Realm of Shadows: The Enchanted Dungeon

"Hello, how are you? Are you Sebastian? We have come on behalf of the Guild from the city of Eldoria to investigate the sighting of goblins near this village. We require a botanist in case there is any involvement of poison, and the locals have informed us that you are the only botanist in the area."

The individual speaking approached a man with short, dark hair and warm brown eyes. He possessed a gentle and kind expression that reflected his caring nature. Sebastian's appearance was modest and unassuming, lacking distinctive features. He had a slightly slender build, though not excessively so. Despite appearing to be in his early thirties, one could perceive the vibrant spirit of an adolescent shining brightly within him.

"Good morning, Mr. Adventurer. It's a pleasure to meet you as well. While botany is my passion, I am not entirely certain if my assistance would be useful in this situation. Wouldn't it be less risky to hire a priest or seek their aid for your expedition?"

The adventurer Sebastian spoke to was a man around 50 years old, with slightly gray hair and a receding hairline at the temples. His warm-toned skin exhibited subtle lines of experience. He possessed brown eyes that conveyed wisdom and calmness. His face mirrored a combination of maturity and vitality, adorned with a few wrinkles that told stories of laughter and concern throughout the years.

"Roland."

"Excuse me...?"

The adventurer interrupted him, chuckling, "Call me Roland. It sounds too tedious if you keep addressing me as 'Mr. Adventurer,' haha. As for your proposal to hire a priest, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but we cannot afford to spend money on one. The reward for the expedition is solely for investigating the area, and it would be too costly to bring a priest along just to inspect the region. Moreover, we are E-ranked adventurers, primarily functioning as an exploration team rather than one focused on combat."

"I understand your situation, and I fear I may be a burden to you. After all, I am not skilled in physical combat. I specialize in herbs and endeavors that require little physical effort."

"You needn't worry about that, lad. Despite being E-ranked adventurers, we possess extensive experience in various life-or-death situations. We have meticulously planned every aspect of this simple exploration from start to finish. While combat may not be our primary focus, I have the confidence to guide you through the forest unharmed and ensure you emerge without a scratch," Roland explained with unwavering confidence, emanating an aura of experience acquired over the years.

"Very well, Mr. Roland, I accept your proposition. Regarding the payment..."

"You needn't concern yourself with that. We shall provide you with 17 Argentium coins. The guild has allocated a total of 71 coins for the completion of the mission and investigation of any issues in the forest. In addition to myself, there are two other men in my team. The 17 coins will be entirely yours, while the remainder shall be divided among the members of my team. How does that sound to you?"

"I believe it is an excellent agreement. Where can I find the other members of your team? I would like to meet them."

"They are waiting at the inn. Follow me, and I will introduce you. They may come across as rough around the edges, but they are good individuals."

And so, poor Sebastian, without any prior knowledge or premonition, found himself entangled in an affair that would irrevocably alter his life.