Cave of Echo- 'New Night, New Adventure'

Arin sat alone at the table, sipping his beer as the guild hall gradually filled with people, its atmosphere growing livelier. "Ahem," a female voice sounded behind him. Arin turned to see Ashley, the Guild receptionist. "Good morning, Madam," he greeted her. "Care to join me?" She smiled slightly. "I still have a little time, so okay." She shrugged her shoulders and sat beside Arin. Her demeanor was noticeably warmer than it used to be.

Arin poured beer into her mug, and they raised their mugs for each other's health. "So, have you chosen your next quest?" she asked. "How can I?" Arin frowned. "My first quest hasn't been resolved yet!"

Ashley fell silent for a moment. Then she asked, "Are you absolutely sure there will be no issues with your quest? The cleaners will come out unscathed, and they will clear you of any negligence?" Arin nodded confidently. "Absolutely."

Ashley gave a cryptic smile. "Then, you can do one thing. Just pick a suitable quest you like and give it to me. I will save it for you, and as soon as you're cleared, I will register the quest in your name."

"Can you really do that?" Arin asked excitedly.

"I think I can," she winked.

"Thank you so much!" Arin grabbed her hand, expressing his gratitude. "It means a lot!"

Ashley smiled back. "Okay, go pick a quest you like and meet me at the counter."

Arin stood up and said, "The bill is on me!"

She laughed. "Oh darling, I'm an employee. I can drink for free! Now hurry up before someone else takes your quest."

Arin bowed and walked to the Quest Board. He found only one quest suitable for him at his level—a gathering quest. He needed to collect 30 Singing Mushrooms from the Cave of Echo on the eastern side of the Dark Wood.

Arin walked back to the counter where Ashley was alone. He handed her the quest. She glanced at it, her expression turning grim. "Have you been to Dark Wood? It's a treacherous forest," she asked.

"Yes, I have," he replied. "I've spent a good amount of time exploring it."

She gave him a curious look. "So, have you seen the Cave of Echo?"

"No, I haven't," he admitted.

"The Cave of Echo has three layers. The first layer, outside, is where the Singing Mushrooms bloom. There will be some small enemies, but nothing an adventurer like you can't handle." Arin felt a surge of pride at her compliment. She continued, "But don't venture into the deeper layers. There are stronger enemies there."

Arin nodded. "Okay."

"Wait!" she stopped him. "Under no circumstances should you enter the third level. Those who returned said it connects to other caves through subterranean paths. It would be very dangerous to venture there."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," Arin replied.

"So, are you leaving now?" she asked.

"No, I'll have lunch and set out in the evening."

"What's with you and always going on adventures at night?"

"What can I say? I love the night!" he winked, only to realize she couldn't see his wink through his mask.

Arin decided to visit the marketplace to do some shopping for his upcoming adventure.

The marketplace was alive with the clamor of voices and vibrant colors as Arin navigated through the maze of stalls. With each step, he felt the weight of his mission.

First, he approached the weaponsmith's stall, where an array of glistening weapons was displayed. His eyes were drawn to a pair of daggers, their blades as sharp as a viper's fangs and etched with intricate patterns. The weaponsmith explained that these daggers were forged from a rare metal known for its strength and ability to channel energy. The handles were wrapped in fine leather, providing a firm grip. Though there were no extra enchantments, they cost only 10 gold coins. Arin needed to save his money for something more important—a trinket to hide his details from hostile scrying.

At a quaint shop filled with mysterious artifacts, he found a ring with an iridescent stone at its center. The shopkeeper whispered that the stone had magical properties capable of veiling one's level from anyone attempting to scry without permission. The pendant was delicate yet powerful, its charm enchanting and discreet. Unsure if it was genuine, Arin used his 'observation' skill, revealing a status window:

=============================

| Name – Ring of Secrecy |

| Material – Iron |

| Special Trait – Hides Information 

of users from Adept level Scrying |

=============================

At another stall, he spotted a coil of rope unlike any he had seen before. This rope was woven from enchanted fibers, making it incredibly durable and resistant to wear. The merchant assured him that it could withstand extreme conditions and would prove invaluable in his adventures.

Though he had wandered the marketplace many times before, this visit was different. He had a purpose, each purchase a step closer to his journey's start. The air buzzed with anticipation of the unknown adventures that lay ahead.

After shopping, he returned to the Guild Hall for lunch. Being undead, Arin did not feel hunger or thirst, and food tasted bland to him. However, he maintained the practice of eating meals to uphold his facade of being a living being.

As he was having lunch, a guard entered the Guild Hall, inquiring about Arin Drez. Directed to Arin's table, the guard informed him that the Captain had summoned him immediately.

Arin quickly finished his meal, much to the surprise of onlookers, and asked the guard to take him to the Captain.

Upon entering the barracks, the Captain was speaking with his Deputy. When informed of Arin's arrival, he invited Arin inside. "What have you done?" he asked. "I beg your pardon?" Arin replied. "You really don't know what you have done?" Duran asked again. Arin shook his head.

Duran got up from his seat, walked towards Arin with a stern expression, and grabbed his shoulder. Arin was scared, fearing the Captain had discovered the secret chamber. He remained silent. Duran spoke again, "Since I took control, this is the first time the cleaners have returned completely unharmed, unscathed, and so quickly. Not only was it clear of any hostile beings, but it was also actually quite clean."

"So, my contract…?" Arin asked. "It is fulfilled," Duran said, stretching his hand towards the Deputy. The Deputy handed him a pouch and a letter. "Take this," Duran said, handing him the pouch. "It's a special bonus for your successful completion." Then he gave him the letter. "This is a special letter with my seal, recognizing your efficiency and contribution."

Arin bowed and accepted both. After exchanging pleasantries, he left for the Guild Hall.

He went to update Ashley on his achievement and was summoned to the Guild Hall Master's room. Zikar congratulated him and encouraged him to continue improving.

As the day drew to a close and the sun set in the west, Arin made the necessary preparations and set out. The guards at the front gate were different this time. He showed them the new quest and left the city.

His next stop was his castle, where he needed to check on the kids before embarking on his new quest.