary, began to move. Patrick, groaning under the weight of the loot, struggled to keep up.

  "Jordan!" Pyrrhus yelled. "Give me a wet cloth, now!" Jordan, sporting a crooked bandage across his nose, reluctantly handed his leader a damp cloth.

  Pyrrhus began to meticulously wipe down his long sword, his face contorted in disgust. "Dirty dog," he muttered. "Touching my blade and my crossbow." As the Silver Falcons turned to leave, he cast one last venomous look at Ebony.

  "This won't be the last we see of you, Gundo."

  Ebony and his group watched the mercenaries depart, their opinions of the Silver Falcons unchanged.

  Ebony turned to see Xiao Ling and Nova still lingering, standing just outside the warehouse entrance. Xiao Ling, with his characteristic air of aloofness, began to walk further away, distancing himself from the group.

  "Oh, wait, Bounty Hunter," Ebony called out, his voice laced with a charming warmth. He approached Xiao Ling, his movements fluid and his expression one of genuine gratitude.

  "Xiao Ling, I wanted to thank you," Ebony began, his voice sincere. "Without your intervention back there, things could have gone very differently.

  You saved Vicky, and for that, I'm truly grateful." He paused, then added, "You know, with your skills, you'd be a valuable asset to our group. We could use someone with your… direct approach."

  Xiao Ling met Ebony's gaze, his expression unchanging. "Direct approach?" he echoed, his voice cool and measured.

  "You mean surviving by sheer luck? The fact you managed to take down that centaur at your level is nothing short of a miracle. In any other reality, you'd be a corpse. Your recklessness is astounding."

  Ebony chuckled, undeterred. "Come now, Xiao Ling, you're too modest. You're a skilled hunter, a survivor. You'd fit right in. Besides, we're a diverse bunch, and we could always use someone who isn't afraid to speak their mind."

  He continued, his bardic charm weaving through his words, attempting to appeal to the hunter's sense of pragmatism.

  "I prefer to work alone," Xiao Ling replied, his tone dismissive. "Your 'group' is a chaotic mess, and I have no interest in being involved. You managed to kill your target, and for that, you have my respect. But that's where it ends."

  Before Xiao Ling could leave, Vicky stepped forward, her expression soft. "Thank you," she said, extending her hand. "For saving me."

  Xiao Ling hesitated, then took her hand. He noted the warmth and softness of her touch, a stark contrast to his own calloused hands.

  He looked up at her, a rare, fleeting smile gracing his lips. "You're welcome," he said softly. "Take care."

  With a final nod, Xiao Ling turned and walked away, his two lunar twins flanking him on either side,

  They disappeared into the distance, leaving Ebony and his remaining companions to their own devices.

  "Well," Ebony said, turning to Alex, Vicky, and Nova, a soft smile playing on his lips, "looks like it's just the four of us now. A little less… spicy company, perhaps?"

  A collective sigh swept through the group. "That adventure was rough," Vicky commented, rubbing her temples gingerly.

  "My head feels like a goblin's drum. I could really use a good meal, something warm and… soothing." Her words, usually sharp and precise during combat, were now a little scattered, a testament to her lingering discomfort.

  Alex nodded, attempting to speak. "Y-y-yeah," he began, his voice a hesitant tremor, "I-I-I… a…a…a…food." He trailed off, his frustration evident in his clenched jaw. He simply wanted to say "I agree, food sounds good."

  "Let's go get something to eat," Ebony suggested, his voice smooth and inviting. He turned to Nova, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

  "Lovely Nova, would you care to grace us with your presence? I'm sure your discerning palate would appreciate the local cuisine."

  Nova feigned indifference, shrugging her shoulders with a nonchalant flick of her wrist. "I don't know," she drawled, her voice laced with practiced disinterest.

  "I suppose I could use a break from all this… excitement." However, her eyes, despite her words, shone with a clear eagerness, betraying her desire for a moment of respite and good company.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Just as they were about to leave, a hulking figure approached them. It was Borin, one of the Silver Falcons, his prominent snout nose and wide nostrils giving him a somewhat intimidating appearance.

  He held out a small pouch to Ebony, his expression unreadable. The group exchanged surprised glances.

  Ebony took the pouch, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

  He opened it and found a handful of coins, their metallic gleam catching the light. Borin, his voice surprisingly soft for his size, simply said,

  "Thank you."

