The Adventurer's Street was aptly described as "another labyrinth on the surface built for adventurers." with hundreds of shops and buildings densely intertwined.
Narrow alleys stretched out on either side of the central boulevard in the canyon, connecting like a maze, and at the end of each alley lay squares of various sizes. The buildings boasted unique shapes and colors, their harmonious blend of wood and stone giving the street a slightly different appearance from ordinary ones.
Most of the shops on the street were armories, alchemical supply stores, potion shops, and provision merchants, with each building's signboard captivating passersby through elaborate carvings and vibrant colors. Various flags hung between the buildings, and aged wooden signs displayed the emblems and names of individual shops or workshops, revealing just how bustling this street was with adventurers and artisans.
In every corner of the alleys, merchants passionately promoted their wares, and the lively chatter mixed with diverse languages never ceased. In the middle of the boulevard, demonstrations of sword swinging or archery prowess were unfolding. The adventurers gathered here traded spoils, exchanged information, and planned new expeditions.
Gravel slowly surveyed this scene, deeply impressed. The people entering his view seemed to each carry their own stories, and the street's landscape was brimming with vitality.
*****
Rude, recalling how Gravel had often visited a quiet tavern called Bell Fog during his stay in Froikton, sought out a similar place this time as well. Thus, the spot he chose was a small tavern tucked away in a corner of the Adventurer's Street. Unlike the flashy shops, it exuded a simple and cozy atmosphere.
The tavern's name was Kalan. Inside, it created a serene ambiance with soft lighting.
In the center of the spacious hall sat a musician playing a unique string instrument with a large body and thick strings, its low-toned melody—plucked from the strings—gently enveloping the room.
The wooden tables and chairs bore the marks of long years, and the walls were adorned with paintings by unknown artists and intricately woven tapestries. These wall hangings depicted scenes of landscapes or legendary tales with delicate patterns, adding warmth and an antique charm to the tavern's atmosphere. Some decorations showed faded hues from the passage of time, yet this only enhanced their allure, captivating the guests' eyes even more.
The patrons were mostly quietly sipping their drinks and engaging in conversation, and the space itself maintained a peaceful tranquility, detached from the clamor outside.
Gravel had taken a seat at a table in one corner of the tavern with his companions—Iris, Nia, and Rude. Rude familiarly received the menu and placed it on the table, saying,
"This place should be perfect for conversation. It's not too noisy, and the food's decent too."
Gravel nodded as he looked around.
"It certainly is a nice spot. I didn't expect you to like places like this, Rude."
Rude burst into laughter and replied,
"I do like them myself, but I also remembered that you prefer this kind of atmosphere, Gravel. Back when we met in Froikton, you often went to quiet taverns. Wait, was it taverns? Or should I say teahouses?"
Nia quietly smiled as she listened to Rude and Gravel's exchange, while Iris flipped through the menu and ordered some drinks and simple dishes.
A short while later, steaming hot tea arrived first on the table. The tea, with sugar-soaked lemon slices floating in it, seemed to ease Gravel's fatigue with its subtle sweetness and tangy aroma. The bread ordered for Nia was softly baked, topped with herb butter that emitted a fragrant scent. The main dish was a whole roasted pigeon stuffed with rice, green wheat, olive oil, and spices, its deep brown, crispy exterior looking utterly appetizing.
Gravel glanced around with interest, examining the tavern's structure. Thick wooden partitions created an environment ideal for quiet conversations. In contrast to the noisy street outside, this place was cozy and calm under the gentle lighting.
"By the way, I never expected to run into you in Aquiln."
Gravel said, setting down the tea he had been sipping.
"Iris's beauty is recognizable from dozens of tita away! I spotted her by chance while walking down the street."
He said it jokingly, but then added with a more serious expression,
"Actually, I was glad to see you, Gravel, so I followed. Neither of you has a common appearance. You mentioned heading to Ves-Dinas before, right? So what brings you here?"
Gravel paused in thought before answering,
"We finished our business in Ves-Dinas and came this way. We're heading to Damu now."
"Oh? The city to the west from here? The city of the Dawi and Muwa."
Rude scratched his eyebrow with the tip of his index finger, vaguely recalling the map of Aquiln's surroundings in his mind as he spoke.
"Yes, if we had the time, I'd like to stay in Aquiln and explore the labyrinth as well... But right now, we need to get to Damu as soon as possible."
Gravel set down his cup, hesitated for a moment, then spoke with a touch of regret, slowly tracing the rim of the cup with his finger.
"Is that so? That's a shame."
