The feast stretched on, laughter mingling with the muffled sounds of the tavern below. By the time the last pitcher was drained and the platters picked clean, the trio leaned back in their chairs, rubbing their bellies with sounds of satisfaction.
"Bruh, I'm about to knock out right here," Kenshin groaned, leaning his head back with a dramatic sigh. "This food hittin' too hard."
Seme smirked, patting her own stomach. "We move slower than snails right now. Gonna be rollin' home."
Drathan pushed back his chair and stretched lazily. "Aight, let's bounce before we start snorin' at the table."
They rose sluggishly, Mira trailing beside them, and together they stepped back out into the bustling streets. The glow of lanterns lit up the night while laughter, prayer songs, and drunken hymns spilled from the taverns. The air was thick with incense from street altars and the smoky tang of roasting meats. They parted ways with Velra's group just outside, trading brief farewells before heading toward their villa. Every step carried that heavy, satisfied fatigue that only came from overindulgence.
When they opened the villa's door, the fragrance of fresh-cooked food still lingered, though untouched dishes rested on the dining table. The servants looked up as the trio entered, bowing politely. The villa itself seemed to welcome them home—the polished marble floors reflected the lantern glow, soft rugs cushioned each step, and the air carried the faint sweetness of burning cedarwood from the hearth.
Kenshin frowned. "Hold up… why y'all ain't come eat with us? We had room."
The dark elf halfling, Nyla, lowered her eyes respectfully. "As soon as the sermon ended, we hurried back to prepare the house and meals, Master. We waited for hours… but it seems you had other plans."
Drathan snorted and waved a hand, smirk tugging at his lips. "So this world got magic to snatch us outta another dimension, but no damn cell phones to tell us y'all already cookin'? Wild. Someone need to patch that update."
Kenshin barked a laugh, slapping the table. Mira rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. The air felt lighter, even with the exhaustion weighing them down.
After dinner talk faded, Seme stood, stretching her arms. "Gonna work this food off before I end up useless tomorrow." She stepped out back toward the training grounds. The yard stretched under silver moonlight, a wide circle of packed dirt bordered by wooden dummies and weapon racks. The sound of steel clashing against wood soon echoed faintly, mixing with the chirp of night crickets.
Kenshin grabbed his coat with a grin. "Y'all know where I'm headin'—brothel got cold drinks and warm company. Don't wait up." He swaggered toward the door. The brothel, nestled in the city's entertainment quarter, was a riot of lanterns, perfume, and laughter. Its carved wooden doors swung open to reveal velvet curtains, warm candlelight, and the sweet musk of wine and incense. He disappeared inside, already greeted by familiar faces.
Drathan lingered just a little longer, rubbing his temple at the faint throb of a headache. "Man… I'mma crash early." He waved off the concerned looks, dragging himself to his room. The villa's hallways glowed softly with wall sconces, each flame flickering lazily, casting warm shadows over the fine tapestries that lined the walls. His room smelled faintly of lavender from the oils the servants used, the heavy quilt promising deep rest.
The villa quieted as the night deepened, warm lantern light flickering in the halls. Outside, the city's festival chaos faded to a dull hum. By morning, everyone gathered again at the long table for breakfast. Platters of eggs, fresh bread, and seasoned meat were spread across the polished oak, steam curling into the air. The polished silverware clinked softly as the trio ate quickly, savoring the quiet before another day began.
"Guild first," Drathan said flatly between bites, already thinking ahead. "See what requests they put up."
"Bet," Kenshin nodded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Let's see what's on the board. Feels like somethin's brewin'."
Together, they finished their meal, straightened their gear, and set out toward the guild hall—ready to see what awaited them next.
The streets bustled with life as they made their way through the city. Merchants called out their wares with boisterous voices, guards kept a wary eye on the crowd, and adventurers in mismatched armor pushed past, their weapons rattling with each step. The guild hall loomed ahead, larger and louder than ever. The carved stone façade was almost lost beneath the sea of bodies pouring in and out. Inside, the air buzzed with overlapping voices—squads boasting of victories, others whispering rumors of new threats, and still more haggling for allies.
The posting board was swarmed. Some adventurers shouted excitedly as they snagged commissions, eyes gleaming with the promise of coin. Others looked shady, luring wide-eyed rookies into their parties with smooth words that reeked of exploitation. Groups argued heatedly over postings, and recruiters barked offers to stragglers lingering near the edges. The smell of sweat, ink, and hot steel clung to the hall like a second skin.
Drathan, Seme, and Kenshin pushed through the chaos with their usual swagger. "Yo, this joint packed like a concert," Kenshin muttered, smirk tugging at his lips. His eyes scanned the board hungrily. "Bet we find somethin' worth the trouble."
Seme rolled her eyes but smirked. "Long as I get to swing my blade, I don't care."
Drathan's gaze lingered on the crowd, cold and calculating. Everyone scrambling for scraps… but they don't even see the storm coming.
Together, they reached the board, their presence enough to part the crowd. Whispers rose around them—awed, cautious, and envious. Eyes followed them, but none dared block their path. Drathan plucked a notice from the wall, flicked it between his fingers, and smirked. "This one's ours."
With the commission secured, the trio stepped away from the chaos, ready to head out toward the next village under threat, anticipation buzzing in the air like the crackle before a storm.