Later that day, Bel returned to the Guild Hall, mostly to keep the others from coming to look for him.
His appearance sparked immediate surprise and relief. Sienna nearly leapt from her seat, grinning wide, while Lyraen offered a calm but genuine smile.
Even Crest looked up briefly, though he stayed in the back, arms crossed, observing quietly.
The official story spread by the Guild was simple.
Bel had overextended himself, ten consecutive dungeons without rest, and after defeating a powerful boss, his body finally gave in.
He passed out from sheer exhaustion. That's what the reports said, and that's what everyone believed.
Now, the group celebrated his return at the guild bar. The rising stars of the Adventurer's Guild. Their name was starting to echo through the city.
New Horizons. A clan formed from three different teams, now united and stronger than ever.
They drank, laughed, and shared stories, a quiet pride swelling through their growing legend.
