'Slash' The sound of a sharp weapon cutting through echoed through the plain silent field.
'Thud, thud, thud.' "Gasp!" The sound of someone hurriedly running away from something could be heard.
'Plop, plop, plop' Lowell fastened his pace as he looked back at the three carnivorous beasts following him.
Though he was already used to encountering beasts as dangerous as these, he had never met beasts with such an intellectual understanding of each other.
These beasts were very smart, using their grey fur and speed to attack him in the most unexpected ways.
They had tested him at first and when they found out his weakness they would attack it. When Lowell sliced forward his would leave his back vulnerable.
He would only put his focus and attention to the front, not paying attention to his surroundings.
"Kyaa!" His desperate shout resounded as he sliced a wolves face scarring it.
"Krik, krik!" With a feral snarl it launched itself towards Lowell.
....
It had been a month since Lowell and Gabriel left the cave, their journey marked by countless steps and silent reflections.
They had traveled through dense forests, across rolling hills, and finally arrived at a bustling town known for its local guilds that managed dungeon explorations.
The town of Eldoria was a hub of activity. Adventurers of all kinds filled the streets, sharing tales of their exploits and planning new quests.
The local guild hall, a sturdy building of stone and wood, stood at the corner of this lively town. Its doors were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting legendary battles and mythical creatures.
Lowell and Gabriel entered the guild hall, greeted by the clamor of adventurers negotiating contracts and reporting their findings.
The guild master, a seasoned warrior with a grizzled beard and a stern expression, greeted them with a nod.
"Welcome, travelers. What brings you to our guil-?" the guild master asked, but suddenly stopping once he saw Gabriel.
Though he was a man he could not help but be surprised that such a handsome, no rather beautiful man existed.
"We seek to enter the Whispering Caverns," Gabriel replied, his tone calm and measured. "We wish to test our skills and gather resources."
"Oh? Oh yes, yes." But the guild master quickly composed himself and realized what the young boy had just said.
The guild master's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Whispering Caverns are dangerous, home to many formidable creatures. Though fee is substantial, but the rewards are great. We do not just let any person in, you would have to be an official member to go in."
"How much?" Gabriel asked seemingly running out of patience.
The guild master sensing this could not help but be annoyed as he had met countless of people like this. They were all young rich and arrogant young masters, who only had their arrogance and family to back them up.
People like these tended to act all mighty and think of themselves as untouchable beings.
Though it was such a pity a young boy with a face like him was taking himself to be killed. If only he were a commoner the guild master would not hesitate to make him his own son-in-law.
"That will be 500 talons." The guild master purposely raised the price up. He looked up at Gabriel and saw his unmoving face.
Such as he thought this young boy was all bark and no bite. Even if he were a young master of some household, spending money like this would still sting.
Especially with boys like him who liked to play the role of a rich master. As if confirming his suspicion he saw the other unique looking boy beside him, suggesting they do not this anymore.
It was not that Gabriel did not have money. He just did not understand this worlds currency, talons?
So instead he just took a silver coin and placed it on the counter in front of the guild master. "Is this enough?"
This action surprised both the guild master and Lowell. It was not that Gabriel had unhesitantly just placed the silver coin.
But it was that, that same coin's value and meaning. This coin could only be obtained and owned by the highest of royals.
The lowest rank being duke.
The guild master looked at Gabriel with a surprised face, his jaw dropping. Quickly regaining his composure.
He looked as if he seemed to realize who was in front of him. This young boy was not just a wannabe master, he was an actual royal.
The guild master obviously did not want to offend someone of this caliber. So he immediately straightened his composure and was about to say this was too much, when Gabriel stopped him mid way. "Keep the change, I do not want to waste my time with this."
As if telling him to know his place.
The guild master bowed deeply and called his attendants. "Make sure you guys treat this young master with respect. Tend to all his needs to the best of your abilities."
Thought the attendants were surprised as they had never seen the guild master this frantic and ready to please someone they must have realized that the young master he was mentioning must have been someone of really high status.
The attendants then went to the waiting room ready to see this 'outstanding figure. When they reached the second floor and saw Gabriel they froze mid tracks.
They could not comprehend how such a beautiful being could exist. Everything was beautiful all they way to his pale skin and hair, especially those bright eyes.
Though they quickly bowed their heads when they say Lowell's face filled with annoyance as if telling them to piss off.
"Young Master, it is very late please follow us and let us serve you so you have a nice rest." One of the servants said, much to Lowell's annoyance.
"No need, just take us to the dungeon." Lowell too a step forward as the servant was about to grab Gabriel's arm to take him away.
Sensing the immediate danger the servant backed away. Bowing his head he nodded." Yes young master, this servant shall take you their right away."
Gabriel and Lowell followed them through a secluded are and reached a garden. There in the middle seemed to be like what was a pond.
Though it moved and fluctuated indicating it was a portal. Lowell and Gabriel reached beside it.
The servant nodded to the other "Young masters, It is till here that we can accompany you. May fortune favor you," he said as they departed.