As the crackling bonfire cast flickering shadows across their faces, Aaron leaned slightly toward Aureil, curiosity glinting in his eyes.
"Aureil," he asked, "do you know why the dungeons started appearing?"
He paused, his gaze shifting from the flames to Fiona and David seated beside him.
"And once we finish the advancement quest… what then?"
A faint hint of tension crept into his voice.
"You know I've got that bounty in Blueish City."
Fiona and David didn't say anything, knowing Aaron was still learning about adventurers. Instead of teasing, Aureil took a quiet moment. She watched the fire, then spoke in a calm, cool voice.
"The Goblin Dungeon you fought and other beginner dungeons near cities they're created by the Goddess of Life."
She paused before continuing.
"Long ago, humans were weak. We had no powers, no way to fight monsters. They attacked freely, and people lived in fear. Then the Goddess of Life gave humans a gift: the ability to awaken and gain special talents."
Her voice grew more serious.
"That helped, but it wasn't enough. Monsters kept growing in numbers, and many people still died. So the Goddess did something more. She created a safe land for us Eldiora. She cleared away the monsters and made training areas like those dungeons to help new adventurers get stronger and survive in the wild."
Aaron stared at Aureil, stunned by her explanation.
Before the silence could stretch, Fiona leaned forward, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Aaron, do you know why you've never seen Tier 1 or Tier 2 adventurers in Blueish City?"
Aaron shook his head.
"No… I've never really thought about it."
Fiona gave him a light smile.
"Of course you haven't. Most high-tier adventurers left long ago to fight monsters on another continent. We call it the New World."
She glanced at the fire, then back at Aaron.
"That said, there are still Tier 1, Tier 2, and even Tier 3 adventurers who stayed behind. Eldiora might be protected, but it's far from peaceful. There are dangerous monsters here, too, that need to be kept in check."
Aaron was quiet, trying to take in everything Aureil had said. Then a new question popped into his mind.
"How do people go to the New World?" he asked, turning to Fiona.
She smiled and said,
"With a Teleportation Stone. After we finish the advancement quest, the Mud Golem will drop one for each of us. We can use it to teleport straight to the New World."
She paused, then added,
"But most people don't leave right away. They usually try to reach Tier 2 first. That way, they're stronger and safer when they get there."
Aureil had been quiet until now. Suddenly, she spoke in a calm but chilly tone.
"Once we finish the advancement quest… I'll need help from all of you."
Aaron and Fiona turned to her, surprised.
David, however, didn't react. He already knew Miss Aureil had come to Blueish City for a specific reason.
Fiona leaned forward, her voice warm.
"If it's something we can do, of course, we'll help you."
Aaron nodded.
"Same here. Count me in."
Aureil let out a quiet breath, a hint of relief softening her features.
Then, with a more serious expression, she asked,
"Have any of you heard the legend of the Blue Fairy… the one said to live deep within the Blueish Forest?"
Aaron looked confused, trying to understand what Aureil had meant.
Fiona, sitting beside him, suddenly spoke with excitement.
"The Blue Fairy isn't a person it's a legendary piece of equipment."
"Anyone at Tier 1 can use it. And they say it can cure almost any disease, especially those affecting people below Tier 2."
She glanced toward the distant forest.
"Many have tried to find it in the Blueish Forest, but no one has succeeded. Still, the forest is famous because of the legend."
Fiona lowered her voice slightly, as if sharing a secret.
"Some say the Blue Fairy appears only to those with a pure heart or a specific goal. Others believe it's hidden behind illusions or guarded by ancient creatures deep in the forest."
David added thoughtfully,
"There are old records in the adventurer's guild that talk about a glowing mist and strange echoes inside the forest. But no one ever confirms the sightings."
Aureil nodded slowly.
"Maybe it's more than just equipment. Maybe it's a test… or a gift meant only for those who truly need it."
As the fire crackled quietly between them, Aaron gave a simple nod, his mind still tangled in thoughts about the Blue Fairy and the mysteries hidden deep in the forest.
As the night grew darker and the fire began to dim, Aureil stood up and stretched slightly.
"Fiona, let's get some rest," she said calmly.
Then turning to David, she added,
"You're on your first watch. Wake me once your shift is over."
David gave a quick nod.
"Of course, Miss."
The chill of the night settled in around the campsite as Aaron quietly made his way to his tent. The soft crunch of leaves under his boots was the only sound he made before pulling the flap closed behind him.
Inside, he lay back on his bedroll, staring at the ceiling of the tent. His mind buzzed with everything he'd learned about the dungeons, the New World, the legend of the Blue Fairy... and Aureil's mysterious request for help.
The forest beyond seemed to hum with secrets. But for now, sleep was the only quest he needed to complete.
Meanwhile, in Blueish City...
Inside a quiet house lit only by flickering candles, a man sat motionless in a chair, his eyes closed, lost in thought. The room was silent, heavy with the scent of wax and old wood.
Suddenly, the front door burst open. A letter was tossed inside, landing with a soft thud on the floor.
The man opened his eyes and stood slowly, his expression unreadable. He bent down, picked up the envelope, and tore it open.
His eyes narrowed as he read the message.
Rat the scout was dead.
His jaw tightened. A shadow passed over his face as the weight of the news sank in. Without a word, he turned and walked quickly toward the back of the house, disappearing into its depths with urgency in his steps.