Chapter 143 – Striking Transformation
Chapter 143
Striking Transformation
Date : Day 30 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Morning of Day 30 of Grimleaf came quickly. The last day of autumn. Tomorrow, winter would begin. And today also marked the opening day of Akela Dungeon.
Hyoren slowly stirred awake because the small warmth beside him was gone. The sheets on that side of the bed had already lost their warmth.
He blinked several times while sitting up slowly on the bed. The blanket fell away from his chest as he rose. The air against his skin was cold.
Pale silver morning sunlight from Luna streamed through the large window. Not warm. Only soft and silver. There was barely any trace of Sol's golden sunlight anymore this season.
After his eyes adjusted, he finally saw what he was subconsciously searching for.
Ina.
Her small figure stood at side of the bed, bathed beneath Luna's pale silver rays. The light seemed to wrap around her. Her short brown hair was slightly messy from sleep, yet the silver light made it shimmer softly, giving her almost ethereal appearance.
Her cat ears were relaxed atop her head. And her tail swished lazily behind her. It seemed she was already awake and preparing to start her day.
Ina bent down slightly and picked up the cream-colored negligee discarded on the floor last night. The sight immediately reminded Hyoren what happened between them only several hours ago—the memory came unbidden
She loosely draped the thin fabric back over herself before finally noticing Hyoren was already awake. The negligee hung loosely on her small frame.
Ina smiled softly.
"Morning, Hyoren... sorry if I wake you up..."
She walked closer toward the bed before leaning forward gently and kissing him. Her amber eyes were full of affection.
"I tried moving silently so I wouldn't disturb your sleep..."
Hyoren smiled faintly and reached up to touch Ina's cheek softly.
"You should wake me up properly next time."
His thumb brushed lightly across her skin.
"I almost always wake up around this time anyway..."
Then he kissed her back. The kiss was slightly longer than hers had been.
"But... good morning, Ina."
Ina separated from him afterward before starting to walk toward the bedroom door.
"I'll go to my room first to dress properly and prepare breakfast afterwards."
Her tail swished lightly behind her.
"Guild clerk mornings come fast..."
Hyoren nodded softly then smiled.
"I'll follow soon, Ina."
Ina gave him a small wave before exiting the master bedroom quietly. Her footsteps faded softly against the wooden floor. The door closed with a soft click.
***
Hyoren quickly prepared himself afterward. The morning routine was familiar by now.
He ignored the discarded loose tunic from last night and only wore short pants before heading toward the bathroom.
Cold water splashed against his face.
He fixed his dark hair next, tying it neatly behind his neck. Afterward he shaved the faint stubble growing along his jaw. Once finished, he returned to the bedroom and approached the wardrobe.
Inside were several sets of sturdy tunics and trousers neatly arranged. He picked one set and wore it calmly.
Then he draped his trusty Ramtauro armor over the clothes. The leather was stiff but not uncomfortable. Lastly, he strapped the storage pouch securely onto his belt.
Now he was ready to head out as an adventurer once more
His Mithril-alloy Broadsword, Ninja Gloves, and Steel Kite Shield remained stored inside the storage bag for now. There was no reason to openly carry them until they left the city walls.
Hyoren then exited the master bedroom, and at almost the exact same moment, the door on the right side opened too.
Silver-haired elf emerged from inside.
Elise was already fully prepared in her Aerostag leather armor. The dark green mantle behind her and the emerald skirt-like fabric around her waist fluttered softly with each movement.
Talk about timing.
For a brief moment, Hyoren almost smiled nostalgically.
Even after separating bedrooms, their habits still remained exactly the same. For the past month inside Wanderer's Rest inn, they had always finished their morning preparations at nearly identical timing. And apparently that habit still persisted naturally.
Elise turned toward him. Her silver ponytail, which was tied neatly with ribbons, swayed lightly behind her.
Then she smiled and approached him.
"Morning, Hyoren."
Hyoren leaned down and kissed his other lover gently.
