Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

After Lord Jabari departed, the group huddled together, their conversation hushed and intense.

"Do we trust this man?" Alfred asked, his brow furrowed with suspicion. "I don't know if it will be a good idea or not…"

Despite the tempting offer, one must always be wary of easy money. Lord Jabari was not only willing to pay a lot for their services, but he would also secure them a letter to Kadir, a renowned and expensive guide they had been hoping to hire.

Karla and Louise were also deep in thought. Karla, ever resourceful, had a suggestion. "If this Lord Jabari has money, then he is certainly known around here. We can try to get some information about him before going to bed. It won't hurt, right?"

"I think she has a point," William agreed. "We can ask around about this Jabari guy. Certainly, people know about him here, or about this artifact that he lost."

A consensus seemed to form around the table. The only one who remained silent was Louise. She was constantly staring at William, a thoughtful expression on her face. Louise knew, with a growing certainty, that William was hiding something, especially after witnessing Lord Jabari's peculiar praise.

"Let's start with the obvious," William suggested, nodding towards the barkeep who was polishing glasses with a practiced hand. "Barkeeps always have their ears to the ground. He might know something about Lord Jabari."

They approached the bar, and Karla, with her disarming smile, struck up a conversation. "Good sir," she began, "we were just discussing Lord Jabari, a most impressive gentleman. We were wondering if you could tell us anything about him."

The barkeep, a stout man with a bushy mustache and a twinkle in his eye, leaned in conspiratorially. "Ah, Lord Jabari," he said, his voice a low rumble. "A wealthy and powerful man, that one. Owns a lot of land around these parts, and he's got his fingers in many pies. But he's fair, most folks would say. And generous, too. If he's offering you work, you'll be well compensated."

"That's good to hear," Alfred said, "but what about his character? Is he trustworthy?"

The barkeep stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "As trustworthy as any lord, I suppose. He's got a reputation for being a man of his word. But he's also known to be… demanding. If you take on a job for him, you'd best be sure you can deliver."

They thanked the barkeep and moved on, venturing out into the bustling streets of Whisperwind. They questioned merchants, innkeepers, and even a few street performers, gathering snippets of information about Lord Jabari. The overall picture that emerged was of a man who was indeed wealthy and influential, with a reputation for fairness and generosity, but also for a certain ruthlessness in his dealings. No one mentioned anything about a stolen artifact, however.

They returned to the inn, their heads buzzing with information. They gathered in their room, sharing what they had learned and debating the merits of accepting Lord Jabari's offer.

"It seems he's not a bad sort," Karla summarized. "A bit stern, perhaps, and definitely powerful, but not inherently evil or anything."

"But what about this artifact?" Louise mused. "Why all the secrecy? It must be something truly valuable, or dangerous, for him to be so tight-lipped about it."

William, who had been unusually quiet throughout the discussion, finally spoke up. "I say we take the job," he declared. "It's an opportunity to earn some much-needed coin, and it sounds like an adventure. What do you say?"

His companions, sensing his eagerness, readily agreed. They would meet Lord Jabari at dawn and embark on this new and potentially perilous quest.

Exhausted from their information-gathering expedition, the group decided to turn in for the night. Sleep came easily, filled with dreams of desert adventures and mysterious artifacts.

The next morning, they rose before dawn, a sense of anticipation hanging thick in the air. After a quick breakfast of bread and fruit, they gathered their belongings and set out for the Golden Oasis Tavern, located just outside the city gates.

The tavern was a low-slung building made of sun-baked mud bricks, its walls adorned with faded murals depicting scenes of desert life. A cluster of sturdy, exotic-looking camels were tethered outside, their saddles and packs laden with supplies. Lord Jabari was waiting for them, his expression stern but expectant. Beside him stood several figures clad in desert garb, their faces weathered and tanned from years spent under the scorching sun.

