First Dates and a Mysterious Request

The city of Valtheria was alive with its usual bustling energy, the streets packed with merchants hawking their goods, adventurers moving in and out of the guild, and nobles strolling with an air of self-importance. But for the members of Oblivion's Wrath, today wasn't about missions or fame.

Today was date day.

Kaisel & Emma – The Yandere's Dream Date

Kaisel adjusted his collar, his usual cocky smirk replaced with a nervous gulp as he waited for Emma outside a high-end restaurant. He had no idea why he was nervous. It was Emma, the girl who practically worshipped him at this point. And yet, something about her unblinking gaze and the way she whispered his name like a possessive incantation made his stomach twist.

And then she arrived.

Emma had transformed.

Instead of her usual priestess robe, she wore a sleek, black dress that hugged her figure, her long silver hair tied back in an elegant braid. But what really got Kaisel was her smile—not the usual soft one, but a dangerously playful one that sent chills down his spine.

"Kaisel," she greeted, stepping dangerously close. "You look… delicious today."

Kaisel coughed. "U-Uh, thanks? You look great too. Shall we?"

As they stepped into the restaurant, Kaisel quickly realized this wasn't going to be a normal date.

Emma didn't eat—she just watched him eat. Every time he took a bite, her eyes sparkled like she was watching a ritual sacrifice in progress.

"Uhh… Emma, you should eat too."

"I'm already full," she whispered.

"On what—?"

"Love."

Kaisel choked on his steak.

Meanwhile, every single female waitress in the restaurant mysteriously vanished under Emma's glare. Anyone who so much as looked at Kaisel for longer than a second suddenly remembered they had somewhere else to be.

He was both flattered and terrified.

Still, despite her questionable obsession, Kaisel couldn't deny that he actually enjoyed himself. Emma was fun, had a wicked sense of humor, and, well... she really, really liked him.

By the time they left the restaurant, she clung to his arm like a prized possession. Kaisel sighed, scratching his head.

"You're something else, Emma."

Her grip tightened. "And you're mine, Kaisel. Mine."

Yeah. He was in trouble.

Asvorn & Lyara – The Awkwardly Adorable Date

Meanwhile, Asvorn and Lyara's date was going horribly.

Not because they weren't enjoying it—but because neither of them knew what to do.

The two stood awkwardly in the middle of the shopping district, surrounded by couples holding hands, strolling by romantic cafés, and generally acting normal.

Lyara crossed her arms, tapping her foot. "Okay. So… what do we do now?"

Asvorn scratched the back of his head. "Uh… eat?"

"We eat every day, dumbass."

"Right. Then… walk?"

Lyara groaned, facepalming. "We're terrible at this."

A few minutes later, they found themselves at a dessert shop, sharing a massive bowl of ice cream.

Asvorn, ever the battle-hardened warrior, scooped a spoonful into his mouth—only to immediately regret everything.

The cold hit him like a frost spell, and he let out an involuntary grunt, his expression freezing in pure agony.

Lyara blinked, then burst into laughter.

"You—pfft—why do you look like you got hit by a frost dragon?!"

Asvorn, pride shattered, scowled. "I wasn't expecting it to be that cold!"

Lyara wiped a tear from her eye, shaking her head. "You're so dumb sometimes."

He grumbled, but watching her laugh so freely made his irritation melt away.

After that, things became much more natural. They walked through the city, teasing each other, visiting weapon shops, and eventually ended up at a secluded hilltop that overlooked the entire city.

The sun was setting, casting golden hues over Valtheria, and for the first time in forever, Lyara felt... content.

"...This was nice," she admitted, sitting beside him on the grass.

Asvorn glanced at her, then nodded. "Yeah. It was."

She smirked. "We should do this again."

"Definitely."

A comfortable silence settled between them. Then, without thinking, Asvorn reached out and gently held her hand.

Lyara's entire brain short-circuited.

Her face burned, and she turned away, mumbling something about stupid muscle-headed idiots. But she didn't let go.

Meanwhile, at the Guild – A Dangerous Request

In the depths of Valtheria's Adventurer's Guild, the Guild Master, a grizzled old warrior named Garrus Steelbane, sat behind his desk, rubbing his temples as he looked at the peculiar man standing before him.

Dr. Rian Dusk was a scholar, but not the frail kind. His tall frame, sharp eyes, and confident posture hinted at someone who had seen his fair share of battles.

"You're serious?" Garrus asked, exhaling. "You want to send Oblivion's Wrath into the Forbidden Labyrinth?"

Dr. Rian nodded. "They're the only ones capable enough."

Garrus narrowed his eyes. "That dungeon's a goddamn death trap. Every adventurer that's entered has either died or returned insane. What makes you think they'll be different?"

Dr. Rian leaned forward, a glint in his eye. "Because they're already legends. If anyone can do it, it's them."

Garrus was silent. He couldn't deny that Oblivion's Wrath was terrifyingly capable.

"...What's in that dungeon, Dusk?"

Dr. Rian hesitated, then said quietly, "Something that shouldn't exist."

The room grew still. Garrus sighed, running a hand through his beard.

"This is a suicide mission."

"Then I'll make it worth their while," Dr. Rian said, sliding a sealed scroll across the table. "This is the reward."

Garrus unrolled it, his eyes widening.

"...You're insane," he muttered.

Dr. Rian smirked. "So, will you let them take the job?"

Garrus leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "They're gonna kill me for this… but yeah. I'll tell them."

The Beginning of Something Big

As night fell over Valtheria, Asvorn and Lyara walked home hand in hand, Kaisel barely escaped Emma's yandere clutches, and a new deadly quest loomed on the horizon.

Unbeknownst to them, their legendary journey was about to reach a new level.

The Forbidden Labyrinth awaited.

And Oblivion's Wrath was about to step into the unknown.