Tōga let out a loud yawn as he strolled through the moonlit streets of Era, making his way towards the caravan parking area. As a carefree member of the Rune Knights and a talented Fire Dragon Slayer, he didn't usually take on such mundane guard duty missions. But with rumors spreading about Augustus's caravan being targeted, Tōga felt it was his duty to help protect the cargo.

Arriving at the parking area, Tōga spotted the caravan he was tasked with guarding for the night. It was quite large, loaded up with crates and barrels. Tōga let out another yawn, wondering how he would manage to stay awake all night just walking around the parked vehicle. But he was determined to do his job properly.

Tōga began pacing around the perimeter of the caravan, keeping his senses alert for any suspicious activity. His flame-colored spiky hair swayed lightly as he walked, his dark eyes carefully scanning the area. As a Dragon Slayer, Tōga had enhanced senses, which would help detect anyone trying to sneak up on the caravan. The streets and alleys surrounding the parking area were quiet at this late hour.

After making a full lap around the vehicle, Tōga paused by the front wheel, leaning against it casually as he glanced up at the starry sky. He wished he could be back at the guild hall, laughing and relaxing with his friends. But this mission was important, and Tōga always took his Rune Knight duties seriously, even if he projected a carefree attitude.

Several uneventful hours passed as Tōga paced around the motionless caravan. His footsteps echoed lightly on the cobblestone ground. The young man tried humming lively tunes and splashing his face with water from a nearby fountain to stay alert. But as midnight approached, drowsiness threatened to overtake him. Tōga shook his head vigorously, slapping his cheeks to wake himself up. He couldn't let his guard down.

Suddenly, Tōga's enhanced hearing picked up faint noises coming from the caravan parked next to the one he was guarding. It sounded like stifled laughter and hushed voices. Tōga's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Was someone trying to break into that vehicle and steal its cargo? He crept towards the neighboring caravan, moving silently on light feet honed from years of training.

Pressing his ear against the wooden siding, Tōga listened intently. More giggling and whispering reached his ears. He detected another sound - the creak of someone sitting or moving on top of a crate. Tōga's fist ignited with swirling flames, ready to apprehend whoever was trespassing inside the caravan. In one smooth motion, he threw open the back door, flames lighting up the dark interior.

"Aha!" Tōga shouted triumphantly. But he froze when his fiery light revealed not thieves, but a young man and woman who jumped in surprise. They were sitting cozily together on a crate, the man's arm wrapped around the blushing woman's shoulders.

"Oh! Sorry about that, you two," Tōga said awkwardly, extinguishing his flames. "Thought you might be intruders. Carry on then!"

He quickly pulled the door shut again, hearing embarrassed protests from the amorous couple inside. Tōga chuckled and shook his head as he returned to patrolling around Augustus's caravan. No thieves or danger here tonight - just passionate young love. Nothing wrong with that!

As Tōga completed another loop around the vehicle, the first pale rays of dawn began to creep over the horizon. He stretched his arms over his head, feeling tired but accomplished. His uneventful night guarding the caravan was nearly over. Soon Augustus's mercenaries would arrive to take over.

Right on cue, Tōga heard approaching footsteps. He turned to see a muscular, armored man walking towards him - one of Augustus's trusted mercenaries. The man nodded in greeting at Tōga.

"Good work guarding the caravan all night. The boss sent me to relieve you of your post and deliver your reward," the mercenary said. He handed Tōga a hefty pouch of jewels for completing the mission.

"It was no trouble at all! The rumors of an attack turned out to be false," Tōga remarked casually, tossing the jewel pouch up and down in one hand. "But I was happy to help protect Augustus's assets."

"We appreciate you Rune Knights assisting," the mercenary responded. "With the cargo departing this morning, we can't be too careful."

Tōga nodded. "Well, I wish you an uneventful day! I'm off to get some breakfast and rest."

With a friendly wave, Tōga turned and strolled away down the street as the mercenary took over patrolling around the caravan. The Dragon Slayer felt satisfied with accomplishing his mission and upholding his duties, even if the night had been boring. The safety of Augustus's caravan was secured, and Tōga could return to the guild hall for some well-earned relaxation with his friends. All in all, it had been a job well done.

The next day, after sleeping in late, Tōga made his way back to the guild hall, ready to meet up with his friends. As he walked, he reflected on the uneventful caravan guard mission from the previous night.

Even though he hadn't encountered any real danger, Tōga felt good about taking on the task and doing his part to protect Augustus's cargo. Sometimes missions seemed mundane on the surface but were still important. The rumors of an attack may have just been gossip, but Tōga knew taking precautions was necessary.

In his typical carefree way, Tōga hadn't minded the boring stakeout too much. He saw it as his duty as a Rune Knight and was glad to assist however he could. But he did wish for a bit more excitement in his missions! Guarding an empty caravan all night certainly hadn't provided the thrill he craved as a wizard.

Oh well, Tōga thought with a shrug as the guild hall came into view. He would just have to be patient for the next adventure to come his way. Days couldn't always be filled with epic battles and daring rescues. The quiet moments were part of being a wizard too.

Pushing open the guild hall's doors, Tōga was immediately met with raucous laughter and the smell of delicious food. He grinned and joined his friends at a table, ready to regale them with the story of his uneventful night. Even if the mission hadn't been thrilling, he knew his friends would get a good laugh hearing about the amorous couple he accidentally disturbed.

As Tōga dove into his retelling, he felt content and grateful to be part of this guild - his home. Dangerous quests would come again soon. But for now, he would enjoy the laughter and camaraderie with his fellow Knights.

| MISSION COMPLETE

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1170/1000 words