Chapter 93 Gloomy Evening

Kieran gave a nod of recognition to the group.

"Looks like we all had a successful mission," he said, smiling at the girls.

Larry stepped forward, a sense of pride filling him. "It was hard... really hard but we managed to track down the goblins... and kill them all, well, actually... Helen was doing most of the killing."

David added, "There were so many of them, but we didn't give up. Larry fought a behemoth, a fucking behemoth! Larry had him on the ground, and he almost won but the second behemoth come. But Larry did not give up, he stood his ground, attracting their attention to himself. Then suddenly bam! Helen blew one of the behemoth's head clean off, and then she went after the second one..."

Suzuka, who had been quiet up until this point, interrupted David. "It was nothing, really. Just doing my job. But where have you been when all that was happening? Hmmm?"

David lowered his head and stepped back timidly, "I... I was... I was distracting some goblins." 

Kieran nodded, impressed. "Shimer my timber, a behemoth you say? Well, it's good to see everyone made it back safely. These are some brutal beasts."

Kieran stepped forward, extending a hand to Larry. "Well done, my friend. You and your team have done great."

Larry shook Kieran's hand, feeling relief, "Thanks for answering my call for help, Kieran."

"Hey now, don't make it a habit, okay? So, since my work is done here, I will be on my way. Good night everyone." With that said, he left. 

Larry and Suzuka walked up to Lisanna, the quest coordinator, and recounted the story of their journey. He spoke of how they had tracked the goblins through the forest, fought off hordes of the creatures, and ultimately rescued the girls.

He spoke of Suzuka, too, and how she had single-handedly defeated two behemoths and a horde of goblins. Lisanna's eyes widened in amazement as she listened, and she nodded her head in approval.

As Lisanna returned from escorting the girls to the guest room, she noticed Larry and Suzuka waiting for her. She smiled at them, grateful for their hard work.

"Thank you for bringing the girls back safely," she said. "We'll make sure they're well taken care of until their father arrives. Well done, Larry," her voice filled with admiration. "You and your team have truly proven yourselves to be some of the guild's finest adventurers. Great job on completing this quest," Lisanna said, smiling at Larry and Suzuka. "Your bravery and quick thinking saved these girls from a terrible fate."

Larry and Suzuka exchanged a look, grateful for the praise. "It was a team effort," Suzuka said. "We couldn't have done it without David and Kieran's help."

Lisanna nodded. "I heard from Kieran, you let him handle escorting one girl back to the town all on his own. It's good to see that our guild members are working well together."

Suzuka spoke up, "Yeah, on the first goblin camp we rescued her. It was too risky to push forward so we let Kieran handle it. The second camp, uf... It was an intense battle, but we managed to come out on top."

"So, tell me, Larry and Helen, how did you manage to take down two behemoths by yourself?" Lisanna asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Suzuka shrugged modestly. "It wasn't just me. Larry distracted and wore them down. We worked together to take them down."

Larry went along with her story and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it was a tough fight, but we knew we had to protect those girls. We couldn't let the behemoths get in our way."

Lisanna nodded, impressed. "You all did an excellent job. The guild is proud to have members like you."

Suzuka smiled. "Thank you, Lisanna. I am happy I could help save these girls."

Larry added, "We're just glad we could help those girls. That's what being a part of this guild is all about, isn't it?"

Lisanna smiled, nodding. "Yes, it is. And you all proved that today. I'll make sure to spread the word about your bravery and skill. Who knows, maybe you will even get quests by name."

Larry turned to Suzuka with a grateful smile.

"Thank you for all your help back there," he said, his voice filled with appreciation. "We couldn't have done it without you. You should at least take the quest reward."

Suzuka shrugged, her expression is modest. "I was happy to help, Larry," she said. "You don't need to give me reward money, better give it to the girls. I did it for you, as a favor for a friend and for the girls."

"As you wish, thank you again for your help. I would love to stay and chat but I have to go, see you soon. Bye." 

Suzuka smiled, pleased with his words. "Thanks, Larry. It means a lot coming from you. Bye"

As he walked down the hallway, Larry couldn't help but feel grateful for having Suzuka as a friend. He knew that they made a great team, and he looked forward to their next adventure together.

