You decided to spend the day properly exploring Hammerhold with your group.
After a hearty dwarven breakfast, the four of you stepped out into the bustling underground city. The Iron Anvil Lodge was located in one of the upper residential districts, so you started with a leisurely walk through the wide stone streets lit by glowing runic crystals.
Hammerhold was truly impressive:
The Great Forges rang constantly with the sound of hammers striking anvils. Master blacksmiths worked on legendary weapons and armor, sparks flying like fireworks. Lukas was fascinated and spent a while watching a dwarf forge a glowing rune-axe.
The Gem Markets sparkled with every color of precious stone — some enchanted to hold light, others said to contain minor elemental spirits. Liora's eyes widened at the beautiful jewelry, and you quietly bought her a delicate silver necklace with a small protective crystal.
The Ancestor Halls were vast chambers filled with towering statues of ancient dwarf kings and heroes. Mira walked beside you, tail swishing, occasionally pointing out interesting carvings while staying protectively close.
Street vendors sold strong dwarven ale, smoked meats, and hearty breads. The four of you tried several local delicacies, laughing and talking as you wandered.
Lukas seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, shadows occasionally flickering at his feet when he got excited. Liora stayed loyally by his side, her hand sometimes brushing his, still blushing faintly from the previous night. Mira remained glued to you, stealing affectionate glances and light touches whenever no one was looking too closely.
The exploration continued well into the afternoon. The dwarves gave your group respectful space — word of the "Unmeasurable Cosmic Lord" and the S-rank Sword Mage had already begun to spread quietly through the city.
Meanwhile, in the Azure Kingdom capital…
At the Adventurers' Guild, the survivors from Eldenwood were still huddled in the corner, sharing their story with anyone who would listen.
One of the elders — an old woman with graying hair and a bandaged arm — spoke with trembling but determined voice to the guild staff and a small crowd of adventurers:
"The fox-eared woman… her name is Mira. Silver hair, emerald eyes, fox ears and tail. She's incredibly powerful — an S-rank Sword Mage. She can create shields of moonlight, summon thorn walls, and fight with a glowing curved blade called Starfang. She protected our village… along with a man named Grim. He was the one who created the endless food mountain and the protective barrier. He called himself the Wish Djinn… but we swore never to speak his name to outsiders. Please… if you know them, tell Mira and Grim what happened. Demons destroyed everything. Most of our people are dead. Only we few children and elders escaped."
The guild staff exchanged glances. One senior receptionist suddenly widened her eyes.
"Wait… silver-haired fox girl with emerald eyes and a curved blade? S-rank Sword Mage who recently registered here and saved a Duke from wyverns? That matches the description of Mira — the one who was traveling with that mysterious man called Grim!"
The realization spread quickly through the guild.
"It's her! The same Mira who refused to work for anyone except her 'master Lord Grim'!"
The elder's face lit up with desperate hope. "Then… is there any way to send a message to Mira and Grim? We beg you."
The guild master stepped forward, nodding seriously.
"We cannot send a message directly to Mira or Grim — we don't have their personal communication crystals. But we can send a message to the Adventurers' Guild branch in the Dwarf Kingdom through our long-distance magic communication array. They can pass the word to Mira if she's there. It's the fastest way."
The elder bowed deeply, tears in her eyes. "Please… do it. Tell them Eldenwood has been destroyed by demons. Most of our people are dead. The barrier is gone. We survivors are here in the capital, begging for their help or at least news."
The guild immediately activated the magic communication array. A glowing blue crystal pulsed as the message was sent across hundreds of miles to the Hammerhold guild branch:
"Urgent message for Mira (S-rank Sword Mage, fox-eared) and her companion Grim. Survivors from Eldenwood village report: Village destroyed by demonic army. Massive casualties. Only a few children and elders escaped. They are currently at the Azure Kingdom capital guild. They beg for help or contact from Mira and Grim. Please relay immediately."
The message was successfully transmitted to the Dwarf Kingdom guild.
Back in Hammerhold, as evening approached and your group was returning from exploring the markets, a guild runner approached you respectfully outside the Iron Anvil Lodge.
"Excuse me… Lady Mira? There is an urgent magic message that just arrived from the Azure Kingdom capital guild. It mentions you and a man named Grim. It seems quite serious — something about Eldenwood village."
Mira's fox ears shot straight up. She looked at you immediately, waiting for your word before responding.
Lukas and Liora also turned toward you, sensing the shift in mood.
The runner held a glowing crystal scroll, clearly anxious.