The S-Rank mission content:
Mission: Clear the dungeon before the monster outbreak.
Location: Rear of Elven Forest.
Reward: 50 platinum coins.
"If we travel by cart, it will take at least a month to get there," Kaison noted.
Hiro nodded, but then remembered something. "Rianne mentioned a portal network before we left. Apparently, there's a system of portals connecting the continents. They allow instant travel and were created by Klein, the greatest magician of this era, but they're exclusive to high-ranking adventurers and nobles."
Kaison whistled in amazement. "I've heard of Klein. The magician's something else. Creating a system like that… I'd love to meet him one day. In my time, there was no one as talented in magic—aside from maybe the God of Light."
They decided to head to the nearest portal, taking a cart to reach it.
The ride was uneventful. Hiro remained silent throughout, eyes focused on the road, while Kaison, in his fox-like form, occasionally muttered about the usefulness of Klein's portals.
After several hours, they arrived at the portal. The towering stone structure was embedded with glowing runes. A lone guard stood by the entrance.
"Identification," the guard requested.
Without a word, Hiro handed over his gold adventurer card. It shimmered in the sunlight, marking his S-rank status.
The guard's demeanor shifted. "Ah, S-rank. Very well, sir. We'll activate the portal for you. Please stand in front of it. It will take about a minute as we need to inform the Magic Tower to initialize the system."
Hiro nodded slightly and stepped forward. The guard signaled behind the portal, and the magical runes flared brighter. The air shimmered as the portal activated.
"Safe travels, sir," the guard said.
Hiro stepped forward as his surroundings blurred. A moment later, the world exploded into light. When the brightness subsided, they were near the Elven Forest, surrounded by towering trees and a thick canopy.
"We must be near the Elven Forest," Hiro muttered, scanning the area.
The forest was dense, the air filled with the scent of pine and moss. Birds chirped in the distance, and the underbrush was alive with movement.
They moved toward the forest's entrance, where their mission was to take place. As they approached, Hiro sensed something coming at them fast—an arrow shot with incredible speed and power. His hand flew to his sword, and with a swift motion, he combined the 2nd Amadeus Sword Style: Specter Mirage and 3rd Amadeus Sword Style: Astral Rend, deflecting the arrow with ease.
The projectile shattered in midair.
Kaison blinked in surprise. "Oh, I almost turn into my original form if you don't sense that."
Hiro didn't respond, his sharp eyes already locked on the source. Though far away, Hiro spotted two elven figures hidden in the trees. They seemed shocked.
"How... how did he see us from that distance?" one elf stammered, lowering his bow. The other, a female elf, narrowed her eyes.
"That must be the adventurer the guild reinforced for the mission. We're supposed to test anyone who approaches."
The elves leapt down from the trees, moving with graceful speed. Within seconds, they stood before Hiro and Kaison at the forest's entrance.
"I'm Cindy," the female elf said, nodding. "And this is Klaus. We're here to assess any adventurers assigned to the mission. Apologies for the arrow—it's standard procedure to test a person's capabilities."
"It's fine," Hiro replied in a flat tone. "Can we enter now?"
Cindy looked momentarily taken aback by Hiro's lack of reaction but quickly composed herself. "Of course. Follow us."
They led Hiro and Kaison toward the entrance of the Elven Forest. The path was blocked by thick vines and ancient runes. Cindy muttered a few words in an old elven dialect, and the vines shifted away, revealing a hidden path leading deeper into the woods.
As they stepped through the gate, Kaison couldn't help but gape at the surroundings. "This place... It's like we've stepped into another world. No... more like a god's domain."
Hiro, however, remained focused, his sharp gaze scanning the area. The trees here were taller, their trunks wider, and the plants glowed softly. Strange creatures moved silently among the undergrowth.
The elven guards stationed at the entrance bowed. "Good luck in the dungeon, adventurers," one of them said in a melodic voice.
Kaison leaned closer to Hiro. "This place is unreal. I've never seen anything like it."
"It doesn't matter," Hiro replied, his eyes fixed ahead. "We're here for the mission. Focus."
They continued deeper into the forest, heading toward the dungeon entrance. The massive stone structure was carved into a hillside, ancient and imposing. More elven guards flanked the entrance.
Cindy gestured toward it. "Once inside, you'll be on your own. The monsters in this dungeon are unlike anything in human lands. It's like they're from different world. Even with your skills, be cautious."
Hiro simply nodded, stepping forward toward the dark entrance of the dungeon. Kaison padded silently beside him, his golden eyes flickering with anticipation.
Cindy watched them go. "That boy... there's something dangerous about him," she murmured to Klaus. "It's like he doesn't care about anything but the mission."
Klaus nodded. "Let's hope he's as strong as he seems. The monsters in there are different, and we tried to clear it many times."
Hiro and Kaison stood before the dungeon's massive doors. With a deep breath, they entered, leaving the forest behind.