  Ebony, genuinely surprised but pleased by the unexpected gesture, smiled warmly. "You are so welcome, sir,"You have a good one."

  Borin responded with a thumbs up and a crooked, almost shy, smile, then turned and hurried to catch up with his departing comrades.

  Ebony watched him go, a small sense of satisfaction settling over him. "Well," he said, turning back to his companions, "at least one of them has some gratitude. "

  With that, the four of them turned and walked away from the warehouse, their steps guided by the promise of a warm meal and a moment of well-deserved rest.

  ◇

  They settled into a comfortable window seat, the warm glow of the eatery a welcome contrast to the harsh realities of Serpent's Pass.

  A collective sigh of relief passed through them, the tension slowly draining away. Borin's unexpected generosity, a small pouch of coins, allowed them to pay for their meal, leaving their hard-earned 600 pearl coins untouched.

  The act fostered a sense of camaraderie, a shared moment of peace.

  Vicky, cradling a steaming bowl of healing broth, sought solace for her aching head. The warm, herbal scent filled her senses, easing the lingering tension.

  She recounted a tale of a rare herb found deep within Serpent's Pass, detailing its potent healing properties.

  "It's like a warm hug," she murmured, her voice soft, a glimpse of vulnerability. Her passion for her craft shone through.

  Alex, finding comfort in the familiar act of eating, slowly savored his artichoke pie. He attempted to explain the intricate magical energies woven into the ingredients, his voice a hesitant stutter.

  Frustration flickered across his face as the words caught in his throat. He resorted to drawing elaborate diagrams on the table, trying to visually convey his thoughts, his mind still slightly scattered from the recent ordeal.

  Nova, as she savored her spiced venison, spoke of her past dealings in a soft, almost detached tone. "It's all about understanding people," she mused, her gaze drifting around the room.

  "Knowing what they want, what they need. A kind word, a gentle touch… it's surprising how easily they're swayed." She paused, a faint smile playing on her lips.

  "And when things go awry," she continued, her voice laced with mock sympathy, "it's hardly my fault. They were simply… misunderstood. And, really," she added, her eyes widening slightly, "I was only trying to help."

  Ebony, surrounded by a lavish feast, entertained his companions with songs and stories.

  His lute filled the restaurant with a warm, melodic tune, and he wove tales of romantic escapades and daring adventures, his bardic charm filling the air. He began a story about a beautiful maiden, his voice captivating and filled with playful innuendo, drawing them all into his world.

  The meal became a shared space of bonding and conversation. They delved into each other's lives, sharing stories of their pasts and the paths that had led them to this moment. Alex and Vicky, in particular, opened up to Nova, sharing tales of their origins.

  Ebony, his voice gaining confidence as he spoke, explained his reasons for adventuring, mentioning the monastery in dire need and his determination to aid them. The shared meal, a simple act, forged a deeper connection between them, a moment of respite in their tumultuous lives.

  Forty-five minutes passed, the group lingering at their table, the warmth of the eatery and the camaraderie of their shared meal holding them captive.

  The conversation, once light and jovial, took a turn as Ebony recounted their encounter with the Silver Falcons, detailing their suspicions of the mercenaries' underhanded tactics. Nova listened, her expression shifting from amusement to disbelief.

  "They were stealing from my diner?" she asked, her voice incredulous, shaking her head slowly. "For how long?" The realization settled over her, a mix of anger and disbelief, that such a betrayal could have occurred right under her nose, for so long.

  Vicky turned her nose up, shaking her head, feeling foolish for trusting them. "Well, that's the last time we hire them," she declared, her voice laced with disgust.

  "The 600 we took is all they're getting. Trust me, the next shipment we deliver, they won't be involved. I'll make sure to tell Wyatt."

  "Yeah," Vicky continued, her voice rising slightly, "especially that Lux. She's horrible. To think I actually felt sorry for her." Vicky shook her head in disgust.

  Vicky's thoughts about Lux were a tangled mix of disappointment and anger. "I thought she was just… lonely," she admitted, her voice softening slightly.

  "I didn't like how Pyrrhus was talking to her. I thought she just wanted to be around people. But it turns out, she's just like him. She deserves to be part of that terrible group."

  Alex, his voice a low rumble, agreed with his partner. "Selfish bastards," he muttered, clenching his fist. "Taking my wand..."

