By the time the city gates of Ardent came into view, the sun had begun to sink toward the horizon.
The golden light of evening stretched across the stone walls, giving the entire city a warm glow.
Kael felt a surprising wave of relief.
After the dungeon and the ambush on the road, the sight of normal life felt comforting.
Merchants shouted from roadside stalls.
Carriages rattled across the cobblestone streets.
Adventurers laughed loudly as they headed toward taverns.
Lyria stretched as they passed through the gates.
"I want food."
Kael nodded immediately.
"That's the smartest thing you've said all day."
Lyra smiled faintly.
"Your priorities are admirable."
"Hey," Kael said defensively, "clearing a dungeon burns a lot of calories."
They made their way through the crowded streets toward the Adventurers' Guild.
The building was just as lively as ever.
The moment they stepped inside, the noise hit them like a wall.
Conversations filled the air.
Tankards slammed against wooden tables.
The smell of roasted meat drifted from the kitchen.
Several adventurers looked up as the trio entered.
Recognition spread quickly.
"Hey… those are the ones who went to the elemental dungeon."
"They're back already?"
"Three people cleared that place?"
Whispers rippled through the room.
Lyria leaned toward Kael.
"I think we're getting famous."
"You're enjoying this."
"A little."
They approached the guild counter.
The receptionist looked up with a professional smile.
"How can I help—"
Her voice stopped when Lyra placed the glowing dungeon fragment on the counter.
The woman's eyes widened.
"You… cleared it?"
Lyra nodded calmly.
"Yes."
The receptionist hurried into the back room.
Moments later, an older man with silver hair and a formal guild robe stepped out.
He carefully examined the fragment before looking up at them with clear respect.
"This confirms the dungeon core guardian has been defeated."
He bowed slightly.
"On behalf of the Adventurers' Guild, thank you for removing the threat."
Lyria leaned casually against the counter.
"So… about the reward?"
The official chuckled.
"Straight to business."
He opened a large ledger.
"The bounty for clearing that dungeon is substantial."
He finished writing and slid three new guild badges across the counter.
"In addition, your party rank is being upgraded."
Kael blinked.
"Already?"
The man nodded.
"Clearing a dungeon is no small accomplishment."
Kael picked up the badge slowly.
For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt like a real adventurer.
Lyria clapped him on the back.
"See? I told you this would work out."
Lyra smiled softly.
"This is only the beginning."
Kael looked at the two sisters beside him.
The bond between them pulsed gently.
Stronger.
Deeper.
And still growing.
Somehow he had the feeling their real journey had only just begun.