Chocolate Box

Stepping out onto his balcony, Adonis leaned against the railing, the cool night air washing over him. He lit a cigarette, the first puff sending a plume of smoke curling skyward. Below, the city bustled with its nocturnal rhythm, twinkling lights weaving a tapestry against the inky blackness. The day's events swirled in his mind – the library's dusty tomes, the mysterious elf with her golden eyes, and the camaraderie at The Hungry Troll.

He considered venturing out again, perhaps to the casino, the allure of a quick fortune flickering in his mind. But Rosy's voice, a stern whisper in the recesses of his memory, made him reconsider. This cute receptionist had always been a voice of reason, and he respected her judgment. With a sigh, he flicked the spent cigarette over the railing, watching the ember trace a fleeting arc before dying in the darkness.

"Maybe not tonight," he muttered to himself.

Turning back towards his apartment, he decided to unwind with a different kind of thrill. He settled into his armchair, flipping through the meager channels offered by his television. Fantasy dramas, with their tales of brave heroes and mythical beasts, were a guilty pleasure. Tonight, he craved the familiar escape, a world of magic and adventure that mirrored his own in some fantastical way.

As the glow of the television washed over him, his eyelids began to droop. The day had taken its toll, leaving him pleasantly weary. He thought back to the book he'd chosen at the library, its blank pages whispering secrets of his heritage. A thrill of anticipation danced through him. Tomorrow, he would delve deeper into its mysteries, another step on his path to self-discovery.

With a final yawn, Adonis allowed the drama to lull him into a comfortable haze. His dreams, no doubt, would be filled with ice magic, cryptic spells, and a beautiful elf with eyes like molten gold. He wasn't sure what the future held, but he faced it with a renewed sense of purpose, a hunger for knowledge, and a thirst for adventure that burned as brightly as the city lights sprawling beneath his balcony.

°°°

Tin~ Tin~ Tin~

A harsh digital screech tore Adonis from his dreams. Unable to tolerate it like yesterday, he swatted blindly at the source, the offending alarm clock silenced with a disgruntled grunt. Mornings, especially after a comfortable night's sleep, were always a struggle. Yet, the thrill of the day's mission, the prospect of testing his new spells, propelled him out of bed with a newfound energy.

First things first, his ritual is like usual. He shed his sleepwear for comfortable training clothes, his body craving the familiar rhythm of a morning jog. The city streets were still cloaked in the quietude of dawn as he pounded the pavement, his breath misting in the cool air. With each stride, his mind sharpened, the fog of sleep dissipating. He focused on the day ahead, toward accomplishing the remaining mission to get the test for D-rank.

After a brisk run, Adonis returned to his apartment, invigorated and ready to face the day. A quick shower washed away the sweat of exertion, leaving him feeling refreshed. Hunger pangs gnawed at his stomach, a reminder of the previous night's indulgence at The Hungry Troll. He opted for a simple but satisfying breakfast – a couple of boiled eggs, a slice of toasted bread slathered with butter, and a strong cup of coffee.

On his way to the guild, a detour became inevitable. The aroma of sugary delights wafting from a familiar candy shop tugged at Adonis's conscience. Rosy's sweet tooth was no secret, and a small token of appreciation felt right after their conversation last time, also he gotta score some points.

Adonis smiled as understood that wooing is an art that requires different approaches for different women. And in this city, Rosy was the first woman he actively pursued.

Stepping inside the candy shop, the vibrant displays of lollipops, gummies, and chocolates delightfully assaulted his senses. Finally settling on a box of her favorite chocolates, he paid the cheerful shopkeeper and continued his trek towards the bustling guild.

The familiar cacophony of the adventurer's guild greeted him as he pushed open the heavy oak doors. A diverse mix of hopeful newbies and seasoned veterans milled about, the air thick with the chatter of forming parties and the clanging of coins as quests were accepted. Adonis, a regular face in this vibrant sea of adventurers, navigated the throng with practiced ease, greeting familiar faces with a friendly nod and a warm smile.

"Hey, looks like Ice Boy's back for another adventure!" boomed a boisterous voice from behind him. Turning, Adonis spotted Borog, the hulking warrior from The Hungry Troll, his beard practically bristling with amusement.

"Always gotta keep things interesting, Borog," he replied with a chuckle. "Just here to see Rosy about a quest, then I'm off."

Finally reaching the reception desk, Adonis found Rosy diligently sorting through a stack of parchment. Her beautiful brown hair shimmered under the soft glow of the morning sunlight. A playful glint lit up his eyes as he approached.

"Hello sunshine," he greeted with a charming grin, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You miss me, right? Because I miss you."

Rosy, used to his teasing antics, rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Not that he disliked it, truth be told everyday she looks forward to his arrival almost as if not seeing him would affect her day, not that she would openly admit it nor show it.

"Here we go again, Adonis," she replied, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. But before she could retort, he placed the box of chocolates on the counter.

"Just a little something to sweeten your day."

Rosy's eyes widened in surprise, a genuine smile blossoming on her face.

"Adonis, you didn't have to..." she began, her voice trailing off as she peeked inside the box.

"These are my favorites! Thank you."

Across the room, unnoticed by Adonis, Adele watched the exchange with a grimace. Her foot tapped impatiently against the floor, her crimson hair practically crackling with annoyance. The sight of Rosy flustered by Adonis's charm only fueled the embers of her simmering jealousy.

Ignoring Adele's silent tantrum, Adonis leaned against the counter, a comfortable silence settling between him and Rosy. It was time to inquire about available mission for him.