The intimacy came naturally. Even after last night, when he had spent his time comforting Ina instead.
"Good morning, Elise."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Our timing matched, huh..."
Elise's emerald eyes gazed at Hyoren with affection. Her lips curled slightly upward.
"Even after separating rooms, our schedule is still the same in the end. Fufu."
Then a sudden cough echoed through the hallway.
Both of them turned.
A towering muscular figure stood nearby with an amused grin plastered across his face. His orange hair gleamed beneath Luna's pale silver morning light filtering through the hallway windows.
He was wearing simple, thin leather armor dyed in yellowish color. Judging from the texture and faint fur patterns still visible near several edges, it seemed to be crafted from Yellow Wolf hide. Just like he said earlier.
Jackey crossed his arms dramatically.
"Please go to your room if you want make out!"
He pointed accusingly toward them.
"Don't make me want to visit brothel this early in morning, Big Brother! Elise!"
Despite the complaint, there was absolutely no hostility in his voice. His tabby cat tail was swishing energetically behind him.
Hyoren scratched his cheek awkwardly while Elise flushed faintly. Her pointed ears twitched.
"Good morning, Jackey."
Hyoren smiled helplessly.
"We should still be allowed this much intimacy, right?"
Then he sighed.
"And please don't go to the brothel this early. We need to enter the dungeon today."
Jackey burst into loud laughter immediately.
"HAHAHA! I was joking, Big Bro!!"
Then he pointed dramatically toward downstairs.
"Come on! Time for breakfast!"
A wide grin spread across his face.
"Then we gonna smack the dungeon open!"
Still laughing loudly, Jackey headed downstairs first. His footsteps were heavy against the wooden stairs. The noise seemed to echo through the manor.
Hyoren and Elise exchanged glances afterward. The look they shared was brief but meaningful. Then both of them laughed quietly before following him downstairs.
***
They sat at the dining table shortly after. The morning pale silver illumination that came from Luna's rays rather than Sol's warmth light filtered through the windows. Painted the dining room with silver hue.
Ina, Lena, and Vina moved around the kitchen with practiced efficiency.
The three women worked naturally together despite only becoming housemates yesterday. Their movements seemed to complement one another—Ina directing with quick gestures while Lena and Vina followed her instructions without hesitation. The sound of plates being arranged and utensils being set created a gentle rhythm that filled the manor.
The breakfast itself was simple but filling. Beans. Toast. Strips of grilled ramtauro meat. And hot coffee. The aromas mingled together in a way that seemed to promise energy for the day ahead.
Hyoren quietly appreciated the smell of the coffee rising from the cup in his hands. Yesterday, he had specifically asked Ina to stock coffee supplies inside the manor. And now he was genuinely glad he could finally enjoy proper morning coffee every day.
The breakfast went by quickly. Conversations were brief but warm.
And not long after, the four of them stood near the entrance of the manor fully prepared for departure. Their equipment was secured. Their supplies were checked. Their minds were set on what lay ahead.
Lena and Vina stood properly near the doorway.
Hyoren faced the two Fox-clan Beastkin women.
"We will enter the dungeon now."
He adjusted the strap of his storage bag slightly.
"We do not know how long the dive will take, but expect around three to six days."
Then he smiled faintly.
"So please take care of our house while we are away."
Lena bowed slightly.
"Leave it to us. We will keep the manor pristine."
Ina stepped forward afterward.
"Don't worry, Hyoren! I will stay too!"
Her cat tail swished behind her energetically.
"Well, I'll work at guild most of the time, but at least I'll spend the nights here!"
Hyoren nodded softly before patting Ina's ears gently. His fingers found the soft fur.
Ina immediately closed her eyes in satisfaction.
"Munyaaa..."
A pleased smile appeared on Hyoren's face.
"If that is the case, then I can leave peacefully."
Elise and Jackey watched the interaction with warm expressions
Then without delaying any longer, the three adventurers finally departed.
