บท 10: The Unexpected Quest
Outside the Leatherback Sea Turtle Guild, the salty breeze from the nearby ocean rustled through Kaito's hair. He pulled out his smartphone and dialed Kaori's number.
"Hello, Kaori! It's me, Kaito. Did you get the notification from my guild?" he asked cheerfully.
"Yes, I got it!" Kaori replied enthusiastically, her voice bright and clear through the phone.
"But I just wanted to let you know that Haruto can't join us today," Kaito said, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Kaori sighed. "Just as I thought. A famous adventurer like him always seems to be occupied with something."
Kaito nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Exactly! He's just taking a rest today after completing an emergency quest last night."
"That makes sense," Kaori said understandingly. "So, are you ready for our adventure?"
Kaito smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. "Yes, I'm on my way! Can you send me the location?"
"Sure! I'll send it over right now," Kaori replied, the sound of her typing on her device coming through the phone.
Kaito listened for the notification and then checked his phone. "Got it! I'll be there in a few minutes."
He hung up the smartphone and paused, looking around the bustling guild courtyard. Adventurers of all kinds were preparing for their quests, their chatter and laughter filling the air. The sun was high, casting warm light over the scene.
"Wait a moment…" Kaito muttered to himself as he spotted his guild master, Sir Sam Stormblade, walking through the street with his usual laid-back demeanor. Sir Sam, a towering figure with a level 300 status, was known for his formidable presence and unwavering dedication to the guild. His silver armor gleamed in the sunlight, and his cape billowed behind him as he strode purposefully.
Despite his imposing appearance, Sir Sam had a relaxed air about him. He moved with a casual grace, his eyes half-lidded as if he were perpetually relaxed. His voice, when he spoke, was slow and deliberate, adding to his air of nonchalance.
As Sir Sam walked through the streets, people couldn't help but notice him. Whispers followed in his wake.
"Isn't that Sir Sam Stormblade?" one passerby murmured.
"Yeah, the level 300 guild master. He's so powerful, yet he always seems so…chill," another replied.
"I heard he took down a dragon last week without breaking a sweat," a third person added, awe evident in their voice.
"He's like a living legend," someone else said, shaking their head in admiration.
Kaito's curiosity was piqued, but he decided not to approach Sir Sam. Instead, he focused on the task at hand. He took a deep breath, shaking off the distraction, and headed towards the location Kaori had sent him.
As he walked, he couldn't help but think about the upcoming quest. The Ouroboros Sisters were known for their creativity and unique approach to adventuring. Kaito felt a mix of excitement and anticipation, wondering what kind of challenges and surprises awaited him.
***
The streets were lively with activity, vendors calling out their wares and children playing in the alleys. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the salty tang of the sea. Kaito's steps quickened as he neared the meeting point, his heart pounding with anticipation.
When he arrived, he saw Kaori waiting for him, her vibrant body paint catching the light and creating a dazzling display of colors. The intricate designs of red and green ouroboros shimmered with every movement, making her look like a living piece of art. She waved enthusiastically as he approached.
"Kaito! Over here!" she called out, her smile bright and welcoming.
Kaito waved back, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey, Kaori! Ready for our adventure?"
"Absolutely! Naomi is just finishing up some preparations. She'll be here any minute," Kaori said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kaito nodded, feeling the thrill of the upcoming quest. "Great! I can't wait to see what you have planned."
As they waited for Naomi, Kaito and Kaori chatted about their previous adventures and shared stories of their guilds. The camaraderie between them grew stronger, and Kaito felt a sense of belonging and excitement for the journey ahead.
Not long after, Naomi arrived, her body paint just as vibrant as Kaori's, catching the light and creating a dazzling display of colors. The intricate red and green ouroboros designs shimmered with every step, making her look like a living piece of art. She waved enthusiastically as she approached.
Kaito, with a puzzled expression, asked, "So, what's our quest?"
Kaori raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?"
Naomi chuckled, shaking her head. "Kaito, you are such an adventurer! You dive into quests without even knowing what they are!"
Kaori nudged Kaito playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yes, or maybe he's the type who follows pretty girls like us," she teased, her laughter ringing out like a melody.
Naomi giggled, and Kaito grinned sheepishly. "Well, can you blame me? I mean, who wouldn't want to follow two beautiful adventurers into the unknown?"
Kaori smirked. "Flattery won't get you out of this one, Kaito. We really should get you up to speed."
Naomi leaned in, teasing, "Or maybe he just likes the free snacks from the guild kitchen."
Kaito laughed. "Okay, okay, fair point! But seriously, what's the quest about?"
Kaori explained, "It's a protection mission for a certain individual."
Kaito's eyes lit up. "Who? Who? A princess?"
Naomi smirked. "You'll be shocked."
Suddenly, an old man appeared, his presence commanding attention despite his age. His weathered face and wise eyes spoke of countless stories and experiences.
Kaori pointed. "There he is."
Kaito's face fell. "Oh…"
Naomi giggled, looking at Kaito. The old man approached them, his steps steady and purposeful, each one echoing with the weight of years.
"I'm the Head Village of Dragon River Village, Leopold. Nice to meet you," the old man introduced himself, his voice rich with authority and kindness.
Kaito sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of his disappointment was too much to bear. "Oh, come on! I was half-hoping for a princess or something majestic, not an old village head!"
Kaori smirked. "You really need to broaden your horizons, Kaito. Protecting the village head is still noble work!"
Naomi teased, "Plus, who knows? Maybe he's got some magical secrets up his sleeve."
Kaito brightened slightly, his mind racing with possibilities. True! Maybe he has a legendary artifact or a hidden treasure we can uncover? he thought, his excitement rekindling.
Kaito laughed, his spirits lifting.
Leopold examined Kaito closely. "What is your level, young man?"
Kaito replied, "I'm a level 4 adventurer."
Leopold looked gloomier than Kaito did. Kaori and Naomi giggled at the sight.
Kaito sighed. "Ah, the old man copying me… Damn, it hurt my heart!"
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