Before setting out on an expedition or quest as a party, adventurers were trained to be thoroughly prepared.
It was the party leader's duty to ensure all essential provisions were secured, this included food, medical supplies, and healing potions in case of unforeseen dangers.
Other necessities, such as torches, maps, and camping equipment, were also considered vital for survival in the field.
As for dungeon navigation, the Adventurers Guild would provide a basic map to assist the team. Beyond that, it was up to the party to procure any additional resources they might need.
The objective of the quest was simply investigation, meaning the party was to explore the dungeon and assess its current condition.
If they discovered it to be too dangerous, they had the option to withdraw and report their findings to the guild. Reward will be given upon report back to the guild.
Even though it was considered a low-risk mission, it remained a valuable experience, especially for those who had never ventured into a dungeon before.
Dungeons were inherently unpredictable; danger could arise without warning.
Aside from the usual monsters, there were also demi-humans, creatures with human-like intelligence and monstrous features.
Many of them made their homes deep within forests, caves, or the darker corners of dungeons.
Unlike regular monster, these beings posed a greater threat because of their cunning and malicious behaviour.
They often caused trouble for nearby settlements, stealing livestock, kidnapping villagers, and, in some horrific cases, even eating humans.
That's why preparation and discussion before venturing into the unknown were crucial.
As Lisa handed Blake the dungeon map, the group, including Lux, gathered around an empty table to begin their strategy discussion.
Blake then speak first as he appeared to be the leader of his original party.
"I think we should began prepare and buy some supply, Lux do you know any place ?"
Blake started the discussion.
"Yes, sir! Leave that to me! Also, the distance from here to the Nightfall Dungeon will take about half a day on foot. We should arrive there by evening,"
Lux reported confidently.
"I see. Then we'll camp outside for the tonight and proceed into the dungeon tomorrow morning,"
Blake replied, folding his arms as he spoke with authority.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement, showing no objections to the plan.
Blake then pulled out a small sack of coins from his pocket and placed it on the table. With practiced ease, he counted out twenty-five silver coins and slid them toward Lux.
"I suppose we can let Lux handle the shopping. Here, you take care of it."
"Whoa, that's a lot!"
Lux blinked in surprise.
"Just make sure to bring back everything we need, and write down what you've bought,"
Blake added, his tone firm but calm.
He glanced around at the others.
"If anyone wants to rest or walk around while Lux is out, go ahead. But keep this in mind, we will meet up at the guild and leave at noon."
"Yes, sir!"
"Okay!"
"Then, Vox and I will check out the village a bit, we've never been here before,"
Will said casually as he stood up, stretching with ease.
Blake nodded.
"Sure. Lowel and I will check out the tavern. Lux, is there one nearby?"
"Yes, sir. There's only one tavern in the village, it's part of the local inn,"
Lux replied promptly.
"I see… what about you, Lia?"
Blake turned to the quiet girl in the robe, who had been silently observing and going along with everything so far.
"..."
She didn't respond right away.
Noticing the awkward silence, Lux stepped in with an easy smile.
"If you don't have anything to do, why don't you come with me? There's a small sweet stall in the market that sells some nice treats."
For a brief moment, the others glanced over in surprise.
"Sure."
Lia gave him a soft, charming smile to Lux.
As the group began heading out of the Adventurers Guild.
Before leaving, Lux turned back and waved.
"See you later, Lisa! Thanks for everything!"
Lisa waved back from behind the counter, but her eyes followed Lux's back with quiet concern.
The group parted ways outside the guild. Will and Vox wandered off in another direction, exploring the village on their own, while the rest followed behind Lux.
"All right, I'll be your guide then. First, let me take you to the tavern,"
Lux said with a cheerful smile.
He led the way down the narrow dirt path that served as Egrish's main road. Though the village was small, it had a peaceful charm. Wooden houses with straw roofs lined the path, and the occasional villager offered a polite wave as the group passed by.
Blake and Lowel walked in silence behind him, observing the quiet life of the village. Lia, on the other hand, remained close to Lux, glancing curiously at the surroundings.
Egrish was a small village with a population of around 150. Most of the villagers made their living through farming, hunting, or raising livestock.
Due to a small community, everyone got along well, especially Lux, who had been raised here. He knew almost every face in the village.
After a short walk, they arrived at a modest two-story building, the village tavern and inn. Lux pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Good morning, Mr. John! I brought you some customers!"
A man in his forties, wearing a white apron, turned from behind the counter and smiled as he recognized Lux.
"Oh… Lux! Are you here to bring me some Minto?"
"No, no, no—no Minto today!"
Lux waved his hands dramatically.
"What? But I need it for my drinks!"
Mr. John groaned, then glanced past Lux.
"Hmm? And who are these new faces?"
"They're adventurers from the nearby town. Here for a quest."
Lux explained.
"Ah, I see. Well, we just started cooking, so it's going to take a little while,"
Mr. John replied casually.
Lux gestured for Blake and Lowel to take a seat at one of the empty tables.
Just then, Mr. John tilted his head back and shouted up the stairs,
"Jane! How long are you gonna sleep? We already have customers!"
A voice called back from upstairs, sounding half-annoyed, half-embarrassed.
"Father! I'm already awake! I was just cleaning up!"
A moment later, a girl in a simple dress and white apron appeared at the top of the stairs and began descending to the ground floor. Her brown hair was neatly tied back, and she carried a wooden bucket in one hand and a damp towel draped over the other.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to shout like that, Father—" she began as she reached the ground floor, but then her eyes widened slightly as she noticed the unfamiliar guests seated in their tavern.
