[ Mysterious Escort ]

The icy winds of Craghelm's mountains nipped at Noctris's fur-coated form as he crouched beside the lifeless baby wyvern. His nimble fingers, gloved in thick leather, worked deftly to skin the creature's sigils and collect its sharp talons. The question of why someone would need these particular ingredients for their nefarious purposes weighed heavily on his mind. With the loot packed in his backpack, he let out an exasperated sneeze, cursing the biting cold. "Craghelm mountains," he grumbled to himself, "definitely the best place to freeze anyone's nose off."

"Has it always been this cold?" Noctris muttered to himself, his breath forming misty clouds in the crisp mountain air. He huddled into his thick fur coat, grumbling about the chill that seemed to seep into his very bones.

His eyes wandered to the crystalline landscape of Craghelm. Glittering formations of magical crystals adorned the peaks, casting radiant hues across the barren, twilight-kissed terrain. Noctris, despite the bone-chilling cold, admitted to himself that Craghelm's beauty was a spectacle to behold, far more captivating than his old hometown.

The creak of an Irides airship made its presence overhead, Noctris gazed up as it glided gracefully through the cerulean sky heading toward the dreaded Riftlands, Noctris's thoughts turned to his previous home. "Hope it's not too bad out there..." He shook his head, dismissing memories of his hometown as he trudged toward Craghelm City just below the mountain.

In the foothills of Craghelm, a vibrant scene unfolded before him. Children frolicked in the cobblestone streets, townspeople bustled about, and the warmth of community pervaded the air. Airships were docked nearby, exchanging weekly imported resources from the Sky City above.

Noctris couldn't help but appreciate the livelihood of the citadel. This tight-knit society of townspeople and adventurers knew how to coexist harmoniously. For a moment, he felt a sense of belonging that he hadn't felt in years.

Pushing open the grand doors of the Adventurer's Guild, Noctris was met with the familiar bustling atmosphere. Greetings from fellow adventurers resounded in the hall, some already immersed in their morning revelries. "Morning, Noctris!" called out a gruff, bearded warrior from the corner, lifting his tankard in greeting.

Noctris waved in response, offering a tight-lipped smile as he looked around. He couldn't help but wonder, "How are they already drinking at this hour?"

A tall elven archer, approached him with a playful smirk. "Noctris, I see you've returned from your quest. Got any thrilling tales to share over a morning brew?"

Noctris chuckled, shaking his head. "As tempting as that sounds, Illyria, I'm here on business first."

Amid the bustling crowd, Noctris made his way to the main counter, where a friendly attendant named Daisy welcomed him. She couldn't help but notice his red, frostbitten nose and ears and voiced her concern, her brows furrowing with worry.

Daisy leaned in, her tone filled with genuine care. "Noctris, your nose and ears are bright red from the cold! Are you okay?"

Noctris was about to assure her that he was fine, "don't worry Daisy, I feel-" but a sudden sneeze interrupted his response, and he quickly wiped his nose with a handkerchief. He chuckled awkwardly, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "Guess I'm not used to the cold up in Craghelm just yet."

Daisy offered a warm smile and a nod, though her concern still lingered. She knew that adventurers like Noctris often faced harsh conditions, but it didn't stop her from worrying about their well-being.

Daisy's nimble fingers worked aptly as she took Noctris's job contract and adventurer card. Despite the early hour and the crisp mountain air that made her fingers slightly stiff, she handled the documents with the skill of someone who had processed countless quests. Her long, graceful nails, adorned with delicate sigils, quickly turned the pages and checked the details.

Noctris watched her work with a sense of appreciation for the guild's efficient and friendly staff. He couldn't help but fidget slightly as he awaited her judgment. The quest was a simple one - the sigils and claws of a baby wyvern, a creature that often roamed the mountainous regions around Craghelm. Though taking down baby wyverns was the easy part, dealing with the frosty weather that comes with it is another problem of its own.

