The group departs the Capitol an hour before midday. The sun sits high in the sky, and a deadly heat beats down on the group. Luckily, the carriage that they're riding in has a canopy. In the back of the carriage, three of the group members sit close together, having made makeshift seats from the piles of cargo.

A broad grin sits on Emily’s face as she daydreams, “I wonder what this adventurer town would be like? The adventurers are all probably ferocious and heroic warriors. I bet they’ll be so cool and handsome.”.

Cale snorts at Emily’s comment and refutes in a growly voice, “Don’t be stupid. They’re soldiers, plain and simple. The only difference is they don’t fight for an army, but for money, there’s nothing heroic about it. I’ve seen their kind before when I served in the army; a bunch of hypocrites, all of them.”.

“I didn’t know you were in the army, was it fun?” Emily asks, intrigued by this sudden revelation. “I’d rather not talk about it. I wasn’t a saint nor a hero, just another pawn in the hands of politicians. I’ve left that part of my life behind when I agreed to the Goddess’ summons,” Cale rebukes, his gaze turning sharp as he glares at Emily.

Mia, seeing the atmosphere sour, quickly interjects, “It’s alright Cale, you don’t have to talk about it. You’re past doesn’t define you, only what you make of the present matters.”. A small smile surfaces on Cale’s cold expression. He lowers his head and says in a soft voice, “Thanks.”.

At the front of the carriage, sitting next to the merchant, Eric stares at the seemingly endless road stretching out before them. “I say, you people sure are an interesting group,” Heralt says, breaking the silence. “How so?” Eric asks.

“Well, judging by your group’s equipment, you seem fairly well off. Thus, money shouldn’t be your motivation for wanting to join the adventurers’ Guild. We live in dangerous times, and all the patriotic youths are joining the army, wanting to save the Kingdom, few are joining the adventurers’ Guild these days,” Heralt explains.

Eric gazes at the merchant next to him and says cryptically, “Soldiers aren’t the only people trying to save the Kingdom.”. “Well, it’s only my observation. I hope you’re right, but I fear a dark future lies ahead,” Heralt responds, his expression downcast.

“The extra weight I’m transporting is slowing us down more than I expected. We’ll likely only arrive deep into the night. Ideally, I wouldn’t dare travel during night time, but circumstances require it. Be on the lookout for anything suspicious,” Heralt says. “I understand,” Eric responds, focusing on the surroundings.

Hours pass as they cross the vast plains. The bright sun descends towards the horizon, threatening to disappear over the edge. Dusk arrives with the setting sun, and the land darkens. From their sleep, nocturnal creatures begin to stir. A small pack of wolves leave their den, ready for the night’s hunt. The bright, green moon is the only source of light in the darkness.

On the carriage, the group has fallen into a peaceful silence, each keeping to their thoughts. The night has grown cold, but the heroes don’t seem to mind. “How aren’t you freezing!?” Heralt asks in shock, putting on a second coat. “What do you mean, this breeze is soothing,” Eric responds, the cold not bothering him in the slightest.

Howls echo out through the darkness and Heralt curses, “Damnit, we only needed another hour to reach Avalon. Eric, it’s your group turn to fulfil our bargain. I pray the wolves have grown complacent.”. “Don’t worry, we’re on it,” Eric calms the merchant. He turns around towards his group at the back of the carriage, and they’re all already on their feet.

“Get in formation, just like we’ve practised before,” Eric says, taking the lead as he unsheathes his sword, a shield in his other hand. Eric takes point with Cale standing next to him, drawing his dagger. Behind them, Emily takes position with her bow. At the back, Mia readies her staff.

From the darkness, two enormous wolves emerge. The carriage’s dim, lantern light, casts a pale shadow on the ash-coloured wolves. They growl at the group, their sharp teeth reflecting the lantern’s light. “Steady,” Eric commands, his legs secretly shaking.

“Screw this!” Cale shouts as he dashes forward. The wolves pounce, but Cale nimble dodges and slashes at their legs, wounding them. Akin to a soft whistle, Emily’s arrow pierces a wolf’s leg, crippling it while Cale quickly finishes him off with a stab to its throat.

The second wolf madly pounces on Eric, but he barely manages to raise his shield in time. A holy light glows from his sword as he strikes the wolf. The blade pierces the wolf’s body, and the wolf explodes into a circle of gore and guts. Eric stares in horror and turns towards Mia, “What was that?!”. “Ah! I buffed your sword, but I might have used to much power. I’m sorry,” Mia says frantically, trying to hide from everyone’s stares. Emily walks up to Mia and hugs her cowering figure, “You did great, just pace yourself next time.”. Mia silently nods in Emily’s embrace.

“You guys did great. If you were adventurers, I’m afraid I probably couldn’t afford to hire you. Now get back on the carriage, I want to spend as little time out here as possible,” Heralt says, his tone full of admiration. The group quickly processes the one intact wolf, harvesting anything of value. They board the carriage and continue with their journey.

In less than an hour, a bright light illuminates the horizon. “Is that Avalon?” Eric asks. “That’s right; it’s the adventurers’ town. Truth be told, it’s big enough to be a city, but the Guild still calls it a town. They control all the administration duties of Avalon. If you want to know more, you can ask them directly,” Heralt says.

The carriage stops at the city gate and enters after paying a minor fee. “Welcome to Avalon. If you ever need me, I run a store in town. Just ask around for the Jagged Cap, and someone will point you in the right direction,” Heralt says. The group exits the carriage and Heralt drives off. “We should find an inn for the night. The King gave us some silvers, but it won’t last long, so we should probably sign up at the Guild tomorrow,” Cale says, unexpectedly taking the lead.

The group heads out and search the numerous streets. The nightlife in Avalon is reasonably quiet with activity restricted to the taverns. After ten minutes they come to a stop in front of the Towering Tree Inn. “I guess this place is as good as any,” Emily comments as Cale opens the door, the group entering behind him.