The inn was alive with the sounds of joy and laughter the next morning. For the first time in years, the group was whole again.
Lissy sat across from JC, her hands gripping a cup of tea as she beamed at him, her eyes glistening with relief. Jackson leaned back in his chair, holding JC's staff casually, a grin plastered on his face. Mark and Angel flanked them, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and happiness.
"So," Jackson began, smirking. "You just show up out of nowhere, looking all mysterious, and now we're supposed to act like everything's normal?"
JC, seated at the head of the table, let out a small chuckle. His face was calm, but his crimson eyes carried a flicker of warmth. "You're not wrong. But it's good to see all of you again."
---
Catching Up
The conversation flowed easily, the years apart melting away as they shared stories of their time training and adventuring. Lissy couldn't take her eyes off JC, her voice soft but full of excitement.
"We thought you were gone for good," she said. "I mean, you didn't even say goodbye properly."
JC's expression softened as he looked at her. "I didn't want to leave, but I had to. You all needed space to grow. And I…" He paused, his fingers brushing over the glowing tattoos on his arm. "I needed to grow too."
Angel leaned forward, her arms crossed. "You've changed, JC. Your aura, your presence—it's different."
"I've had to change," JC replied simply. "The challenges ahead aren't like anything we've faced before. I couldn't come back unless I was certain I could protect you all."
---
Packing Up
As the morning went on, the group quickly packed their belongings, fueled by renewed energy. The villagers provided supplies—fresh food, potions, and maps of the dungeon's lower levels.
Jackson stood by the doorway, holding JC's staff. "So, you want this back now, or…?"
JC shook his head, a small smirk on his lips. "You've kept it this long. Hold onto it a little longer."
Jackson blinked in surprise but quickly grinned. "Don't regret it, old man."
---
Leaving the Safe Zone
With their packs full and spirits high, the group gathered at the edge of the village. The sky above the safe floor seemed brighter, as if reflecting their optimism.
JC stood at the front, his white hair catching the light as he gazed at the path ahead. He could feel the dungeon's energy growing stronger, darker. The trials they were about to face would push them to their limits.
"Are we ready?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.
"More than ready," Lissy said confidently, stepping up beside him.
Mark, Angel, and Jackson followed, their determination evident. Together, they left the safe zone, stepping back into the shadows of the dungeon.
For the first time in years, they weren't just a group of adventurers—they were a family, united once more. And nothing would stand in their way.