With a nod of approval, Daisy confirmed the completion of the quest, her eyes briefly meeting Noctris's. She could see the satisfaction in his gaze, and it was clear he took pride in his work. Noctris knew that his reputation as a capable adventurer rested on each successfully completed task.

After a few moments of confirming the details, Daisy took a guild stamp, embossed with the emblem of the Adventurer's Guild, and pressed it firmly onto the contract. The inked emblem signified that the job was indeed done. Noctris couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he watched the stamp leave its mark.

With the contract now certified, Daisy placed it on a neat stack of completed quests and prepared to hand over Noctris's payment. "Here you go, 400 coins as per the contract." A respectable sum for a routine job. As he counted out the coins, Daisy couldn't help but admire the adventurer's dedication.

Noctris leaned closer to the counter, Daisy noticed a sense of eager anticipation in his face. "Anything new from the Night Guild?" he inquired. The Night Guild, once known for its extensive assortment of odd jobs, had transitioned into a critical force in the fight against the corrupted essence disease spreading throughout the regions of Aetheryx.

Daisy's demeanor shifted, her excitement dimming before answering. "There is something," she replied, her eyes briefly flickering toward the stack of Night Guild postings, "but I'm afraid Gorden got to it before you."

Noctris sighed irritatingly, "Gorden? again?" Disappointment was evident on his face. Gorden, a fellow Night Guild member, had a reputation for his uncanny ability to seize the most lucrative Night Guild jobs. His motives often leaned toward quick profit rather than a genuine dedication to the guild's cause.

With a resigned smile, Noctris accepted the news. He thanked Daisy for her assistance before making his way toward the bustling quest board. The board was a hub of activity, surrounded by adventurers eager to find their next venture. Noctris moved among them, scanning the posted quests and occasionally murmuring the details under his breath.

As Noctris skimmed through the board, his eyes trailed over the parchment, and he quietly murmured some of the pinned quests. There were a variety of options, from mundane deliveries to more perilous challenges. But one notice, in particular, caught his attention, and he read it aloud in a hushed tone, "Hunting Crystal Wolfs, 2500 coins."

The lure of the substantial reward tugged at him, but he couldn't ignore the fact that tackling this quest alone would be a heavy and time-consuming endeavor. He considered the time it might take to hunt the Crystal Wolfs, realizing that he could earn a comparable amount by completing a week's worth of daily quests.

Noctris's moment of contemplation was interrupted by the murmur of other adventurers nearby. They gathered around the quest board, their voices carrying their concerns.

A rugged warrior, clad in battle-worn armor, leaned in close to his companion, an agile rogue. "Ya hear about the corrupted essence? It's spreading faster than we thought, especially out in the Riftlands. Nasty business."

The rogue nodded in agreement, her sharp eyes reflecting unease. "And they say it's getting close to Elandria. That's too close for comfort, if you ask me."

Noctris's heart sank at the mention of Elandria, his old home. The city was dangerously near the Riftlands, and the thought of the corrupted essence encroaching on it filled him with concern.

Noctris's brows furrowed as he continued to ponder the quest board. However, just as his worries threatened to consume him, the grand doors of the Adventurer's Guild suddenly banged open, breaking his thoughts. The sudden commotion pulled Noctris and the other adventurers from the discussion and drew their attention to the entrance, wondering what had caused the abrupt disturbance.

The bustling atmosphere of the Adventurer's Guild was interrupted by the furious entrance of a familiar member amongst the guild, Gorden, his face flushed with anger and frustration. It wasn't long before a crowd of curious onlookers gathered, their voices hushed as they watched the unfolding commotion.

Noctris, sensing that something was amiss, made his way to the counter, straining to hear the heated exchange between Gorden and Daisy. The argument seemed to revolve around a Night Guild contract, but the details were still muddled to him.

Noctris approached Gorden, his brow furrowed. "Gorden, what's going on? You don't usually get this angry," he inquired, concern filled his voice.