  Ebony leaned back in his chair, reclining slightly, and gave a reassuring wave of his hand. "Don't worry," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Those fools will never forget us. Every time they see me, I'll remind them they owe us one."

  He sat up straighter, leaning closer to his companions. "Keep in mind," he continued, "we saved them twice. And I won't hesitate to remind them every time they cross our path. They won't forget who pulled them out of the fire."

  "Think about it," Ebony said, his eyes twinkling. "The first time, we found the portal because we were looking for those Angel flowers, which we successfully gathered. And the second time, we rescued them from that encirclement. They won't forget our faces."

  He gave a reassuring wink, taking a sip of his ale. "Trust me," he said, his voice laced with confidence. "They know better than to cross us again."

  Vicky nodded in agreement, her anger slowly subsiding. "They better," she muttered, her voice still tinged with resentment.

  Alex, still simmering with anger, clenched and unclenched his fists. "They'll pay," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

  Nova, who had been listening intently, finally spoke. "They won't be a problem," she said, her voice smooth and reassuring. "They've made a powerful enemy."

  Ebony raised his glass in a silent toast. "To enemies," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "May they always underestimate us."

  All four of them raised their glasses, a soft clinking sound echoing through the warm eatery, and took a simultaneous sip. A shared moment of amusement, a brief respite from the lingering tension.

  Ebony turned to Nova, a playful glint in his eyes. "Speaking of encirclements," he said, his voice laced with a teasing lilt, "I was referring to the same one where we rescued you. Remember? From peril?"

  He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on her. "So," he continued, his voice dropping to a suggestive murmur, "shouldn't a hero receive a reward? Where's my reward, gorgeous?"

  Nova met his gaze, her expression a careful mix of stoicism and playful amusement. "And what makes you think," she countered, her voice smooth and low, "that I carry such… rewards on my person?"

  "Well," Ebony replied, his voice a playful drawl, "a hero deserves his due, wouldn't you agree?"

  Nova's smile widened slightly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I bet you say that to all your girls," she said, her tone light, but with an underlying edge.

  She paused, her gaze lingering on him, a subtle suggestion in her eyes.

  "And what, exactly," she asked, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "do you mean by 'reward'? Is there something that involves pleasure? Are you trying to please me?"

  Ebony, sensing the playful challenge, leaned closer. "Well," he said, his voice a low rumble, "I didn't specify, but I wouldn't object to… certain forms of appreciation."

  Nova's smile vanished, replaced by a sudden frown. "I don't like this," she said, her voice sharp, a hint of anger creeping in. "Stop it."

  Ebony was taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor. He had thought it was playful banter, a continuation of their earlier conversation. He hadn't intended to offend her.

  "Oh," he stammered, his voice laced with confusion. "I… I didn't mean to imply anything… inappropriate. I thought you were… playing along."

  She shifted in her seat, her expression a mask of offended innocence. "You implied something that involved my body," she stated, her voice cool and measured. "I never agreed to such a thing."

  "I never said anything like that," Ebony replied, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I meant… a date. Or something. A friendly gesture."

  Nova's eyes narrowed. "Don't twist my words," she said, her voice sharp and accusatory. "No no,Your suggestion was disgusting and inappropriate, Stop it".

  An awkward silence settled over the table, the playful banter replaced by an uncomfortable tension.

  Alex and Vicky, bewildered by the sudden shift in Nova's demeanor, exchanged confused glances. The playful atmosphere had vanished, replaced by an uncomfortable tension they couldn't quite decipher.

  Vicky, ever pragmatic, decided to diffuse the situation. "Oh, hey, Ebony," she said, her voice bright and cheerful, "did you check your quest sheet? It should indicate if your quest was completed."

  "Oh, yeah," Ebony replied, his voice still tinged with confusion, "it's in my… torn book bag." He retrieved the battered bag, noting with relief that his important documents were safely tucked in the second pouch.

  He pulled out the quest sheets, finding two marked with checkmarks. "Crazy," he muttered, surprised. "I didn't even realize they were finished. It's usually just… papers."

  He rummaged through his bag again, finding his stat sheet.

  His eyes widened. "Oh," he exclaimed, "I didn't even notice this! I'm level three now!" He examined the sheet, his brow furrowed in surprise.

  "I didn't know these magical sheets could even do that." He turned to his companions, holding up the sheet. "These things are amazing!"

  Ebony and Vicky began discussing the stat sheet and the implications of his level up, their voices a welcome distraction from the lingering tension.

