Crap we forgot...

As he bit into the tender meat, the warmth and rich flavors helped ground him, offering a brief moment of peace amidst the chaos of his thoughts. He chewed thoughtfully, his gaze drifting across the bustling streets in search of June.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted her, focused on her quest. Just as he was about to approach, a sudden wave of heat flushed through him at the sight of sweat glistening on her skin.

Dylan asked himself, Why am I feeling like this? as he struggled to make sense of the sudden warmth creeping over him.

"Yo." Dylan flinched as Caius crept up on him, startling him out of his thoughts.

Dylan stumbled back, nearly losing his balance. "Why the hell are you sneaking up behind me, Caius? That scared the life out of me!" he exclaimed, shooting him an annoyed glance.

Caius raised an eyebrow. "Sneaking up behind you? What are you talking about? I literally just said Yo calling you out." He crossed his arms, smirking. "Besides, why are you sneaking around, watching June and Alisan?"

"Sneaking? I just got here!" Dylan said, his tone not quite convincing.

Caius narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly not buying it. "Hmm… okay," he muttered, dragging out the words as if he was keeping an eye on him.

Wanting to break the awkward tension, Dylan quickly called out, "Hey, June! Alisan! You two done yet?"

He waved toward them, hoping to shift the focus away from Caius's suspicion.

June looked up, noticing Dylan approaching with his usual carefree grin. She let out a small sigh of relief, glad for the distraction.

"Yeah, we just finished," she replied, stretching her arms. "What about you? How'd your quest go?"

Alisan, sharp-eyed as ever, glanced at Dylan's clothes, noting a few scuffs and the faintest trace of dried blood near his sleeve. She didn't say anything right away but narrowed her eyes slightly.

Dylan, unfazed, took a bite from his skewer and shrugged. "Eh, nothing too crazy. Just your usual D-rank stuff."

June said, "Let's go find Axel" as the group went to the shop where Axel was doing his quest

As the group made their way through the bustling streets, the sound of merchants calling out their wares and townsfolk chatting filled the air.

When they arrived at the shop, they spotted Axel inside, carefully stacking crates as part of his quest. His strength made the work look effortless, though a thin layer of sweat on his forehead showed he had been at it for a while.

June cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Axel! You almost done?"

Axel looked up, grinning. "Yeah, just a few more. You guys finished already?"

Dylan smirked. "Of course."

Alisan crossed her arms. "Let's just say everything went smoothly."

Axel chuckled, finishing up his task. "Alright, give me a second"

Axel dusted off his hands and stretched his arms. "Alright, I'm done," he said with a satisfied grin.

June nodded. "Good, now that we're all finished"

Dylan took a bite of his skewer, speaking with his mouth half-full. "Let's go back to the guild so we can turn in our finished quest"

Alisan shrugged. "Or we could take a break and explore the town a little"

Caius crossed his arms. "Either way, we should turn in our quset first so we can get the reward"

The group exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. With Axel's quest complete, they set off toward the adventurer's guild once more.

As they arrived at the adventurer's guild, they approached the reception desk, handing over the necessary proof for their completed quests. The receptionist took a moment to verify everything before nodding in approval.

As they arrived at the adventurer's guild, they approached the reception desk, handing over the necessary proof for their completed quests. The receptionist took a moment to verify everything before nodding in approval.

"Well done," she said, counting out their rewards. "Here's your payment for the successful completions."

Each of them collected their share of the rewards, the weight of the coins in their pouches a satisfying reminder of their hard work.

Cauis smirked as he flipped a coin between his fingers. "Not bad for a day's work, huh?"

Axel stretched his arms. "Yeah, but lifting crates all day was kinda dull."

June chuckled. "I wouldn't mind another ice-related quest. It was easy money."

Alisan nodded in agreement. "Same here. It wasn't bad at all."

Dylan crossed his arms. "Well, before we take on more, should we rest up or keep going?"

The group exchanged glances, considering their next move.

Dylan grinned, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How about we explore the town first? We've been busy with quests, and I think it'd be good to see what this place has to offer. Maybe we'll find something interesting or at least, something fun to do."

The group paused for a moment, considering his suggestion.

Axel grinned, clearly on board. "Sounds good to me! I could use a break from all the heavy lifting."

June shrugged but smiled. "Sure, why not? It's a good chance to relax."

Alisan nodded. "I agree. We deserve a little downtime after all the work."

Caius raised an eyebrow but then smiled. "Alright, let's check out the town."

With a plan in mind, the group headed out, eager to see what the town had in store for them. The streets were bustling with activity, merchants calling out to potential customers, and townsfolk going about their day. It was a lively, vibrant place, and Dylan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

As they walked through the streets, the group took in the sights and sounds of the town. There were colorful stalls selling fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and exotic trinkets. The air was filled with the smells of street food, and the sound of children laughing echoed through the streets.

