Why 6? I thought 3 was a lucky number!

As the last rays of the sun dipped behind the horizon, casting a blueish/red hue over the medieval town of Teyonora, I finished up eating, the aroma of roasted meats still lingering in the air.

Dehya and I had spent the day wandering the vibrant streets, her montane purple hair dancing in the breeze while I followed. I leaned back against the rough stone wall, Orion, my feline spirit companion, perfectly balanced on my head, his black and gold fur a comforting weight.

"Zain," Dehya's voice cut through my thoughts, her radiant purple eyes sparkling with excitement. "Tonight's the night of the Firemagic. they're incredible—a symphony of lights and colors that dance across the sky."

I tilted my head, the mention of Firemagic resonating strangely with a forgotten memory.

*Like… fireworks*

I thought to myself

" you want to go watch them with me" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, let's," I replied, my heart fluttering with anticipation that I masked as curiosity. We climbed up onto the high stone wall, the perfect vantage point from which to witness the spectacle above.

As the first burst of Firemagic ignited the night sky, I gasped. Vivid flames spiraled and crackled, morphing into dragons and phoenixes, shimmering against the velvet darkness far outshining anything I remembered from my old world. My heart raced with a mixture of joy and the thrill of freedom—the feelings of being out of place began to fade with every explosion of color.

"Tomorrow," I said, turning to Dehya, my voice suddenly earnest, "I want to visit the adventure guild and start doing quests."

Dehya's excitement dimmed slightly. "You need a group of six to sign up for quests."

A sigh escaped me, a sliver of frustration piercing through my optimistic facade. As if sensing my discontent, Dehya turned to me, her expression softening. "I'll join you. Now we only need to find four more."

I looked at her, surprised but grateful. "Are you sure?"

"Of course!" she grinned. "Tomorrow, we'll search for our companions."

Under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of belonging stir within me. Tomorrow, with Dehya at my side, the adventure would truly begin. For the first time since I arrived in this vibrant, even in the last world. I felt a sense of companionship.

*I'm going to regret this.*

——

The vibrant hues of dawn poured through the stained-glass windows of the Wolf Den Hotel, bathing the main hall in a kaleidoscope of color. The air was brisk, yet filled with the warm scents of freshly baked bread and spices lingering from last night's festivities.

I wiped the sleep from my eyes, a new brilliance igniting my resolve. Today was the day I'd seek out companions to aid me in my quest.

I spotted Dehya, her striking purple eyes sparkling as she conversed with her grandmother—who, oddly enough, resembled a spry human rather than an elf. The curiosity gnawed at me, but I brushed it aside again. I'll ask her sometime.

I waved at her, and she beckoned me closer.

Before I could speak, a shadow loomed overhead. I turned to see a towering figure adorned in Viking armor approaching us, an impressive axe strapped to his back. Dehya's voice broke through my thoughts, "Zain, meet our newest ally."

As the man lifted his helmet, recognition hit me. "Viscoff!" I exclaimed, recalling the day he had graciously held the door for us. "Good to see you again!"

He grinned, his face radiating a warmth that belied his intimidating stature. "It's good to be out and about again. With the kids grown, my wife deemed me worthy of quests once more!"

"Congrats you old dog you! Let's figure out our team," I urged, excitement bubbling within.

Viscoff contemplated aloud, "You've got the swordsman role, Dehya as our mage-healer—I'll be the tank. But we still need a marksman, a support mage, and an agile assassin."

I leaned in, intrigued. "Any ideas?"

He nodded, "Working the door at the Wolf Den, I've seen a man wielding a magical bow the other night, I'm pretty sure it's made from phoenix bones. Perhaps we can track him down?"

"Let's do it," I affirmed, my heart racing at the thought of adventure. With Orion, my spirit cat, now perched atop my head, he appeared from the earring yet again unannounced. Everyone turned and looked at me curious as to why the cat sleeps on top of my head.

——

Dehya strolled beside me, her purple hair shimmering like twilight as her vibrant eyes took in the bustling scene. I marveled at how someone so old could retain the grace and vigor of youth. Laughing at myself for being a smart ass. Snapping back to reality, I sought answers about the marksman that we needed.

"Zain," Dehya said, an edge of excitement in her voice. "The Adventure Guild is just ahead. You think we'll find him?"

"I hope so," I replied, glancing over at Viscoff, the towering figure clad in Viking armor who nearly eclipsed the night sky with his sheer presence. His metal axe gleamed ominously, and there was a quiet power in his stance that made those passing us step aside in wary respect.

Orion, my loyal spirit cat, perched atop my head, nudged my ear playfully.

We entered the noisy guild, a stone building adorned with magical tapestries and wooden beams rich with enchantments. Adventurers filled the room, some sharing tales of bravery while others simply laughed over mugs of frothy ale. I could feel the energy swirling around us—a constant reminder of the magic infused in this realm.

After some time, we began asking questions about the marksman with the bow made from a phoenix's bones. Most people shrugged, perhaps sensing our determination but unwilling to risk their own skin. That was until a rough-looking man sitting alone caught our attention. His knuckles were bruised, and his clothes were tattered, suggesting he had seen more than his share of battles.

"And who's asking?" he growled, looking around as though he could sniff out our intent.

I stepped forward unfazed by the look of this man. "We're looking for a marksman to join our group. We heard he's a good one."

The man's dark eyes narrowed, smirk tugging at his lips. "He's a good friend of mine, so I'd say you'll need more than just words."

Viscoff, the large force beside us, grunted. He was asking for payment, A moment's hesitation hit me as I was about to declare I didn't have any coin to spare. But then, a jingle echoed from my pocket, pulling my attention.

With a fumbled grasp, I pulled out a small sack overflowing with gold, silver, and bronze coins—much more than I had ever touched.

"Where did this come from?" I thought to myself, feeling bewildered.

"Don't worry about that… master," Orion teased, his tone oozing sarcasm.

"Seriously, Orion, you need to explain," I asked back, knowing only Orion could hear me due us speaking telepathically. but the cat merely purred in amusement.

Returning my focus to the man, I couldn't hide my surprise. "One gold coin. Tell me where the marksman is," I said, handing him a gleaming gold piece.

He studied me for a moment, the atmosphere thick with tension. Finally, he leaned closer. "I'll tell you where, but make sure you're ready. The man has his own battles to fight—he doesn't take kindly to interruptions."

With the hint of a grin, he leaned back and spoke, "He's taken to the Silver willow Forest at dawn. You best move quickly if you want to catch him."

Dehya looked at me, her purple eyes alight with purpose. "Then we must prepare. Let's make sure we're ready before morning comes."

As I stepped away from the man, adrenaline surged through me, igniting a fire of anticipation. We had our lead, and our journeys.

*Im really really really really going to regret this!*