When the light from the portal faded, Ryu, Aris, and Draven found themselves standing on soft sunlit grass. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers. This was a far cry from the perilous dungeons they endured-an open field stretching far and wide, dotted with patches of colorful flowers and faint outlines of a bustling town in the distance.
[System Alert: World Tier Advancement Complete.]
[You have unlocked access to The Nexus Plains.]
[Recommended Level: 50–60.]
"We're back on the surface," Draven said, almost in disbelief, as he slumped onto the grass. He let out a long breath. "I was starting to think I'd never see the sun again."
Ryu looked out to the far-off town. "We're not finished. We've cleared the dungeon, but there's more to this world. Aetherion was not the end."
Aris stretched, moving more easily than she had been. "Finally, a chance to catch our breath. Let's head into that town and decide what to do next. We need supplies, repairs, and information."
Draven groaned, pushing himself up. "You just want to shop.
Aris smirked but didn't say anything.
As they approached the town, the dirt road expanded into a cobblestone one paved with lanterns. Ahead, two NPCs stood by the town gates in shining armor. They didn't budge but nodded their heads in acknowledgement as the trio passed through.
Inside, the town of Lunaria's Haven sprang to life. Players and NPCs wandered through the busy marketplace. Merchants shouted over one another touting their wares: rare potions, enchanted gear, and mysterious artifacts. A blacksmith hammered away at a forge, his shop filled with players who were negotiating repairs and upgrades. A bard strummed a lute in the corner, drawing a small crowd.
"This is more like it," Draven said, his eyes lighting up. "Towns like this make you forget all the dying and monsters."
Ryu nodded in agreement. The liveliness of the town was infectious. For that moment, the weight of all their battles lifted, and the strain of it all just replaced with a sense of normalcy. "Let's split up and take care of what we need. Meet back at the tavern an hour."
Ryu went first to the blacksmith, his sword slapping against his thigh. The blacksmith was a broad man, an NPC named Graven, who examined Ryu's weapon under a critical eye.
"Ah, you have a fine blade here, but it's seen better days. I can strengthen it for you," said Graven, displaying a glowing hammer. "For a price, of course.
Ryu gave some of his gold to Graven and stood there while he was working. Sparks were flying and metal clashing. After that, the sword looked brand-new, full of life again.
[Weapon Reinforced: Starbreaker Blade (+2).]
Satisfied, Ryu went on to the market. Walking around, he passed many stalls and heard snippets of player conversations:
"Did you hear about the new guild forming? They're recruiting for a raid tomorrow."
Yeah, but the entry fee is steep. You need at least Tier 3 gear."
"Forget that. I heard there's a hidden questline somewhere in this town. Supposedly leads to a legendary item."
Ryu jotted down the information. The town was more than just a place to rest—it was a hub of opportunity.
Meanwhile, Aris wandered through the quieter parts of the town, her sharp eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary. She noticed a hooded NPC lingering near a dark alley. Curious, she approached.
"You look like someone who can handle themselves," the NPC said in a low voice. "There's a job that requires… discretion. Interested?"
A prompt appeared:
[Accept Side Quest: The Shadow of Lunaria?]
[Yes/No.]
Aris smirked. "I'll think about it."
Draven, on the other hand, headed straight for the tavern. The Silver Horn was packed with players celebrating victories, sharing tales, or simply unwinding. He ordered a drink from the NPC bartender and joined a table of adventurers deep in conversation.
"You guys hear about the guild wars starting up again?" one player asked, a tank with a massive shield strapped to his back.
"Yeah, The Shadow Reapers are already making moves to claim territory. If you're not aligned with a guild, you're gonna get left behind," said another, a mage twirling a staff.
Draven leaned back in his chair. "Guilds, huh? Might be worth checking out."
An hour later, the trio regrouped at the tavern. Aris was the last to arrive, sliding into a seat with a mysterious smile.
"Find anything interesting?" Ryu asked.
Let's just say this town has more to offer than meets the eye," Aris replied cryptically.
Draven leaned forward. "Well, while you two were off doing… whatever you do, I heard some chatter about guilds. Apparently, they're gearing up for some big wars. We might want to consider joining one.
Ryu nodded thoughtfully. "Guilds could be useful, but they come with their own risks. For now, let's focus on what we need to do next."
Aris tapped the table. "We need to get stronger. Aetherion wasn't the last challenge. If this world is anything like what we've seen so far, there are bigger threats out there.
Ryu nodded. "We prepare. We gear up. We gather intel and keep our wits about us. Whatever comes next, we face it together."
As they toasted silently with their glasses, a new notification popped up:
[New Event: The Great Guild Tournament]
Registration Opens Tomorrow
The three of them looked at one another. Their adventure in Eternal Nexus Online was far from over.