The faint glow of dawn had barely touched the horizon when Krucose stirred from his sleep. The guild hall was silent except for the occasional creak of the wooden beams. He stretched, yawning as he rubbed his eyes, and then noticed a faint sound a soft ripple, like water being disturbed.
Curious, he slung his lute over his shoulder and stepped outside into the cool morning air. The source of the sound was quickly revealed Gulpy, sitting at the riverbank near the guild hall, holding his legendary fishing rod steady as he watched the water intently.
"Gulpy?" Krucose called, his voice groggy.
The toadfolk turned his head slightly, a warm grin spreading across his face. "Mornin', little bard. You're up early."
Krucose ambled over, scratching his head. "What time did you even start?"
Gulpy chuckled, his deep voice rolling like thunder. "Four a.m. The fish are best at this hour. You should try it sometime."
Krucose shook his head, smirking. "I'll leave the fishing to you, big guy."
The toadfolk raised an eyebrow, his grin turning mischievous. "So, how was dinner with Seria?"
Krucose froze, his cheeks instantly flushing a deep red. "It was... uh, just a typical dinner," he stammered.
Gulpy leaned back, resting one hand on his knee as he let out a hearty laugh.
"Typical, huh? How about the food you left for me?"
Krucose crossed his arms, trying to mask his embarrassment.
"How was it?"
Gulpy's grin widened as he gave his answer. "Oh, it was typical too... but sweet. Just like you two."
The bard sputtered, his face growing even redder. "I don't know what you're talking about, big one. We're just friends!"
Gulpy laughed even harder, his booming voice echoing through the crisp morning air.
What neither of them noticed was that Seria, wide awake, had been listening from a window in the guild hall. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hands fidgeted nervously as she peeked out at the two.
"Why am I acting like this?" she muttered to herself, tapping her own cheeks as if to snap out of it.
"I'm a brave warrior. Krucose is just a friend. That's all."
Despite her words, her blush deepened as she watched the bard and toadfolk bicker by the river.
As the sun rose higher, the three of them gathered in the main square of the guild to check the task board for a new mission. The streets were beginning to bustle with life, vendors setting up their stalls and townsfolk chatting as they started their day.
Krucose scanned the board, his eyes darting between the various quests pinned up.
"Hmm, what do you think? Escort duty or monster subjugation?"
"Neither," Gulpy grumbled.
"I want something exciting, not babysitting merchants or squashing slimes."
Before Seria could chime in, the sound of shouting erupted from the street. People were cheering, their voices rising in a joyous chorus.
"THE LEGENDARY HEROES ARE BACK!" someone cried out.
"THE FOUR KNIGHTS HAVE RETURNED!"
Seria and Krucose exchanged confused looks.
"What's going on?" Krucose asked, tilting his head.
Seria shrugged. "I don't know, but it sounds important."
Gulpy's wide grin returned, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ah, the four messed-up heroes are back!"
Krucose furrowed his brow. "Messed-up heroes?"
"Oh, you'll see," Gulpy replied, his voice filled with amusement.
"Last time I saw them, they were teens. Still a little rough around the edges, but they're strong. Real strong. Especially Pablo."
"Pablo?" Seria echoed.
"The Feral Warden," Gulpy said, nodding. "He's a force of nature, that one. His fighting style is pure instinct and emotion rage, passion, you name it. It's why he's got his title."
As the crowd gathered near the guild entrance, cheering and throwing streamers, a lone figure emerged from the throng.
It was Pablo.
His presence was undeniable. Standing tall and broad-shouldered, he carried himself with an air of raw power. His wild, unkempt hair framed a face that seemed perpetually on the brink of a mischievous grin. He waved at the crowd as if he were greeting old friends.
Seria crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "That's him? He doesn't look all that feral."
"Wait until you see him fight," Gulpy said, his grin widening.
Pablo stepped into the guild, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing on the trio. His grin stretched wider as he strode toward them.
"Well, well! If it isn't the young talents!" Pablo's voice was warm and booming, filled with energy.
Seria and Krucose both tensed slightly, unsure how to respond.
"You must be Seria," Pablo said, pointing at her. "And you—" He turned to Krucose. "The bard, right? Gulpy told me about you."
Krucose blinked, glancing at Gulpy. "He did?"