Before Gorden could respond, Daisy interjected, her voice carrying a note of disappointment. "Gorden wants to terminate his contract for the Night Guild job he took," she explained, her eyes briefly flickering toward the restless crowd, "but it's not about the job itself."

Gorden, still seething with frustration, took over, his words a mix of irritation and admission. "No one showed up at the meeting point last night," he confessed, his voice heavy with disappointment, "I canceled from going to a drinking party with the boys just so I can do the job!" Referring to the early drinkers who greeted Noctris earlier. Gorden didn't hide his shameless grin as he continued, "I was hoping to make a quick buck for the booze, and it seemed like a perfect opportunity."

Noctris and Daisy exchanged a disappointed glance. "This guy is helpless." Sharing their disbelief at Gorden's priorities. It was clear that his motivation had less to do with dedication to the Night Guild's cause and more with his insatiable thirst for a good time.

Daisy couldn't help but chastise Gorden for his irresponsible behavior. "Gorden, you can't keep prioritizing drinking over your commitments," she scolded, her tone firm but not unkind. "The Night Guild's work is too important, especially now with the corrupted essence spreading like wildfire. We need dedicated members, not ones looking to make a quick profit."

Gorden shifted uncomfortably under their disapproving gazes but ultimately shrugged it off. "Yeah, yeah, I get it," he mumbled, not entirely remorseful but aware of their concerns.

Noctris picked up the peculiar job post and began to read it. At first glance, it seemed like a rather ordinary escorting mission, a task that he was well familiar with. However, as he perused the details, his bewilderment grew.

The reward for the escort job was astonishing, nearly triple the payout of the enticing Crystal Wolf quest he'd considered earlier. It was an eyebrow-raising sum for what appeared to be a routine task. Noctris couldn't help but wonder about the nature of this assignment and the circumstances that justified such generous compensation. What could possibly make this job so valuable?

His suspicion deepened as he noticed that the job wasn't registered on the main quest board of the Adventurer's Guild. Instead, it was pinned separately, almost as if it were meant to remain somewhat hidden from the general adventurer populace.

The job posting also included the name of the publisher: "Dr. Loux Hyacinth." Noctris wracked his memory, but the name didn't ring any bells. He decided to consult Daisy, the guild attendant who was in the know about many things.

Noctris couldn't help but appear a little perplexed. "Daisy, do you know anything about this job?" he asked, showing her the odd posting. "The pay is unbelievable, and it's not even on the main board. And this name, Dr. Loux Hyacinth, it's unfamiliar to me."

Daisy furrowed her brows, her expression one of genuine puzzlement. She considered the odd job post for a moment and then shook her head. "I'm sorry, Noctris, but I don't have much information about this one. It was registered by another attendant late last night," she explained. "I do remember seeing a tall figure with a sand-colored coat hanging around the guild, but I didn't think much of it at the time."

As night descended upon Craghelm, the bustling citadel transformed into a mesmerizing dreamscape. The towering crystalline formations that adorned the city's landscape came alive with radiant luminescence. The soft hum of arcane energy resonated within each floating crystal, suspended in the sky like a precious gem, emitted a soft, surreal light with the crystalline structures juxtaposed against the dark, silent, starlit sky.

The Craghelm tavern, however, was crowded with bright and vibrant energy of traveling adventurers from far and wide. The air was thick with the aroma of hearty meals being prepared, the clinking of tankards, and the lively chatter of patrons who shared tales of their exploits and dreams.

Noctris, seated at a weathered wooden table, stared down at the same peculiar job post in his hand. He was surrounded by the hectic energy of testosterone and booze, nevertheless, it's just another night after a day's worth for everyone.

Gorden, his fellow Night Guild member, occupied the seat across from Noctris. With gusto, he indulged in a plate of succulent, steaming meat. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he took another hefty bite.

Between mouthfuls, Gorden couldn't resist offering his opinion. "You're wasting your time with that escorting job, Noctris," he mumbled, a mischievous grin spreading on his lips.

