Chapter 65: Back to Adventuring

Chapter 65: Back to AdventuringThe warm hum of mana-lanterns glowed from the rafters of the restaurant as Inigo pushed open the front doors. A familiar chime echoed from the enchanted bell overhead—a sound that had become oddly comforting. The sun was just beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting golden hues across the street outside. It had been two days since his first class at the Royal Magic Academy, and with only three sessions a week, he had enough breathing room to return to his business ventures. Inside, the modest establishment buzzed with the murmur of customers and the clinking of ceramic plates. Adventurers, merchants, and a few familiar townsfolk chatted over bowls of steamed dumplings and hearty cuts of beast meat. Lyra stood behind the counter, a tray in one hand and a menu in the other. When her eyes found him, they lit up. "Inigo! You’re back," she said, weaving through the tables to meet him. "How was your first class?" He slung his satchel onto a nearby chair and collapsed into the seat with a tired grunt. "It was like learning calculus from a dragon. But manageable." "Did you blow anything up?" "Only a coin." He smirked. "Professor called it ’unexpectedly elegant.’ I call it improvisation." Lyra laughed, brushing her bangs from her forehead. "You’re making quite the impression." Inigo leaned back, letting the aroma of sizzling spices fill his senses. "So, how’s business?" "Picked up a little," she said. "Especially since word got out that the guy who beat Cernan Vellmont owns this place." Inigo rolled his eyes. "Great. I’m trending." Lyra chuckled but her expression shifted into something more serious. She sat across from him, her fingers idly tracing the rim of a glass of iced berry tea. "Is there something you want to tell me?" Inigo asked. Lyra simply nodded her head. "There is. I will admit this to you, Inigo. Although having a business is fun by cooking burgers and fries. But I still want to practice my profession as an adventurer." Inigo hummed in understanding. "I know, this business is just part-time, not full-time. In fact, I am feeling the same way. This world is full of adventures, I don’t want to waste it over a burger joint. I know this business is going to rise as a corporation in the near future, but the promise of adventure in this world is too enticing. How about we go for a quest? Like we always do?" Lyra’s eyes gleamed. "You mean it? You’ll come with me?" Inigo nodded, leaning back with a smirk. "Come on. You think I’m gonna let you hog all the rewards and loot? Not a chance." She laughed—short, bright, and relieved. "Then it’s settled. We’re partners again." Inigo raised his cup. "To the next quest." Lyra clinked hers against his. "To adventure." They didn’t waste time. After locking up the restaurant and leaving a sign on the door—Closed for Adventure, Back Soon—the two made their way toward the Adventurer’s Guild. It was only a few blocks away. As they approached, Inigo noticed something new. A large notice board had been placed out front, covered with flyers and parchment sheets stamped with guild seals. A few adventurers lingered nearby, arguing over who’d taken which contract first. Lyra scanned the board quickly. "There," she said, pointing to a notice in the upper corner. [REQUEST: DUNGEON INFESTATION - HOLLOWWOOD HILLS] Threat: Minotaur-type beasts reported in dense clusters Location: Abandoned quarry trail, three hours west of Eldrath Party Limit: Four members. Objective: Clear out the lair. Confirmed minotaur presence. Bounties awarded per confirmed kill and completion. Reward: 400 gold base, plus salvage rights Inigo whistled. "Minotaurs, huh?" "They’ve been reported more frequently near the hills," Lyra replied. "Fast, strong, and territorial. If they’re nesting in caves, it’ll be brutal." "And profitable," Inigo added with a grin. They entered the guild. S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The air inside was thick with the scent of leather, oil, and baked bread. Adventurers lounged on benches or sat at tables scribbling on maps. A few clerks worked behind wooden counters, sorting quests and stamping completion reports with glowing seals. At the far end of the main hall stood a sturdy desk of polished oak, stacked with scrolls and pinned maps. Behind it, a tall man with a silver beard and a deep scar down his cheek stood reviewing reports. His armor was half-worn and half-formal—chainmail sleeves beneath a black leather vest with the guild’s insignia stitched over his heart. Lyra approached him. "Guildmaster Thorne." The man looked up, raising one bushy brow. "Lyra Rayne. Haven’t seen you in a while. Thought you retired to open a bakery or something." "It was a burger joint," Lyra replied with a sheepish grin. "But I’m back. And I’ve got a partner this time." She gestured toward Inigo. Thorne looked him over, noting his casual clothes, the faint glint of magic around his holster, and the confident stance. "You’re the one who dueled Cernan. Velasquez, right?" "That’s me," Inigo replied. "Looking to take the minotaur job." Thorne grunted. "You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. Most rookies don’t jump into horned deathtraps on day two." "We’re not most rookies," Lyra said. "We’ve worked together before. We’re efficient." Thorne nodded slowly. "Fair enough. But rules are rules. That raid’s capped at four. That means you’ll need two more in your party." "Anyone already claimed the job?" Inigo asked. "Not yet," Thorne said. "But that won’t last long. Word’s getting around. This dungeon’s near a ley-choked area, so magical interference’s been warping the terrain. Smart money says this lair isn’t natural. Something drove them in." "Could be more than minotaurs," Lyra muttered. "Could be," Thorne agreed. "Which is why I suggest finding reliable allies. No dead weight." He stamped the guild token and slid it across the desk. "You’re signed up. You’ve got until tomorrow morning to register your full party and report to the western checkpoint." Inigo picked up the token. It shimmered faintly, encoded with magical data linking their names to the request. Lyra turned to him as they stepped away from the counter. "Alright. We’ve got the job." "Now we just need two more teammates," Inigo said. They both paused, scanning the guild hall. There is a lot of them, but if they were interested in this quest, they would have taken it. Which means, interested party may not be in this guild. "Got anyone in mind?" Inigo asked. "It will be best if we are to post on the adventurer’s board that we are looking for two party members. Since we are both marksmen, we are going to need someone who can be frontline and a