The pale morning light filtered through the small window of the inn room, casting thin bars of gold across the wooden floor. Yoshiya stirred first. His arms still ached faintly from the last quest, but the soft mattress felt like luxury compared to sleeping under trees. Omina, curled on the opposite bed, blinked awake at the faint creak of the floorboards.
"Morning," she muttered, swinging her legs off the bed. Her hair was mussed but her eyes already gleamed with anticipation for the day.
They washed quickly and went down to the common hall. The scent of bread, broth and woodsmoke filled the air. A few merchants and adventurers sat scattered around the tables. Yoshiya and Omina took a seat near the window and began eating bowls of stew with thick slices of roasted bread.
The hum of conversation drifted toward them. Snatches of gossip—lost caravans, strange footprints, goblins in the Darkforest—wove through the hall. One old hunter whispered about a "lair hidden deep under the trees," another claimed to have seen shaman-goblins setting traps. Omina glanced at Yoshiya. He raised an eyebrow. Both understood what the talk hinted at: a new quest.
After finishing their meal, they stepped into the crisp air of Reflynne and crossed the cobbled street to the guild outpost. The hall was smaller than the main branch, but just as busy. Behind the counter stood a receptionist they had not met before, a young woman with neat hair tied in a bun.
"Good morning," she said brightly. "Naomi Junjo. How can I help you?"
Omina leaned on the counter. "We rescued three villagers during our last quest. Are they doing all right?"
Naomi smiled. "Yes. They're recovering at the temple nearby and have given their reports. They wanted me to thank you again."
While Omina chatted, Yoshiya's attention drifted to a merchant's stall set up along the wall. Boxes of dried rations, neat rows of herbs, and small trinkets lay displayed on cloth. But among the clutter something caught his eye: a red-bound book with black inked letters across the cover—Two Swords Style. A small wooden sign read Price: 5 Silver Coins.
He walked over, lifting the book carefully. The leather was worn, but the pages inside were crisp. "Omina," he called softly.
She broke off from Naomi and came over. When she read the title her eyes widened. "Two Swords Style? A real manual?"
"Looks like it," Yoshiya said. "Five silver."
Omina chewed her lip. "We still have silver left from the goblin bounty…"
Yoshiya nodded. They pooled their coins and handed them to the merchant. He wrapped the book in cloth and passed it to Omina. She held it close, like a precious treasure.
On the same table another item glinted—a simple silver bracelet etched with faint runes. The merchant leaned in. "Increases mana capacity. Three silver."
Yoshiya considered, then glanced at Omina. She shrugged. "Might be good for you."
They bought the bracelet as well. Yoshiya slid it over his wrist and felt a faint pulse of cool energy settle against his skin.
Back at the quest board a fresh notice had been pinned up. The heading read:
> Quest: Goblin's Lair
Infiltrate the goblin's lair deep within the Darkforest and gather information about their raids and operations.
Guarded tunnels, patrols of warriors, archers and shamans. Intel only—no need to defeat them unless you choose. Bonus for eliminating key targets.
Rewards: Gold, experience, possible goblin gear, and improved reputation with nearby villages.
Naomi came over and lowered her voice. "Reconnaissance only. The guild wants information first. But if you take out targets safely, we pay extra. It's a good exercise for building skills."
Omina's fingers brushed the edge of the red book in her pack. "Perfect timing," she murmured. "I've been needing a challenge."
Yoshiya straightened the new bracelet. "And I'll keep you alive through it."
They signed the quest forms. Naomi stamped their guild cards with a firm thump and wished them luck.
Outside, the sun had climbed higher, glinting off the rooftops of Reflynne. With the "Two Swords Style" manual secured and the mana bracelet gleaming faintly, the two adventurers set off. Their boots clacked over the cobblestones, then softened to crunching gravel as they left the town gates behind.
Beyond lay the dark ribbon of road leading to Oakwood Forest—and, somewhere past its farthest edge, the hidden goblin lair.