After all the chaos with Fransk and noble conspiracies, Ren, Skorn, Olivia, and Talos found themselves back at the Adventurers' Guild,
staring at the job board. The tension in the room was palpable, even though the guild had returned to its usual bustling state.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm done with politics for a while," Ren said, running his fingers through his hair.
"Can we just take a quest where nothing explodes or tries to kill us?"
Skorn chuckled, patting Ren on the back. "I think we've earned a break. Let's find something easy—something that doesn't involve nobles, cults, or life-threatening situations."
Olivia nodded, looking through the posted quests. "Agreed. A simple task would be... refreshing."
Talos scanned the board, his sharp eyes stopping at a notice. "How about this one? 'Protection for a merchant caravan.' D-rank, 150 silver coins, and the merchant's even offering to double the reward.
Ren smirked. "Sounds like babysitting. Perfect."
----
The team made their way through the lively market district, weaving through the throngs of people as merchants shouted their wares. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, roasted nuts, and freshly baked pastries.
Skorn sniffed the air and sighed wistfully.
"I'm just saying, we should've grabbed lunch before this. All these smells are torture."
Ren smirked. "We're about to escort a merchant cart. Pretty sure we can snag a snack along the way."
"Ren," Talos said, adjusting his glasses. "Merchants don't just hand out free samples to their guards. That's not how economics works."
"Sure, professor, but I'm banking on the 'friendly adventurer discount,'" Ren replied with a grin.
"Besides, who's gonna argue with the guy who can fry a bandit with lightning?"
Olivia shook her head, suppressing a smile. "Let's focus, you two. We need to find Egan first. Flamboyant hat, right?"
Skorn chuckled. "Flamboyant hats in a crowded market? That's like finding Ren's ego in a room full of mirrors."
Ren clapped Skorn on the back, grinning. "Keep it up, lizard boy. You're this close to being on fire duty next time."
Before Skorn could retort, they heard a booming voice. "Step right up! Get your finest silks and spices, imported directly from the southern isles! No finer quality in all the land!"
The team turned to see a short, stocky man wearing a hat so outrageously feathered that even a peacock would feel underdressed.
His thick mustache twitched dramatically with every word.
Ren blinked. "Oh, yeah. Found him. That hat's got its own gravitational pull."
As they approached, Egan noticed them and turned, his mustache practically bristling with enthusiasm.
"Ah, adventurers! Good, good! You must be the ones who took my quest."
Ren gave a polite wave. "That's us. Ren, Olivia, Talos, and Skorn, known as "The Maniacs",
We're here to make sure your precious cart arrives safe and sound."
Egan's sharp eyes scanned the group, pausing on Ren. "You're the leader?"
Ren hesitated, caught off guard. "Uh—"
"No," Olivia cut in firmly. "We're a team. We work together."
Egan raised a skeptical brow but let it slide. "Fine, fine. My goods are far too valuable to risk losing, so I'm trusting you with this.
We leave at dawn tomorrow. Meet me at the city gates."
After shaking Olivia's hand and muttering something about "adventurers these days," Egan sauntered off to finalize his preparations.
Skorn watched him leave, his expression unimpressed. "Charming guy. You think his hat's compensating for something?"
Talos adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "It's possible he's projecting authority through exaggerated visual cues. A common tactic among merchants."
Ren snorted. "Translation: that hat's his way of saying, 'I'm important, please don't rob me.'"
"Well, I'm sold," Skorn said, smirking. "I'm stealing that line next time I'm in armor."
"Please don't," Olivia said, rolling her eyes.
"Let's just focus on making sure this doesn't turn into another disaster."
Ren stretched, his grin widening. "It's just a simple escort mission. What could possibly go wrong?"
Skorn groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Why do you always have to say that?"
The team laughed as they made their way back to the inn, each quietly hoping the trip would be as uneventful as the quest description promised.
-----
The next morning, the team gathered at the city gates as the sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets.
Egan was already there, standing beside a large cart laden with tightly secured crates and barrels. Two sturdy horses were hitched to it, their breaths forming small clouds in the crisp morning air.
"Ah, there you are!" Egan called out, adjusting his ridiculously feathered hat. "You're late!"
Ren checked an imaginary watch on his wrist. "We're literally five minutes early."
Egan waved dismissively. "Details, details. Time is money, and I'm already behind schedule!"
Skorn leaned toward Talos, whispering, "Do you think he sleeps in that hat?"
"Almost certainly," Talos replied, deadpan.
"Enough chit-chat!" Egan barked, climbing onto the front of the cart. "Let's get moving. Bandits don't schedule appointments, you know."
The group exchanged amused glances but said nothing as they took their positions around the cart.
Ren walked alongside the left side, keeping an eye on the surroundings. Olivia and Talos took the right, while Skorn casually brought up the rear, his hands resting on the hilt of his blade.
For the first hour, the journey was uneventful. The road stretched out before them, winding through rolling hills dotted with wildflowers. Birds chirped merrily in the trees, and the gentle creak of the cart's wheels provided a soothing rhythm.
"So," Ren said, breaking the silence. "What exactly are we hauling? Gold? Exotic spices? A chest full of those hats?"
Egan turned in his seat, glaring at Ren. "This cart contains valuable goods for trade. The specifics are none of your concern!"
"That's reassuring," Ren muttered under his breath. "Totally not suspicious at all."
Olivia shot him a warning look. "Ren."
"What? I'm just saying, if we're risking our lives, we might as well know what we're protecting. For all we know, it's full of counterfeit hats."
Skorn snickered. "You're really hung up on the hat thing, huh?"
Ren shrugged. "It's a work of art. It deserves commentary."
Egan huffed, clearly annoyed. "You adventurers and your never stopping questions. Focus on your job and keep your eyes peeled!"
Ren raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get your feathers ruffled—literally."
As the group continued on, the lighthearted banter gave way to a quiet sense of vigilance. The road had grown narrower, the forest closing in on either side.
Shadows danced between the trees, and the once-cheerful chirping of birds had faded into an eerie silence.
Skorn slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the treeline. "Anyone else feel like we're being watched?"
Talos nodded, his hand hovering near the pouch of potions at his belt. "It's possible. This stretch of road is known for bandit activity."
Ren sighed, muttering under his breath, "Of course it is. Classic setup."
Olivia moved closer to the cart, her staff at the ready. "Stay alert. If something happens, protect the cart first. Egan's goods are our priority."
Egan straightened in his seat, puffing out his chest. "Finally, someone with sense!"
Ren glanced at her, smirking. "You're really making it hard to resist leaving him for the bandits, you know."
Before Olivia could respond, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by the rustling of leaves. Moments later, a group of masked figures emerged from the trees, blocking the road ahead.
"Well," Ren said, cracking his knuckles. "Guess I jinxed it."
One of the bandits, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, brandishing a sword. "Alright, folks, you know the drill. Hand over the goods, and no one gets hurt."
Egan clutched his hat, his face pale. "I knew it! Bandits! Do something!"
Ren stepped forward, his hand sparking with faint traces of electricity. "Alright, Scarface, here's the deal. You walk away now, and we won't ruin your day. Sound fair?"
The bandit leader laughed, his menacing grin revealing yellowed teeth. "You've got guts, kid. Too bad guts don't stop swords,"
"Get 'em, boys!"
As the bandits charged, the Maniacs sprang into action, each ready to show exactly why they'd been hired for the job.