"You sure about that, kid?" he asked, his voice rough but not unkind. "Shadowfang Spiders aren't exactly… beginner material. Their venom's no joke, and their traps are worse. Webs thicker than steel wire, cunning as a pack of wolves. You step wrong in their nest, and you'll regret it—if you make it out at all."
Kael's enthusiasm faltered for a brief second, but he straightened, determination setting his jaw. "I can handle it."
The clerk's frown deepened, his gaze appraising Kael with a mix of doubt and concern. "Look, I'm not in the habit of handing death warrants to green adventurers. You'd be better off starting with something safer. Herding frost goats, maybe. Or clearing slimes out of a farm cellar."
Kael bristled but kept his voice steady. "I've trained for this. I'm not afraid."
The clerk snorted, shaking his head. "Bravery's cheap, kid. Skill's what keeps you alive."
