The sun rose gently over Eidenweld, bathing the cobblestone streets in golden light. Children played near the wells, merchants rolled open their shutters, and the scent of fresh bread wafted from the bakery near the square.
It was a beautiful morning.
And yet, to Reynar and Liora, the warmth felt hollow.
They walked side by side through the village's market street, cloaked in travel gear. Their boots were new—reinforced with beast-leather and sigil-stitched soles. Each of them carried a pack stocked with rations, healing tinctures, energy elixirs, and tools. A fresh steel longsword rested on Reynar's back, sharper and better balanced than his previous one. Liora had acquired two new shortblades, lightweight but deadly, enchanted with a faint green aura for improved agility.
They moved quietly, heads low, but not in shame.
In truth, it was fear—not for themselves, but for the people around them.
They had made a decision: to keep the Void Dungeon secret.
Telling the villagers wouldn't save anyone. It would only incite panic. And if Reynar and Liora failed… at least the people of Eidenweld could have a few final days of peace.
As they passed the blacksmith's shop, old Harven waved at them with a hearty grin. "Off to train again, you two? Thought you might be halfway to being official adventurers by now!"
Liora nodded with a practiced smile. "Just heading out for some practical experience. We'll be gone a few days."
"Take care of each other," he said, then turned to hammer a fresh blade.
A few steps later, they passed the village square, where little Merrin—the red-haired girl Reynar had saved—was playing tag with her brother.
"Miss Liora! Mister Reynar!" she called, skipping toward them.
Reynar crouched with a soft smile. "Hey, Merrin."
"Are you going on another adventure? Will you bring back something cool again?"
"We'll try," he said, ruffling her hair.
Merrin looked up with wide, trusting eyes. "Will you come back?"
Reynar faltered. But then Liora stepped forward, crouching beside him.
"We promise," she said gently. "We'll always come back."
Merrin beamed and darted off, laughing. But as she faded into the crowd, the silence between them returned.
Reynar stood slowly. "Lying to a kid feels worse than lying to anyone else."
"She doesn't need to be afraid," Liora said. "Let her laugh a little longer."
They walked toward the outer edge of the village, past the gate where the forest stretched wide and deep. The guards gave them a casual nod, already used to seeing the two leave together for training.
No one stopped them. No one asked where they were going.
As the gate closed behind them, Reynar finally broke the silence. "We're really doing this, huh?"
Liora adjusted her blades. "We are."
They paused on a ridge overlooking the forest trail. The wind stirred gently, carrying the faint scent of pine and the far-off whisper of rustling leaves.
"I thought I'd be terrified," Reynar admitted. "But I'm not. Not really."
"That's because you've already made peace with your choice," Liora said. "The fear only hits when you're uncertain."
He turned to her, his voice softer now. "You think we'll make it out?"
She didn't answer immediately. Then:
"I believe in us."
Reynar smiled. "I do too."
From a nearby hilltop, hidden in the shadows, a lone figure watched them. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, though her face remained unreadable. Sylvie's golden eyes narrowed slightly, then softened.
"They've grown," she murmured. "Maybe…"
She turned away before finishing her thought, slipping into the trees like a whisper of wind.
Back on the trail, Liora and Reynar tightened their belts, adjusted their weapons, and exchanged one last look.
Then, together, they stepped into the shadows of the forest—toward the dungeon.
Toward the unknown.