  Vicky, curious, pulled out her own adventure sheet.

  "Yeah," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice, "I leveled up too! Thanks to that centaur encounter, I'm now level four."

  "And that's not the best part," she added, her eyes sparkling. She then showed Alex's sheet, which indicated he was now level five.

  The discovery of their level ups brought a renewed sense of excitement to the group, a welcome distraction from the earlier awkwardness.

  Vicky continued, 'Hey, Ebony, if we head back to the Adventurers Guild in Dimito, turning in these completed quests will allow you to level up even higher, which will make you even stronger.'"

  Ebony's eyes widened, a spark of genuine excitement igniting within their depths. "You mean, just handing these in will make me even stronger than I am now? That's incredible! What kind of magic is imbued in this sheet?"

  Vicky chuckled, a hint of knowing pride coloring her voice. "Well, you know how you placed your thumbprint on the sheet when you accepted the quest? That's the key. It's like a… magical contagion, as they call it."

  "Magical contagion?" Ebony repeated, the word rolling off his tongue with intrigued curiosity. "What exactly does that entail, Vicky?"

  "Well," Vicky began, her brow furrowing in concentration as she tried to recall the specifics, "I'm not entirely confident in all the finer details. But I do know it essentially boosts your already existing powers, like… magically enhances the skills you already possess."

  Ebony pondered this revelation, his mind already racing with the possibilities. "A boost to my already existing skills…" He trailed off, a thoughtful expression settling upon his features. "I wonder if my music can be enhanced in such a way. Because if it could… I truly believe I would be unstoppable."

  He began to muse aloud, lost in contemplation of the potential. "Even though Serpent's Pass felt like an endless climb, constantly scraping your knees, dicey cliffs,

  stumbling and falling, getting bruised and battered, even being struck by stray rocks…

  But we persevered. We conquered it.

  We're still alive, still relatively intact, and we've gained a rather dramatic story to recount." He paused, a triumphant glint momentarily flashing in his eyes.

  "It was a tremendous hurdle, one that left us with a fair share of scratches and bruises, but ultimately, it was all worthwhile. And to think, fighting those formidable centaurs actually boosted my abilities twice!

  I hadn't even consciously registered the change. That likely explains the surge of strength I felt earlier."

  "Well," he said, turning to his companions, a hopeful lilt in his voice, "if we continue to take on more of these quests, especially the higher-level ones, we could potentially level up even faster, right, guys?"

  Vicky and Alex exchanged a look fraught with apprehension, their eyes widening with a shared sense of unease.

  The immediate prospect of throwing themselves back into similarly dangerous situations held little appeal.

  Vicky placed her hands flat on the table, her expression earnest and her gaze fixed on Ebony. "No, please, Ebony," she pleaded, her voice laced with genuine concern. "Let's not jump back into the fire of hype level quests so quickly.

  I really, truly don't want to go through something like that again."

  Ebony tilted his head, a picture of genuine confusion. "What do you mean, Vicky?

  We overcame it, didn't we? It was undeniably tough, incredibly difficult, but ultimately, we made it through."

  "Yes," Vicky emphasized, her voice firm and unwavering, "but it didn't have to be that excruciatingly difficult in the first place! It could have been significantly easier, trust me, if we had been at a higher level beforehand."

  Ebony furrowed his brow, his hand instinctively rising to rub his forehead in contemplation. "Okay, Vicky," he said, his voice laced with genuine curiosity, "explain this to me logically. How exactly does obtaining a higher level truly benefit us, compared to the way we just managed to succeed?"

  Vicky leaned forward, tapping a finger on Ebony's Adventure sheet. "See your stat sheet right here, Ebony? See these numbers listed on the side?"

  She pointed to the various categories. "Look at the stats. You have Universal skills, and then your class skills: Combatant, Stealth, Speaker, and Artist."

  "These skills indicate your inherent proficiencies and, conversely, areas where you are less skilled," Vicky explained patiently.

  "And as a level one character, initially, all of your base stats were quite low," she continued. "Had you simply undertaken smaller, more manageable quests earlier on, it would have been a much smoother process to gradually level yourself up and build a solid foundation before tackling these larger, more demanding requests."

  "Right now," Vicky stated pragmatically, "your core stat levels are still relatively low. And I'm sorry to say this, Ebony, but you're not going to progress very far relying solely on sheer luck, especially now that you've only just reached level three."

