Chapter 4 Does this cave have a name

The next day, Seir, Gala, Malvin, and Arion gathered at the center of Yune Village. The mission to protect the village from goblins had been completed, but their adventure was far from over. They sat under a large tree in the village center, planning for their next mission.

Arion, with a serious expression, initiated the conversation. "You showed good skills yesterday. Now, I have another mission for us. There's a dark cave north of this village, rumored by eyewitnesses to be infested with dangerous creatures. We'll explore that cave and clear it out."

Seir asked with enthusiasm, "What are we looking for in that cave, Lord Arion?"

Arion replied, "There are reports of adventurers missing there, and the emergence of unidentified dark creatures. The guild wants us to investigate and eliminate the threat in that cave."

Gala, crossing his arms, commented, "So, we'll be cave saviors this time, huh?" Gala continued, "But previously, we only took missions to exterminate goblins. Isn't it okay to do work beyond our predetermined missions?"

Malvin laughed, "Of course! Being cave saviors sounds more epic than goblin exterminators."

Arion answered Gala's question casually, "Don't worry; this mission comes directly from the guild that requested it."

Seir expressed his opinion, "Probably because Lord Arion is in our group, so the guild appointed us for this mission."

Seir telepathically communicated with Gala with a slightly serious face, hiding his expression from others, "Gala, I think this mission isn't bad. We can learn more about this world."

"Yeah, Lord Seir, you're right. We should approach it like usual," Gala continued with telepathy while teasing Seir, "Besides, I want to adventure with Lord Seir... Ahhh~ if only we could go on an adventure together, it would be delightful~"

Seir responded to the telepathy with a smile, "That day will come, Gala..."

Blushing, Gala responded to Seir's genuine smile with his sweet smile, "Yes! I'm looking forward to it, Lord Seir~"

Malvin spoke to Seir and Gala with amazement, "Why are you both smiling to yourselves? You're both crazy..." He joked.

Gala, slightly angered, said to Malvin, "Hey, watch your words, you fanatic!"

"Who are you calling a fanatic! Hah, you brute!" Malvin retorted with an angry expression, pointing at Gala.

"Both of you, stop..." Seir said, patiently raising both hands parallel to his chest.

"Hey! Both of you, be quiet!" Arion shouted sternly, intervening.

Gala and Malvin shouted in surprise simultaneously, "Yes, Lord Arion!" Gala with a different sentence, "Yes, Lord Seir! Forgive me..." Followed by Gala's guilty expression.

"Lord Arion, I didn't expect the cave to be called..." Seir began speaking to Arion.

Arion explained while expressing his opinion, "Yes, the cave is called Suena. It used to be a place for adventurers performing tasks around the cave to rest, but for some reason, many dark creatures appeared. It should have been declared safe because adventurers wouldn't choose a resting place indiscriminately."

"I think we better investigate it first, Lord Arion." Seir replied.

"Yes! You're right. I didn't expect you to be talented for a beginner like Seir." Arion continued, praising Seir.

Arion then shouted firmly, "From now on, we'll make a plan! Prepare yourselves!"

Seir, Gala, and Malvin responded with a firm shout, "Ready! Lord Arion!"

After planning the strategy and assigning roles, the four of them began their journey towards the dark cave to the north of the village. The forest they passed through had a different atmosphere from the Great Forest. The denser trees created intimidating shadows, and the sounds of nocturnal animals sneaked through the branches.

"This forest has a slightly eerie atmosphere..." Gala remarked while looking around.

Arion replied calmly, "Because adventurers usually undertake missions in this forest, so, of course, there must be many monsters."

As they approached the cave entrance, the air became more humid and cold. Like a portal to the dark and mysterious underground world. Arion, leading the way, invited the others to enter first.

Malvin wondered aloud, "Why do adventurers choose suspicious places like this!"

Then, Malvin stepped on a sticky white liquid, "Ugh... What is this... Disgusting," said Malvin.

Seir warned Malvin, "Be careful, Malvin. Something is not right with this cave..."

Gala, with the light from his magic staff, formed a bright beam inside the cave. "Lord Seir, be careful. It's dark and full of uncertainty," he said.

Seir nodded, "We need to stick together and stay vigilant. Don't let anything sneak up on the three of us."

They explored the winding cave passages, with Gala leading with his magic, and Seir, Malvin, and Arion following behind. The sound of footsteps and whispers of wind accompanied their steps. Gala's light reflected strange shadows on the cave walls that seemed alive.

Suddenly, Malvin halted their steps. "There's a strange sound," he whispered. "Like the flapping of wings."

Arion nodded, "We're close to the source of the problem. Prepare for battle."

Something dark and winged emerged from the cave's darkness. They were attacked by a swarm of Shadow Bats, dark creatures that had hidden in the cave. The battle began, with the gleam of swords and combined magic fighting against the agile attacks of the shadow bats.

Gala unleashed his magical attacks, creating a bright light against the darkness. Seir used his telekinetic abilities to block attacks, while Malvin served as the center of defense with his sword and shield.

"Don't let them spread!" Arion shouted, swinging his two swords.

A fierce battle took place, and one by one, the shadow bats were overcome. However, the sound of wing flapping continued to fill the cave, indicating that the battle was not over.

After clearing several layers of the cave, they arrived in a larger chamber illuminated by scattered crystal gleams on the walls. In the middle of the room, they found a dark portal emitting a terrifying aura.

Arion analyzed the situation, "This is the source of the problem. This portal must be closed to prevent more dark creatures from coming out."

Seir stepped forward, "I'll try to close it with telekinetic pressure. Gala, prepare your magic to assist."

Gala nodded in agreement and got ready. The two of them focused, combining telekinetic power and magic to close the portal. Moments later, the cave was filled with bright light, and the dark portal vanished.

"We did it, Lord Seir!" Gala exclaimed happily.

Arion smiled, "You both are great. Now, let's return to the village and report our success to the guild."

"Ohh! Don't forget to cut off some wings of those bats to show as proof of extermination." Arion added

The journey back through the cave felt faster. Village Yune welcomed them warmly. The villagers were very grateful for their rescue, and the Adventure Guild acknowledged the successfully completed mission.

Malvin commented, "Every mission always brings new experiences. And this cave proves that danger doesn't always come from the surface."

Seir agreed, "Learning from each adventure makes us stronger. We must be ready for whatever comes our way."

They celebrated their success at a tavern in the village, sharing stories with the friendly villagers. The adventures in this world are getting deeper, and Seir and his friends are ready to face the next challenges.