The sun's rays streamed through the windows and landed on Inigo's face, who squinted against the heat and the light.
He blinked and yawned, rolling to the side in an attempt to escape the direct glare—but the familiar chime from his weapon system rang in his head, snapping him to full awareness.
[Daily Token Bonus: 50 coins.]
[Total Token Balance: 3133]
Inigo sighed, then sat up and stretched, joints popping one by one. The inn's bed was surprisingly comfortable—better than he expected for the price. The mattress was firm, the linens clean, and he hadn't been disturbed all night. No creaky footsteps. No goblin shrieks. No sudden system alerts in the middle of the night.
Just peace.
He rose to his feet and headed toward the modest bath chamber attached to his room. The stone basin had already been filled with warm water, likely by the innkeeper's assistant at dawn. Inigo peeled off his shirt and stepped in, the heat washing over his body and easing the tension left from the previous day's massacre.
He scrubbed thoroughly—twice—and then dried off with a coarse but clean towel before pulling on his regular travel clothes: boots, a dark shirt, reinforced slacks, and his belt with basic gear pouches. It was simple… but dull. He frowned at his reflection in the small mirror hung on the wall.
"I need to buy more clothes," he muttered to himself. "Can't be walking around looking like I only own two outfits."
He filed the thought away as a priority for later and gathered his belongings.
Outside, the streets of Elandra were already coming alive. Merchants were shouting their morning prices, guards patrolled in pairs, and the scent of baking bread wafted through the alleys. The city felt… lived in. It pulsed with activity and life.
Inigo headed toward the Adventurer's Guild.
When he arrived, the scene was familiar—bustling, loud, and filled with all kinds of adventurers. Some were new and wide-eyed like he had been a few days ago. Others were grizzled veterans, leaning against walls with arms crossed and unreadable expressions. The scent of oiled weapons, leather, and cheap breakfast ale filled the air.
He made his way toward the quest board.
Dozens of parchments fluttered slightly from the breeze of the open doors. His eyes skimmed over herb gathering missions, escort duties, and pest removal—until something near the top caught his eye.
[Kobold Extermination: A-rank]
Sightings confirmed in the East Hallow Hills. Multiple armed kobolds have taken over an abandoned mine, reportedly led by a larger alpha-type.
Estimated Numbers: 25–30
Reward: 2 Gold, 30 Silver
Note: Recommended for party of 4 or higher. Request approval required.
"Two gold and thirty silver," Inigo murmured, raising his brows. "That's no joke."
After last night's dinner, his coin pouch had been noticeably lighter. He still had over thirty silvers, but if he wanted to keep living comfortably—and upgrade his arsenal—he'd need a serious payday.
He tore the quest notice from the board and made his way toward the counter.
Elise was already at her post, hair neatly tied back again, her guild uniform pressed and flawless. She looked up the moment he approached, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes.
"You're early," she said.
"I figured I'd get ahead of the crowd," Inigo replied, placing the notice on the counter. "Kobold extermination."
Her smile faltered. "That one?"
He nodded. "Two gold, thirty silver. Looks worth the effort."
Elise didn't answer right away. She took the paper and set it aside, her gaze more serious now.
"You know that's a high-difficulty mission, right?"
"I read the notice."
"It's meant for a team. Four minimum."
"I work better alone."
She raised an eyebrow. "That's what the last guy said."
"What happened to him?"
"He came back with a hole in his gut. Barely made it."
Inigo met her gaze without flinching. "I'll manage."
Elise folded her arms. "You'll need approval for this one. I can't authorize it unless you have at least one other person to vouch for you or join your party."
He frowned. "Come on—"
"No exceptions," she said firmly, though her tone remained gentle. "I'm not letting you walk into that mine alone. The Guild has its rules for a reason."
He glanced around the room. "Fine. I'll find someone."
"Good luck with that," Elise added, already returning to her paperwork. "Everyone's already turned it down. No one wants to fight kobolds right now."
With a quiet sigh, Inigo stepped away from the counter and began scanning the room.
He asked a heavy-set warrior leaning against the back wall. "Sorry, already committed," came the reply.
He approached a twin-dagger rogue polishing her blades. "Pass."
A trio of archers? "Not suicidal, thanks."
One after another, the answer was the same—either they had other jobs, or they weren't interested in kobolds. Apparently, these weren't your typical club-wielding pests. Organized kobold units were infamous for traps, flanking tactics, and fighting in tight quarters.
"Damn," he muttered, looking back at the quest slip in his hand.
That's when he felt someone approach from behind.
"You're looking for someone to join you?"
The voice was soft, melodic—but firm. Feminine.
Inigo turned.
A woman stood there, a hood pulled low over her face. Her cloak was dark green, trimmed with silver, and a longbow was slung across her back. From beneath the hood, he caught a glimpse of pale hair—silver-white—and the faint glint of pointed ears.
An elf.
"I overheard you at the board," she continued. "Kobold extermination, right?"
"That's right," Inigo said, eyeing her gear. She didn't look heavily armored, but the way she stood—weight balanced, one hand resting on her belt—told him she knew how to fight.
"I'll join you," she said.
He raised an eyebrow. "Just like that?"
"I have my reasons."
There was something oddly serious in her tone, something that said she wasn't just chasing a payout.
He studied her a moment longer, then extended a hand. "Name's Inigo."
She looked at it, then removed her glove and shook his hand briefly.
"Lyra."
The quest notice crinkled slightly in his other hand.
"Well, Lyra," Inigo said with a slight smile. "Looks like we're going kobold hunting."