  "Well," Vicky continued, recalling their earlier interaction, "when we were trying to convince Xiao Ling to join our group, you didn't actually convince him, did you?"

  Ebony looked genuinely taken aback, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. He paused, as if replaying the conversation in his mind.

  "No, no," he protested weakly, "I… I convinced him. I stood firm in my conviction, and I persuasively argued for him to join us."

  Vicky shook her head gently but firmly. "No, Ebony, you didn't. That wasn't persuasion; that was intimidation. And even your intimidation wasn't solely responsible.

  He was primarily intimidated by the fact that you almost caused a landslide – the sheer force of nature caused the intimidation, not solely your presence."

  "Well, that's not entirely true," Ebony countered, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. "He still ended up joining us.

  " Vicky corrected him once more. "No, I persuaded him. He ultimately joined us because of my proficiency in social interactions."

  "Honestly, Ebony," Vicky stated bluntly, "you haven't really convinced many people of anything, except for us, your initial companions, and that's primarily because you are our leader. We were already inclined to follow you."

  "You couldn't even effectively convince Lapith's Bane," Vicky pointed out, her tone matter-of-fact. "Your speech was so unconvincing that Lapith's Bane saw right through your attempts at deception and immediately blew our cover.

  You displayed poor proficiency in intimidation, low deception skills, and less-than-stellar oratory."

  "And for someone who is supposed to be a bard," Vicky added, glancing pointedly at his Adventure sheet, "your artistic skills are surprisingly low, especially considering you started at level one."

  She pointed to a specific section of his sheet.

  Artist Skills:

  * Illustrator: 0

  * Writer: 6

  * Dancer: 12

  * Musician: 10

  * Cartography: 0

  * Performance: 7

  Ebony stared at the listed stats, utterly befuddled. "What? That… that's not true! I am a great musician! Why is my musician skill only at ten? It should be at least a hundred! I've been making music, playing music, my entire life! This is preposterous!" Ebony exclaimed, his voice rising in genuine displeasure.

  "Yeah, I know, Ebony," Vicky said patiently, "but since you didn't, you know, take on those smaller, more focused quests and practice those specific skills, the sheet only recorded what it directly observed during your adventuring. It didn't inherently recognize your lifelong proficiency."

  It's called the calibration period of proficient skills.

  Vicky said, tapping his Adventure Sheet. "Think of it this way: everyone has natural talents, things they're already good at. For you, it's music. That's a proficiency in itself. This Adventure Sheet, because it's magically attuned to us, recognizes those inherent skills."

  "So, this 'calibration' period," she continued, "is when the sheet confirms what you're truly proficient in. Once it does, it actually enhances those skills. For example, because you're a natural musician, the sheet might give you a permanent boost to your musical abilities, making you even better than you were before – say, an extra 10% effectiveness."

  "But," Vicky stressed, "that boost only happens for the skills you've actually demonstrated proficiency in. If you try to skip ahead and do things you're not really ready for, the sheet won't recognize it as true skill, and you won't get that extra boost. It’s about building on your strengths the right way."

  Ebony listened intently as Vicky explained the intricacies of the calibration period, a dawning understanding washing over his features.

  He didn't argue, didn't try to deflect blame. He recognized the inherent logic in her explanation, acknowledging that this more measured approach was likely the most effective path to truly mastering his skills and rectifying his earlier impulsiveness.

  However, a flicker of his previous motivations surfaced. "Well, yeah, I guess you're right," he conceded, rubbing the back of his neck.

  "But… the reason I took those shortcuts, jumped into the deep end, so to speak… It was partly about the action, wanting to prove myself quickly. And the money, too, you know? The Monastery… needs the coins, and those level one quests didn't exactly pay a king's ransom."

  A wry smile touched his lips as a recent memory surfaced. "Master Jian always told me, 'Learn how to swim before you jump into the deep end.' And yet," Ebony chuckled, shaking his head, "despite taking that escort quest through Serpent's Pass… I almost drowned. Figuratively, of course."

  "So," Ebony concluded, a thoughtful expression on his face, "what you're saying is… it's like… grinding?" Vicky nodded firmly. "Grinding,"

  Ebony repeated, a slight grimace accompanying the word. "Well, I guess that is it. I guess that's what I meant, yes."

