On his journey back home, Lucas found himself accosted by eager individuals on four separate occasions, all seeking to take a picture with him. Also, he was intercepted twice by avid collectors seeking his autograph for their collection.
During the initial two encounters, it took Lucas a full minute to comprehend the newfound recognition he had garnered, and another minute passed before he grasped the realization that he had become a minor celebrity.
Upon arriving home, Lucas hastily kicked off his shoes and leaped onto the comfort of his bed. With anticipation coursing through him, he retrieved the metallic card bestowed upon him by the Ministry of Dungeon Affairs.
The card, adorned in a captivating bronze hue, bore not only his name and personal information but also proudly displayed his C-rank status as an adventurer. However, it wasn't solely this recognition that filled Lucas with excitement.
Nestled in one corner of the card, a notable inscription caught Lucas's attention: "Current Ability: C-Rank, Potential Ability: S-Rank."
He couldn't tear his gaze away from it, a sheepish smile gracing his face as he revelled in the implications it held.
A furious knock reverberated through the door, jolting Lucas from his thoughts. Startled, he hurried to answer it, uncertain of who could be so insistent. As he swung the door open, an irate Mrs Granger, his elderly landlord, stood there with an expression of disbelief etched on her face.
"Lucas Moore!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration. "What on earth is going on outside my building? There are crowds of people gathered, blocking the entrance and causing a commotion!"
Lucas's eyes widened, realizing the unintended consequence of his newfound fame as an adventurer. He stammered, attempting to find the right words to explain the situation to Mrs Granger.
"Mrs. Granger, I... I apologize," he managed to say, his voice laced with earnestness. "It's just... well, you see... they must've followed me home or found out where I lived somehow... I didn't realise that this could happen."
Mrs Granger's features softened slightly as she listened, her frustration momentarily tempered by understanding. She sighed, shaking her head.
"Lucas, my dear, I've been your landlord for many years, and you've always been a responsible tenant," she said, her tone filled with a touch of warmth. "However, it's crucial that we understand this is a residential building, not a public gathering place. We simply cannot tolerate large crowds disrupting the tranquility and inconveniencing the other tenants."
Lucas nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for resolution. "I understand, Mrs Granger," he replied sincerely. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused, and I will take immediate action to disperse the crowd and prevent further disturbances."
Mrs Granger's expression turned stern, her voice taking on a firm tone. "In addition, I must insist that you settle your outstanding rent and vacate the premises," she declared.
Lucas blinked, taken aback by the sudden demand. "But where am I supposed to go?" he protested, a hint of desperation in his voice. "You gave me till the end of the month to come up with the money."
Mrs Granger adjusted her spectacles, her demeanour uncompromising. "That is a matter for you to address," she declared, her words leaving little room for negotiation.
As Lucas packed his things, engrossed in his thoughts, his phone buzzed with a new message from an unknown number. Curiosity piqued, he unlocked his phone and read the text: "Meet us at the Misty Chalice tonight. 9 PM. Come alone."
Lucas's eyebrows furrowed as he puzzled over the message. Who could be reaching out to him from an unknown number, and why the secrecy?
Lucas counted 3,000,000 septims from his gambling winnings of 4,000,000 septims at the Misty Chalice. With a fat envelope in his hand, he made his way to Mrs Granger's office. The crowd spotted him and loudly asked for pictures and signatures again.
He knocked on the door, waiting for her to invite him in.
"Who's there?!" Mrs Granger's voice called from within, sounding somewhat surprised by his presence.
Lucas stepped inside, his expression resolute as he approached her desk. He placed the envelope on the table making a satisfying thud.
"I've come to settle my outstanding debt, Mrs Granger," Lucas announced, his voice steady and determined. "Here are the 3,000,000 septims owed."
Mrs Granger's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on Lucas, a blend of astonishment and bewilderment reflected in her expression.
"Well, I must admit, Lucas, I never anticipated someone like you to come up with the full amount," she stated, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm, as she opened the envelope and meticulously counted the contents.
Lucas, undeterred by her mocking tone, stood firm and resolute. "I will be vacating the premises tomorrow morning," he declared, his voice steady and determined.
With those words hanging in the air, Lucas turned to leave, his departure signalling the end of their tenant-landlord relationship.
As he got outside, Lucas's heart raced as he locked eyes with the crowd, their attention momentarily redirected to him. They cheered and someone in the crowd lifted their baby.
He wanted to make his way to the Misty Chalice but didn't want them accompanying him.
Sensing their gaze upon him, he knew he had to act swiftly. He waved at them, acknowledging their presence.
While still maintaining eye contact, Lucas slowly retreated back into the building, his movements deliberate and calculated. Inside, he navigated the familiar hallways with practised ease, his footsteps nearly silent as he made his way towards the rear exit.
Upon reaching the back door, Lucas cautiously peered outside, ensuring the coast was clear. The once boisterous chatter of the crowd had subsided, allowing him to seize the opportune moment. Silently, he slipped out, carefully closing the door behind him to avoid drawing any undue attention.
With his hoodie pulled over his head and a surgical mask concealing his face, Lucas blended into the bustling streets with a sense of anonymity. He skillfully navigated the labyrinthine paths as he journeyed towards Warehouse District 86.
With no further hurdles, he eventually arrived at the familiar dungeon gate that led to the Misty Chalice.