On a sunny afternoon, I, Hero, lay on the grass with my dog Charlie, pondering life, tired of exploring this vast nation alone. I needed new challenges, I needed companions.

"Such boredom, Charlie. There's nothing else to do..." I complained.

Around me, the trees swayed as leaves fell with the breeze onto the ground. I decided it was time to form a team, someone with whom I could share adventures and challenges, and become a highly renowned adventurer throughout Avalon.

"My dear furry companion, we need to find skilled people to face all kinds of challenges together," I said, petting Charlie.

"Woof!" Charlie barked, wagging his tail, excited about the idea.

I was thrilled about recruiting skilled individuals, each bringing something unique to our group. My first step was to visit the city center in search of fearless souls willing to join me.

As we ventured into a bustling street, I heard of a healer known for his advanced healing abilities, his name was Grey. Determined to find help to face the challenges ahead, I followed the rumors until I found his humble abode. Being relatively close to Avalon's center, I quickly arrived at Grey's house.

Standing before the door, I knocked, and after a short while, a voice came from inside.

"Who is it? I'm not open to visitors," Grey's voice echoed.

"Grey, I'm Hero. I've heard about your skills. I'm looking for someone willing to join a group," I said as I entered his house.

"Quite bold of you, not even asking for permission to enter," Grey said, with a mocking tone.

I paused for a moment, his appearance... It was completely different from what I had imagined. His hair was white, his red eyes emitted an aura of superiority, he truly was unlike the rest of Avalon's inhabitants.

"If you're looking for someone willing to indulge in battles and seek lost treasures, I'm sorry to inform you, but you're in the wrong place," Grey said, walking towards Charlie and stroking his fur.

I guess this wasn't the first time someone approached him to form a team. But I would never give up; I'm not one to give up quickly.

"But Grey, I need you. Imagine how many people you could heal if we go and, whenever possible, seek more power. You won't regret it," I said.

When I mentioned seeking more power, Grey seemed much more interested...

Grey approached me, with his intimidating presence, he looked deep into my eyes, as if staring directly into my soul.

"I like you, you weren't afraid or even judged me by my appearance. I'll join your group."

"What? Seriously?" I asked, trying to confirm what I had just heard.

"Yes, you seem like an interesting person... And friendly."

Charlie gave a cheerful bark, the second member of the group, and he'll still be able to heal us when we're in a tight spot.

"About your appearance..." I whispered.

"Let's leave that be, I don't want to have to touch on that subject," Grey replied.

"Alright then, let's at least find one more member for the group," I said as I walked out of his house.

Grey followed closely behind, accompanied by Charlie, and together we wandered the roads of Avalon. As we walked, in search of one more member for our new team, Charlie, Grey, and I were drawn to intriguing stories about an archer named Elise. It was said that she possessed exceptional skill with her bow and arrow and was also adept at unraveling mysteries, knowledge that could be of great help to us.

"Look Hero, just to let you know, I can decipher ancient runes."

"Wow! The runes that are rarely deciphered and usually hide relics?"

Grey flashed a mischievous smile.

"Yes, the very ones."

We followed the clues that led to Elise. Upon finding her in a tavern, I was impressed by her stunning appearance, her curly hair, and her indifferent gaze. Elise was a woman of striking presence, with a bow and arrows always at hand.

"Elise, I'm Hero, I've heard of your skills as an Archer. Would you like to join us? We're a group and we're looking to build a team and unravel mysteries and places that were once lost," I proposed, looking directly into Elise's eyes.

Elise pondered the proposal for a moment before speaking.

"Well, if we find lost treasures, I could get rich, so count me in. My archery skills and knowledge in deciphering some puzzles will be useful."

We sat at the same table where Elise was sitting, and we started talking and telling stories to create a stronger bond.

Elise and I shared our goals, but Grey seemed to be hiding something, but that didn't matter to me; I quickly realized that our skills could be combined for the attack.

"So, for today, we'll celebrate the creation of the group, do you want to give it a name, or do you not feel the need for it right now?" I said cheerfully.

"For me, it doesn't matter," Grey replied.

"I'm with Grey on this one, but I don't see the need to name it for now. Let's worry about that when we have great deeds," Elise explained.

"On one hand, it makes sense," I agreed.

"Woof!" Charlie barked.

"You're so cute, Charlie," Elise said, as she ran her hand through his fur.

Time flew by in the tavern, so we ended up falling asleep there. When I woke up, Grey was already up, Elise was still drooling in her sleep, and Charlie was by my side. I woke Elise up with a gentle tap on the shoulder.

"Elise, time to wake up."

Elise blinked a few times before getting up, still groggy.

"Hmm, already? It feels like the night flew by."

Shortly after, we were discussing what our first mission together would be, so we went to the adventurers' guild.

Upon arriving and entering the place, we came across a huge board containing various missions, Grey picked a relatively easy mission for us. In it, we needed to eliminate a goblin infestation in the Elmore forest. After choosing, Elise exchanged glances with the guild master who was present at the time.

We arrived at the Elmore forest, intimidating as always. Trusting Charlie's cunning to avoid traps. Grey made sure everyone remained in top condition, relieving fatigue. Elise, on the other hand, used her experience as an adventurer and led the way.

"Hero, we need to be careful in this forest. They say it's full of dangerous creatures, besides the goblins," Grey warned as we moved forward.

"What? You're telling me this now?" I chuckled. "Don't worry, Grey. With you healing our wounds, we'll always be ready for any challenge that arises."

We continued walking through the dense forest, and the sound of breaking branches and rustling leaves caught our attention. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed through the trees.

Goblins began to emerge from all directions, but what was most striking was that none of them seemed to want to attack us, just flee... As if they were already being hunted.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, I attacked some, but they still kept running, so I kept attacking. Grey watched from the rear with his arms crossed. As I took brief pauses to catch my breath, Elise shot arrows with her bow. After collecting all the cores, another thunderous roar echoed through the area.

"Guys, again the same noise, should we retreat?" Elise said shortly after.

"No, it's okay. I didn't mention it before, but I already have a contract with a spirit."

I found it odd that he had kept such an important piece of information and only revealed it now, but it wasn't the time to question, only to act.

"No problem, then let's go, you guys know what to do."

Without hesitation, Elise prepared her bow and arrow, ready for any unexpected attack. Grey assumed an attack position while murmuring some words I couldn't hear, and I unsheathed my sword, ready to face any threats up close. Charlie, always alert, took a defensive stance by our side, ready to act if necessary.

And then emerged from among the tall trees the creature responsible for the roar, a huge serpent with scales shining like rubies. Its fierce red eyes revealed its hostile nature.