"Ah, you have arrived," Lord Jabari greeted them, his voice a low rumble. "I see you are eager to begin. Excellent. Allow me to introduce you to your guides." He gestured towards the figures beside him. "These men are among the most experienced desert travelers in the region. They will ensure your safe passage across the sands."

William noticed that the camels were unlike any he had seen before. They were larger and more muscular than ordinary camels, and their eyes seemed to shimmer with an unnatural light. He sensed a faint magical aura emanating from them.

Lord Jabari, as if reading his thoughts, explained, "These are no ordinary camels. They are specially bred and trained for desert travel. They can withstand the harshest conditions and navigate the most treacherous terrain. With these magnificent creatures, you will reach your destination swiftly and safely."

He then presented them with a rolled-up parchment. "This map," he said, "will guide you to the outlaws' hideout. It is a remote oasis, well hidden and heavily guarded. Be warned, these outlaws are ruthless and dangerous. Do not underestimate them."

Finally, Lord Jabari revealed the true nature of the stolen artifact. "The object you are to retrieve," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "is an ancient book. A book of immense power and knowledge. It must not fall into the wrong hands."

"An ancient book?" William frowned, curiosity piqued. "What kind of book? What sort of knowledge does it hold?" He couldn't help but press for more information. An ancient book of power sounded intriguing, and perhaps a little dangerous.

Lord Jabari's demeanor shifted. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, and his voice took on a sharper edge. "That is not your concern," he stated firmly. "Your task is to retrieve the book, not to question its contents. Focus on your mission, and leave the rest to me."

William, sensing the lord's displeasure, backed down. He exchanged a quick glance with Louise, who gave him a subtle nod of agreement. It seemed Lord Jabari was not one to be trifled with. They would have to be content with the information he had provided, for now.

With a final farewell and a stern reminder of the importance of their mission, Lord Jabari stepped aside. The group approached their waiting camels, their guides standing ready to assist. William, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, reached out to stroke the velvety nose of the camel he had been assigned. Its eyes, a deep amber color, seemed to hold an ancient wisdom.

"This one's called Raj," the lead guide said, noticing William's interest. "He's strong and sure-footed. He'll take good care of you."

William smiled, feeling a sense of connection with the majestic creature. He swung himself onto the saddle, surprised by the camel's height and the unexpected sway as he settled into place. He looked out across the landscape, a mix of anticipation and curiosity stirring within him.

The guides, with practiced ease, mounted their own camels and gathered the reins. With a series of guttural commands and gentle nudges, the camels lurched forward, their padded feet carrying them away from the bustling city. The journey had begun.

As they left Whisperwind behind, William realized that the desert was not as close as he had imagined. They had several days of travel ahead of them before they even reached the edge of the vast sandy expanse. The landscape gradually shifted from lush greenery to rolling hills and dry grasslands. The air grew warmer, and the sun beat down with increasing intensity.

He glanced at his companions. Louise, ever observant, seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Alfred, stoic as ever, focused on the journey ahead, his hands steady on the reins. Karla, however, seemed to be enjoying the adventure, her face alight with excitement as she peppered one of the guides with questions about the desert.

"How much farther to the desert?" William asked the lead guide, whose name, he had learned, was Omar.

Omar, a weathered man with eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the sands, pointed towards the horizon. "See that line of shimmering light in the distance? That is the beginning of the Great Sand Sea. We will reach it by nightfall."

A ripple of excitement passed through the group. The desert, with all its mystery and allure, was finally within reach.

As the sun began its descent, they approached the edge of the sandy expanse.

Omar, with a practiced eye, chose a sheltered spot between two towering dunes where they would make camp for the night. The camels were tethered and relieved of their burdens, their saddles and packs carefully laid aside. The guides, with practiced efficiency, unloaded supplies and began setting up camp. Tents were erected, providing much-needed shade from the setting sun, and a fire was kindled, its flames casting a warm glow against the encroaching darkness.