Leaving behind the red two-story manor while Vina waved enthusiastically from the entrance. Her arm moved back and forth with obvious energy. Her mother stood beside her with a more subdued but no less sincere expression.
The three of them walked through the sleepless Entertainment District together. The streets were already active despite the early hour.
Even in morning hours, Wyvern Street remained lively. Colorful signs. Laughter. Perfume drifting through the air. Beautiful escorts occasionally waving toward passing men. The atmosphere was thick with invitation.
Jackey visibly struggled whenever attractive women passed nearby. His eyes wandered constantly, though thankfully he still managed to control himself enough not to suddenly disappear into the brothel. The effort was almost comical to watch.
Eventually they left Wyvern Street and entered the larger main roads of Adventurer's District.
The atmosphere shifted. Less perfume. More weapons and armor. More adventurers walking with purposeful expressions. The sounds changed too—fewer invitations and more practical conversations about quests and equipment and party formations.
After they walked a few blocks, they arrived in front of the guild building. The two story structure loomed before them.
This was where they would part ways with Ina for now.
Ina climbed several stairs toward the entrance before turning back toward them. Her small frame seemed almost delicate against the backdrop of the guild building.
"Good luck with the dungeon diving."
Her cat ears perked upright.
"And remember. You need to report to the guild branch outside the dungeon before entering. Don't forget that, okay?"
Hyoren and Elise nodded almost simultaneously.
"We understand, Ina."
Ina's large amber eyes slowly swept across the three of them one final time. Then her expression softened.
"Please be careful..."
She paused briefly.
"...and come back safely."
With one final small wave, Ina turned around and entered the guild building. Her figure disappeared through the heavy wooden door.
***
Hyoren, Elise, and Jackey arrived at the northern gate of Akela just when Luna began its climb into the sky.
The silver sunlight painted the surroundings with ethereal yet strangely alien colors.
Most trees had already shed their leaves. The remaining ones clung weakly to dark branches while bushes and grass had turned dull and pale from the changing season. The forest floor was carpeted with fallen foliage.
There was no snow yet. But winter was close. The air itself already carried a biting cold. The three of them wore cloaks now, their temperature-control runes quietly working to maintain warmth beneath the fabric.
All their weapons were prepared and ready.
Hyoren's Steel Kite Shield was strapped firmly onto his left arm, while his Mithril-alloy Broadsword rested sheathed at his left hip, ready to be drawn anytime.
Elise's Moonveil Bow hung across her shoulder elegantly. A quiver filled with arrows rested securely at her waist. The arrangement was practical but somehow still graceful.
Meanwhile, Jackey had both of his axes strapped openly now. The larger black axe—Bloody Axe—hung at his left hip. And the smaller white axe—Flying Kite Axe—rested on the right.
The three of them were stopped briefly by the guards stationed at the gate.
A pair of grizzled veterans they didn't recognize. The kind of men who had watched countless adventurers leave the city over the years. And watched many never return.
One of them extended his hand.
"Guild cards."
The three adventurers handed them over without complaint.
The older guard inspected the cards carefully before raising one eyebrow.
"Freedom Party, huh."
His gaze swept over the trio briefly, evaluating them.
"Off to the dungeon?"
Then he snorted lightly.
"You lot are early. Only a handful of parties left before you."
The guards nodded afterward.
"Okay. You are clear to go."
The older guard handed the cards back.
"Good luck to you."
Hyoren accepted the guild cards politely.
"Thank you."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"We will definitely need that luck."
Then he gestured toward Elise and Jackey.
And the three of them continued walking beyond the northern gate of Akela. Their footsteps echoed against the stone briefly before fading into the softer sounds of the dirt path ahead.
They walked along familiar paths afterward.
The route was one that Hyoren and Elise had traveled before. Only Jackey looked around with endless curiosity since this was his first time traveling this route. His head swiveled constantly—left and right, left and right
When they passed the massive Akela Lake and nearby Lakeview Village, his eyes widened immediately.
"WOAH! The lake is shimmering!"
