Even after Kosu accepted the Adventurer's Guild's proposal and officially became a member, he frequently joined Jinpei for dungeon explorations. Despite working in different organizations—the Guild and the City Hall—their bond remained strong. They often took on missions together, prioritizing their friendship over the rivalry between their workplaces.

The tension between the Adventurer's Guild and the City Hall was palpable, but Kosu and Jinpei paid little mind to it. They focused instead on their shared goal of becoming proficient adventurers, helping each other navigate the challenges they faced in the wild. Their mutual respect and camaraderie allowed them to thrive, regardless of the political landscape surrounding them.

One day, news spread about a new portal that had appeared on the outskirts of the city, leading to an unexplored dungeon. Excitement buzzed through the adventurer community as many rushed to take on the challenge. Kosu and Jinpei, eager for the thrill of discovery, decided to investigate the dungeon together.

However, unbeknownst to them, both the Guild and the City Hall had received numerous reports of missing adventurers linked to this mysterious dungeon. Concerned for the safety of their members, they convened to discuss the emerging threat. After careful deliberation, they issued a ban on exploring the dungeon, labeling it the "Forbidden Dungeon."

Kosu and Jinpei arrived at the portal, only to find a crowd of adventurers gathered, discussing the recent news. Whispers of disappearances filled the air, but the allure of uncharted territory was too strong for many to resist. Kosu glanced at Jinpei, concern etched on his face.

"What do you think? Should we really go in?" Kosu asked, contemplating the risks.

Jinpei pondered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the shimmering portal. "We need to be cautious. But if adventurers are going missing, there might be something important to uncover. We should at least gather information."

Resolute, they approached the portal, determined to investigate the situation for themselves. As they stepped through, the familiar sensation of being transported washed over them, and they found themselves in a dimly lit cavern, the air thick with tension.

The dungeon was eerily quiet, the only sound being the echo of their footsteps. As they ventured deeper, they discovered remnants of previous adventurers—abandoned gear and the faint scent of magic. It became apparent that something sinister lurked within.

"Stay alert," Jinpei cautioned, his senses heightened. "We need to find out what happened here."

Just then, they heard distant whispers and the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Kosu's heart raced as they pressed on, navigating the treacherous paths of the Forbidden Dungeon. They soon stumbled upon a group of adventurers huddled together, looking disoriented and fearful.

"Have you seen any missing members?" Jinpei inquired, his voice steady.

One of the adventurers, a young woman, shook her head. "We got separated from our team. We were following a strange light when everything went dark."

Jinpei turned to the group of disoriented adventurers, his voice steady but urgent. "What dangers lie ahead? We need to know what we're facing."

The young woman who had spoken before hesitated, her expression a mix of fear and frustration. "There are monsters we've never encountered before. They attack in swarms. While we were fending them off, our comrades started disappearing one by one. We sustained heavy injuries so quickly that we had no choice but to retreat."

Kosu's heart sank. The thought of their friends being picked off one by one was chilling. "So, you think it's best to go back?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," another adventurer chimed in, his voice shaky. "We barely made it here. If you value your lives, you should turn back too."

Jinpei exchanged a glance with Kosu. They had come too far to retreat now. "We can't go back the same way. We need to find another route," he said decisively.

Kosu nodded, eager to hear Jinpei's plan. "What do you suggest?"

Jinpei began scanning the maze-like cave, his keen eyes assessing every nook and cranny. "Let's check the surrounding walls. There might be an alternative path."

After a few moments of searching, Jinpei's expression brightened. "Over here!" He pointed to a small passageway partially concealed by shadows. "It looks narrow but might lead us somewhere safer."

With little time to waste, they squeezed through the tight opening, the walls pressing against them as they navigated the cramped space. The passage twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the dungeon. Finally, they emerged into a bigger spaces, its walls lined with strange symbols that glimmered faintly in the dim light.

The room that Jinpei and Kosu found themselves in was unmistakably man-made. Dust hung in the air, catching the faint light that filtered through cracks in the stone walls. Stacks of old crates lined the edges, some nearly toppled over, while others bore the weight of time, their wood splintered and faded. The faint scent of mildew mixed with the earthy aroma of the cave, forming an unsettling backdrop to the eerie silence.

Jinpei and Kosu crouched behind one of the crates, their breaths shallow as they surveyed the dimly lit space. The room felt like a forgotten storage area, filled with the remnants of a long-abandoned operation. Near the far wall, shadows flickered across a tattered tapestry that hung limply, its intricate designs obscured by grime. In the corner, a few rusted tools lay scattered, hinting at past activities—crafting, perhaps, or repairs.

As they took in their surroundings, a faint sound reached their ears—footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. Kosu and Jinpei instinctively lowered their bodies, crouching behind an old crate, their hearts pounding.

Peering through the shadows, they watched as two men clad in black armor entered the room. Their gear was sleek and menacing, designed for stealth rather than exploration. These weren't ordinary adventurers.

"They don't look like they're here to explore," Kosu whispered, a sense of dread overshadowing his curiosity.

Jinpei nodded, keeping his voice low. "We need to figure out what they're doing here without being seen."

While they took cover, the two men in black armor began to converse, their voices low but clear enough for Kosu and Jinpei to hear.

"Did you finish the packaging?" one of the men asked, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with a flick of his thumb.

"Yeah," the other replied, taking a drag of his own cigarette. "The goods are ready. Just waiting for the old man to give the word."

Kosu exchanged a worried glance with Jinpei, the implications of their conversation sinking in. "Goods? Packaging? What could they mean?" he whispered, his heart racing.

The first man continued, "And don't forget about the playthings. The old man is eager to see the new arrivals. He has big plans."

"Right," the second man nodded, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Just hope we don't lose any more of them. The last batch went missing; it's getting harder to keep track."

Kosu felt a chill run down his spine. "They're talking about the missing adventurers!" he whispered urgently. "They're being packaged like goods."

As the men continued their conversation, it became evident that they were using the storage room as a break area. They leaned against the crates, relaxed, as if this place were their sanctuary amid the chaos of the dungeon. Their casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the dark undertones of their words.

After a few more exchanges, they finished their cigarettes, flicking the butts to the ground. "Let's get back to it," the first man said, stretching his arms. "The old man won't wait forever."

With that, they turned and exited the room, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Once they were certain the coast was clear, Jinpei and Kosu shared a look of determination.

"We need to report this immediately," Jinpei said, his voice firm. "This could be crucial information about the missing adventurers and whatever sinister plans they have in store."

Kosu nodded in agreement, adrenaline surging through him. "Let's head back. I need to report this to the Guild. We have to warn them about what we've discovered."

Without wasting another moment, they retraced their steps through the passage, the weight of their findings pushing them forward. The truth was more dangerous than they had imagined, and time was of the essence. They needed to ensure the safety of their fellow adventurers before it was too late.