Ray looked up as Nio returned to their table, balancing two tankards and a tray loaded with food—roasted meat skewers, bread rolls, and salted nuts scattered across the platter. Nio set it down between them and slid into his seat, leaning in with an unusual seriousness. His usual playful grin was gone, replaced with an intensity that caught Ray's attention.
"Alright," Nio began, his voice dropping to a low murmur, casting a quick glance around the tavern to make sure no one else could hear. "Here's the deal."
Ray raised an eyebrow, taking a patient sip of his drink.
"This isn't just a regular hunt," Nio continued, his tone urgent. "I got this from someone who works directly for the count."
Ray's brow furrowed, absorbing the weight of that. "The count's involved?"
Nio gave a short nod. "More than you'd think. Rumor has it there's something inside Immortal Cave, something strong enough to take down battalions."
Ray smirked, shaking his head. "A powerful creature? Nio, everyone knows that cave is a death trap. They call it 'Immortal Cave' because the only people who survive it are the ones lucky enough to leave."
Nio held up a hand, stopping him. "I'm telling you, this is different. The information came from someone I trust. They're saying this cave has something beyond the usual beasts—something we haven't seen for a century."
Ray's gaze grew serious. The Immortal Cave had claimed countless mercenaries over the years, with stories of people vanishing without a trace. "Who's insane enough to lead this mission?"
Nio's smirk returned, full of mischief. "The count's daughter herself—Alicia Roman."
Ray blinked, taken aback. Alicia Roman, the renowned captain of the silver Knights, was one of the few women to reach such heights in the kingdom's ranks. She was respected and feared alike, a fierce warrior known for her unparalleled skill with twin swords.
"Alicia Roman?" Ray repeated, still absorbing the news. "She's actually leading an expedition into Immortal Cave?"
"Yep," Nio confirmed. "And, to sweeten the deal, Andrew Paul is coming along too."
Ray's eyes widened. "The Andrew Paul?"
"That's right," Nio said, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "A mage of his caliber doesn't go out for just any monster. This is a real hunt, Ray. The kind of job that could make our names."
Ray leaned back, contemplating. If both Alicia Roman and Andrew Paul were involved, then maybe this mission really was as serious as Nio claimed. Andrew Paul was no ordinary mage—he was one of the most powerful in the kingdom, known for feats that bordered on legend. Rumors about a monstrous creature in the Immortal Cave suddenly felt a lot more credible.
The idea of facing something beyond the ordinary stirred something in Ray, a thrill that he couldn't ignore. He took a deep breath, weighing his options, his hand instinctively tightening around his tankard.
Nio watched him closely, a grin spreading across his face. "So? Are you in?"
Before Ray could answer, a sharp voice cut through their conversation.
"Ray Adams, have you ever considered looking like something other than a runaway boar?"
Ray looked up to see Rose Rodrick standing nearby, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised in mock disapproval. She was Albert's granddaughter, and though her remarks were sharp, Ray knew her sarcasm was only half-serious.
He shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Had a few wolves to deal with. Thought I'd celebrate before worrying about a bath."
Rose rolled her eyes and pulled up a chair uninvited. "You look like you've been through a war, Ray. What kind of dangerous business are you wrapped up in this time?"
"Just another job," Ray replied casually, his tone giving nothing away.
"Another job, huh?" Rose's skeptical gaze shifted to Nio, then back to Ray. "You two better not be getting yourselves into anything too reckless."
Ray and Nio shared a quick glance, both understanding that the less Rose knew, the better. She'd worry if she heard even a whisper of the Immortal Cave.
"No worries, Rose," Nio said lightly. "Just the usual—a strong monster or two for a good challenge."
Rose rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "You two are going to be the end of my grandfather if you keep up with these stunts."
Ray's smirk faded slightly at the mention of his mentor. Albert, Rose's grandfather, had raised him after his family's deaths and was the closest thing he had to a father. Recently, Albert's health had been slipping, and Ray knew it was only a matter of time before the old man's strength finally gave out.
"He asks about you every day," Rose continued, her voice softening. "Come by and visit sometime. He doesn't have all the time in the world, you know."
Ray chuckled, masking the pang of guilt her words stirred in him. "The old man's tougher than you think. He'll probably outlive us all."
Rose sighed, shaking her head before reaching for one of the skewers on the tray. Just as she grabbed one, Nio nudged her hand away, feigning outrage.
"Hey! This was for Ray and me," he protested, though his playful tone gave him away.
"Oh, please," Rose said with a smirk. "You're going to share. Besides, you owe me for covering you last week."
With a sigh, Nio pushed the tray closer, allowing her to grab a skewer with a triumphant grin.
As they shared food and lighthearted banter, Ray felt something rare—a sense of warmth and belonging. Their easy jabs and laughter were grounding, a welcome distraction from the danger that awaited.
Noticing his faint smile, Rose cocked her head, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Well, look at that, Nio. He's actually smiling. Should we be worried?"
Nio put on an exaggerated serious expression, looking over at Ray. "The great Ray Adams, smiling? We might need a healer. He must've hit his head."
Ray shook his head, rolling his eyes but unable to keep the grin off his face. "Keep talking, and I'll make sure both of you come along to handle that 'strong monster' with me."
Rose narrowed her eyes playfully. "Just don't get yourselves killed out there, alright? You both have a knack for getting into trouble."
Nio raised his tankard with a grin. "To trouble, and to coming back in one piece."
Ray lifted his own drink, meeting the eyes of his friends. "To finding something worth the risk."
They clinked their tankards, laughter filling the dimly lit tavern. In the back of his mind, Ray knew the path ahead would be treacherous, but surrounded by his friends, he felt ready to face whatever lay within the shadows of the Immortal Cave.