Our search had finally come to an end—with nothing to show for it.
Two weeks of exploring the underground valley had yielded no results. No clues, no artifacts, not even a trace that could lead us to our true objective. Only endless battles against monsters and dead ends at every turn.
I wasn't entirely sure what they were looking for, and they never shared the details with me. But judging by the faint disappointment on their faces, I could tell this journey wasn't just another ordinary mission for them.
In the end, Leonora made the call to halt the search.
"We've spent too much time here. If there was anything valuable in this place, someone else must have found it already."
No one objected to her decision. They all knew when to stop. As for me, I simply went along with the flow. I wasn't truly part of their group, but throughout this journey, I had learned a lot.
As we made our way back to the surface, one question lingered in my mind—what would I do next?
---
Our last night in the valley felt warmer than usual. Maybe it wasn't just the campfire, but the lighthearted conversations we shared.
After two weeks of traveling together, I had grown somewhat comfortable around them, even though I knew my journey wouldn't end here.
"What will you do after this, Shun?" Ulrick asked, sipping his tea.
I gazed up at the starry sky. "I'll become an adventurer, then settle down and start a family."
They all laughed at my answer, but then Freya leaned in with a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Oh? In that case, why don't you just marry me?" she asked playfully.
I shot her a sideways glance and smirked. "Why would I marry a 300-year-old granny when I can find someone younger?"
Kai and Abraham burst into laughter, while Leonora simply shook her head with a smile.
"Mou… You're really rude," Freya pouted, though I knew she wasn't actually upset.
That night, we laughed together, enjoying a moment that might never come again.
---
By morning, we finally reached the surface. It was time to part ways.
"Are you sure you don't want to come to the capital?" Leonora asked. "With your skills, you'd have no trouble earning a place in the adventurer's guild."
I shook my head. "There's someone I need to meet first."
Leonora was silent for a moment before placing a light hand on my shoulder. "If you ever need anything, come to the adventurer's guild in the capital and call my name. I'll come find you."
Her words caught me off guard. But before I could respond, she added with a small smile, "In fact, I'd be happy if you joined us."
I held her gaze for a few seconds before offering a faint smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
We didn't say much after that—just a quiet farewell exchanged through a single glance.
With one final wave, I turned and walked away.
My next destination was clear.
I had to return to the city and meet Ravel.