The morning sun bathed the capital city in a golden hue, its rays illuminating the bustling streets and lively markets.
Lucan, tall and imposing with a calm deanor, stood at the forefront, his arms crossed as he longed for sleep instead of listening to the guildmaster's briefing. Beside him, Julia, her white hair cascading down her back, fidgeted slightly, trying to mask her excitent with a composed expression.
Hima, with her blonde hair tied back, leaned casually against a pillar, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she twirled a strand of hair. Rina, with her short red hair and missing right hand, stood confidently, her left hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Olive, the quietest of the group, observed the proceedings with her dark eyes, her presence barely noticeable as she lingered in the shadows.
"The Heart of Eternity," the guildmaster's voice bood, echoing off the stone walls. "A relic of imnse power, said to grant control over ti itself. It's hidden deep within the Labyrinth of Echoes, a place where few have ventured and even fewer have returned."
Lucan felt bored; he had heard this line in the ga when Maris and the others ca here, but they arrived two years later.
The Labyrinth of Echoes was infamous, a place where reality twisted and turned, where ti was distorted—one day inside the dungeon could be as brief as one second outside.
It was no ordinary dungeon; it was dangerous. However, the reward for clearing this dungeon was too powerful to pass up. That's why Lucan gathered all four adventurers he knew to clear it.
The guildmaster had spoken a lot, but Lucan didn't listen.
"The labyrinth is ever-changing, filled with illusions, traps, and guardians that protect the relic. It's a test of both strength and wit. Many who entered were never heard from again. But I believe your team has the skills needed to succeed."
Hima chuckled softly, pushing herself off the pillar. "Sounds like fun. I could use a little excitent."
Julia shot her a glance, her brows furrowing slightly. "It's not sothing to take lightly, Hima. This could be dangerous."
Hima shrugged, her smile unfazed. "Dangerous, yes, but that's what makes it thrilling, don't you think?"
Lucan looked out the window. He already knew what this dungeon was, who the bosses were, and how to defeat them. So he didn't really care; if not for needing permission from the guildmaster to enter the dungeon, he wouldn't have even co here.
Otherwise, he had the perfect team. He just needed to go there and get the reward.
Julia had magic swordsmanship, Hima possessed powerful magical abilities, Rina had unmatched swordsmanship with her left hand, and Olive had stealth and precision.
"Are we all in agreent?" Lucan finally asked, his voice steady. His gaze swept over each of them, gauging their readiness.
"Of course," Julia replied, her tone resolute. "We can't pass up an opportunity like this."
Hima nodded, her grin widening. "I'm in."
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"Let's just get this over with," Rina said.
Olive rely gave a single nod.
Lucan turned back to the guildmaster. "We are ready, so please give us permission."
The guildmaster nodded approvingly. "Good. The entrance to the labyrinth is at the edge of the capital, a three-hour journey from here. Be prepared for anything. And rember, the labyrinth is as much a test of your minds as it is of your bodies."
With the formalities complete, the group left the guild hall. Before heading to the dungeon, they needed to get so supplies.
---
Hima and Olive walked through the crowded streets of the capital, making their way to the blacksmith's shop. The sun was now high in the sky, and the heat was starting to settle in. Hima wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, her blonde hair tied back into a loose bun.
"I hate this weather," Hima grumbled, squinting up at the sky. "It's like the sun wants to roast us alive."
Olive, as usual, remained silent, her dark eyes scanning the surroundings. She rely nodded in acknowledgnt of Hima's complaint and kept walking, her movents fluid and almost ghost-like in the bustling crowd.
As they approached the blacksmith's shop, the sound of clanging tal grew louder. The air was thick with the sll of smoke and molten steel. Hima pushed open the heavy wooden door, and they were imdiately greeted by the sight of the blacksmith hamring away at a glowing piece of tal on his anvil. Sparks flew with each strike, lighting up the dim interior.
"Hey there, Bronn!" Hima called out, her voice cheerful despite the oppressive heat.
The blacksmith, a burly man with a beard as thick as his arms, looked up and grinned. "Ah, if it isn't my two favorite adventurers. Co to pick up your gear, have you?"
"That's right," Hima replied, leaning casually against the counter. "We're heading into the Labyrinth of Echoes, so we'll need everything in top condition."
Bronn let out a low whistle. "The Labyrinth, huh? You lot don't do things by halves, do you? Well, you're in luck—I've got your gear all ready." He turned and hefted a bundle of items onto the counter.
Hima's eyes glead as she unwrapped her freshly repaired armor, running her fingers over the polished tal plates. "Perfect as always, Bronn."
Olive silently picked up her dagger, inspecting the edge with a critical eye. Satisfied, she slid it back into its sheath, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"If you find anything interesting in that labyrinth, be sure to bring it back for to have a look at," Bronn said with a wink.
Hima chuckled. "Only if we make it out in one piece, Bronn. Thanks again."
anwhile, Lucan, Rina, and Julia were navigating the narrow alleys that led to the potions shop. The air here was cooler, the buildings tall enough to cast long shadows that offered a welco reprieve from the sun.
Rina walked ahead, her eyes narrowed as she scanned for potential threats. Despite the relative peace of the capital, she never let her guard down. Julia walked beside Lucan, her white hair catching the faint light that filtered down between the buildings.
"You think the shopkeeper will try to gouge us on the prices?" Julia asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
Lucan shrugged, his calm deanor unruffled. "Likely. But we'll handle it."
When they reached the shop, they were greeted by the sharp scent of herbs and potions. The shop was cluttered, with shelves overflowing with bottles, vials, and strange ingredients. The shopkeeper, a wiry man with spectacles perched on his nose, looked up from his work as they entered.
"Welco, welco," he said with a sly smile. "What can I do for you fine adventurers today?"
"We need potions," Lucan said, getting straight to the point. "Healing, stamina, and so antidotes."
The shopkeeper's eyes glead with interest. "Ah, going sowhere dangerous."
"That's none of your concern," Rina interjected sharply.
"Of course, of course," the shopkeeper said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Let show you what I have."
He led them to a display of potions, each bottle carefully labeled. "Now, these are the finest potions you'll find in the capital. But quality cos at a price…"
Lucan narrowed his eyes. "We need enough for five people, and we're not paying more than thirty gold."
The shopkeeper's smile faltered. "Thirty gold? For this quality? I'd be out of business."
"Or out of luck," Rina added.
The shopkeeper hesitated, glancing between them. "How about forty-five?"
Lucan shook his head. "Thirty-five, and not a coin more."
After a tense mont, the shopkeeper sighed. "Fine, thirty-five it is. But rember, you're getting the best potions money can buy."
"Let's hope they're worth it," Julia muttered as Lucan handed over the coins.
With their potions in hand, they left the shop, ready to reunite with Hima and Olive.
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