  Vicky, Alex, and Nova had remained silent throughout this exchange, their expressions a mixture of understanding and quiet support. They listened intently to Ebony's explanation and Vicky's patient guidance.

  Vicky responded with a knowing nod. "I understand, Ebony. Most people who start off in this life always want to skip to the good parts, to immediately show everyone what they're capable of. Trust me, I get it.

  And let's be honest, those level one quests are often very underpaid, basic, and feel more like chores than actual adventures. I completely understand why you'd want to avoid spending too much time doing someone else's mundane tasks."

  "But Ebony," Vicky continued, her voice firm but kind, "taking on challenges far beyond your current level won't actually make your natural talents stronger in the long run.

  You've got to master the fundamentals first for that Adventure Sheet to really recognize your inherent abilities and kick in with that proficiency bonus."

  Ebony winced slightly, the truth of her words hitting home. "So then that means…" Vicky finished his sentence with a decisive nod.

  "Yes, Ebony. You're going to have to start grinding."

  Ebony let out a dramatic eye roll, clearly not thrilled with the prospect of tedious, lower-level tasks.

  However, the logic of Vicky's explanation resonated with him, and he understood the necessity of this course correction.

  But Vicky, ever the pragmatist and loyal companion, offered a reassuring alternative. "Hey, you don't have to do all the level one stuff anymore, Ebony.

  You've reached level three now. We could take on those level three quests anyway. I've heard they pay reasonably well, and I think you're definitely capable of handling them. We just need to pace ourselves, right, leader?"

  Vicky offered a reassuring smile and a thumbs up. Ebony took a deep breath and returned the gesture.

  "Of course, Mighty Vicky," he said, a renewed determination in his voice.

  "Let's take it slow. We'll head back into the fire when all of us are truly ready."

  Now that Ebony had a clearer understanding of the stat sheets and proficient skills, a desire to delve deeper into this newfound knowledge took hold.

  "Well, thanks for explaining all this, Vicky," Ebony said, a touch of playful annoyance in his voice. "I wish the lady at the front desk of the Adventurers Guild had told me this before we even left."

  Vicky offered a knowing shrug. "Well, you know Miss Sadler," she replied with an understanding smile. "She's a busybody. Knows everything, but can't possibly do everything at once."

  "That woman is so swamped," Vicky continued, "she probably didn't have a spare moment to tell you anything. But it's alright; she likely just forgot in the rush before you took off. I'm just glad I caught you before you made things even harder for yourself."

  Ebony glanced down at the sheets, then turned to his companions. "Hey, Vicky, can I take a look at both of your sheets? I want to make a comparison." Vicky readily handed them over. "Sure, browse away."

  Ebony carefully compared and contrasted their stat sheets, noting their individual strengths and weaknesses. While he observed their highest proficiencies, his attention was particularly drawn to their lowest scores, the areas where they clearly struggled.

  His gaze then softened as he noticed the faint imprint still visible on Vicky's forehead from her recent injury. Shaking his head slightly, a plan began to form in his mind regarding their next steps.

  "Alright, you guys," he announced, his tone decisive. "If we're serious about leveling up properly and taking on higher-level quests, then I have a recommendation for how we should proceed – starting with you, Vicky."

  Ebony pointed a finger at her, his expression earnest. "Vicky, you need to stop taking so many hits. Let's focus on improving your endurance and your aim.

  I've seen how accurate you are with those acid vials, but you always have to get in close to use them, which puts you at unnecessary risk. Let's fix that, Vicky. And we should work on your stealth as well."

  He then turned his attention to Alex, who was still quietly enjoying his meal. "Okay, Alex," Ebony said directly. Alex looked up suddenly, as if he anticipated trouble.

  "My wizard friend, you are undeniably powerful, one of the most potent wizards I've encountered, despite being the only one in our immediate circle. However," Ebony continued gently, "your arm strength needs some work.

  That spell you unleashed against that centaur bandit nearly tore your arm off. I practically felt the bone myself; that dislocation looked nasty. So, we need to focus on building your strength, okay, Alex?"

  Alex rubbed his shoulder gingerly and nodded in agreement.

  Ebony concluded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

  "Well, that's good. Since we've only just uncovered this information and we're still in the middle of eating, we can continue this topic in more detail another time."

  Both Vicky and Alex nodded their agreement and raised their glasses once more. The three of them clinked their glasses together in a silent pact.

