Yoshiya and Omina walked out of the guild outpost under twilight, the clamor of adventurers behind them. Lia had just handed off their reward envelopes and waved them toward the exit. "Go see the alchemist before night fully falls," she whispered, glancing toward the mounting crowd.
They did not waste a moment. Their boots echoed across stone streets as they made their way toward the alchemist's quarter. The lamp-lit alleys seemed narrower tonight, the edges of buildings dark shadows against the glowing windows.
At last they arrived at Kuraishi Shizuka's workshop. The door sign swayed gently—a leaf motif carved into wood, painted faint green in the fading light. Inside, the air smelled sharp of herbs and tinctures, the glow of jars lining the walls bathing the room in soft hues of amber and jade.
"Good evening," Shizuka greeted them, emerging from a curtained alcove. Her hands were gloved and stained, her robes trimmed in pale green. Without preamble, Yoshiya placed the still-fresh Boar Heart on a silver tray, and Omina spread a cluster of wild herbs she had collected earlier.
Shizuka studied the offerings with steady eyes. "These are excellent materials," she said. "I can fashion one of three creations: a **Boar Heart Tonic** (for a temporary berserk surge), a **Bloodfang Sigil** (a charm to boost attack), or a **Crimson Core Infusion** (useful for upgrading weapons)."
Omina's lips curved into a fierce smile. "Give me the tonic," she said quietly. "Strength when needed."
Shizuka nodded. "Wise. The effect is powerful—but drains stamina rapidly. Use it sparingly, or be prepared to be dispelled or collapse from exhaustion."
As payment, they agreed on **eight silver**. Shizuka gathered the heart and herbs into a small alchemical chamber, closing the curtains around it. "Return tonight. It will be ready by then."
---
They departed under the deepening sky, shadows stretching across the cobblestones. When they reached the inn, the scent of dinner drifted in from the kitchen. They ate quickly, plates scraping emptiness, then requested **the usual nightly lodging with meal**, plus **fifty copper** for the private bathing area at the back.
Steam rose in the wooden tubs, and Omina closed her eyes as warmth soaked her tired muscles. Yoshiya rinsed his hands, watching the water swirl away dirt and dried blood. Neither spoke much. The fatigue weighed heavily on them both.
They collapsed into their beds early and slept quickly.
---
Morning light filtered through the curtains. They dressed, washed, then left the inn immediately for Shizuka's shop, skipping breakfast. The streets were quieter now, occasional vendors preparing wares.
Inside the alchemist's workshop, Shizuka stood behind the counter, the curtains drawn aside. On a silk cloth lay the completed item: **a necklace with a crimson gemstone at its center, its veins glowing thin threads of gold and yellow**. Its presence felt alive.
She explained carefully: "By channeling mana into the gem, you can temporarily enter a **berserk state**. Strength, speed, reflexes—it all increases. But you must dispel it or allow it to run out naturally; overuse can leave you spent or worse."
Omina touched the necklace, feeling a soft pulse. Yoshiya watched her carefully, concern flickering in his eyes. She slid it around her neck, gem resting against her collarbone.
---
They went next to the guild. Inside the hall, the difference was immediate. The room buzzed with anticipation—adventurers clustered in groups, maps and banners spread across tables. Kireina stood beside Lia, receiving pointers. Lia was mid-lecture.
"Understanding your role in a team fight is crucial," she was saying, demonstrating hand gestures to her newest recruit.
Omina nudged Yoshiya. "She never stops teaching."
They approached the center of the room and saw the bulletin board: a large parchment headed **"Thunder Boar King Subjugation Quest"**. Adventurers read it eagerly.
The guild officer raised his voice. "We call upon **five teams of five**—twenty-five brave souls—to hunt the Thunder Boar King tonight. This creature is large, swift, and crackling with electricity. No delay. Registration is open now."
Yoshiya and Omina exchanged a glance. The weight of the moment fell on them.
They stepped forward and registered themselves. A map was placed on the wall, and their names appeared under **Team 2**. A guild assistant approached and handed them their team roster.
"Here are your teammates," the assistant said.
They glanced at the list. Their team would be:
* **Yoshiya** (support / defense)
* **Omina** (main strike)
* **Kaito** (existing ally)
* **Kenji Katsuragi (Archer):** a calm, patient archer in forest-colored garb. His eyes were sharp and focused, the kind to track distant targets without hesitation.
* **Akane Shinoda (Assassin):** a lithe, red-haired figure with piercing, fire-colored eyes. Her black-and-gray garb seemed made for shadows; her presence quiet but dangerous.
Later, teams were revealed:
* **Team 1**: Seikaku's Archers of the Shadow Realm (three archers, one alchemist, one healer).
* **Team 3**: Dorobo, Kokoro, and others.
* **Team 4**: Yumi's squad.
* **Team 5**: The heavy "Tanks & Warriors Coalition" — the frontline fighters they had glimpsed during the goblin raid.
The officer explained roles and strategy. Team 1 would hold ranged suppression; Team 5 would lead the charge; Team 4 would handle tactical support; Team 2—Yoshiya's team—would perform strike and flank.
They were handed **rations, potions, quivers (for archers), one map per team, and smoke signals**.
---
While waiting for departure at dusk, Yoshiya and Omina slipped out across the plaza. They made their way back to Shizuka's shop, quietly asking for any herbs or potions that might regenerate stamina, HP, or mana during battle. Omina scribbled notes as Shizuka recited names of rare roots and petals to seek.
Then they browsed a small accessories shop. Yoshiya held a gleaming ring that promised minor defensive enchantments, but when told the price, he shook his head. "Too expensive for now."
They walked toward the town square, where a vendor sold grilled squid skewers. They purchased two sticks for **30 copper** and sat on a low stone bench. Under the evening lamps, the smoky scent of seared squid mingled with market smells.
Yumi appeared, slinging her bow over her shoulder. "Fancy running into you folks again." She offered a sly grin. She asked again about their interest in her bounty quest. Omina shook her head. "Tonight we're tied up."
They returned to the guild outpost. The smiths were there, repairing and sharpening arms. Yoshiya and Omina each paid **50 copper** to maintain their weapons and armor. Metal rang, sharpening stones hissed.
As dusk deepened, the guild officer's voice boomed: "All teams assemble!" The yard outside was lit by torches, casting long flickering shadows across adventurers in armor and robes.
One by one, teams were called forward and introduced. Seikaku's team stood composed and alert. Team 2 stepped forward: Kenji took his place by Omina, quiver slung over his back. Akane stood half in shadow, her red hair glinting under torchlight. Kaito cracked a grin. Yoshiya and Omina exchanged tense excitement.
The roles were reiterated. The officer handed each team a final map sheet and signal kit.
"Tonight," the officer declared, "we march into the depths of the Doom Forest. Our monster: the **Thunder Boar King**. May your wits, weapons, and courage see you through."
With that, the five teams began marching outward. Torches led the way as the forest swallowed them. Yoshiya felt the pulse of the pendant at Omina's throat. Behind them, the gates of Korvath closed in silent promise—and ahead, in the darkness, thunder murmured in the distance.