After Larry left, Suzuka turned back to Lisanna, the quest coordinator. A worried expression crossed her face as she asked, "Lisanna, do you have any news on Thomas and Olivia? It's been almost two months since they left on their escort mission to the nearby town. And I was just been wondering if there was any news coming in."

Lisanna's expression mirrored Suzuka's concern. "I only know that they reached town safely, but  I haven't heard anything yet about returning, which is worrying. I'll check with the other coordinators to see if they've had any updates."

Suzuka nodded, grateful for Lisanna's help. "Thank you, I appreciate it. Thomas and Olivia are both skilled adventurers, but I'm a little bit worried... anything could happen on a mission."

Lisanna put a hand on Suzuka's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. "I'll do what I can to find out what's going on. In the meantime, don't worry too much. I'm sure they'll be back before you know it."

Suzuka nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She knew that Lisanna was right, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach. She wanted to see Olivia again.

Suzuka walked up closer to Lisanna, "Thanks for the information. I think will go as well. Goodbye, Lisanna," a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Oh, Helen," Lisanna replied, looking up and smiling warmly at her." Leaving so soon? Did you need help with anything else? We can have a little chat or discuss some other quests."

"No, I think I'm all set for today, "Suzuka replied, shaking her head." I just want to sink in the hot spring bath for the rest of the evening. I will come back another day for a quest."

"Well, who can blame you? Fighting a horde of monsters is tough, the hot spring bath will lift the exhaustion."

Suzuka grinned. "I hope so."

"That's the spirit," Lisanna said, nodding approvingly. "And remember, if you ever need any help or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm always here to assist adventurers."

Suzuka thanked Lisanna once more before turning to leave. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the support and encouragement she had received from the quest coordinator.

As Suzuka approached the door, she could hear the sound of raindrops hitting the roof. Upon opening it, she was greeted by a downpour, with rain pouring heavily outside. She quickly covered herself with her raincoat and wrapped it tightly around her body before venturing out into the wet streets. As she left the guild, Suzuka couldn't help but worry about her friends, Olivia and Thomas.

The day drew to a close, and the skies above were cloaked in a blanket of ominous clouds. The gentle pitter-patter of raindrops tapping against the pavement filled the air, the persistent drizzle continuing to drench the streets in a soothing melody. Suzuka trudged wearily down the road, her raincoat providing little refuge from the unrelenting downpour. Each drop hit the ground with a thud, a sound that echoed through the empty streets like a mournful dirge.

The day had been long and arduous, and her body ached with the exhaustion of battle. Her mind wandered as she plodded on, the distant memory of a hot spring bath beckoning her with its warm embrace. A sanctuary of relaxation, where she could finally release the tension that had been building up inside her.

Suzuka's eyes fixed upon the signboard of the Mystic Oasis Inn, and her spirits lifted with the thought of a comfortable bed and a steaming hot bath. She trudged up the steps to her room, her drenched coat clinging to her body. As she stripped off her wet armor, the rainwater pooled on the floor, a testament to the intensity of the storm outside.

Tomorrow was another day, and she had much to do. Her armor, a trusty companion in her battles, had suffered minor damage in her latest skirmish. She needed to bring it to Walter for maintenance, for it was her only defense in a world filled with danger.

But for now, she would allow herself the luxury of rest, the soothing waters of the hot spring bath lulling her into a state of serenity. After sinking into the hot spring pool she closed her eyes, her mind and body finally at ease, as the sound of the rain continued to drum against the roof.

The rain was coming down in a gentle drizzle, pattering softly against the surface of the water. Each drop sent ripples spreading outwards, creating a soothing rhythm that seemed to lull her into a state of pure relaxation.

But it wasn't just the rain that made this moment so special. In the distance, lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the horizon with a brilliant burst of light. It was as if the heavens themselves were putting on a show, a spectacular display of nature.

As she gazed out into the darkness, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all. The steam rising up from the water created an ethereal mist that mingled with the rain, creating a mystical atmosphere that was both peaceful and invigorating.

But it wasn't just the environment that made this moment so magical. The hot water seemed to work wonders on her body, relaxing her muscles and easing away the tension that had been building up for days.

As she closed her eyes and leaned back against the edge of the pool, she felt as if she were in a dream. The sound of the rain, the heat of the water, the flashes of lightning - it was all so surreal, so enchanting.