"Mole down!" I yelled, as if nothing different happened.
As I read the description for the 'Sense Underground' talent, I closed my eyes, focusing on my surroundings.
Long stretches of caves and air pockets entered my mind. I couldn't visualize the underground as a map, but I sensed my surroundings. The movement of earth and stone felt as vibrations within my mind. This sense allowed me to locate moles in the underground, their claws digging through the stone and earth.
A perfect talent for this mission. I imagined even more scenarios it would be useful. Finding secret underground areas with treasures, any ore or gems that hid in the ground could not hide from me. The stone moles had such an amazing talent, but they didn't know how to use it best. This is more helpful compared to gaining a digging talent.
I didn't need to keep my eyes closed to use my sense, but it helped to build a connection with the talent. Now I could feel it as a constant. I did not need to pace with rapt attention any longer, already aware of the moles in a large vicinity. I kept sensing my surroundings, learning more about the talent. Locations with ore felt like different densities compared to the rest. The cave systems created by miners and moles felt like nothingness. The pickaxes hitting rocks and mole claws digging were disturbances in the earth.
If I wanted, I could become a divine miner. That went to show how a single talent could make an enormous impact on a person. I had my sights set on something greater.
With the talent, I lazed around, waiting until any moles neared. When they did, I stood ready by their exit point, striking before they could get their bearings.
"Mole down!"
The job turned incredibly easy. While I wanted to tip the miners about ore deposit directions, I had no intention of revealing my talent. Instead, I practiced my swordsmanship in wait for the moles.
After a few hours.
"Alright, let's eat!" the old man shouted loud enough for the others to hear.
I forgot to bring any food…
They gathered at the intersection, taking various lunches out from their backpacks.
"Newbie, you didn't bring any food?" said the old man.
"No… I didn't think about that."
"Hah! Shouldn't an adventurer at the very least prepare this much?"
"…"
He handed me a piece of bread topped with meat and cheese from his lunch. "Since you've let us mine in peace today, have this."
The old man had a soft heart, it seemed. I accepted and thanked him with sincere gratitude, promising to bring my own lunch next time. We were only halfway through the day. The moles didn't bother us during lunch for what I assumed to be the lack of mining, not activating their senses.
After the lunch, my training and mole killing continued. I got a single level from the countless moles of the day. I considered that a minor bonus, as the training and live target practice improved my comprehension of basic swordsmanship a lot.
After the 10 hour work day, everyone exited the caves. I sensed all the ores right behind the walls as we walked out. I forced myself to not mention anything. Exiting the mine, they sent most of us back, including me, back to the city. Leaving only a few behind to take care of the ore processing.
While in the carriage, I sensed the ground below. Small cave systems revealed themselves to me, most likely created by moles. I couldn't sense very far below, about 30 meters in radius for now.
Upon our arrival at the gate, captain Corinth informed me that my work satisfied the miners. He handed me 10 silver.
"Will you join us tomorrow?"
"Sure!"
"Alright, let's go have some drinks! We're gathering at the crusty crow!"
I followed the group.
Arriving at the pub, we found several small tables close in proximity for our group. Drinks and laughter flowed freely as the adventurers recounted their tales. I sat among them, absorbing the camaraderie and feeling a part of something larger, something grounded in this world.
"To the newbie!" captain Corinth toasted. The others raised their mugs in agreement, and I followed suit, the amber liquid within the mug sloshing slightly with my enthusiasm. The cold drink spread through my body, a pleasant sensation after working and training the whole day.
As the evening wore on, stories of past adventures, near-miss cave-ins, and legendary finds filled the air. I laughed more than I had in a long time. These men and women, with their rough hands and unpolished manners, had a raw honesty about them.
Harvin, the name of the old miner I came to learn of during the stories, leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You did well today. But remember, this is just the beginning. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets. And not just from the moles."
I nodded, grasping the implicit warning. Plenty of unsettling mysteries lurked in the underground. But the prospect of exploring those mysterious findings thrilled me. My new talent gave me an edge. However, my level would only let me guard the upper areas. My level increased too slowly by killing the few moles.
As the night wore on, the group dispersed, each heading to their respective homes. I left the pub with a sense of contentment; the silver coins jingling in my pocket, a tangible reward for my efforts.
The next morning, I woke up early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. I bought a hearty lunch this time from a street stall, determined not to make the same mistake twice. As I walked through the bustling market towards the north gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
"Ready for another day?" Harvin greeted me with a grin, his enthusiasm infectious.
"Absolutely!" I replied, matching his energy.
The journey to the mines appeared quicker this time, my familiarity with the route making it seem shorter. As we descended into the caves, I sharpened my senses. The network of tunnels and hidden pockets of ore unfolded in my mind, clearer than before. I could sense the faint vibrations of moles in the distance, their presence a constant hum in the background. It's possible for me to improve a talent, or I might just be getting used to the new sense. I hoped for the former.
I would keep to my routine, increasing the comprehension of my technique while earning some cash simultaneously.
As the day's work began, I fell into the rhythm of my routine. My underground sense made it easy to expect the moles' movements, allowing me to efficiently dispatch them and minimize disruptions to the miners. The more I used my talent, the more adept I became at interpreting the subtle vibrations and shifts in the earth.
Harvin and the others noticed my efficiency, though they were unaware of the true extent of my talent. They chalked it up to natural aptitude and hard work, which suited me fine. The less they knew, the better. I didn't want to draw undue attention to myself or my abilities just yet.
"Mole down!"
I wiped the sweat from my brow, the exertion of both mole hunting and sword practice taking its toll. However, the fatigue served as a comforting reminder of the progress I had achieved.
Around midday, we gathered for lunch. This time, I proudly pulled out my packed meal, earning a nod of approval from Harvin and chuckles from the others. A relaxed atmosphere, filled with light-hearted banter and shared stories.
Finishing up work, we left the cave, taking a carriage back to the city.
I had plans other than drinking the night away. Not gaining a single level today reminded me to not waste time. I still had plenty of energy. I need to check out the guild for any monster hunting missions to do after the mining job.
Entering the headquarters, I went straight to the board, looking through all the mission posts.
One post had the title 'Moonlight Wolf Pelt Needed!' It further explained that adventurers could locate the wolves in the northern forest and deliver the materials directly to the adventurer's guild. The perfect job after the mine protection!