In front of the door to the Guild Master's office, Alber Graham, there was silence. Lux knocked gently, and after a moment we heard a deep, strong voice from behind the door:

"Enter."

Lux opened the door and entered first, followed by me and As. The Master's office was spacious, filled with shelves of books, maps, and various artifacts. Alber Graham sat behind a large wooden desk, going through some documents.

It was so typical and obvious that I almost rolled my eyes. Of course... Why do all important people's offices look the same... And how do I even know it's so typical? This is probably the first important office I've ever seen...

When I looked up at him, I noticed he had gray hair and sharp, penetrating eyes that were now looking at us with interest.

"Lux, As, Omora," he greeted us in turn, nodding his head (I didn't miss that he mentioned me last!) "I hear you have important information regarding your mission."

Lux took a step forward, bowing his head slightly.

"Yes, Master. During our expedition, we came across something that seems to be a serious threat to the city."

Alber nodded, signaling him to continue.

"The water in the stream that supplies the city has been poisoned," Lux began. "Furthermore, we encountered Tarks... not just one or two, but many... together... gathering in groups underground. They behave strangely, as if controlled by some force... as if someone is giving them orders or something like that."

Graham furrowed his brows, clearly concerned.

"This is serious. Do you have any evidence?"

As stepped in, putting on a serious face... to start taking credit for MY accomplishments.

"Master, I was the one who noticed the disturbing signs. I heard those creatures before we saw them, and when Omora spotted one, I immediately felt something was wrong. We conducted a thorough examination of the area and detected that the source of the problem is deeper underground."

The Guild Master looked at me, as if expecting my reaction. I took a deep breath, trying to sound confident.

"It's true, Master." I tried to sound serious and speak to him with respect, but honestly, I didn't really know how to do that... and I didn't really care... "It seems to me that these creatures may be controlled by something, maybe by some form of magic..."

The man didn't seem to be paying much attention to my words... more like ignoring them and already thinking about something else. Damn him.

Alber furrowed his brows even more, then got up and walked over to the map hanging on the wall. He looked at it for a moment, as if trying to locate the exact place we were talking about.

"If what you say is true, we must act quickly. I'll organize a larger group to examine the area more thoroughly. In the meantime, the three of you will be responsible for coordinating actions on site. As, Lux — prepare for a long expedition. This may be your toughest task yet."

I cleared my throat and raised an eyebrow slightly. Alber looked at me with mild surprise. What? Did he forget I was here, or what?!

Good thing As 'came to the rescue'...

"Omora will come with us... she has useful skills and is part of the team..."

"You're taking a little girl with you?"

There was a moment of silence, and I barely restrained myself from exploding. This... guy... was... a terrible ignoramus!

"Yes, Master. Don't worry, we'll take care of her," Lux seemed to calm him down, as the man nodded his head.

"Then go."

We nodded, and I felt a mix of excitement and irritation. Irritation because why does this guy order me around? And excitement because - hurray! A MISSION!

I knew something big awaited us, something that could change our lives forever... or rather finally START my life as an adventurer...

The Guild Master approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Omora, if you ever feel scared, you can always stay in the Guild."

I looked at As and Lux with a face suggesting that if they didn't get this lunatic away from me, I would strangle him with my bare hands.

I guess they got the message because As quickly freed me from Alber's hands with thanks and swiftly took me away from him.

Together we left the Guild Master's office, knowing a great adventure awaited us. It was time to prepare for the upcoming dangers and uncover the truth behind the mysterious events.

"Do you think it could really be something bigger?" I asked quietly as we descended the stairs.

Lux shrugged.

"I don't know, but if the Guild Master says so, it's better to be prepared for anything."

As nodded, agreeing with Lux.

"It's better to be ready for the worst, Omora. We can't afford to make mistakes."

I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously? After a few words from that ignoramus, you're reacting like this?" I muttered under my breath, still irritated.

We reached the main hall of the Guild, where there was a hustle and bustle. People were everywhere, talking, planning their next missions. We felt a few glances on us as we walked through the crowd. We stopped to the side of the hall.

"We should stock up on essential supplies for the expedition," suggested Lux. "Food, water, additional weapons. Although the guild provides some supplies, it's better to be self-sufficient."

"You're right," I agreed. "We should also think about some transport. If it's going to be a long expedition, we don't want to carry everything on our backs."

As looked around the hall.

