Chapter 8: The Noble Adventurer

Adrian Valmont was born into one of the most prominent noble families in the kingdom, the Valmonts, known for their vast estates and generations of political influence. However, unlike many nobles, Adrian detested the rigid structure and suffocating traditions of noble life. From a young age, he exhibited a curiosity and openness that set him apart from his peers. While other nobles spent their days learning courtly etiquette and practicing their airs of superiority, Adrian spent his time sneaking out of the manor to interact with the townsfolk, helping farmers in their fields, or sparring with soldiers in the barracks.

His grandfather, Lord Valmont, played a pivotal role in shaping his ideals. An adventurer in his youth, Lord Valmont narrated Adrian with tales of bravery and honor, especially the stories of Zortheus, the legendary commander. One story, in particular, etched itself deeply into Adrian's mind ,the tale of Zortheus' duel against a legendary adventurer. His grandfather described the way Zortheus fought with an unwavering sense of honor and integrity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. "He wasn't just a warrior," his grandfather had said. "He was a symbol of what it means to stand tall, even when the world tries to break you."

When his grandfather was just 17, full of ambition and bravado, he and his team dared to venture into the infamous dungeon of Zortheus. The team's leader, a warrior renowned across the surrounding cities for his unmatched strength, led the charge. The plan was straightforward, confront the dungeon's master and claim the treasures hidden within. But as they delved deeper, they quickly realized that Zortheus's domain was not like any other dungeon. Every step felt orchestrated, every encounter calculated, as if the dungeon itself had a will of its own. When they finally reached Zortheus, their leader boldly challenged the Dungeon Boss to a duel. The rest of the team was left to fend off the commanders and countless minions that swarmed the battlefield. At first, Adrian's grandfather was awestruck by the sheer intensity of the duel. His leader, wielding strength that seemed almost inhuman, pushed Zortheus to the edge. But as the fight wore on, his leader began to falter, and it became clear that Zortheus was not fighting at his full strength, he was toying with his opponent, testing his resolve. When his leader was momentarily vulnerable, Adrian's grandfather saw an opportunity to tip the scales. Driven by desperation, he launched a sneak attack at Zortheus. The Dungeon Boss turned to him with a look that froze him in his tracks, serious, calm, and filled with an unspoken warning. To his shock, Zortheus handed his weapon back to him without a word and raised his sword toward the team leader. "This is a fight between my power and his honor. Do not ruin it," Zortheus said, his tone firm but not unkind. That moment shook Adrian's grandfather to his core. Zortheus wasn't just a monster guarding a hoard of treasure, he was a being of integrity, commanding both respect and fear. That encounter forever changed how Adrian's grandfather viewed strength, honor, and the very nature of dungeons. 

This story lit a fire in Adrian's heart. He longed to meet Zortheus one day, to stand before him as an equal and perhaps even test his worth against the great Dungeon Boss. But Adrian knew that the path to greatness wasn't through wealth or privilege, it was through grit, determination, and starting from the ground up.

Much to the dismay of his family, Adrian renounced the comforts of noble life and decided to become an adventurer. Instead of starting with a higher rank, which was one of the nobles luxury, He decided to become adventurer starting as a D-rank, he sought to prove to himself and others that he could earn his place in the world without relying on his family's name. Adrian's noble upbringing, however, was not entirely without merit. It gave him a refined sense of grace and a natural charm that made him approachable to almost everyone. His kindness and genuine interest in others quickly earned him friends wherever he went. Yet, his idealism often bordered on naivety. Having been shielded from the darker sides of life, he struggled to see deceit and manipulation in others.

Adrian's ultimate goal is to challenge the legendary figures, Zortheus foremost among them, to prove his strength and earn their respect. His journey is fueled not by vanity or arrogance but by a pure and unshakable admiration for what Zortheus represents. What Adrian doesn't know, however, is that the very man he idolizes is Lila's father, Zora.

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The next morning, Adrian and Lila set out together, wandering the town in search of a third party member. Adrian's lively demeanor and optimism seemed to lift Lila's spirits, and she found herself enjoying his company more than she expected. His charisma drew attention from passersby, and his polite greetings left smiles on many faces. As they walked through a bustling marketplace, Lila began to feel a prickle of unease. She looked over her shoulder and noticed someone lingering a little too long, always keeping their distance but never straying too far.

"Adrian," she whispered, leaning closer to him. "Have you noticed someone following us?" Adrian tilted his head in confusion, scanning the crowd casually. "Following us? No, I don't think so. Are you sure?" Lila frowned. "I'm sure. They've been tailing us since the guild." Adrian shrugged lightly, his cheerful nature shining through. "Maybe they're just curious about you. After all, you're a new adventurer. It's probably nothing." But Lila wasn't convinced. "Stay close to me," she said. "I have a plan."

They continued walking, with Lila subtly guiding Adrian through a series of narrow alleys. Eventually, they turned a sharp corner, and Lila motioned for Adrian to stop. She pressed herself against the wall, waiting silently. Moments later, the shadowy figure rounded the corner, only to be met with Lila leaping forward and grabbing their arm. "Gotcha!" The figure, a young person cloaked in a hood, yelped in surprise and tried to wriggle free, but Lila held firm. Adrian quickly stepped in to help, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Please, calm down," he said gently. "We're not going to hurt you. Just tell us why you've been following us." The hooded figure froze, their shoulders slumping in defeat. They muttered something under their breath, too quiet for Lila to hear. "Speak up!" Lila demanded, her grip tightening. The figure raised their head slightly, revealing a pair of striking, mismatched eyes, one bright green and the other an unnatural shade of violet. "I was going to ask to join your party," they said softly, their voice trembling.

Lila and Adrian exchanged surprised looks, neither expecting this answer.