[Empire year 364, 23rd of September]
Half the expedition team decided to withdraw from the mission after seeing gruesome sights on their first day while the other half proceeded to the ruins as planned
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Salazar and Zera remain silent as they follow the expedition team
"In this line of work, you have to be heartless. Always prioritize your safety over others. If you think you are not up to it just quit. A second of hesitation will lead to the destruction of the whole team."
"Mistakes happen all the time during expeditions which sometimes result in more than poisoning or injury, no matter how careful or well prepared we are. So don`t blame yourself too much nor feel discouraged," said Roman trying to calm Zera and Salazar who might feel guilty for what happened to MC since they are the ones that want to join the expedition team.
"This is the first time I have slain a goblin. I know they are just a monster but when my spear stabbed through their bodies, I suddenly felt disgust with myself. It felt like I had stabbed a human with my spear. That moment of hesitation causes Rey to be stabbed instead. I hate this feeling." said Salazar while shaking
Zera who can`t hold on to her tear anymore also start to burst into tears
Roman then hugs the two pitiful kids for the first time in their lives face the reality of the world they live in. Away from their cozy homes and the protection from their parent.
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"Look at what we have here, how I am teared up upon seeing such a beautiful bonding between a father and his children," said Kyon narcissistically
"Here I thought all the burden already left but it looks like some still stay. Hahaha" Kyon and his group laugh
"Thankfully we are a nice and helpful bunch, right guys?" Kyon asked his group
"Yeahhh," all of them shout together
"If you pay us ninety percent (90%) of what you found in the ruins, we will ensure your safety inside the ruins," said Kyon sinisterly
"Firstly, I am not their father. Secondly, we do not need your help. Thanks for offering but we are not interested. We know how to take care of ourselves," said Roman to Kyon
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"This bastard really-" Before Kyon could finish his sentences
"Pffft, Bahaha what an interesting fellow. Alright then. It looks like there is no need for us to worry about you bunch then." Thane Sepulchral the leader of the mercenary group asks Kyone to stop and they all just walk away
The other scorned blade member puzzled for a minute then followed their leader without saying anything anymore
"Sigh, there is always that bunch of idiots anywhere you go. Let me remind you kids again to stay away from those groups. They are a notorious mercenary group around here. No one knows what they might do but I want you kids to stick close to me this time." said Roman
They nod and follow Roman from behind
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On their way, they encounter a few more goblin groups and wild boar which cause some casualties but they continue until finally, they see perfectly hidden ruins in a mountain named "Astrifer Peak".
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[Side story]
Astrifer Peak is famed for the peculiar gemstones that can only be found within its rocky terrain. These gemstones, known as "Astrifer Crystals," possess an otherworldly glow, lighting up the mountain's caverns with an ethereal radiance. Miners and adventurers often seek these precious gems for their enchanting properties. While the miners mined the gemstone, they accidentally encountered this unexplored ruin deep hidden inside the numerous caverns in Astrifer Peak.
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"Alright everyone, let's form a group to explore different routes in case we miss anything. As mentioned before, anything that you guys find will be yours except for the magical item. The knights will distribute a special magic device for you guys to contact in case anything happens. We will gather back at this place after everyone comes out." Said one of the knights
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Everyone started to form a group
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except for Roman and the trio, MC, Zera, and Salazar
Everyone tries to not make eye contact with them as the mercenary giggles looking at Roman and the kids
"Tsk, is this because of what happened a while ago?" Roman clicked his tongue while glaring at the Scorned Blade mercenary group
"Kyahaha, you guys really are brave to explore the ruins with only four (4) of you," said Kyon
"I wish you guys luck Kekeke" Kyon laughed and started to make his way to his own group
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"I am sorry kids, it looks like I myself have landed us the irk of their group. Hahaha," laughs Roman awkwardly
"But no need to worry since I am here," said Roman trying to comfort the kids
They agree and make their way inside the ruins
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[Explanation for the design of the ruin]
The moment they reach the ruin, there is a huge door made from refined rock and Astrifer crystals, and inside, there are huge spiraling staircases that lead down to the underground and giant pillars that are made with rocks, astrifer crystals, and seemingly a mirror below each pillar.
there is a lot of room in each intersection of the stairs that looks the same.
However, each room they go in leads to different places.
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[MC inner thoughts]
"From my abundance of experience (reading novels and manga) the true path is not in one of the door the others pass through. There must be another way to enter."
"Casper is said to be one of the high-ranked magicians that are popular enough to be called money-crazed magicians. So there is no way he will make it that easy to find his inheritances."
"Looking at this suspicious-looking thing that resembles a mirror, there must be something to do with it."
MC then takes one of the Astrifea crystals and tries to reflect the light in the mirror
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"What are you doing kid?" asked Roman looking at MC suddenly picked up an Astrifea crystal
the pillars then glow and reflect light to another pillar, and it reflects to another until finally the light focuses on one point
MC with a smirk on his face thought to himself "I knew it! Maybe I`m a genius in this world."
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The light then formed a human figure
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Roman, Salazar, and Zera were shocked by the sudden projection of an old wizard after the light focused on one point
"Is this perhaps a clue to the whereabouts of the inheritance of the money-crazed magician?!" asked Zera excitedly
"How did you know that kid?!" asked Roman to MC
"I might have read it in a book," said MC with a smug on his face
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The projection then moved and said ...
"Nyenyenye, you really think I will make it that easy?" then he disappeared
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"Kuhahaha that is one of the oldest tricks in the book, I am surprised you know that kiddo. Most magicians like to pull up a prank like just now every now and then," Roman laughs his a** off.
The MC feeling dumbfounded and embarrassed then returned to the group.
Salazar put his hand on the MC's shoulder to try and cheer him up
"What should we do now then mister Roman" asked Zera
"-hahaha, fyuh. Most magician usually equips their ruins with a lot of traps and sometimes prank to show off- I mean to hide their treasure from a looter. Like just now pfft" Roman tried to hold his laughter
MC got irritated
"For now it would be better for us to search every door thoroughly since sometimes, they are hidden in the most unsuspecting places. In order for us to detect that, you need to learn a search technique and mana detection skills that help you find hidden traps or hidden rooms which is especially useful in finding the treasures."
"and ... we also have this," Roman shows a device that looks like a compass
"You should have said that earlier. You are really mean mister Roman," said MC embarrassed
"Hahaha forgive me, it had been a while since I saw someone fall into the obvious trap." Roman then continue laughing as they make their way to one of the door.