The armored man let out a sigh as he noticed that Kael was still watching him cautiously.
He slowly raised both hands, showing his empty palms in a gesture of peace before forming a small smile.
—Easy, friend. We won't hurt you. We're just patrolling this area while searching for a group of rookie adventurers who went out on their first expedition today. We were assigned to make sure nothing happens to them... although they don't even know we're here.
Kael remained silent for several seconds, studying the stranger's face. He sensed no hostility in his words or in the movements of the other members of the group.
Even so, he kept his guard up. After everything he had been through, trusting someone he had just met was a luxury he could no longer afford.
At last, he relaxed his shoulders slightly.
—Then... what kind of mission are those adventurers carrying out?
The man began walking down the mountain while gesturing with his hand for them to follow.
—Why don't you come with us? We can talk along the way. Besides, I need to make sure those kids are still breathing. Beginners always find new ways to get themselves into trouble.
Kael nodded and began walking alongside Elyndra. The young woman remained a few steps behind him, discreetly holding the back of his cloak while looking around with curiosity. Every tree, every rock, and every sound of the forest were still something completely new to her.
The man glanced back for a moment and smiled.
—By the way... I have to say, your girl's eyes are truly unusual. I've never seen any like them. Is it some kind of illness, or does she belong to some rare race? They're a real mystery.
Kael let out a small laugh as he absentmindedly stroked Elyndra's head.
—Hahaha... yeah, I suppose they are a mystery.
Elyndra tilted her head, not quite understanding what they were talking about, but she smiled as she felt Kael's hand on her hair.
As they continued descending the trail, Kael carefully observed each of the adventurers.
—(I need to find out who they really are. I also need to know how strong they are, how this world works, and above all... why I ended up inside this body. If I want answers, I have to gather as much information as possible.)
Throughout the journey, the armored man never stopped observing the terrain. At times, he crouched down to touch the ground, inspected faint footprints in the mud, or pushed aside a few branches to examine freshly broken leaves.
His experience was obvious. Even though his face looked no older than someone in his early twenties, his movements belonged to a veteran accustomed to surviving in any environment.
Kael finally broke the silence.
—While we're still walking... could you explain how the Adventurers' Guild works?
The man slightly turned his head and burst into laughter.
—You don't know how the guild works? Well... that's certainly a new one. I've never met anyone who hadn't at least heard of it.
The other adventurers also laughed quietly, though none of them seemed to be mocking him with ill intent.
—Well... I suppose there's always a first time. You see, the Adventurers' Guild doesn't belong to any kingdom, nor to any race. It serves neither emperors, kings, nor nobles. It's a completely independent organization created to help anyone in need, regardless of where they come from.
Kael listened attentively.
—So... it's a neutral organization?
—Exactly. If two countries go to war, the guild doesn't take either side. Our job is to protect civilians, eliminate monsters, explore ruins, escort caravans, rescue missing people, and accept requests that ordinary citizens can't solve on their own.
As he spoke, one of the adventurers walking behind them proudly added:
—Thanks to that, we can travel through practically any nation without too many problems. Everyone respects the guild's neutrality... or at least most of them do.
Kael continued asking questions.
—And how do you determine who's stronger? Do you have some kind of ranking system?
The man smiled.
—Of course. Although we don't use letters or numbers here. We use special necklaces.
—Necklaces?
The adventurer nodded as he slipped a hand beneath his armor and pulled out a chain from which hung a golden medallion engraved with a symbol at its center.
—Every adventurer receives a unique necklace upon joining the guild. It's magically linked to its owner, so no one else can use it. As you complete missions, prove your experience, and pass certain trials, you can advance in rank.
Kael carefully examined the necklace.
—What are those ranks?
—From lowest to highest, there are five. Bronze Necklace, Silver Necklace, Gold Necklace, Diamond Necklace, and finally, Emerald Necklace. Very few people ever reach that last level. It's not enough to be strong; you also have to demonstrate intelligence, leadership, and an enormous amount of experience.
One of the adventurers smiled proudly.
—They say Emerald Necklace adventurers can defeat entire armies all by themselves.
Another shook his head.
—Don't exaggerate. Although... some rumors do say that's true.
Kael carefully stored that information in his memory.
—Then... you belong to the Gold Necklace rank.
—That's right.
The man tucked the medallion back beneath his armor.
—We've still got quite a long way to go before reaching the highest level, but we can't complain.
They continued descending for several more minutes. Little by little, the trail began to disappear among denser trees and enormous moss-covered rocks. The atmosphere became more humid and quieter.
Finally, the group came to a stop.
Before them yawned the entrance to an enormous cave. The darkness inside seemed to swallow the forest's light, while an unpleasant smell of dampness and rotten earth drifted out from its depths.
The man crossed his arms.
—We're here.
Kael slightly raised his gaze.
—This is the lair?
—Yes.
—And you came all this way just to watch over some beginners against a few simple goblins?
The adventurer's face changed completely.
His relaxed expression disappeared.
—Don't ever call them "simple goblins" again.
His tone was completely serious.
—They may be weak individually, but when they gather in groups, they become a real nightmare. They're cowards, they set ambushes, they use traps, and they never fight fairly. If you let your guard down just because you think they're inferior... you'll die.
The silence became heavy.
One of the adventurers lowered his head before speaking.
—Years ago, an entire city disappeared because they made that exact mistake. They thought a handful of goblins weren't a threat.
He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.
—By sunrise, it was already too late.
No one joked again after those words.
One by one, they began drawing their weapons.
The sound of steel leaving its scabbards broke the silence of the forest.
Kael stared at the cave entrance for a few seconds before stepping forward.
—Wait. We're coming too.
The man slowly shook his head.
—There's no need. We can handle it ourselves.
Kael smiled faintly.
—Relax. We'll stay behind you. We just want to help.
Before the man could reply, Elyndra took a small step forward and spoke with an innocent smile.
—We'll watch your backs.
The five adventurers exchanged glances.
After a few moments, the leader finally sighed.
—All right... but don't let your guard down. Goblins never attack where you're looking. If you hear a strange noise behind you... react immediately.
Kael nodded.
—We'll keep that in mind.
The man slowly raised his sword.
—All right... let's move.
Without another word, the seven of them began making their way into the darkness of the cave.
The light from outside gradually disappeared behind them as a strange chill enveloped the interior of the tunnel. The echo of their footsteps resonated through the rocky walls, and somewhere deep within, the distant sounds of small creatures moving through the shadows could be heard.
The young adventurers had entered quite some time ago.
And if they were truly still alive...
They hoped to find them before the goblins did.