Rustle... rustle...
The harsh rustling of undergrowth and dry leaves being hastily trampled broke the dense silence of the night.
Deep within the dark forest, panic was taking over.
"Hahh... hahh... hahh..."
The sound of heavy, panting breaths echoed with sheer desperation.
The figure kept running with all his might, pushing through the dense trees with limited vision. Wild branches scratched his arms and face, but he paid no heed to the stinging pain. The fear taking root in his chest was far greater than the pain on his skin.
Amidst his blind sprint, the tip of his foot tripped over a large tree root jutting out from the ground.
Thud!
The figure lost his balance and fell hard onto the ground, which was wet with night dew.
He grimaced, suppressing a groan. However, the figure immediately stood back up.
Even though his knee was injured, he forced his legs to keep moving, limping as he continued his escape in an uncertain direction.
Far behind the figure, another commotion began to sound closer. There were many people running as well, chasing the trail of the figure who had just fallen.
"Hurry, we have to find that youth!" shouted one of them in a loud and threatening tone, shattering the silence of the night. "Don't let him escape, or the master will hand down a severe punishment to us all!"
Bright light slowly began to pierce the darkness of the forest. The people carried brightly lit torches, and some of them even used fire magic hovering in the air to illuminate every corner of the pitch-black forest.
They spread out, continuing to search for the trail of the fleeing youth like a pack of starving predators.
The darkness of the night in a certain place was concealing a deadly pursuit.
Meanwhile, morning in Sellon City was greeted by truly clear and peaceful weather. The morning sun shone warmly, chasing away the lingering cold of the night.
Inside the inn's lobby, the married couple was walking side by side with a very positive aura.
Today, happiness tangibly enveloped the two of them, especially Wolvin. The Night Wolf youth walked with light steps, a sweet smile never leaving his face, and his black tail occasionally wagged softly in rhythm with his blossoming mood.
His husband, who had always been rigid, highly rational, and merely went with the flow without initiative, was now slowly beginning to change. Because during their 'lovemaking session' yesterday, Calian had proven that he could act first, take control, and behave like a true husband.
That change in Calian's attitude was the most beautiful gift for Wolvin.
The two of them walked together toward the adventurer guild building next to the inn to take on the escort mission to Gias City, their first step in continuing their long journey to the Burtois region, even though they had to detour from their planned route.
Upon stepping into the guild lobby, Calian and Wolvin walked past the crowd of other adventurers and headed straight for the reception desk.
Arriving in front of the long wooden desk, they faced Denna, who was on duty recording several reports. Seeing the two of them arrive, the woman set down her quill.
"Are the two of you leaving this morning?" asked the receptionist. Although she tried to maintain a professional demeanor, it was undeniable that there was a hint of sadness and a sense of loss in her eyes.
"Yes, we must leave now!" Calian answered in a calm tone. He looked at Denna. "Could you give us the parchment for the escort mission to Gias City?"
Albeit with a very heavy heart having to let the two great youths go, Denna nodded slowly. As a professional guild receptionist, she could not let her personal feelings hinder the adventurers' duties.
The woman immediately moved quickly to prepare all the documents required by the two adventurers.
She worked with such dexterity, recording their names, stamping the guild seal, and confirming the escort mission that Calian and Wolvin were about to undertake into the main logbook.
"Here is the parchment regarding your escort mission!" said Denna once she had finished her work, handing over the parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon. "The merchant caravan you will be escorting is currently ready and waiting near the north gate of this city. Once you have met them, immediately show this parchment to the caravan leader as official proof from the guild."
The purple-haired youth nodded in understanding and accepted the parchment.
"Alright, the information is very clear. The two of us will take our leave." said Calian as he turned his body. He glanced briefly at the woman. "See you again, Denna. Thank you for serving us so well during our time in this city."
"See you, Denna!" chimed in Wolvin in a very enthusiastic and cheerful tone. The Night Wolf youth waved his hand high with a wide smile. "Stay healthy here. Bye-bye..."
Seeing Wolvin's friendly smile and Calian's polite nod, Denna could not hold back her smile.
"Yes, please be careful on your journey!" replied Denna, waving her hand at the two of them. "May the goddess of fortune be with you. See you again!"
The woman stood behind her desk, looking at the backs of the two great adventurers walking side by side toward the exit. She continued to watch them as they slowly moved further from her sight, before finally disappearing completely after the guild's double doors closed shut.
Denna remained silent, looking at the wooden doors that Calian and Wolvin had just left through. She fell silent for a moment, absorbing the atmosphere, then let out a long sigh that sounded relieved.
I guess there is nothing I need to worry about regarding the two of them. she said in her heart while picking up her quill again. With the strength they possess and the bond that is so strong between them, the two of them will definitely be fine wherever they go.
Denna smiled faintly and resumed her work serving other adventurers.
Amidst the bustle of Sellon City, which was starting to get crowded with residents, the married couple walked side by side along the main road toward the north gate to meet the caravan they were going to escort.
Both Calian and Wolvin appeared unable to wait to immediately leave Sellon City and enjoy their journey to a new place.
Upon arriving at the open field located right near the north gate, the busy sight of a large entourage immediately greeted them. There were about eight large cargo wagons, each pulled by four horses, as well as a quite elegantly designed passenger carriage parked neatly in a row.
Several caravan workers seemed busy checking the bindings on the goods and feeding their draft animals.
"Darling..." called Wolvin enthusiastically.
The Night Wolf youth raised his hand, pointing toward the line of wagons stretching near the gate. His eyes sparkled brightly looking at the wooden vehicles. "It seems that is the merchant entourage we will be escorting to Gias City!"
Hearing that call, Calian turned toward his spouse. Upon seeing the enthusiastic expression and innocent smile radiating from Wolvin's face, the purple-haired youth truly could not hold back his sincere smile. His eyes softened, radiating a deep sense of affection.
He truly looks so happy when he wants to go adventuring to a new place. he thought happily.
Calian shifted his gaze toward the caravan entourage and examined them for a moment, ensuring there was nothing suspicious.
"Yes, looking at all their preparations, it seems that is indeed the entourage we will be escorting." answered Calian in a calm tone after being satisfied looking at his spouse's enthusiastic face. He adjusted the position of the sword at his waist. "Let's meet the leader of that entourage and hand over this parchment so we can depart immediately!"
Wolvin nodded enthusiastically, his tail wagging again in a cheerful rhythm.
Without wasting time, the two of them walked side by side, stepping forward to approach the neatly parked row of wagons to begin a new chapter in their long journey.