Noctris, clearly irritated, leaned in and implored Gorden, "Swallow your food before you speak, Gorden. It's manners."

Gorden, begrudgingly following his friend's advice, gulped down his mouthful. He wiped his hands and mouth with a cloth napkin and leaned back, regarding Noctris with curiosity. "All right, all right. But I still think you're making a mistake. That job is more trouble than it's worth."

Noctris couldn't help but be drawn back to the puzzling offer. "Gorden, the pay for this escort job is incredibly high, even more than what we'd earn for hunting an elder wyvern. And it's not even listed on the main quest board. It's as if they want to keep it hidden," he mused, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Gorden considered Noctris's words before responding, his tone thoughtful. "You've got a point. High pay usually means high risk, though. And you know as well as I do that those hidden jobs tend to involve secrets and dangers we're not always prepared for."

The mention of the escort location, "Kruos Ruins." It was a name that held a cold and haunting reputation, even amidst the seasoned adventurers of Craghelm. The ruins were an icy cave nestled on the outskirts of the city, abandoned and largely unexplored for over two decades. Yet, despite its proximity, there were no reports or records indicating just how dangerous the place might be.

As Noctris continued to delve into the details of the job posting, the conundrum deepened. There was something undeniably mysterious about the escort mission. "I gotta get going then," Noctris finished his mug of ale in one swift motion and rose from his seat, determination etched across his features.

Gorden, always the voice of reason or, in some cases, cynicism, couldn't help but express his reservations. "Noctris, you should really consider canceling that contract. It's unlikely anyone will show up for this job anyway," he suggested, eyeing the job post with skepticism.

Noctris, however, remained resolute. "I need to see what's in those ruins for myself. Something about this whole situation feels off, and I can't ignore it," he explained, his eyes filled with a burning curiosity.

As Noctris prepared to leave, Gorden saw an opportunity to shift the odds in his favor. He leaned in, his voice a persuasive whisper. "Before you go, Noctris, how about covering my meal? I spent all my coins on drinks earlier to drown my frustrations," he shamelessly requested, grinning as he did so.

Noctris's patience wore thin, and he regarded his friend with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "You're unbelievable, Gorden. Asking me to pay for your meal when you're the one who spent all your money on drinks? You really need to stop being so shameless," he scolded, his voice carrying a note of vexation.

Gorden, unfazed by the scolding, chuckled heartily. "Well, you know what they say, Noctris. If you don't ask, you won't get anything. Besides, it's just a meal." His cheeky grin persisted, leaving Noctris to shake his head in resignation before venturing into the unknown depths of Kruos Ruins.

Noctris rode the mountain cable car that would take him to the outskirts of Craghelm. As the car ascended, he couldn't help but count the coins in his bag. Each clink was a reminder of his dream, the one he'd been nurturing for a long time. He sighed deeply, his breath misting up the window of the cable car. "That scumbag Gorden, now my savings are in shambles."

His gaze was drawn upward, past the crystalline formations, toward the distant horizon where the fabled city of Irides floated. It was a place renowned for its magical resources and vibrant, artistic cultures. But with that allure came the daunting cost of living. Even the ticket to board a single airship to Irides demanded a steep price – a staggering 25,000 coins.

Noctris couldn't help but whisper to himself as he stared at Irides in the sky, "It's going to take me a while to save up for Irides." The city represented a tantalizing promise of luxury, adventure, and fulfillment. But for now, his path led him to the unknown depths of Kruos Ruins, a place filled with mystery and danger, and the chance to uncover secrets that could change everything.

The cable car slowly came to a halt as it reached the outskirts station. Noctris disembarked, his feet meeting the firm ground after the smooth ascent from the city below. The contrast between this remote station and the bustling heart of Craghelm was striking. It was a desolate, dimly lit place, casted by the mountainside.

Noctris, undeterred by the eerie stillness, approached the lone station guard who stood vigilant in the dim light. He asked the guard about the way to Kruos Ruins, a hint of frigidness in his voice.

