Krucose followed Gulpy through the thick, murky waters of Growkling, stepping carefully over moss-covered rocks that seemed to hum with life. As they made their way into the heart of the village, Krucose couldn't help but marvel at the unique structures around them. The buildings were a mix of natural growths and carved stone, blending perfectly with the landscape. Massive trees, their trunks wide and strong, supported intricate wooden bridges and homes nestled within their branches. Lanterns crafted from shells and glowing fungi illuminated the path ahead, casting an otherworldly glow that made the village feel like something out of a dream.
"These are the homes of my people,"
Gulpy said, his voice filled with pride.
"Growkling's history is tied to the earth and water. Long ago, the toadfolk and the spirits of the swamp made a pact, binding our lives to the land. It's said that the first toadfolk were born from the waters, their forms gifted with the strength of the swamp's creatures."
Krucose nodded thoughtfully, taking in the grandeur of the village.
"It's incredible. It feels so... alive."
"It is,"
Gulpy agreed.
"The swamp gives us everything we need. It's not just a home—it's our spirit."
As they continued their journey, Krucose noticed other toadfolk moving about. Some were smaller and quicker than Gulpy, others, like him, had a more bulky, rounded frame. They all carried themselves with a quiet pride, speaking in low, friendly voices as they went about their daily tasks. He caught snippets of conversation about fishing techniques and weather patterns, all with an easygoing tone that made him feel welcome.
Gulpy led him out of the village and toward a large, fortified city in the distance the capital of the Starlight Archipelago. The stone walls surrounding it were high and decorated with sculptures of various sea creatures and birds, and the entrance was guarded by statues of giant toads, their eyes glowing faintly in the twilight.
"This is our capital city,"
Gulpy said,
"Moonade. It's where all the major decisions are made for the Starlight Archipelago."
As they passed through the city gates, Krucose was struck by the hustle and bustle of the capital. The streets were crowded with all sorts of beings humans, toadfolk, and even frogfolk, all mingling in the market square. Vendors called out to potential customers, offering everything from fresh fish to rare magical trinkets. The architecture of Moonade was just as beautiful as Growkling's, but grander, with towering buildings and wide avenues that gave the city an elegant air.
Gulpy led Krucose to a well-known tavern nestled on a corner, the wooden sign above it swaying gently in the wind. As they stepped inside, Krucose was met with the warm, spicy scent of food and the lively chatter of patrons.
Behind the bar stood a burly, older man, his arms thick with muscle despite his age. His face was weathered, with a thick beard and a stern look that seemed to intimidate anyone who met his gaze. He was cleaning a mug when Gulpy entered, and his eyes flickered toward him immediately.
"Ah, Gulpy!"
the man boomed, his voice deep and booming like a thunderclap. "Been a while since I've seen you! What brings you to the city?"
Gulpy grinned, stepping forward.
"Ah, just a little business, my old friend. And I've got someone you need to meet."
He gestured to Krucose, who stood a little behind, feeling small and out of place.
"This here is Krucose, a new bard I'm traveling with."
The guild master raised an eyebrow, taking a long look at Krucose.
"A gnome... and a bard?"
He mused.
"Not a mage or something typically related to gnome professions?"
Krucose stiffened under the man's gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious. But before he could answer, Gulpy let out a hearty laugh.
"He's good at music! I promise, he'll make a fine bard."
The guild master considered this for a moment, then gave a deep, thoughtful nod.
"Very well, if you say so. I don't see why not."
Without hesitation, he grabbed a large ledger from behind the counter and flipped it open. He scrawled something in the book, then turned it toward Krucose.
"Welcome aboard, Krucose. You're now the second junior in the guild. My daughter's the first,"
he added with a smirk.
Krucose blinked, stunned by the sudden change.
"Wait, really?"
Gulpy chuckled and patted him on the back.
"You'll get used to it."
Before Krucose could even process the weight of the guild master's words, the old man leaned forward, his eyes sharp.
"Now, there's something I need from you both. My daughter is about to set out on a quest, and I need the two of you to help her."
Krucose was about to speak, but before he could get a word out, Gulpy already responded.
"We'll help, no problem."
The guild master grinned widely.