"How's life in Aquiln? I imagine it's quite different from Froikton."
"It definitely is. The quests are far more numerous and varied than in Froikton. We haven't been in Aquiln long since leaving Froikton, but lately, we've adapted enough to explore up to the second floor of the labyrinth."
Rude smiled, raising his cup, then shrugged nonchalantly with a confident glint in his eyes as he looked at Gravel.
Gravel also lifted his cup with a smile.
"I see. How are Vareeld and Reinhold doing?"
Rude thought for a moment before replying,
"Vareeld sometimes explores the labyrinth alone. He's started researching the ruins area on the first floor. Reinhold... usually handles quests with me to gather monster materials from the labyrinth, or calls Vareeld when needed..."
As the two continued their conversation, Nia quietly shared the food while listening to them. Iris had closed her eyes quietly, tilting her ear toward the instrument sounds coming from one side of the tavern.
"Rude! My friend! I thought I heard Rude's voice here~"
Someone's voice called Rude's name from beyond the wooden partition surrounding their seats.
"Huh? That voice..."
The voice from beyond the wooden partition was fluid and infused with a rhythmic tone, unique in its melody. It resonated softly, as if careful not to shatter the quiet atmosphere, yet brimming with confident energy. The owner of the voice slowly revealed himself.
He was tall and slender, with long silver hair softly draping over his shoulders. His skin gleamed with the clear, fine luster typical of elves, and his eyes sparkled with a deep, vivid emerald hue, drawing in anyone who met his gaze with an enchanting allure.
As the voice's owner appeared, a few patrons in the tavern glanced over. The long silver hair and green eyes captured attention immediately, and his leisurely stride and smile made him seem like a hero from a tale.
He approached the table with one hand elegantly flipping back his long cloak. His movements were bold yet natural, like an actor on stage. Upon reaching the table, he lightly bowed in greeting. The gesture was understated yet meticulously performed, amplifying his grace from fingertips to toes.
"Rude! My friend! The voice I heard drew me here. I offer greetings of joy to you all! Sila lumen tielbo."
Rude looked up, confirmed the voice's owner, and broke into a bright smile. He stood from his seat and gestured lightly for the man to come closer.
"Arenrore! How did you... Never mind, explanations later. Gravel, Iris, Nia—this is Arenrore. He's a new companion who joined us in Aquiln. He may look like this, but he's quite reliable."
While Gravel and his party looked at Arenrore with intrigued eyes, he lifted his head, scanning each face one by one. Soon, a soft smile graced his lips, and he refined his voice even more melodically before speaking again.
"Friends of Rude, it is fine to hear my introduction through Rude's lips, but my tale must be unraveled like a song from my own voice. So, pray lend me your ears for a moment."
He drew out the long-necked string instrument slung on his back. The instrument's body was crafted from deep chestnut wood, and each pluck of the strings released a smooth, clear sound that filled the room. Arenrore tuned it by lightly flicking the strings a few times with his fingertips, then nodded in satisfaction.
"Born between a human father and an elven mother, manifesting existence, the one standing here is named Arenrore~"
He slid his fingers lightly over the strings, creating a lively melody. His voice rode the notes, continuing in rhythm. The resonance was clear yet profound, tickling the ears while evoking a smile—the sound of an instrument that brought chuckles to the lips.
"When singing, the hand plucks strings; when facing foes, it draws the bowstring. The voice that chants beautiful poetry becomes a battle cry igniting courage in friends and comrades, roaming the battlefield! The singing swordsman! The playing archer! Skardi!"
He moved his fingers once more, producing a more intense note. His voice gained strength as he continued his self-introduction.
"Child of the forest folk elf Iollen and the human Deron, who dwells encircled by stone walls—This is Arenrore!"
As he finished his final words, he swept his fingers down the strings, filling the room with a clear and ornate melody. As the sound faded, he carefully slung the instrument back in place and bowed his head slightly with a light smile.
-Chalalalala~!
After his introduction ended, everyone at the table fell into a brief silence. The tavern's air grew momentarily still. A few patrons clapped softly or nodded with interested glances. Soon, Rude's burst of laughter shattered the silence, spreading warmth around the table once more.
"Hahaha! This is why I can't help but like Arenrore. Come on in, Arenrore~!"
Gravel said with a smile,
"That was truly an impressive introduction. Pleased to meet you, Arenrore."
Arenrore sat down with a leisurely smile.
"I'm glad you see it favorably. Hoping our bond stretches long ahead, let us enjoy this gathering together."
With his words, the atmosphere brightened even further.