The station guard regarded Noctris with caution, his expression marked by concern. "It's not safe to wander around the ruins this late," he warned, his gaze scanning the snowy surroundings. "You should think twice about going there."

However, the guard's disposition shifted as he noticed the emblem of the Night Guild discreetly pinned beneath Noctris's fur coat. A glimmer of recognition and relief crossed his face. He understood that Noctris was no ordinary traveler, but a member of the guild known for its unconventional jobs.

He hesitated for a moment, still concerned, but ultimately decided to help. "There's a shortcut you can take through a mountain passageway nearby," he said, gesturing toward a path shrouded in darkness. "It'll lead you to the ruins faster. Just be careful."

Noctris offered the guard a grateful smile and thanked him for the information. He pulled up the hood of his coat to shield himself from the frigid air and left the station. As he ventured into the unknown, the station guard pondered in silence, wondering why a Night Guild adventurer was embarking on such a late-night journey to the abandoned ruins, especially without any visible weaponry.

As Noctris treaded through the narrow mountain passageway, his mind raced with a flurry of thoughts and uncertainties. What could he possibly find within the chilling depths of Kruos Ruins? The cryptic job posting and the hefty reward had left him intrigued, but the mysteries that shrouded this place also stoked his apprehension.

He began to overthink, his imagination conjuring ominous scenarios that danced at the edge of his consciousness. "What if this was all just a trap… What if there was no doctor and this job was masterminded by an icy witch with a taste for adventurer's flesh?" The mere notion sent a shiver down his spine, and he quickened his pace.

Finally, the passageway opened up, revealing the entrance to Kruos Ruins. Noctris approached cautiously, his senses keenly attuned to any sign of danger. The surrounding silence was eerie, and the dim, bluish light emanating from the cavern's mouth created an otherworldly ambiance.

He scanned the area, scrutinizing every nook and cranny, but nothing stirred. The stillness was almost oppressive, and for a moment, Noctris was lulled into a false sense of security.

Noctris hesitated for a moment, his hand trembling as he clutched the job posting tightly. He stared at it, mulling over the decision he was about to make. The promise of the hefty reward was enticing, but the fear that had been gnawing at him could not be ignored. He couldn't let himself be ensnared in a deadly trap. The idea of an icy witch lurking in these ruins, waiting to devour him, would be a waste to all of his adventuring efforts.

With a sudden resolve, he began to turn away, ready to leave the dark, foreboding entrance of Kruos Ruins. "You know what? I think Gorden was right, I shouldn't be here at all!" He'd rather find solace in the warmth and safety of a tavern bed than face an uncertain doom in these haunted depths.

But then, just as he was about to step away, the world turned against his dreams with a blood-curdling scream. It was a sound that pierced into his bare bones, sending shivers coursing through his spine. The cry of agony was filled with raw, desperate terror, echoing from the unfathomable depths of the cavern.

Noctris's heart raced, and his anxiety transformed into a surge of adrenaline. He couldn't ignore the plea for help that lingered in that haunting scream. Something was terribly wrong in Kruos Ruins, and he couldn't walk away from it. Not now.

"Fffffuuuuu-," A war waged in Noctris's mind, continuously teetering between delving further into the ruins and the potential completion of the high-rewarding quest or the safety of retreating to his familiar, albeit less rewarding, daily quests at the guild. The echoes of that terrible scream still reverberated in his thoughts.

The prospect of venturing further into the ruins, where mysteries and dangers lay in wait, was a daunting one. The fear of what might unfold gnawed at him, making his heart race and his palms sweaty. Yet, deep within him, a fierce resolve simmered.

He couldn't bear the thought of returning to the monotony of low-paying guild jobs, his dreams of Irides remaining nothing more than a distant vision. With a final, resolute breath, he made his choice. Noctris steeled himself, his jaw set, and his eyes determined.

Inhaling deeply, he crossed the threshold into the darkness of Kruos Ruins.