"Alright… I'm in. Give me a mission that pays well."
"That's not up to me, kid," the vendor said. "You need to head to the adventurers' tavern. That's where folks like you go—people who aren't afraid to risk their necks for a few coins."
He pointed out the tavern, easy to spot thanks to its sheer size.
With nothing left to ask, Aiden and Lyra made their way toward it.
Stepping inside, they were instantly overwhelmed by the chaos within.
"Feels like there's way more people in here than outside," Lyra said. "And it reeks of beer!"
"Don't make eye contact with anyone," Aiden warned. "You're already drawing enough attention just by looking like… you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lyra asked, feeling both offended and oddly flattered.
"Uh… nothing. Let's just hit the bar and ask about missions."
Lyra nodded, clearly annoyed, and followed Aiden's lead.
At the bar, they met the old man running the place, who eyed them with a hint of skepticism.
"Travelers, huh?" the old man asked. Aiden nodded. "Figured. Don't recognize your faces. What kind of mission are you looking for?"
"No clue… something that pays a lot."
"You've got guts, kid," the old man said. "But guts won't cut it for a high-rank mission."
"What makes you think I'm not ready?"
The old man chuckled and, without a word, turned to the wall behind him, covered in countless pinned-up papers. He grabbed one and showed it to Aiden and Lyra.
"This poster came in a few days ago. Seems a nearby village has been dealing with a band of thugs causing havoc for weeks—stealing, abusing the place's resources."
"And I'm guessing the mission is to take them out, right?" Lyra asked.
"Exactly, sweetheart. If you've got what it takes, that is."
The old man placed the paper on the bar and pulled a metal quill from his pocket.
"If you're taking this mission, I need you to sign your names."
Aiden and Lyra exchanged a glance.
"You sure about this?" Lyra asked.
"More than ever."
Aiden reached for the quill, but before he could grab it, the paper was snatched away in a flash.
Aiden turned to the culprit, irritation and confusion flaring as he locked eyes with her.
"Excuse me, I was about to sign that."
The girl in black attire ran a hand through her purple hair and flashed a smug smile at Aiden's comment. Her shirt had a deep cut that showed off her pronounced cleavage, and her short skirt was adorned with various knives and stakes.
"Sorry, handsome, but I'm taking this mission," she said.
"Hey, we got here first," Lyra snapped.
"Sweetie, trust me, I'm doing you a favor," the mysterious girl replied. "With that princess vibe, you don't seem cut out for this kind of work."
"Wanna test that theory?"
Lyra looked ready to lunge at her, but Aiden held her back with an arm.
"Give us the paper," Aiden said, straining to keep his cool.
With a mischievous grin, the girl folded the paper and slipped it between her breasts, making Aiden blush and fueling Lyra's irritation.
"I told you, handsome, this mission's mine. If you want this paper, you'll have to take it by force."
"No need for that, Maya," the old man interjected. "I don't want you wrecking the vibe here, so I've got a proposal."
"What's that?" Lyra asked.
"I suggest all three of you sign that paper and work together."
"No way!" both women said in unison.
"It's the best way I can think of to settle this," the old man said.
"Sorry, old man," Maya said, crossing her arms. "I need the money bad, and I'm not sharing it with anyone."
"The reward for this mission is hefty. I'm sure you won't mind splitting it."
"How much are we talking?" Aiden asked.
"Twenty thousand gold coins. That's ten thousand for each of you."
Maya's expression softened, and she seemed to reconsider.
"Well, when you put it like that, it doesn't sound so bad."
"No chance!" Lyra shot back. "I'm not working with this woman. She'll just be trouble."
"I can vouch for the opposite, sweetheart," the old man said. "Maya's one of my regulars. She's taken on countless jobs and never failed a single one. I'm sure she'd be a big help if you bring her along."
"What do you think, Aiden?" Lyra asked.
"I think… we should team up."
Lyra's face twisted with annoyance, while Maya's lit up with a victorious smirk.
"Alright, it's settled," Maya said, pulling the paper from her cleavage. "Let's sign, then."