"Let's split up. I'll take care of the weapons, Lux will get food and water, and you, Omora, handle the transport."

I nodded, agreeing with his plan.

"Okay. We'll meet back here in an hour."

We went in three different directions, each of us busy with our tasks. I walked through the market, looking for someone who could rent us a cart. Eventually, I came across an older man who sold carts and horses.

"Good day," I greeted him, smiling politely. "I need a cart for a long expedition. Can I see what you have in stock?"

The man looked at me with interest, then nodded.

"Of course, miss. Follow me."

He led me to the back of his stall, where several carts of various sizes and qualities stood. I chose one that seemed to be in good condition and large enough to hold our supplies.

"How much for this cart?" I asked.

The man scratched his beard, thinking for a moment.

"For you, miss, I'll make a discount. Let's say... fifty gold coins."

"Thank you! You're very kind!" I made an innocent face and smiled. He deserved it... for the discount, I could put in a bit of effort.

I took out the pouch As and Lux had given me earlier and counted out the appropriate sum, handing him the coins. The man smiled widely and handed me the reins.

"Thank you, miss. I wish you a successful expedition."

"Thank you," I replied, taking the reins and heading towards the Guild.

The massive horse hitched to the cart seemed quite friendly, so I petted it along the way, leading it.

When I returned, As and Lux were already there, equipped with food, water, some tents, blankets, spare clothes, and weapons. Together we loaded everything onto the cart and prepared to set off.

"Ready?" I asked, looking at my companions.

"Ready," they answered simultaneously, smiling.

We set off towards the place where we had previously found the Tarks. The journey was much shorter with the cart, but only I sat on the box. The guys walked on foot to not burden the horse. Me? I apparently weigh almost nothing...

---Omora's Current Stats:

Guild Level: 1 (currently registered)
Actual Level: 3

Passive Skills:
Longevity: Significantly prolonged life. You are not immortal, but your life is comparably long to the lives of elves, dragons, etc.
Telepathy: The ability to communicate with other possessors of this ability without speaking - with thoughts.
Spikes: In case of danger, the hairs on the stalk harden, changing into spikes. Poison leaks from the tips of the spikes.
Thick Skin: Hard and durable stalk. It's easier to bend rather than break, you cannot cut the stalk with a knife unless you die or it's done with a special blade.
Desperation I: Increases strength and resolve in critical situations.
Luck III: Promotes a sense of well-being and can influence others' moods positively. Increases the likelihood of positive outcomes in various situations.
Resistance to Poison II: Provides enhanced resistance to poisons and toxins.
Intellect II: Enhances cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Observant II: Increases awareness and the ability to notice fine details.
Sixth Sense I: Heightened awareness of danger and unusual occurrences.
Breath Holding I: Ability to hold breath for extended periods.
Reflex I: Improved reaction times.
Madness I: Allows for unusual and unpredictable thinking patterns.
One-Handed Sword Fighting I: Basic proficiency in using a one-handed sword.
Bluff II: Enhances ability to deceive or convince others.
Acting II: Enhanced ability to convincingly portray different roles or emotions.
Listening II: Improved auditory perception.
Bond with Plants III: Deep connection with plants, allowing for communication and manipulation.

Active Skills:
Treatment I: Ability to heal wounds and injuries.
Poison I: Ability to poison targets.
Identification II: Ability to identify and analyze objects or beings.
Shape-shifting I: The ability to change shape into a form of a being whose energy has been absorbed. Available forms: Human.
Magic Dispersion I: Ability to disperse magical effects.
Curse Breaker I: Ability to break curses.
Craftsmanship - Plant Clothing II: Ability to create clothing from plants.

Special Skills:
Absorption IV: Allows you to absorb the energy of a creature or object by feeding on it. Thus, it gives you the chance to take over the host's abilities, knowledge, or qualities.

New Skills and Knowledge:
Knowledge of Magic: Understanding and knowledge of magical principles.
Knowledge of Black Magic: Understanding and knowledge of dark magical principles.
Knowledge of Curses: Understanding and knowledge of curses and how to break them.
Trap Creation: Ability to create traps.
Farming: Basic knowledge of farming techniques.
Theft I: Basic ability to steal without being noticed.
(One-Handed Sword) Flank Strike 2/3: Advanced technique for striking from the side.
(One-Handed Sword) Strong Blow 1/3: Basic technique for delivering a powerful strike.