These old adventurers had spent their entire lives taking commissions. What great sights hadn't they seen? How could they be intimidated by a mere Valley of Despair?
Without further ado, they eagerly read the commission details.
[Commission]: Explore the Valley of Despair
[Requirement]: Obtain one Electro-Pyro Stone from within the valley and deliver it to the Adventurers' Guild. All other findings belong to the adventuring team.
[Reward]: 100,000 Mora
Seeing this commission, the old adventurers were very satisfied. An undeveloped, dangerous area. Unknown mysteries. Unknown treasures. Everything awaited them ahead.
In that moment, they recaptured the passion of their youth. They were filled with anticipation for this so-called Valley of Despair.
But Katheryne looked at these elderly adventurers—stooped, walking unsteadily—and felt that sending them into the Valley of Despair was no different from sending them to their deaths.
Theoretically, as a receptionist, her job was only to provide commissions and information. She had no right to interfere with their choices. But kind-hearted Katheryne could not bear to watch them walk to their deaths.
She tried to dissuade them. "Even some well-known adventuring teams are unwilling to take this commission. The situation inside is completely unknown. It's far too dangerous. I urge you not to take this commission. Choose something more suitable."
She wanted to save them. But adventurers were called adventurers precisely because they took risks. Their creed was to keep taking risks. Only the thrill of constant adventure could satisfy their restless hearts.
Indeed, the old adventurers waved off her concerns. "If it weren't dangerous, we wouldn't take it. Adventurers are meant to take risks, aren't they? Brothers, this is the commission we're taking. Charge! Target: Valley of Despair!"
Though they were old, their bodies weak, their martial skills diminished, their enthusiasm for taking on a commission was as fresh as a young adventurer's first time, filled with passion for the unknown.
At the guild, Katheryne watched their retreating backs and sighed. Adventuring was a dangerous profession. Adventurers who lived to a ripe old age were all worthy of respect. She hoped they would return safely.
...
Meanwhile, the old adventurers, having secured the commission they wanted, set out on their journey once more. They left Mondstadt City and headed toward the Valley of Despair, following the location indicated on the commission.
"Brothers, what treasures do you think we'll find this time?"
"What else? A bunch of valuable items, I'd guess. Or maybe some crystals with powerful abilities."
"Even just a pile of Electro-Pyro Stones would be good."
For these old adventurers who had spent their lives on quests, ordinary treasures no longer satisfied them. That was why they were so fixated on unexplored territories that no adventurer had ever reached—to find even rarer treasures.
"Who cares? Danger and treasure go hand in hand. The more dangerous a place, the more valuable the treasures within."
That had always been the adventurer's creed.
Soon, following the commission's description, they found the Valley of Despair. Even before entering, they could see the endless rolling flames burning fiercely within. Above the valley, thunderclouds churned relentlessly, never dissipating, sending down bolt after bolt of flashing lightning that struck the burning fires. Legend had it that those very strikes of flame and lightning gave birth to the Electro-Pyro Stones.
Seeing such danger, the old adventurers did not flinch. Instead, like young men, their blood boiled with fighting spirit.
"Brothers, are you ready? Let's go in together. To the end of the valley, to find the most precious treasure. Follow me."
One of them took the lead, and the others fell in behind, each performing their role. Someone observed and recorded the terrain, leaving information for future generations. Someone scouted ahead, searching for traces of treasure.
Though fearless, they were also extremely cautious, taking every precaution.
But soon, they encountered their first danger. Despite their care, a jet of searing flame suddenly erupted from a crack in the valley floor, impossible to dodge. The flames licked at one of the old adventurers, burning him.
"Brothers, go on without me. I can't go any further."
He was dejected. Though the burns wouldn't kill him, they had seriously injured his leg, making it impossible to continue.
The others looked at him with sympathy. One of them said, "One of us will stay behind to take care of him. The rest will push on."
They hadn't even reached the halfway point, and they had already "lost" two adventurers. This truly was the Valley of Despair.
Seven old adventurers had started. Two stayed behind. The other five pressed on.
Using their skills to judge safe paths from dangerous ones, relying on their martial prowess to evade the valley's hazards, they advanced. In the land of burning flames, they "lost" two more. In the land of gathering lightning, they "lost" another two. Only three remained.
They saw hope. But what awaited them was not precious treasure, but a wild, raging windstorm. Another adventurer was injured.
"Maybe we should turn back this time. Prepare better and come again," one of them suggested.
Seeing their companions injured one by one, they were deeply distressed. They couldn't abandon their friends, yet they longed to continue exploring. They were torn.
Another adventurer looked ahead, his eyes full of anticipation for the valley's end. "How can we give up when treasure is so close? You take him back. I will go on. Even if I'm the only one left, I will find the treasure at the end of the valley."