Pioni's heart raced as he swung open the heavy door to the Adventurers Guild. The familiar scent of parchment, leather, and the hint of fresh ink greeted him. To his astonishment, there stood Akira, deeply engrossed in conversation with the guild master, his eyes fixed intently on a quest board adorned with a colorful array of parchments.
"AKIRA!" The exclamation burst from Pioni's lips, catching Akira off guard. He turned just in time to be enveloped in Pioni's exuberant hug, the sturdy embrace a testament to the depth of their friendship.
Maki, ever the calm presence, approached the pair, a warm smile gracing her face. She extended a hand towards Akira in greeting, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history and the unspoken camaraderie that bound them.
Stepping back, Pioni's eyes glistened with emotion. It had been over two years since he'd last seen Akira, and the weight of the moment hung in the air like a cherished relic of days gone by.
Akira met Pioni's gaze with understanding, offering a comforting smile. "It's been too long, Pioni. I've missed our adventures together."
As the trio caught up on their respective journeys, Akira's curiosity about their other companions shone through. "How are Kaito and Hiroshi? I trust they're on grand exploits of their own?"
Pioni's expression shifted, and he took a deep breath, recounting the events that had transpired since their last meeting. Akira listened intently, his face reflecting the mix of sorrow for their losses and empathy for the challenges they had faced.
Maki, sensing the need for a change of topic, gracefully interjected, inquiring about the large assortment of luggage at Akira's side. His answer revealed a destination that left them all intrigued – the legendary Enderl Empire.
The Enderl Empire, as they soon learned, was a beacon of prosperity and history, its legacy evolving every five centuries. Akira's animated descriptions painted vivid pictures of sprawling cities, ancient ruins, and a culture steeped in tradition. It was home to an extraordinary gathering of S-ranked adventurers, a staggering seven in number. This revelation filled Pioni with awe, prompting him to ask, "What draws you to the Enderl Empire, Akira? What quest calls your name in such a legendary land?"
Right as Akira attempted to explain, two new figures entered the scene, their presence commanding attention. A man named Ray stood with an air of confidence, his steady gaze meeting theirs. He spoke with a measured cadence, shedding light on their shared journey.
"We're headed to the Enderl Empire," he announced, "specifically, to the Red Light District."
Pioni's brow furrowed in intrigue. "The Red Light District? It carries quite the reputation."
Elizabeth, a woman of evident authority, picked up the narrative, her voice carrying the weight of experience. She described the district's ominous reputation, painting a vivid picture of a place steeped in darkness, rife with vice and unimaginable crimes. The details sent shivers down their spines, and Maki exchanged a knowing glance with Pioni, both realizing the gravity of their forthcoming adventure.
Ray and Elizabeth continued to unveil their plan, revealing the existence of "The Dungeon Market." An underground marketplace where dungeon goods were traded like coveted treasures. The excitement in Pioni and Maki's eyes was palpable as they learned about the auction taking place there tonight.
"It has them... The Scarlet Gems..." Akira emphasized the rarity of these treasures, explaining that they were only dropped from S-Rank dungeons, which appeared once every 50 years. The weight of such a revelation settled upon them, the realization that they were about to embark on a quest of unparalleled rarity and danger.
He delved deeper, unraveling the history of the Scarlet Gem, also known as the "Dragon's Eye." It was a drop from a specific dragon known as the Red Dragon, a legendary and exceptionally rare creature. Only ten of these colossal beings had ever been sighted throughout ancient history, each unleashing devastation upon the world. The gravity of their quest hung in the air, a challenge that beckoned to their very souls.
With a mischievous grin, Akira revealed their purpose for seeking these Dragon's Eyes. "They are a core item in my plan," he explained, leaving Pioni and Maki both intrigued and bewildered. The cryptic nature of Akira's words left them with more questions than answers, but there was an unspoken trust that bound them, a belief that Akira's plan held the promise of something extraordinary.
To be continued...