He pointed dramatically toward the silver surface reflecting Luna's light.
"And it's HUGE!"
Hyoren and Elise chuckled quietly at his reaction.
The three continued onward afterward. Their three pairs of footsteps fell into a natural rhythm.
Eventually they passed the smaller hidden trail leading toward the alcove beside the lake. The place where Hyoren and Elise once camped together.
Both of them slowed slightly without realizing it. Their eyes turned nostalgic. Longing.
Elise quietly reached out and touched Hyoren's arm.
Hyoren looked toward her briefly before nodding softly.
"We should visit there again someday."
His voice lowered slightly.
"Just the two of us... if our schedule allows it."
His gaze drifted toward the hidden path.
"This place and Whispering Forest..."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"They became precious memories for us."
Elise's smile immediately brightened beautifully. Her emerald eyes softened.
"Yes... Just the two of us again, Hyoren..."
Her pointed ears twitched lightly while faint blush appeared across her cheeks.
Meanwhile Jackey, who was walking several steps ahead, remained completely oblivious to the atmosphere behind him. His attention was fixed on the path ahead.
The two glanced at each other before quickening their pace afterward.
They climbed steadily through the mountainous pine forest. The terrain shifted gradually. Most leaves had already darkened into dull late-autumn colors while cold wind swept between rocky cliffs surrounding the trail. The air grew thinner and colder with each step.
***
The journey toward the quarry took nearly three hours. The path wound upward through terrain that grew steeper with each passing steps. By the time they arrived, Luna had already passed its zenith.
The pine-covered mountains finally opened into the massive basin where the old quarry rested. And where the former Goblin Settlement once stood.
But the sight greeting them now was utterly transformed.
The filthy goblin settlement was completely gone. Every crude hut and shacks. Every foul-smelling pathway. Every crude watchtowers and wooden walls. Every trace of goblin presence had been erased entirely.
In its place stood a sprawling tent city bustling with life. The scene was almost overwhelming.
Dozens of large sturdy tents had been erected neatly across the basin. The tents were arranged in orderly rows. Each bore different sigils fluttering proudly across banners. The Adventurer's Guild. The Merchants' Guild. The Craftsman's Guild. Supplies Stores. And many others. The symbols caught the wind and snapped against the pale sky.
Behind the temporary encampments, skeletal wooden frames of permanent buildings were already rising rapidly from the earth. The structures were in various stages of completion.
The sounds of hammers striking wood echoed constantly through the basin. The rhythmic percussion created an almost musical backdrop. Workers shouted instructions. Carts moved supplies. Smoke rose from temporary kitchens and forge stations. The scents mingled together—wood smoke and cooking meat and hot metal.
The entire quarry had transformed into a massive construction site. A newborn frontier town being built at impossible speed. The scope of the transformation was staggering.
Elise shook her head in disbelief. Her silver hair swayed softly with the movement.
"They work fast. Last week this place was nothing but shacks, goblin leftovers, and remnants of old quarry mining..."
Her emerald eyes swept across the basin.
"And now look at this."
But it was the outskirts of the encampment that truly showed them the reality of their new world. The contrast between the practical guild tents and what surrounded them was stark.
Mixed among the practical guild and store tents were rows of far more colorful establishments.
Fabrics dyed in red, violet, and gold fluttered in the cold wind. The colors striking against the muted tones of late autumn. Glittering lanterns hung near entrances despite it still being daytime. The lights were unlit but promised illumination once darkness fell.
Women wearing revealing outfits lounged lazily near the openings, calling teasingly toward passing adventurers. The invitations were casual but persistent.
Brothels.
Or rather, entire collections of them already preparing for business. The establishments had sprung up with the same speed as everything else.
Jackey's golden eyes immediately lit up at the scenery. But despite his obvious interest, he still restrained himself. Barely. The effort was almost comical to watch.
Hyoren observed the entire growing settlement with quiet reverence.
"This was truly impressive… Martha was right..."
