In recent days, Cero's schedule had been filled with routine. His large office, located at the heart of the main island base, was always abuzz with activity. On his desk, stacks of documents occupied every corner—logistics reports, regional development updates, and expansion plans. Yet, Cero showed no signs of being overwhelmed. He sat calmly in his chair, his fingers moving quickly through the pages, signing or adding brief comments as needed.
Standing by his side was Sarah, his brilliant assistant with an exceptional IQ. Her cold, professional demeanor reflected her efficiency. Despite the heavy workload, she carried out her duties without complaint.
"Director, here is the mining report from the mainland," Sarah said, handing over a new document to Cero's desk.
Cero accepted the report without looking up. "Thank you, Sarah. Make sure all updated logistics data is integrated into the system."
"It was completed two hours ago, Director," Sarah replied confidently, her tone firm yet respectful. "However, there's an additional report that just came in. Something unusual has been discovered in the Dralven mine."
Cero paused his reading, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Unusual?"
Sarah tapped on her tablet a few times, bringing up a holographic map of the mine. "The miners uncovered a strange architectural structure in one of the newly excavated caves. They've reported that it doesn't resemble anything modern."
As Cero examined the holographic map, a voice from the system echoed in his mind.
[Warning: Dungeon detected. Preliminary analysis indicates traces of ancient magical activity.]
The message caused Cero to lean back in his chair, a faint smile forming on his lips. "A dungeon, huh?" he muttered, his eyes lighting up with newfound interest.
In this world of magic, swords, and monsters, the existence of dungeons wasn't entirely surprising. However, this was the first time he had directly encountered one of these mysterious remnants. His mind immediately began calculating the potential advantages.
"Sarah," he said softly yet authoritatively, "contact Ragner. Assemble an exploration team. I want a full report on that site within 48 hours."
"Understood," Sarah replied, quickly tapping on her tablet to issue the orders.
Two days later, the first exploration team arrived at the mining site. Led by Ragner, the group consisted of fully armed marines and several technicians equipped with advanced system tools. They entered a cavern located in one of the branches of the gold mine.
The reported structure stood out prominently. Massive pillars adorned with intricate carvings rose in the center of the cave, contrasting sharply with the surrounding rough stone walls. A faint blue light emanated from the symbols on the pillars, creating an atmosphere that radiated ancient power.
"This is not modern craftsmanship," one of the technicians remarked, scanning the carvings on the pillar with a specialized device. "These symbols… they're reacting to magical energy."
"Magic, huh?" Ragner muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Ensure there are no traps or creatures nearby. I don't want to take any chances."
Several hours later, a detailed report from Ragner was sent directly to Cero. He read through it carefully in his office, a subtle smile forming on his face. The system also provided additional analysis regarding the dungeon's potential.
[Dungeon Analysis: Ancient magical structure. Likely contains artifacts, rare resources, and guardian entities. High risk, but significant potential rewards.]
"Artifacts, resources, guardians…" Cero murmured as he read the report. "It seems this is more intriguing than I initially thought."
He turned to Sarah, who stood by his side. "What's your opinion?"
Without showing much emotion, Sarah replied, "Considering the risks, Director, I recommend a cautious approach. If not managed properly, this dungeon could pose a significant threat."
Cero nodded. "Of course. But I won't let an opportunity like this slip away. Prepare a second exploration team. This time, I'll lead it myself."
A meeting was convened in the main base's command room. The room was filled with military officers and technicians from the strategy division, all seated around a large table with a holographic map of the dungeon projected in the center. The dim light from the screens cast sharp shadows across their faces, revealing serious expressions.
Cero sat at the head of the table, his fingers tapping the surface rhythmically. His sharp eyes scanned the reports displayed on the screen in front of him. Some officers shifted nervously, whispering among themselves before the meeting began.
"Alright," Cero said finally, cutting through the murmurs. "We all know why we're here. This dungeon is a significant discovery, and I plan to lead the expedition into it myself."
The atmosphere immediately grew heavy. Ragner, seated to Cero's right, spoke up without hesitation. "Director, with all due respect, your decision to go into the field is highly risky. You are the central command of this entire operation. If we were to lose you—"
Cero raised a hand, silencing Ragner with a simple but authoritative gesture. "I understand the risks, Ragner. However, I cannot let this opportunity pass. The system has identified this dungeon as a key location, and I have reason to believe my presence there will yield greater results."
A younger officer, Lieutenant Carrick, hesitantly added his thoughts. "Director, I agree this discovery is important, but a dungeon is uncharted territory. Even with our technology, we don't know what's inside. There could be traps, dangerous creatures, or—"
"Precisely because of the unknown, I must lead," Cero interjected. His voice remained calm, but it carried a tone of finality that brooked no argument. "I have exclusive access to the system. If there's something you cannot solve, my system might be able to. That is an advantage only I possess."
His statement left the room silent. The officers exchanged glances, some nodding slightly as they acknowledged the truth in his words. However, concern was still evident on their faces.
Sarah, seated in a corner with her tablet, spoke up for the first time. "The Director is correct. Based on initial scanner data, this dungeon contains ancient magical mechanisms that defy the logic of this world. The Director's direct connection to the system will provide us with a critical edge in navigating these anomalies."
Cero gave a small smile, nodding at Sarah. "Thank you, Sarah. As always, your analysis is precise."
Still, Ragner appeared hesitant. "If you insist on going, Director, allow me to lead the largest security team to ensure your safety."
Cero regarded him for a long moment before nodding slightly. "Very well. Make sure the team consists of the best. And ensure they understand that I'm in charge on the field."
As the discussion reached its conclusion, the system's voice echoed in Cero's mind.
[Quest Activated: "Secrets of the Ancient Dungeon." Objective: Full exploration and activation of the magical core. Reward: Access to a new system feature.]
Cero's lips curved into a subtle smile. He didn't need to explain the quest to his subordinates, but for him, it was reason enough to ensure his presence in the field.
'System, what's the likelihood of traps or guardians inside?' he asked in his mind.
[High likelihood. Recommendation: Prepare a team with a mix of modern technology and traditional strategies.]
As preparations began, Ragner handpicked the best marines and technicians to accompany Cero. They were equipped with advanced gear—energy weapons, grenade launchers, and magical energy scanners. Sarah also ensured long-range communication devices were fully operational, so Cero could stay connected to the base if necessary.
Meanwhile, Cero prepared himself calmly. He reviewed data from the system and ensured all potential risks had been accounted for. He knew the expedition carried significant danger, but the potential rewards were equally immense.
"Director," Sarah called, approaching with her tablet in hand. "The team is ready. Ragner is awaiting your final confirmation before departure."
Cero rose from his chair, donning a dark field jacket. "We leave in an hour. Ensure everything is ready."
Sarah nodded and left to relay the orders. Standing by the large window of his office, Cero gazed at the calm ocean in the distance.