Morning in Vailor began with the smell of freshly baked bread drifting from the narrow streets near the Guild. Takumi walked ahead, trying to mentally reorganize the group's list of debts. The still-cool morning air didn't help ease the weight of responsibility, but at least Vailor seemed calmer than it had been in recent days.
Vespera followed right behind him, carrying her crooked bow over her shoulder and complaining. "I hate waking up early." Takumi laughed. "You complain about waking up early, late, on time… it makes no difference." "I complain because I have talent. I'm consistent."
Elara, walking beside them, sighed with a hand to her forehead. "Just don't make me spend mana today. The last mission almost left me dry." "Almost?" Vespera raised an eyebrow. "You passed out in the middle of the street." "It was just an involuntary rest."
Liriel walked a few steps behind, staring at a butterfly as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. "Takumi, look! It's glowing! Could it be magical?" "It's just a normal butterfly, Liriel." "Oh… what a shame."
When they entered the Guild, the Guild Master looked at the four of them with an expression far too tired for that hour. "You finally arrived. There's a simple mission that no one wants to take." Takumi crossed his arms. "How simple?" "Truly simple. A monster has hidden itself in one of the city's grain silos. It's scared and attacking anyone who gets close. Nothing big, nothing lethal. Just… inconvenient."
Vespera gave a confident smile. "Oh, easy! A monster trapped in a closed space. What could possibly go wrong?" Elara muttered, "You. You could go wrong."
Takumi took the scroll. "We'll handle it."
The silo was in the eastern part of Vailor, near the inner walls. It was a tall, circular structure and took up much of the storage area where merchants kept food for the winter. The guards kept a respectful distance, clearly with no intention of going inside.
"So… what's the monster?" Takumi asked. The head guard scratched his head awkwardly. "We don't know. We just heard noises and saw something big running around inside. We thought it might be some kind of mutant boar." Vespera's eyes widened. "Mutant boar? Wow, that's new." Elara stepped forward and placed her hand on the door. "Great. A closed, dark place full of grain. And they want us to solve it without destroying anything." Takumi gave a tense smile. "That's what challenges are like."
Liriel approached the door, pressed her ear against it, and whispered, "Someone's crying in there." Takumi tilted his head. "Crying?" Vespera frowned. "Monsters cry?" "Some do," Liriel replied naturally.
Takumi carefully opened the door, and a strong smell of old grain came out along with the sound of something moving inside.
The silo was dark, but small openings at the top let beams of light in. Dust floated in the air, and huge piles of corn and wheat were scattered in uneven mounds.
Something moved. Tall. Heavy. Takumi raised a flame in the palm of his hand to illuminate the area — small enough not to burn anything.
A creature emerged from behind a pile of grain: it looked like a mix between a bear and a giant armadillo, with wide claws and thick hooves. A Grunlor, a species known for digging into food stores.
Elara sighed. "Great. A hungry Grunlor. And nervous." Vespera pulled her bow, aimed, and— "Don't shoot!" Takumi shouted. She stopped. "But I was going to hit it this time!" "That's exactly what worries me."
The creature made a sad noise and backed away, tripping over sacks of grain. The sound of its crying echoed through the silo.
Takumi took a step forward, lowering the flame. "Hey… you're scared, aren't you?" The Grunlor sniffled.
Liriel knelt down. "It's in pain. The left paw." "Can you heal it?" Takumi asked. "I can… but… maybe…" "She's useless," Vespera muttered. Liriel puffed out her cheeks. "I'm not useless! It's just… my magic is limited, okay?!"
The creature let out another whimper.
Takumi took a deep breath. "Vespera, distract it. But no arrows. Elara, prepare a faint light to calm it. Liriel, you heal it when I say."
They began a small improvised plan.
Vespera tossed pebbles, making noises that drew the Grunlor's attention, while Elara created a soft glow, almost like a giant firefly. The creature, frightened but drawn to the light, began to relax.
Takumi approached slowly. "Easy… no one's going to hurt you."
Carefully, he took the injured paw and examined it. A piece of wood was embedded there, probably from some broken crate.
"Liriel." The goddess hurried over and placed her glowing hands on the paw. Her light was soft, timid, but effective. The Grunlor relaxed completely, closing its eyes.
"Elara, hold the light. I'm going to remove the piece now." "Without destroying anything, please," she said, glancing around.
Takumi pulled gently. The Grunlor trembled, but didn't react violently. Liriel kept healing until the wound closed almost completely.
The creature looked at Takumi with big, shining eyes.
"All done," he said, smiling.
The Grunlor let out a low rumble and… hugged Takumi. "Oh no…" Elara put a hand to her face. "That is so Takumi." Vespera laughed. "At least we didn't have to fight."
The Grunlor stepped back and ran happily out through the open door, healed and content. One of the guards outside fell onto the ground in shock when he saw it run out.
Takumi straightened the shirt crumpled by the hug. "Mission accomplished." Elara smiled. "And without spending too much mana. A miracle." Vespera put her hands on her hips. "And I didn't miss anything. I didn't even fire an arrow! That should count as some kind of bonus." Liriel smiled proudly. "I helped! Even being a useless goddess!" Takumi shook his head. "You're not useless."
The four left the storage area, walking together back toward the Guild.
For the first time in weeks, it felt like life was returning to normal.
And even though it was a small mission, they all felt they had worked in perfect harmony.