The morning light had just begun to spread across the town as Amukelo and his guildmates made their way to the adventurers' association. The building was already bustling with activity, other adventurers chattering about their exploits or negotiating contracts. In the shadows of an adjacent alley, a group of watchful eyes were fixated on their every move. The same group that was watching them, all these times. The leader whispered to his follower, "Keep an eye on them, they're stepping up to golden rank quests now."
"Yes sir," replied the subordinate, his gaze never wavering from the group.
Amukelo and his friends were poring over the quest board which displayed a range of golden rank quests. Each quest card was detailed with descriptions and warnings, painting a picture of the dangers and rewards. Some quests called for brave souls to delve into ancient ruins that had recently emerged from the earth, suggesting encounters with traps and possibly dormant magic. Others spoke of powerful demons wreaking havoc in distant lands, requiring slaying or at least containment.
Pao, Bao, Bral, Idin, and Amukelo discussed their options carefully. The risks were significantly higher at this level, with some quests hinting at the presence of demon nests, which could spell disaster if underestimated. They moved from one card to another, weighing the danger against their team's capabilities.
Finally, Bao spotted a quest that seemed more manageable. "Collecting fifty landwyrm scales," she read aloud, holding up the quest card for the others to see. "It doesn't necessarily mean we'll have to fight a landwyrm directly. And even if we do. Remember our encounter on the way to Llyn? We managed to scare one off in a direct confrontation. And we've all grown significantly stronger since then."
Her words brought back memories of their past encounter with the creature, a massive beast whose mere presence had once made them tremble. Now, armed with more experience and bolstered by their advancements, the task seemed less daunting.
Bral supported her, "It's within our reach. Plus, it's a good test to see how well we handle golden rank quests."
Pao voiced her concerns, stressing the potential dangers of encroaching upon a landwyrm's lair. "But it's their lair, we might have to fight with multiple landwyrms. I still think it's not a good idea," she argued with a cautious tone.
Bral responded with a scenario he considered more probable. "Even in their lair, it's unlikely we'd encounter more than two adult landwyrms at a time," Especially that one of them will be the female. It will be easier to handle than the males."
Bao stepped closer to Pao, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We've trained for situations like this," she said soothingly. "We know our limits, and if things get too heated, we retreat. No heroics. We stick together, and we get out if we must."
Pao, still hesitant but buoyed by the support and confidence of her friends, finally nodded in agreement, though her expression remained tense. "Alright, but at the first sign of trouble, we prioritize our safety and retreat," she stipulated, to which everyone agreed.
Bral then turned to Amukelo, who had been quietly listening to the exchange. "Amukelo, you've been quiet. Any objections?" he asked, wanting to ensure unanimous consent.
Amukelo, who had always placed great trust in his friends' judgement, replied with a steady voice, "I trust your decision. Let's just ensure we take all necessary precautions and plan our approach carefully."
Encouraged by the consensus, Bral led the group to the counter to officially register for the quest. The guild receptionist, recognizing them, raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "A golden rank quest so soon after advancing? You're sure about this?"
"We've assessed the risks and believe this quest aligns well with our capabilities," Bral confidently stated as he handed over the quest card.
The receptionist reviewed the details once more before nodding and handing them additional paperwork. "This quest is indeed one of the less daunting of the golden rank challenges. Here are the coordinates, details on the landwyrm's habitat, and some notes on the terrain. Make sure you're well-prepared."
With the quest now officially in their hands, the group felt a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation about the challenges ahead.
Before heading off Amukelo and his team stopped at several shops, gathering not only standard potions for healing and stamina but also specialized elixirs that could potentially offer protection against the fire breath of landwyrms. They prepared all necessities to minigate the risk
As they embarked on their journey, the landscape gradually shifted from the familiar verdant plains of Elandria to the rugged, less traversed paths leading to the mountainous regions known to house dangerous creatures like landwyrms. Their pace was swift, due to their improvements.
Unbeknownst to them, the cloaked figures trailed discreetly. These followers kept a safe distance, using the natural cover of the terrain to remain unseen. Their movements were coordinated, silent—a stark contrast to the camaraderie and occasional laughter emanating from Amukelo's group.
As Bao pointed towards the distant mountain, her voice carried a mix of excitement and caution. "That's where we're headed," she explained, referencing the parchment that detailed their mission. "The lair is shallow, which should work in our favor if we need a quick exit."
Their final campsite before the mountain was set up with strategic precision. They chose a location sheltered by natural rock formations, providing a defensive barrier against potential nocturnal predators. The campfire was small, emitting minimal smoke and light to avoid drawing attention.
As night fell, the group settled around the fire. Bral took the first watch, his eyes scanning the dark periphery beyond the flickering flames. Idin and Pao discussed potential strategies for approaching the lair, considering both stealth and direct confrontation, depending on the situation they would find.
Amukelo, though outwardly calm, felt the weight of their upcoming challenge. He reviewed in his mind the techniques Padrin had taught him, visualizing the maneuvers and counters he might need to employ against the powerful beasts they were seeking.
Bao cleaned her bow meticulously, running a cloth along the string and checking each arrow for imperfections. She was silent, focused, her thoughts on ensuring her equipment would not fail when precision was paramount.
Pao, meanwhile, pulled from her bag an old tome—her latest grimoire acquisition. Under the dim light of the campfire, she studied, her lips moving silently as she memorized incantations that could tip the scales in their favor during the battle.
As the night deepened, the cloaked figures watching from a distance made no move to advance. Their orders were clear: observe and wait for the right moment, a moment when the guild, distracted by their quest, might become vulnerable enough for a swift, decisive strike to claim the prized sword Amukelo carried.