The guild was still bustling. Adventurers came and went, checking the request boards and heading out on missions. There was a lot of commotion. In one corner of the guild, at a wooden table, Vantias and an adventurer were sitting. Two mugs of ale sat in the middle of the table.
The adventurer leaned back in his wooden chair, crossed his arms, and said:
"My name is Gazel. We've known each other for a few years now. I heard from William what happened to you. It must be tough."
Vantias lowered his head and said:
"Nice to meet you... I'm sorry I don't remember you. My memory is temporarily messed up."
Gazel smiled and said:
"Don't worry about it. William told me that when you faced the dragon, it hit you pretty hard. You're lucky to be alive."
Vantias still had a severe headache. He rubbed his head and said:
"Well, I don't remember that either..."
Then Vantias looked at Gazel and asked:
"Do you know the way to the dungeon?"
*sigh*
Gazel lifted his mug, took a sip, and then put it back on the table.
"Listen, Vantias... you're not in a condition to go to the dungeon right now."
"Going there won't fix anything. It'll only cause more casualties. It's better to wait for your team to rescue your sister and come back."
Vantias frowned and clenched his fists. Gazel looked at him and asked:
"Why are you so insistent on going to the dungeon?"
Vantias lowered his head and drifted into his thoughts:
"I don't even know Vantias's sister. So why am I so fixated on this?"
"Maybe because if the real Vantias were here, he'd do it. I stole his body... and when I took it, I unintentionally took all of his responsibilities too."
He came out of his thoughts, raised his head, and said:
"If I don't do this, then what kind of person does that make me? A coward? A traitor? In that case, what makes me different from any ordinary person who just stands by and watches?"
Gazel was clearly surprised and stayed silent for a few minutes. After a moment of thought, he said:
"I can't argue with what you said... but at the same time, I can't let you go to the dungeon alone."
"So the only thing I can do as a friend... is come with you."
Vantias was a bit surprised, then said:
"You don't have to do this. It's not your responsibility."
Gazel gave a faint smile and said:
"No... I don't have to, but I know you. If I were in your place, you'd do the same for me."
Vantias smiled and said:
"Thank you, Gazel. You're a good friend."
Gazel raised his mug, finished his drink, and laughed:
"Don't mention it... Alright, get ready—we need to leave. Your team's probably already at the dungeon."
Vantias was a little surprised, then said with a curious tone:
"Alright, but... I don't have any weapons or gear. Can I borrow some of your old equipment?"
Gazel was slightly surprised and replied:
"But... you already have gear, don't you?"
Vantias scratched his head, clearly embarrassed—he didn't know where his gear was since his memory was gone.
"Well... you see, I lost my memory and after that, I have no idea where my stuff is. So I'd really appreciate your help. I promise I'll return everything after the mission."
Gazel stood up and placed two copper coins on the table.
"Alright... let's go prepare our gear, then head out to the dungeon."
Gazel and Vantias left the guild. Gazel led the way and Vantias followed behind. On the way, Gazel explained the dangers of the dungeon and Vantias listened carefully to every word. After half an hour, they arrived at a two-story wooden house in the western part of the city.
Kids were playing in the alley. Two of them—a girl around 7 years old with brown eyes and black hair, and a boy around 10 with the same features—ran toward Gazel laughing and hugged him. Vantias was surprised at first and assumed they were Gazel's children.
The girl, hugging Gazel, asked:
"Daddy... who's this man?"
The boy echoed the question:
"Ariana's right, Dad—who is he?"
Gazel looked at Vantias and smiled.
"This is..."
Vantias stood there, a smile frozen on his face. He bowed slightly and said kindly:
"My name is Vantias. I'm one of your dad's old friends."
The boy's eyes lit up and he said excitedly:
"Cool! Are you an adventurer too?"
Vantias nodded with a smile. Then Gazel said to his kids:
"Alright sweethearts, go back to playing. Uncle and I are going on a mission."
The girl made a slightly pouty face and said in a whiny tone:
"But I want to come too! I wanna go on an adventure!"
Gazel laughed and said:
"Absolutely, sweetheart. When you grow up, I promise you'll go on adventures with me."
The girl raised her pinky and said:
"Promise?"
Gazel patted her head and raised his pinky too:
"Promise. And I always keep my promises."
After that, the kids returned to playing with the others, and Vantias and Gazel entered the house. It was wooden and old, but clearly maintained. The furnishings were simple and the wood floors shone. There were no cobwebs in the corners, showing the house was cleaned often. The scent of food wafted from the fireplace, making the home feel warm and pleasant.
Gazel called out loudly:
"Honey, I'm home... I brought a guest!"
Vantias said shyly:
"Is it alright if I come in? I'm fine staying out here."
Gazel replied:
"Come on, don't be shy. Make yourself at home."
A woman came out of a room. She had brown eyes and hair as black as night. She was beautiful, even in her 40s. She wore a simple white cloth dress with small blue patterns. She smiled as she saw Gazel and Vantias and said:
"Welcome home, dear."Then she looked at Vantias and added,
"Welcome—you're very welcome. Please come in."