But her eyes was quickly lock the girl in the robe.
Then, her gaze locked onto the robed girl standing beside Lux.
"BROTHER LUX!! Who is that woman?!"
She blurted, pointing dramatically at Lia.
"Jane, you just told me not to shout,"
Her father, Mr. John, grumbled from behind the counter.
"It's different, Father!"
"…Okay."
Without waiting, Jane placed the wooden bucket and towel on the floor then rushed over to Lux and grabbed his arm tightly, her expression flustered.
"Big brother! Who are these people?!"
Lux gave her a small pat on the head.
"Ah, they're adventurers from a nearby town. Umm... everyone, this energetic girl here is Jane, Mr. John's daughter, and Mr. John over there is the owner of this tavern."
The group chuckled lightly, and one by one, exchanged polite greetings with Jane and Mr. John. After a short greeting, Lux stood up.
"All right then,"
Lux turned to the others,
"I'll head to the market with Ms. Lia. Mr. Blake and Mr. Lowel, you two can rest here for a while."
"Sounds good. See you in a bit,"
Blake replied with a casual wave.
"Oh! And I highly recommend Mr. John's special drinks, they're the best around here!"
Lux added cheerfully. Then he turned to Jane with a grin.
"Jane, I'll bring you back some snacks, okay?"
"O-kay!!"
Jane beamed, nodding enthusiastically.
With that, Lux and Lia stepped out of the tavern, leaving behind the warm chatter and clinking of mugs as their new journey began.
As the two walked through the village, the locals waved and greeted Lux warmly. Children ran up to say hello, elders nodded with smiles, and farmers paused their work just to give him a friendly shout.
Lia watched in quiet amusement, her eyes trailing Lux as he returned every greeting with an effortless smile or casual wave. It made her wonder.
She kept glancing at him until Lux finally noticed her gaze. With a soft chuckle, he turned his head.
"Hmm? Do you want to ask something, Ms. Lia?"
"…No, it's just… you're really lively in this village,"
She replied honestly.
Lux smiled at her and slowed his pace to walk side by side.
"Well, everyone here treats each other like family,"
He said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.
"And since I work as the village's only adventurer, I try to help wherever I can, even if I don't have a class."
Lia blinked, surprised by his sincerity.
"Even without a class?"
She echoed.
Lux gave a small laugh.
"Yup. Class or not, I want to be someone useful to the village and kept on the promised that I made with my friends."
"Friends?"
Lia muttered softly to herself, the word lingering in her mind.
She wondered just what kind of promise could drive someone like Lux to stay so hopeful and determined. But she chose not to ask. It didn't feel right to pry. Just then, a sweet, milky aroma drifted through the air, catching her attention.
"...Mmm, what is that smell?"
She asked, nose twitching slightly, eyes lighting up.
"Ah! I didn't expect you to notice it that fast,"
Lux chuckled, clearly amused.
Lux led Lia to a small food stall near the entrance of the market, where the scent of sweetness and oil filled the air. At the front, a large pot of oil bubbled cheerfully. Behind the counter stood a man with a friendly face and a towel slung over his shoulder. He looked up and grinned as Lux approached.
"Good morning, Mr. Bart! Can I get two orders of fried milk, please?"
"Well, if it isn't our young adventurer!"
Bart chuckled, wiping his hands.
"Coming early today, huh? And with a lady, too. Must be a special occasion."
Lux scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Haha, just showing a guest around."
Bart gave a knowing smile and nodded.
"Two coming right up!"
Lux and Lia stood side by side, watching in quiet fascination as Mr. Bart prepared the village's signature snack, fried milk.
With practiced hands, Bart lifted a large, chilled cube of milk, solidified into a smooth, white block. He dipped it into beaten egg, rolled it in golden breadcrumbs, and gently lowered it into the bubbling oil. The sizzling sound filled the air, blending with the rich aroma of sweetness and butter.
Lia's eyes widened with curiosity. She had never seen anything like it.
"This is one of our village's specialties,"
Lux explained, smiling.
"It's made from cow's milk!"
"Cow milk?"
Lia tilted her head, confused.
"Yep! To make it solid like that, Mr. Bart mixes the milk with sugar and cornstarch, then cooks it until it thickens and sets. Once it cools, it holds its shape like jelly."
"Oi, Lux! Trying to steal my trade secrets?"
Bart called out with a playful grin.
"You'll run me out of business if you keep telling people how I make it!"
"Haha, sorry, Mr. Bart!"
Lux laughed, scratching the back of his head.
"Wow, Mr. Lux… you really are knowledgeable,"
Lia said, impressed.
"Heheh, well, I've lived here my whole life, after all."
Just then, the cubes turned a perfect shade of golden brown and gently floated to the surface of the oil. Bart lifted them out with care, letting the excess oil drip off before placing each piece onto a small square of parchment paper.
With a final touch, he drizzled honey over the crispy tops, letting the sweetness glisten in the sunlight.
"Here you go, fresh and hot!"
Bart declared proudly.
Lia carefully took the wrapped fried milk, holding it between her fingers. She brought it close to her lips and gently blew on it to cool it down before taking a cautious bite.
[Crunch]
Her eyes widened.
"Wow… amazing!"
The crispiness of the golden curst, giving way to a warm and creamy milk as the sweet milk melted smoothly in her mouth, blending with the honey on top of it. It became creamy, rich and just the right amount of sweet.
She blinked in surprise.
"I've never had anything like this before"
She said till chewing.
Lux beamed beside her as he handing Mr. Bart the money.
"Told you ! Egrish may be small, but our snacks are top tier !!"