Kashu and Finn hurried along the sloping path, rounding a rugged trail overgrown with grass and trees. Ahead, voices clamored as adventurers gathered in droves.
Above the entrance to a natural cave hung a sign carved with the eye-catching, crooked words: [Billy's Inn].
Adventurers of every race crowded together like a solid wall around the cave entrance, talking noisily enough to deafen the ears.
Out of habit, Finn licked his thumb, intending to squeeze through with his Pallum agility.
Kashu rolled his neck with a sharp crack. An invisible current suddenly rose around him, condensing into a pointed cone.
The onlooking adventurers only felt an invisible force pushing against them, and their bodies involuntarily shifted aside. In an instant, a path opened through the crowd.
They turned back in uncertainty. Upon recognizing the renowned Loki Familia, every one of them was startled and respectfully stepped aside to let them pass.
Finn offered the surrounding crowd an apologetic smile and followed closely behind Kashu into the inn.
The natural cavern was dimly lit, with only a few azure crystals embedded in cracks along the walls giving off a faint glow—barely enough to see by.
The floor of the entryway was covered with the thick hide of some unknown giant beast. Irregular cave openings lay to either side, all concealed by rouge-colored curtains.
Two adventurers stood before one of the openings, their faces troubled as they spoke in low voices.
Finn walked straight over and raised a hand in familiar greeting.
"Hey, Bors. What happened?"
"Huh!? Why are you..."
The one-eyed Bors turned and saw Kashu and Finn swaggering in. His brows furrowed tightly.
His face darkened as he pondered for a moment, then he let out a dissatisfied snort.
"Forget it."
"Probably last night. The unlucky bastard staying in this room