The hustle and bustle of the Adventurer's Guild was a stark contrast to the quiet temple ruins they had just left. A dizzying array of sights and sounds assaulted them - the rhythmic clang of a nearby blacksmith, the boisterous laughter erupting from a group of celebrating adventurers, and the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices wafting from a food stall. All of this was under one domelike stadium full of shops and varying entry points which ranged from open tunnels to portals
Various signs detailing the rules were lined up on every pillar or column to remind the adventurers what was and what wasn't allowed. The first, forbade any form of combat inside the guild. Violators of the rule were forced to pay fines and could be banned. The second, reminded adventurers that children were not allowed into the guild without adult supervision. The rule also applied to creatures of childlike stature.
Reimu's eyes widened as she took in the sights – stalls overflowing with exotic wares, adventurers clad in strange garb, and fantastical creatures unlike anything she'd ever seen. She stopped to marvel at a rack of shimmering dragon scales, her fingers itching to touch. Even the people were different as the adventurers, despite being humanoid in appearance, were unique by the fact that they came from a whole new world or were part of a different species.
Her gaze lingered on a shop overflowing with fantastical trinkets - a miniature dragon figurine that seemed to wink, a suit of armor polished to a blinding sheen, and a dagger with overflowing amounts of rejuvenating energy. It was like stepping into a world straight out of a legend.
Ryusei, on the other hand, was a man on a mission. He nudged Reimu gently but firmly, his internal monologue focused on getting the amulet appraised and their reward settled so they could return home as quickly as possible.
Finally, they reached a counter manned by a weary-looking human woman with a shock of red hair. Ryusei eagerly placed the amulet on the counter, his voice clipped as he explained where they had found it. The woman's eyes widened in recognition as she examined the amulet carefully.
"The Zodiac Amulet has finally been found and returned to its proper home," she rumbled. Picking up the amulet with reverence the lady held it up in the air and with a shout, called for the messengers to take down all wanted posters for the amulet. Within seconds, a wave of magic altered the posters and replaced the amulet with a different object and a different reward.
"Looks like you two stopped a nasty bit of business. This here's a powerful artifact and no doubt, you must have had a nasty encounter with it."
Ryusei and Reimu smiled sheepishly as they listened to the woman's speech and tirade of the amulet's true history and the amount of destruction it wrought in the wrong hands.
"And thanks to you two, this will be stored in a safe location where no one will be able to abuse its power ever again," finished the woman. "Now as for the reward…"
The woman snapped her fingers and ten hefty bags adorned with the guild's insignia were brought out by a conveyor, each clinking satisfyingly as they were placed on the counter. Upon opening it, a large amount of gold shone in the air and Reimu's jaw dropped – the sheer amount of gold was more than she'd ever seen in her life.
"Once again. Thank you for your service Ryusei and…"
"Reimu. Hakurei Reimu," answered Reimu.
"Yes. Thank you, Reimu. Do remember to create a profile on your return trip for more rewards," stated the woman.
Once the woman had left, Ryusei divided the bags and handed seven to the shrine maiden with a curt nod. But as they exited the guild, he surprised her by stopping and pressing another bag into her hands.
"Here. I have a feeling that you're gonna need this when you get back," explained the samurai. "On the other hand, thanks for putting up with me and saving me back there."
Reimu's heart warmed. The reward was substantial, but this unexpected gesture spoke volumes about their shared experience.
"Thank you, Ryusei," she chirped, her voice filled with gratitude.
As they left the Adventurer's Guild, the weight of the gold bags felt heavy in their hands. Yet, a different weight settled on Reimu's heart. Here, amidst the bustling crowds and exciting sights, she felt a pang of longing for a life beyond the familiar solitude of her shrine. She stole glances back at Ryusei, his face stoic as ever, a stark contrast to the vibrant world around them.
Hesitantly, she blurted out, "Maybe... we could stay a while longer? Explore this world together?"
Her voice carried a hopeful tremor as she envisioned adventures beyond the dull shrine gates. Ryusei stopped short, his gaze hardening.
"There's no time for sightseeing, Reimu. We accomplished what we came for. You have duties to return to – your immortal, no doubt, wouldn't appreciate neglect."
Reimu's shoulders slumped. "But the Hakurei Shrine can wait, can't it? This is an opportunity, a chance to make a difference on a larger scale! Besides, we're partners!"
Ryusei shook his head firmly. "The dangers in this world are real and something you aren't ready for just yet. Besides, your world needs its protector and I doubt this... deity you serve... wouldn't appreciate laziness."
He drew his symbolizer, the familiar red light pulsing to life. Before Reimu could protest further, a blinding flash engulfed her, and she found herself back in the familiar clearing of her shrine.
The gold bags lay forgotten at her feet as Reimu stood there, anger flashing in her eyes. A frustrated yell ripped through the tranquil air, echoing through the surrounding woods. This wasn't how she wanted their adventure to end.
"Damn it Ryusei! You could've at least warned me and said good-bye."
The rift between her and Ryusei felt like a gaping wound, and the silence that followed was heavier than any burden she'd ever carried.
And so ends this story... See you in the next one.