IN ANOTHER WORLD

Days turned into restless preparation as Sou, Rema, and Dr. Ren worked tirelessly to gather everything they might need for the journey ahead. Supplies were packed, maps studied, and plans revised again and again. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that made every moment feel heavy with both hope and doubt.

As they finalized their plans, Gill, their ever-curious ally, stepped forward. His wiry frame leaned casually against the doorframe, but his expression was serious.

"Listen up, fellows," Gill began, his voice carrying a tone of both warning and intrigue. "The person I mentioned—the one who might help you—is a good friend of mine. But there's a catch." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"What kind of catch?" Sou asked, crossing his arms.

Gill sighed. "No one knows much about him. Not even where he truly comes from. He's brilliant, wise, and sharp as a blade, but he's also... unpredictable. He doesn't do anything for free, and his price is never small. If you're lucky, it'll be gold or a favor. If you're unlucky..."

Rema, standing beside Sou, raised an eyebrow. "If we're unlucky?"

Gill shrugged, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Then his price might be something you can't put a value on."

Ella, the older caretaker of their small group, stepped forward with a warm yet cautious smile. "God bless you, good child," she said softly to Gill, before turning to the others. "This journey won't be easy, but it must be taken. Be careful and stay strong."

Gill handed Sou a small, weathered envelope sealed with crimson wax. "This letter will explain who you are and why you're looking for him. It's your only chance to get him to listen. His name is Rachel, and if anyone can help you, it's him."

"Rachel?" Dr. Ren frowned. "Doesn't sound like much of a name for someone so mysterious."

"Don't let his name fool you," Gill replied. "He's as clever as they come. But finding him is the real challenge. He doesn't stay in one place for long, and you won't find him unless he wants to be found. Good luck."

The three companions exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Gill's words settling over them. They knew this journey would be filled with uncertainty, but now it felt even more daunting.

Sou tucked the envelope carefully into his jacket, his face set with determination. "We'll find him," he said firmly. "No matter what it takes."

Rema nodded, her usual sharp wit subdued by the seriousness of the moment. "We've come this far. There's no turning back now."

Ella stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Rema's shoulder. "Stay safe, my child. And remember, you have each other. That's your greatest strength."

With those words, their preparations were complete. As the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, the three companions set off, leaving behind the small, vine-covered residence that had been their refuge.

The path ahead was uncertain, the destination unknown. But with Gill's cryptic instructions and the letter clutched tightly in Sou's hand, they embarked on their quest to find Rachel—the one person who might hold the key to their future.

Thus, their journey began, not just through unknown lands but also through their own fears, doubts, and the bonds that held them together. Little did they know, this search for Rachel would change their lives in ways they could never imagine.