"Sure did!" Pablo said, clapping him on the shoulder with enough force to make Krucose stumble slightly.
"You've got some nerve, taking on quests with this big guy."
Gulpy chuckled, clearly enjoying the interaction.
Krucose, still regaining his balance, muttered, "Uh, thanks?"
The guild master joined them then, his booming laughter filling the hall. "Pablo! Where are the others?"
At that, Pablo scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"Well... Premo and Luca are still fighting over who should be leader. It's been, what, two months now?"
"Still?" Gulpy barked, doubling over with laughter. "Those two are hopeless!"
"Marco's on his way to break it up," Pablo added, shaking his head. "Knowing him, he'll just make it worse."
The guild master and Gulpy burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the hall.
Krucose watched the exchange with wide eyes, amazed by the camaraderie. "These guys are... legendary?"
"They're strong," Seria said, though her tone held a note of skepticism. "But... legendary? I'm not so sure."
Pablo leaned closer to the two, his grin never faltering. "Don't let the bickering fool you. When we're together, there's no one stronger."
Gulpy clapped a hand on Pablo's shoulder, still chuckling. "These four are a riot, but they're the real deal. Just wait until you see them in action."
Krucose nodded slowly, a mix of awe and curiosity filling him. For now, he would have to take their word for it. But he couldn't deny the excitement buzzing in the air. The legendary heroes or at least one of them had returned.
The bustling guild hall was still alive with laughter and chatter after Pablo's arrival. The Feral Warden had a magnetic presence, his energy infectious to everyone in the room. Krucose, Seria, and Gulpy sat with Pablo near the quest board, sipping on tea while exchanging tales.
"So," Pablo began, leaning back in his chair. "I've heard there's a holiday boss active near the Starlight Archipelago."
Krucose tilted his head, confused. "Holiday boss? What's that?"
Pablo's grin widened. "It's an event, little bard. Happens once every decade in Castoria. During this time, titan creatures awaken and start roaming the land, causing all sorts of chaos. They're ancient, powerful, and full of treasure if you can take them down."
Gulpy's eyes sparkled. "The holiday boss, huh? Haven't fought one of those since I was young. Tough battles, but they're worth it."
Seria frowned, crossing her arms. "You're seriously thinking about fighting one? Those things are deadly."
"Of course I am!" Pablo declared, slamming a fist on the table with a loud thud. "What's the point of being a hero if you don't take on challenges like this?" He leaned forward, his gaze shifting between the three of them. "I was hoping you'd team up with me. We'll make it a proper hunt."
Seria immediately shook her head. "Absolutely not. It's reckless."
"Come on, moon mage," Pablo said with a teasing tone. "Where's your sense of adventure?"
"It's not about adventure," she retorted, her voice firm.
"It's about survival. I'm not dragging anyone into a fight we can't handle."
Pablo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Fine. If you don't want to come, I'll go alone."
Gulpy raised an eyebrow. "You know better than that, Pablo. Even you can't take on a titan solo. These things aren't just beasts they're living calamities."
Krucose, who had been quietly listening, suddenly felt the weight of the conversation. His mind raced with doubt. A titan? I'm barely used to fighting regular opponents. What am I going to do against something that massive?
Pablo noticed the bard's tense expression and smirked. "What about you, Krucose? You in?"
Krucose opened his mouth to answer, but no words came out. His hands clenched into fists under the table. What am I doing? I'm scared… but I can't stay like this. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
When he opened them again, there was a newfound determination in his gaze.
"This is the adventure I wanted," he said, his voice steady. "I'm not going to be a lazy, scared boy anymore. I'm a bard now a mighty bard."
Gulpy chuckled, his large hand giving Krucose a firm pat on the back. "That's the spirit, little bard."
Pablo grinned, his sharp teeth glinting. "I like this kid. He's got guts."
Seria glanced at Krucose, her expression softening. She bit her lip, her resolve wavering. He's trying so hard... and I'll get to see him in action again. Why does that make my heart race? She sighed, finally giving in.
"Fine," she said, crossing her arms and looking away to hide the slight blush on her cheeks. "I'll come. But only because it's good experience."
"Right," Pablo teased, his grin widening. "For the experience."
Seria shot him a glare, but Krucose quickly stepped in. "So, what's the plan, Pablo?"