Dylan's eyes wandered, his curiosity piqued by everything around him. He spotted a stall selling strange-looking fruits he had never seen before. "Hey, check that out!" he said, pointing it out to his friends. "Wonder what those taste like."

Axel chuckled. "Maybe we should try one after we finish exploring."

June nodded. "We could always check out the local shops too. Who knows, we might find something useful."

Alisan added, "It's always good to know what's available in the town."

Caius, meanwhile, seemed a bit more reserved, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We should be careful though. We don't know everything about this place yet. It's better not to get too distracted."

Dylan laughed. "Relax, Caius. We'll be fine. It's just a stroll."

The group continued walking through the town, exploring its many corners and discovering new places, their laughter and conversation mixing with the bustle of the busy streets.

Alisan spoke up and said, "Oh yeah, aren't we supposed to find the relics to stop the rifts? Everything seems so normal here."

Dylan paused, his expression shifting slightly as he remembered their original mission. He had been so caught up in the daily activities and quests that he momentarily forgot about their larger purpose.

"You're right, Alisan," he said, his tone now more serious. "We can't let ourselves forget about the rifts and the relics. We should stay focused on that too."

As everyone stood there, a sense of realization hit them all. In their excitement and the chaos of their quests, they had completely lost sight of their main purpose.

Crap... we totally forgot our main mission in this world, each of them thought to themselves, the weight of their mission suddenly coming back to the forefront of their minds.

Cauis cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Uhm, tomorrow, guys, let's head to the Verdant Isles. We might find more clues there about the relics... we've totally forgotten our mission we had too much fun..."

The group nodded in agreement, the seriousness of their mission settling back in.

"Yeah, we've put it off long enough," June said, her voice steady. "Let's make sure we don't lose track of our goal."

Alisan gave a firm nod. "Agreed. We'll take the time to rest today, but tomorrow, it's back to business."

Dylan stretched, a determined glint in his eyes. "Verdant Isles it is, then. Let's see what we can find.

As the group made up their minds, they continued their stroll through the town, letting the lively atmosphere soak in. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, morning had arrived.

The group gathered their gear, making sure they had everything they needed for the journey ahead. Their destination: the Verdant Isles, a place of mystery and wonder. With their packs secured and their spirits high, they set off toward the docks to catch a ship that would take them to the lush forests and rolling hills that awaited them.

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the town as they prepared for the next chapter of their adventure.

Cauis said, "Let's go, guys!"

But Alisan interrupted, "Do you even know where the Verdant Isles are, Cauis?"

Cauis paused for a moment, realizing he hadn't actually thought that far ahead. "Well, uh... not exactly," he admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "But how hard could it be to find? It's a well known place, right?"

Alisan raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "It's not exactly on the main trade routes, and from what I know, you need to know exactly where you're going to get there. It's nestled within dense forests, not far from the coast, but definitely not easy to find if you're unfamiliar with the area."

Dylan, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a smirk. "Well, looks like someone's got their work cut out for them. But we're all in this together, so let's figure it out."

Axel chuckled. "I bet there's someone in town who can point us in the right direction."

Cauis sighed, a bit embarrassed. "Alright, alright. Let's find a map or someone who knows how to get there. Thanks, Alisan."

As june replied, "Cauis... we have map you know... the king provided it to us..."

Cauis blinked, his face flushing with realization. "Oh... right. I totally forgot about that." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, then, let's use it and get going."

June smiled, clearly amused by his momentary lapse. "We've got this, Cauis. Let's just follow the map."

As the group continued their journey, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the path. The air grew cooler, and the sounds of the forest became more pronounced. June, glancing around, furrowed her brow.

"It's getting dark," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "I hope we can find a village or something nearby. I don't want to be stuck out here when night fully falls."

Cauis nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We'll find somewhere to rest. There's got to be something nearby." He tried to reassure her, but there was an edge of uncertainty in his voice as the dense forest stretched on.

As Dylan effortlessly leapt from tree to tree, his mischievous grin never fading, he called down to the group below.

"Hey, guys! Good news!" he shouted, his voice carrying through the trees. "While I was jumping around like a monkey, I spotted a village over there!"

The group looked up, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm.

"Really?" June asked, a hint of relief in her voice. "That's great! How far is it?"

Dylan paused for a moment, then shrugged, his grin still wide. "Not too far. Just follow the path, and you'll see it soon enough."

Cauis gave him a playful glare. "You could've told us earlier, you know."

Dylan just laughed, landing gracefully on the ground with a light thud. "I was having fun. Anyway, let's go! I'm ready to eat something other than trail rations."

With that, the group continued on, their spirits lifted by the promise of a warm bed and a good meal ahead.

