The duo, Eryndor and Krog, visited the person who had assigned the red level mission. It was a demi-beast of the cat ancestry, named Kern. He invited them inside his home, which was simple and modest. Despite his humble appearance, Kern had brought a large sum of gold, enough to buy a huge castle in the town.
"Please, you have to help me," Kern pleaded, his eyes filled with desperation. "Every year, the neighboring hound tribes bully my people, snatching our harvests and beating us. But this year, they've gone too far. They're killing us, and I don't know what to do."
Eryndor's expression turned somber as he listened to Kern's words. He felt a pang of emotion, realizing that the Netherworld was a treacherous place where the weak were killed for no reason but being weak.
"I want to send support to my people," Kern continued. "Food, clothing, armor, and weapons to defend themselves. But I need a carriage service to take them to the five cat tribes' villages. If we don't send help soon, it'll be too late for my tribe."
Kern begged on his knees, his eyes filled with tears. Eryndor's heart went out to him, and he nodded his head in acceptance.
"I'll take the mission," Eryndor said, his voice firm. "We'll fill our carriage with goods and set off tomorrow."
After loading the carriage with goods, Eryndor and Krog arrived at the motel, where they saw Elara waiting for them. She was surprised to see Krog driving a luxurious carriage pulled by an earth dragon.
"Hey, Ms. Elara! Thank goodness you came, we didn't know where to contact you," Eryndor said, walking out of the carriage, "Although I know you live beside my room." he thought inwardly.
He further continued "I have some important information, We'll be setting off tomorrow for our first mission."
Elara's expression turned serious. "Oh, so soon?"
Eryndor nodded. "Well, I could delay for a few days if you're not ready and have some things to take care of."
But Elara shook her head. "No, no, I'm ready. We can set off tomorrow."
Eryndor smiled, feeling relieved. "Good, then meet us in the morning."
As Elara turned to leave, Eryndor called out to her. "Miss Elara, come dine with us!"
But Elara declined, saying she had some business to attend to. Eryndor watched her go, feeling a bit disappointed.
Hearing Eryndor's voice the baby Lich Xaren came out to greet Krog and Eryndor. "Master, welcome" Xaren said, his voice formal.
"You'll be guarding the carriage tonight" said Krog, his voice firm.
Xaren nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, big brother."
Eryndor's eyes widened in surprise. "Big brother?" he thought, a bit stunned.
Krog and Xaren had been mortal enemies just a few days ago, and now they were calling each other brothers. Eryndor wondered what had happened between them to make them so close.
As he went to his room to prepare for the next day, Eryndor opened his magical ring and looked for his equipment. He had a life-draining cursed sword, a stealth cloak, and a higher-level protection token to protect himself from certain death situations. He also decided to give some items he recently acquired from Xaren's lair to his subordinates, since they would be fighting alongside him.
After sorting out his equipment, Eryndor felt tired and decided to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day, and he needed to be well-rested.
As he drifted off to sleep, a different conversation was happening besides his room.
"Are you really going to go through with this, you know it's below your standards joining a ruffian's party? I don't understand, what's gotten into you?"
Vylonia's response was immediate. "You won't understand, all my life, I've been only feared, coveted, or revered by others. But now I want to enjoy companionship, my life's been dull for too long. I need to risk it for once."
Noir's voice was skeptical, but it eventually gave up trying to convince her. "Well, if you've made up your mind, then so be it."
The next morning, Eryndor, Krog, Xaren, and Elara set off on their journey, unknown of what lay ahead. The earth dragon, Gronk, pulled the carriage, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
As they left the town behind, Elara felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had never been on a mission like this before, and she wasn't sure what to expect. But she was determined to see it through, no matter what.
Eryndor, who was sitting across her, seemed to sense her unease. "Don't worry, Miss Elara," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "We'll be fine. We have a good team and a solid plan."
Elara nodded, feeling a bit better. And with that, they set off towards the next village, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.