As the trio stepped out of the guild building, the sun had already climbed high, casting its golden light over the cobbled streets of Greenwood. Adam turned to his followers and spoke in a calm, firm tone:
"Check your gear one last time before we move."
Pedro tightened the strap on his wooden armor, his sword hanging at his side. He nodded confidently.
"The grip support is in place. It won't slip."
Anna pulled her leather boots tighter and flipped her dagger between her fingers.
"I've hidden three small throwing spears. Just in case."
Adam pulled a small pouch from his coat, handing each of them a piece of dry bread and a flask of water.
"It's not a fancy meal, but it'll do. Eat slowly, drink slower. And remember—in caves, every sound echoes. Silence and focus are your best weapons."
He slung a light bag over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the western horizon where the city gates opened into the vast forest.
"Let's go. The moon herb won't wait for us."
With renewed determination, the three made their way through the bustling crowd and out onto the dirt path that led toward the forest, the air around them carrying the promise of a new adventure.
They traveled through narrow dirt trails lined with towering trees, the forest stretching its arms as if to swallow anyone daring to enter. Birds chirped above, and the rustling of leaves lent a deceptive calm to the surroundings.
Adam led with measured steps, occasionally checking the map. Pedro followed closely, sword at the ready, while Anna trailed behind, studying footprints and scanning paths with caution.
Twisted tree trunks surrounded them—some shaped like faces carved into wood. Strange, hushed sounds stirred behind the branches… creaking, scratching, or breathless sighs.
"Watch the corners. Keep your breathing steady," Adam said, pointing to a sharp bend.
After about two hours, the ground began to slope downward. The air grew colder and damper. Moss covered the rocks, and the soft trickling of water echoed nearby.
"We're getting close," Anna murmured, pointing to a dark opening between the trees.
There stood a natural cave entrance, shadowed and hidden, like the sleeping mouth of a beast. A cold breeze with a scent of mold drifted from within.
They paused.
"This is where the real mission begins. Keep your focus at its peak," Adam said as he tied a cloth around his mouth and lit a torch from his bag.
"Stay behind me. No unnecessary sounds."
Then the three stepped into the darkness… that seemed to have no end.
With their first few steps, the thick darkness engulfed them. Only the flickering light of the torch painted strange shapes on the damp stone walls.
The air smelled of rot and stagnant moisture. Droplets fell from the ceiling like the heartbeat of some hidden presence.
"The rock formations… they're odd," Anna whispered, running her hand over a slick wall covered in blue-green moss.
"The ground's slippery. Be careful," Pedro warned.
A faint hum echoed from deeper inside. Sometimes it was like a whisper, sometimes like fluttering wings.
At a tight bend, Adam stopped abruptly and raised his hand.
"Something's moving..."
In the torchlight, small yellow eyes appeared. Then came a low hiss:
"Shhhhhkkk..."
"Rats?" Anna whispered.
"No… bigger," Pedro muttered, drawing his sword.
One of them lunged forward, but Pedro struck hard, slamming it into the wall. Anna pounced on another and drove her dagger into its neck. The rest scurried away from the torchlight.
"They hate the light," Adam noted.
"Let's move. Quickly."
They continued deeper through winding tunnels. Just as they thought they were close, new cracks and branches revealed themselves.
Suddenly, Anna pointed to a faint glow behind a rock. They approached cautiously—and there it was: a small herb with silvery leaves and a softly glowing center.
"That's it..." Adam said with admiration.
"The moon herb," Pedro whispered.
Anna knelt, carefully pulling out a small knife and began cutting the plant at its base.
"Be careful. The alchemist said it loses its properties if damaged," Adam reminded her.
"Relax. I've got this," she replied, placing it gently into a padded pouch.
"Good work. Let's head out before we attract more attention."
They began their retreat, but the torchlight flickered… and then dimmed.
"Wait..." Adam said. "Did you hear that?"
A faint sound—fluttering wings.
Shadows moved above.
"Bats!" Anna shouted.
"Big ones..." Pedro added, eyeing their fangs.
"Get ready!" Adam ordered.
They swooped down all at once. Adam wrapped his cloak around his face and struck one with the torch. Anna ducked under another, and Pedro swung in a wide arc, cutting down two at once.
"Stay together! Don't scatter!" Adam commanded.
One bat lunged at Anna from behind, but Adam shouted a warning. She dropped low just in time.
"The exit's close! Move!"
They advanced quickly and in sync. As they reached the cave's mouth and the first rays of sunset touched their faces, the screeching bats retreated into the shadows.
Adam took a deep breath and turned to his companions.
"Are you both alright?"
Anna held her shoulder.
"A light cut. I'm fine."
Pedro smiled through his exhaustion.
"Didn't think bats could be that fierce."
Adam looked down at the pouch holding the herb.
"Let's head back. We got what we came for."
They retraced their steps through the forest, the sun dipping below the trees. Their clothes were stained with mud and blood, but their steps were steady and their hearts lighter.
Adam led the way, eyes fixed on the path. Behind him, Pedro carried the pouch, with Anna at his side, pressing a cloth to her wound.
"You okay?" Pedro asked.
Anna gave a faint smile.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
At last, the walls of Greenwood came into view, and the streetlights flickered on as night fell.
They entered the guild, where Rem was behind the desk, flipping through records. She looked up and smiled.
"Back already? Just before sundown… you look like you've been through a battle."
Adam placed the pouch on the table.
"We ran into giant bats. But we've brought the herb."
Rem opened the pouch, examining the glowing flower, then nodded with approval.
"Excellent condition. The alchemist will be pleased."
She handed Adam a small coin pouch.
"Five silver coins. And the mission is officially recorded under your names."
Adam took the pouch and asked:
"Any new tasks posted?"
Rem chuckled.
"Rest first, adventurer. Tomorrow is another day."
Adam looked at his followers and smiled.
"Let's rest tonight. Tomorrow… we take another step forward."