Time to Unwind

As the last sliver of daylight faded, casting long, distorted shadows on the cavern walls, Adonis knew it was time to depart. With a final glance at the frozen remnants of his adversaries, he turned and retraced his steps, the echo of his boots the only sound in the vast, silent sewer.

"Guild, here I come," he muttered to himself, the prospect of a hot bath and a completed mission washing away the grime and tension of the day. Emerging from the sewer entrance, he found himself greeted by the cool embrace of twilight. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a beacon of warmth and normalcy after his descent into the city's underbelly. He took a deep breath of fresh air, the sweet scent of freedom a stark contrast to the stench of the sewers. Tonight, a good meal and a warm bed awaited him.

°°°

Pushing open the heavy oak doors of the guild, Adonis was greeted by the familiar cacophony of adventurers, their voices a welcome sound after the oppressive silence of the sewers. He spotted Rosy behind the reception counter, a relieved smile spreading across her face as she saw him.

"Adonis! You're back," she exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of concern that quickly melted into warmth.

"How'd it go down there?"

He chuckled, letting out a long breath.

"Let's just say the slimes won't be causing any more trouble," he replied, reaching into his pouch and producing a shimmering pile of magic stones.

"Twenty-three in total. A bit more than I expected, but not unwelcome."

Rosy's eyes widened in surprise. "Twenty-three? That's fantastic, Adonis! You must have cleared out the entire nest." She expertly counted the stones, her nimble fingers moving with practiced ease.

"At 170 Coris a piece," she murmured, tallying the sum on a parchment sheet, "that comes out to... 3,910 Coris! Not a bad haul for an E-rank quest."

Adonis grinned. The prospect of a healthy reward always puts a spring in his step.

However, as Rosy began the process of deducting the guild's standard 5% tax, a flicker of disappointment crossed his mind. Nearly 200 Coris vanishing into the guild's coffers always stung a little.

"There you go," Rosy announced, handing him a pouch filled with coins.

"3,664 Coris. The guild takes its cut, but that's still a significant sum for a single quest."

Adonis slipped the pouch into his belt, a satisfied nod escaping his lips.

"Thanks, Rosy. Always a pleasure doing business with you."

They chatted for a few more minutes, Rosy inquiring about the details of his encounter with the slimes, Adonis embellishing the tale with a touch of his usual bravado. As their conversation wound down, Adonis felt a familiar tug – the call of his cozy apartment and a long-anticipated bath.

"Well," he began, stretching his arms above his head,

"I think I'll call it a night. Big day tomorrow, who knows what kind of adventure awaits."

Rosy smiled. "Be careful out there, Adonis," she said, her voice genuine.

"And no gambling tonight," she added with a touch of seriousness.

"Hahaha, don't worry I won't gamble today either." he winked, offering a charming farewell before turning and heading out into the bustling city streets.

Rosy beamed with satisfaction as Adele, who had intended to have a conversation with Adonis, found herself unable to do so due to her responsibility of looking after the Adventurer in front of her. Frustration etched across her face, Adele clenched her teeth in anger, only to find Rosy grinning at her, intensifying her irritation.

One hour later. Adonis's house.

Adonis, feeling refreshed and the grime of the sewer scrubbed away, decided to treat himself to a night out. For a change of pace, he opted for a more upscale establishment compared to the boisterous chaos of The Hungry Troll. Tonight, he craved a different kind of atmosphere, a place where sleek lines and cool vibes replaced the rustic charm and boisterous camaraderie.

His destination was "The Gilded Griffin," a modern bar renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and discerning clientele. Located in the city's affluent district, it was a magnet for socialites, rising businessmen, and the occasional thrill-seeking adventurer like himself.

As he approached the entrance, a sleek chrome doorman with a hawk-like gaze acknowledged him with a curt nod. Adonis, ever mindful of appearances, smoothed down his hair and flashed a confident smile. The doorman, satisfied with his attire – dark, well-tailored clothes that accentuated his athletic build – gestured for him to enter.

Inside, the air shimmered with a cool, sophisticated energy. Dimly lit by strategically placed LED strips, the interior boasted a minimalist design. Black marble floors reflected the soft glow emanating from the bar, a gleaming expanse of polished mahogany topped with gleaming chrome stools. Geometric, multi-colored light fixtures cast an ethereal glow on the plush leather booths tucked into alcoves along the wall.

The soundtrack, a blend of downtempo electronic beats and smooth, contemporary jazz, pulsated discreetly in the background. The clientele, a mix of stylish young professionals and elegantly dressed older couples, conversed in hushed tones, the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation the only sounds that disturbed the cool, controlled atmosphere.

A sleekly dressed waitress with a perfectly coiffed bob and a dazzling smile approached Adonis.

"Welcome to The Gilded Griffin," she said, her voice a well-practiced blend of professionalism and allure.

"Can I interest you in a table, or are you planning to mingle at the bar?"

Adonis, ever the adventurer, chose the bar. He perched on a chrome stool, his gaze sweeping across the room. Here, the air crackled with a different kind of energy – one of subtle flirtations, unspoken desires, and carefully veiled glances. It was a game Adonis knew well, a dance of attraction played out in the clinking of glasses and murmured conversations.

He sipped his drink, a carefully crafted cocktail with an exotic fruit garnish, and allowed the atmosphere to wash over him. Tonight, he wasn't seeking a grand adventure; he was simply here to unwind, to lose himself in the intoxicating melody of the bar, and perhaps, if fate allowed, to find a fleeting moment of connection amidst the cool, sophisticated world of The Gilded Griffin.