  Feeling slightly left out of the immediate discussion, Nova raised her glass as well, clinking it against theirs.

  "Yeah," she said softly, "I would like to apologize for my earlier defensiveness. It made me look bad, didn't it?"

  Ebony offered a reassuring smile. "Oh, no, no, Nova, all is forgiven. I just… I just wanted to let you know that what I said wasn't meant to reflect any ill intentions. That's all."

  Nova nodded her understanding. As the days went by, the four of them continued to talk and connect on a more personal level.

  ◇

  Exhausted from their harrowing experience, the four companions found themselves in a comfortable hotel in Glottis.

  After a long and tiring day, they unanimously agreed to postpone any further high-level adventures in the immediate future and head back to Dimito the following day.

  They took a caravan back towards the kingdom. Instead of retracing their steps through the treacherous Serpent's Pass, they opted for a longer, but significantly safer, route back to the city.

  The journey back to Dimito took an extra two and a half hours, but the peace of mind it offered was well worth the added travel time. By the time they finally arrived, the familiar sights of the city were a welcome relief.

  Their first stop was the Manor Diner, their destination to inform Wyatt that his cargo had been safely delivered and the escort quest successfully completed.

  They found Wyatt amidst a flurry of customers, the diner bustling with activity as patrons clamored for drinks. Noticing their arrival, Wyatt's face lit up.

  "Well, jolly good! Oh, jolly good indeed!" he exclaimed upon seeing them. "You've made it back just fine, I see. Did you encounter those troublesome bandits I mentioned, was it perilous?"

  Ebony, ever the charmer, stepped forward with a flourish. "Oh Mr. Wyatt, esteemed brewer of fine concoctions," he began with a whimsical smile, "despite encountering a rather… enthusiastic blockade of bandits, a veritable horde intent on pilfering your precious cargo, rest assured that not a single finger grazed your goods.

  Fret not, good sir; we handled the situation with utmost care and efficiency." He extended his hand towards Wyatt, a confident gesture.

  Wyatt, a large and muscular man, clasped Ebony's hand in a firm shake, a hearty grin spreading across his face. "I thank you once again, good adventurers! If there are any more such escorts needed, I shall certainly call upon your services."

  "We are most grateful for your continued patronage, Mr. Wyatt," Ebony replied smoothly. "When such opportunities arise again, we will gladly consider them, though we may need to re-evaluate our preparedness before committing to another perilous journey quite so soon."

  Wyatt nodded understandingly. "Well, that is perfectly fine by me, Mr. Gundo. It won't be for a couple of months anyway before our next major shipment of spices.

  Until then, Mr. Gundo, you remain my number one employer. Would you care for a drink before you depart, good sir? I've just brewed a fresh batch of wine."

  Ebony offered a polite but firm refusal with a raised hand. "No, no, that's quite alright, Mr. Wyatt. We are eager to embark on more… manageable quests for the time being. Until our paths cross again, have a good one, sir." Wyatt offered a warm farewell in return.

  As the three companions, Ebony, Vicky, and Alex, stepped out of the diner, Ebony turned to Nova, who had remained quietly observing. He offered her a welcoming smile. "I'll see you later, Miss Nova," he said with a confident nod before exiting the diner with his companions.

  Inside, Wyatt turned to Nova with a friendly smile. "Well, now, Miss Nova, what do you make of that young man? Quite something, eh?"

  Nova, a warm expression softening her features, replied, "Oh, he's quite a gentle soul, despite his bravado. And I especially owe him one. You can bet I'm looking forward to seeing him again."

  "And how about Pyrrhus and the Silver Falcons?" said Wyatt, his voice lacking enthusiasm. "How were they? I didn't really see them, or are they… alright?"

  Nova, understanding the underlying reasons for their initial quest, lowered her head slightly. She said, "Well, Wyatt, I'll tell you all about it, but you're going to have to sit down for this."

  Outside the diner, the three adventurers stood with a newfound confidence and determination. Instead of immediately seeking out another high-stakes adventure, they resolved to focus on more localized quests within and around Dimito, building their skills and experience methodically.

  Ebony, flipping through a fresh stack of simpler quests he had just acquired from the Adventurers Guild – at least thirty tasks of varying degrees of simplicity – declared to his companions, puffing out his chest with renewed enthusiasm, "Alright, my companions!

  Let's go get that goat!" And with that, the three of them set off, eager to begin their adventuring anew, one step at a time.