His gaze slowly swept across the countless tents, workers, merchants, escorts, and adventurers. The scope of what he was witnessing seemed to confirm something he had been told.
"Dungeons truly are lucrative businesses."
The sounds of hammers and shouting echoed endlessly around them.
"Where there is money to be spent, there will always be people ready to take it."
Then his eyes drifted toward the half-constructed buildings rising sprawled on the Old Quarry.
The planned Adventurer’s Guild building. Several future weapon and supply stores. Wooden walls and gates that would eventually surround the entire settlement. Even the massive foundations of watchtowers were already visible near the outskirts of the basin.
Workers moved busily around them while carts carried timber and stone nonstop.
"The Guild and Baron clearly take this dungeon seriously."
He paused briefly.
"I think within two or three months... the old quarry itself will disappear."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"And in its place, a new frontier town will emerge."
The three of them navigated through the bustling encampment afterward.
The air was thick with the smell of sawdust, cooking fires, alcohol, sweat, and raw ambition. The scents mingled together in a way that was almost overwhelming. Workers carried timber across their shoulders. Merchants shouted prices.
Eventually they found the largest tent in the encampment. Two crossed swords and shield symbol fluttered proudly across the banner overhead. The Adventurer's Guild.
They stepped inside.
The transition from the chaotic noise outside to the relative order within was striking. The interior was surprisingly organized. The space had been arranged with clear purpose.
A counter stood near the entrance. The surface was clean and well-maintained despite the temporary nature of its location. Several shelves lined one wall.
Behind the counter stood a lone receptionist.A familiar face.
One of the clerks from Akela Adventurer's Guild. Short blonde hair cut neatly into bob style. Glasses. Prim posture. Professional appearance despite her relative inexperience. Sherly Fennington.
She smiled and greeted them.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild Akela Dungeon Town Branch. How may I assist you?"
The greeting was formal.
Hyoren approached the counter while Elise and Jackey remained slightly behind him, naturally leaving the reporting process to their party leader.
"Hey, Sherly."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"You moved here?"
Sherly adjusted her glasses lightly. Her voice remained professional, but excitement still leaked through. The enthusiasm was subtle but present.
"Yes!"
She straightened slightly with visible pride.
"Senior Ina recommended me to handle this Akela Dungeon Town branch!"
Hyoren smiled softly.
"Good for you, Sherly."
Then he handed over his guild card together with Elise's and Jackey's.
"We are entering the dungeon. Ina said we need to report before entry."
Sherly accepted the cards carefully.
"Yes, that's correct."
Her fingers moved efficiently while checking the information.
"Every party entering the dungeon must officially accept Dungeon Exploration Quest from the Guild."
She looked up briefly.
"That way we know who is currently inside. And if the expected return time passes for too long..."
Her expression turned slightly more serious. The shift was subtle but noticeable.
"The Guild can decide whether to organize a search party or not."
She adjusted her glasses once more before reading the cards.
"Freedom Party."
Then she looked toward Hyoren.
"What is your expected duration inside the dungeon?"
Hyoren tapped his chin briefly.
"Three to six days, Sherly."
Sherly quickly wrote that down before returning the guild cards.
"Very well. Your entry has been logged."
Then a faint professional smile appeared on her face.
"You have officially accepted the Dungeon Exploration Quest."
She gestured lightly toward the tent entrance.
"Please report back here after leaving the dungeon."
Then her smile softened slightly.
"May your dives be profitable and your returns be safe."
She nodded toward them. The gesture was formal but warm.
"Good luck in there."
Hyoren accepted the cards back politely.
"Thank you, Sherly."
With the registration complete, the three of them exited the guild tent once more. The transition from the relative quiet inside to the noise outside was immediate.
The bustling chaos of the newborn Akela Dungeon Town greeted them immediately again. The sounds and smells and movement seemed even more intense after the brief respite inside the tent.
Somewhere beyond the encampment—inside the old Main Tunnel of Old Quarry—Akela Dungeon waited.
And Freedom Party's first true dungeon dive was about to begin.