As the group made their way through the last stretch of forest, they emerged into a clearing and saw the village in the distance. The sight of buildings, lights glowing from windows, and smoke rising from chimneys was a welcome relief. They could already smell the hint of food in the air, and the thought of rest was a comfort after their long journey.

"Finally!" June sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she smiled at the sight. "A place to rest."

Axel cracked his neck and grinned. "I could use a good meal, and some real sleep sounds amazing."

Alisan nodded, her expression softening. "It's been a long day, and I think we've earned it."

However, Dylan was the only one who seemed unaffected, still looking somewhat distant. His expression was unreadable as he gazed at the village, though his eyes flicked back to the group

"You guys go ahead," Dylan muttered, a hint of restlessness in his voice. "I'll catch up."

The group exchanged puzzled looks, but they didn't press him. They were too eager to reach the village.

With the village now within reach, the group walked ahead, their steps light and quick, while Dylan followed behind at his own pace, deep in thought.

As Dylan walked behind the group, his mind raced with questions. The ability to use "Accelerate" on himself without feeling the strain he had the first time was puzzling. His mana had always been a limited resource, and pushing it too far had once led to exhaustion. Yet now, after using it multiple times, he felt a strange sense of control. It was almost as if the magic had become part of him more natural, more refined.

He thought back to his training, the moments when he first discovered the magic's potential. Back then, the simple use of "Temporal Dusk" had drained him. Now, even while using "Accelerate," his body didn't feel as heavy, and the familiar wave of exhaustion wasn't as overwhelming. There was something new in his control a new understanding, perhaps.

Dylan also realized that his senses had sharpened. His ability to notice small details, the subtle shifts in the environment, had grown exponentially. It wasn't just the physical world he could perceive in greater detail; his awareness of the magical flow around him had increased. He could sense the faintest pull of energy, like a whisper at the edge of his consciousness. It was as if everything around him the trees, the wind, even the very air was connected, and he could almost reach out and touch it.

"Is this the next level?" Dylan thought to himself, fingers brushing the hilt of his dagger. "Am I evolving as I use this magic?"

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the group ahead of him laughing and talking. He shook his head, trying to shake off the deepening curiosity, but his mind was already spiraling into new questions. The more he used this magic, the more questions he had and he wasn't sure if he was ready to find the answers just yet.

Dylan shook his head, clearing his thoughts as he caught up with the group. They were already nearing the entrance to the village, the sounds of bustling activity growing louder with each step. The village was smaller than most they had seen, but its charm was undeniable. Small wooden buildings lined the cobblestone streets, smoke rising from chimneys, and the scent roasting meat filled the air. It felt peaceful, almost serene.

"Alright, let's find a place to eat and rest," June suggested, her voice upbeat.

The group nodded in agreement, grateful for the chance to unwind after their long journey. As they wandered through the village, they spotted an inn with a welcoming sign hanging outside. The warm light spilling through the windows and the cheerful chatter inside made it an easy choice.

"Looks good," Axel said, grinning. "I'm starving."

"Welcome, travelers! What can I get for you today?" she asked, her voice friendly.

"We'll take whatever you have that's filling," Dylan said with a grin, feeling the hunger finally catch up with him.

The innkeeper chuckled. "Coming right up! Have a seat, make yourselves at home."

As they settled in, the group exchanged smiles and relaxed, the tension from the journey slowly melting away. It felt good to be off their feet for a while, and Dylan couldn't help but enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. Though his mind still lingered on the questions about his magic, for now, he let himself savor the moment.

The hearty meal arrived soon after, and the group dug in eagerly. The stew was warm and flavorful, with tender chunks of meat and vegetables that melted in their mouths. Freshly baked bread accompanied the meal, perfect for soaking up the savory broth. The simple yet delicious food lifted everyone's spirits, and they ate with contentment, savoring the break from their usual routines.

"This is really good," Axel said between bites, his mouth full but his smile wide. "I needed this."

Dylan nodded in agreement, his earlier unease forgotten as he enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the food. "Yeah, I could get used to this."

Once their stomachs were full and the meal was finished, the group felt relaxed, the weight of their travels lifting off their shoulders. They paid for the meal and then approached the innkeeper to rent rooms for the night.

"We'll need a few rooms," June said politely, offering a small smile. "It's been a long journey."

The innkeeper nodded and handed them keys. "Of course. Your rooms are ready upstairs. Take a well earned rest, travelers."

The group thanked the innkeeper and made their way up to the rooms, each of them feeling the exhaustion of the long day catch up to them. Dylan, though still pondering over his magic and the events that had transpired, felt a sense of peace as he entered his room."

Tomorrow's another day," he muttered to himself, stretching out on the bed. "I wonder what awaits us in this village..."