"Good. She's tough, but I trust you'll be a good influence on her. We need all the help we can get."
As they left the tavern, Krucose felt a strange sense of destiny settling over him. His journey had only just begun, but he had no idea where it would lead. Still, with Gulpy by his side and the guild now behind him, he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was just around the corner.
The first light of sunrise stretched across the courtyard, painting the stone walls with soft hues of pink and gold. Krucose tightened his grip on his lute, trying to shake the unease settling in his chest.
"So,"
he asked, his voice breaking the morning's stillness,
"we're meeting her here? What do you think she's like?"
Gulpy leaned casually against his fishing pole.
"Hard to say. Guild master didn't give much away, but she's probably sharp if she's taking the lead on this mission."
A faint creak interrupted their conversation. Both turned to see a figure emerging from the guild hall, the light of dawn catching on her unusual silhouette.
The young woman stepped into the courtyard with measured confidence, her auburn hair tied in a high ponytail that caught the light as it swayed. Her leather armor glinted with crescent-shaped etchings, but it was the object she carried that truly caught their attention. In her left hand, a lantern glowed faintly, the blue flames within flickering softly like whispers of ancient energy. Across her back was strapped a towering staff, its smooth wooden frame inscribed with silvery runes that seemed to pulse faintly, echoing the rhythm of her steps.
She stopped a few feet from them, tilting her head slightly as her sharp, hazel eyes took them in.
"You're the ones my father sent, aren't you?"
Krucose blinked, startled by her directness.
"Uh, yeah. That's us."
She nodded, her expression unreadable.
"I'm Seria. And you?"
"I'm Krucose,"
he replied quickly, his voice faltering under her gaze. "This is Gulpy. We, uh, heard a lot about you."
Seria's lips curved into a slight smile.
"All good things, I hope. My father tends to exaggerate when it comes to me."
Gulpy stepped forward with a grin.
"I'm Gulpy. He didn't say much, actually, but we're ready to help however we can. Nice gear you've got there. What's the lantern for?"
Seria lifted the lantern slightly, the blue flames dancing inside.
"This is Night's Whisper. It's an ancient artifact from the Lunar Land, designed to guide its bearer through darkness—both physical and magical. It also binds stray magic and amplifies moon energy. Very handy in a pinch."
Krucose's eyes widened.
"Lunar Land? That's the same place your staff came from, right?"
She nodded, her tone steady.
"Lunar Vein and Night's Whisper are relics of that forgotten continent. They're not just weapons—they're connections to a lost world. But let's save the history lesson for later. We have work to do."
Gulpy adjusted his fishing pole.
"What exactly are we walking into?"
Seria's expression turned serious.
"The Pearl Caverns are our destination. The Bone Brigade has taken control of the caves and is using an artifact called the Umbral Pearl to channel dark energy. If they master its power, the entire Starlight Archipelago could be plunged into chaos."
Krucose frowned.
"Dark energy? That sounds... out of our league."
Seria's eyes softened slightly as she addressed him.
"It's dangerous, but manageable if we work together. Here's the plan. I'll deal with the artifact directly my moon magic is strong enough to counter its influence. Gulpy, your strength and will energy will keep the pirates distracted. Krucose…"
She paused, studying him for a moment.
"Your music will be crucial. The pirates rely on chaotic energy to overwhelm their enemies. A bard can disrupt that, turn their own chaos against them, and give us the edge."
Krucose shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her words.
"I'll do my best."
Seria smiled, a touch of warmth breaking through her serious demeanor.
"I believe you will. My father doesn't send just anyone on a mission like this."
The three stood in silence for a moment as the sun climbed higher, its golden rays illuminating the courtyard. Finally, Seria adjusted the staff on her back and turned toward the gate.
"We leave now. The Bone Brigade won't wait for us, and neither will the artifact. Stick close, and we'll make it out alive."
Gulpy gave Krucose a reassuring pat on the back.
"No turning back now, kid. Time to see what we're made of."
Krucose took a deep breath and followed them, his lute slung across his back. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Seria's steady leadership and Gulpy's unwavering strength, he felt a flicker of confidence. This was no ordinary task it was the beginning of something far greater than he had ever imagined.