"Sure, and thank you. I'm truly grateful," Nathaniel said as though Adrian had rescued him from a dire situation. Overflowing with gratitude, he appeared almost relieved.

"Don't thank me. It's my duty," Adrian replied in a righteous tone.

"I'll pick you up from your shop tomorrow morning then?" Nathaniel confirmed.

"Sure," Adrian agreed.

With the matter settled, Adrian returned to his shop. In the evening, he gathered Ash, General Hydro, General Pyro, Daybreak, and Stygian. The little studio suddenly became crowded.

"I've gathered you all here for a very important matter," Adrian began, then recounted Nathaniel's earlier request. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye.

"How did Mapleston suddenly become infested with monsters? And how are there numerous ninth-level monsters? Doesn't that strike you as odd?" Adrian questioned the group.

However, the rest shook their heads, seemingly unperturbed. Daybreak, in particular, scratched his h