Before the expedition into the dungeon began, Cero ensured that everything was perfectly prepared. He personally led the final meeting in the command room, reviewing security strategies and role assignments for every member of the team.
"Ragner," Cero said, his eyes fixed on the holographic map displaying the mining site and the dungeon. "Make sure the integration between ground forces and the special units runs smoothly. I don't want any misunderstandings during the operation."
"Understood, Director," Ragner replied firmly. "The special forces will secure the core perimeter around you. Our marines will ensure the outer area is safe, while the technicians prepare the equipment for exploration."
Cero nodded and continued. "Pick only the best. This isn't just about protecting me, but ensuring the mission's success. We don't know what lies within the dungeon, but I want zero room for errors."
Ragner saluted before leaving the room to oversee the final preparations.
Meanwhile, Sarah had been assigned a new task of managing administrative matters in Cero's absence. She stood on the other side of the meeting table, reading digital reports on her tablet with her usual stoic expression.
"Sarah," Cero called, prompting her to lift her gaze. "I'm leaving all administrative and day-to-day operations in your hands while I'm on the field. You know what to do."
"Understood, Director," Sarah replied succinctly yet decisively. "Routine reports will continue on schedule. I've also arranged a team to monitor developments at the mines and the military base in Dralven."
Cero gave a faint smile. "I've never doubted you. But remember one thing: if there's an emergency that requires my decision, don't hesitate to contact me directly."
"Understood."
As someone with extraordinary intelligence, Sarah was accustomed to handling pressure. However, she knew the responsibilities given to her this time were far greater. Cero's leadership kept everything running smoothly, and now it was up to her to ensure stability in his absence.
The team assigned to escort Cero comprised the finest marines, carefully selected technicians, and a special forces unit equipped with cutting-edge technology, including exosuits and integrated tactical communication devices.
One of the special forces commanders, Captain Royce, reported directly to Ragner before meeting with Cero. "Our team is ready, Commander. We'll deploy two units to the primary perimeter and one unit for the Director's direct escort."
"Make sure that's enough," Ragner replied. "I want no gaps in security. If there's a threat, we need to respond within seconds."
Captain Royce saluted before leaving to prepare his team. Meanwhile, other marines and technicians worked tirelessly to ensure all equipment was ready, including energy weapons, magic scanners, and data recording devices.
On the day of departure, the main base was abuzz with activity. Convoys of armored vehicles, heavy equipment, and personnel moved toward the docks to begin the journey to the mainland. Amid the commotion, Cero remained composed, going over the final checklist of preparations.
"Director," Sarah called as she approached with her tablet in hand. "The final report indicates that all units are ready. Your team will reach the mine in six hours. In the meantime, I'll ensure stable communications."
"Good," Cero replied, then paused to look at Sarah. "Remember, Sarah, I trust you. Keep everything running smoothly."
Sarah only nodded before giving a brief salute. Cero then boarded the lead armored vehicle, followed closely by his escort team.
Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was relatively quiet. Cero sat in the rear seat, reading the system's continuous updates on the dungeon. Across from him, Ragner reviewed maps and operational routes.
Cero glanced out of the vehicle's window, watching the forest pass by. His voice, calm yet firm, broke the silence.
"Once, a philosopher from my old world, Nietzsche, said: 'He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.' The meaning is simple. As long as we have a strong enough reason to live, we can face any challenge."
He turned his gaze back to Ragner, his eyes sharp. "This dungeon might contain something beyond our understanding—ancient artifacts, technology, or perhaps just a harsh lesson. But I want to know. And that reason alone is enough for me to step inside."
Ragner pondered his words. While he didn't fully grasp Cero's grand vision, he knew this Director was unlike any leader he had ever met. There was something almost transcendent about his way of thinking.
The convoy of armored vehicles entered the mining site with a rumble that echoed through the air. Dust billowed as the large wheels rolled across the hardened ground, filling the main mining route that had once been quiet. The miners paused their activities, watching the convoy with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
In a short time, the mine—which had previously exuded a traditional atmosphere with simple tools and manual methods—had transformed dramatically. With the help of the system's technology, modern machinery had been brought in. Earthmovers, large cranes, and aerial monitoring drones now dominated the scene. New pathways had been carved, and a small station equipped with advanced communication tools stood near the mine's entrance.
When the lead vehicle stopped, its door opened, and Cero stepped out with measured steps. He wore a dark field jacket adorned with his leadership emblem on the shoulder, his expression calm yet commanding. Ragner and a group of heavily armed marines followed him closely, forming a protective formation.
The head miner, a middle-aged man with a rugged face weathered by years of hard labor, hurried over to meet Cero. He seemed nervous, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air surrounding the area.
"Director Cero!" he called, his voice slightly trembling. He gave a stiff bow, trying to conceal his unease. "I… I didn't expect you to come here personally."
Cero gazed at the man with sharp eyes, his tone calm but firm. "Of course, I came. Your discovery at this site isn't something to be overlooked. I want to see it for myself."
The head miner quickly nodded, attempting to steady his breathing. "Of course, of course, Director. The discovery… it's truly strange. We've tried to understand the structure inside, but—" He hesitated.
"But?" Cero prompted, narrowing his eyes as if reading the man's mind.
"But we lack the knowledge or tools to decipher it," the head miner admitted. "The symbols… the blue light emanating from them… This isn't like anything we've seen before."
Cero studied the man for a few seconds before a faint smile crossed his lips. "Good. It means you knew when to stop before making mistakes."
He signaled to Ragner and his escort team to get ready. "Take me to the dungeon," he ordered.
The head miner led them through the main mining route into a darker, deeper tunnel. The surrounding rock walls were still rough, but the path had been reinforced with modern metal supports. The lights from the LED fixtures along the tunnel created an eerie atmosphere, their shadows shifting with every step.
Finally, they arrived at a large chamber deep within the mine. The room was filled with massive stone pillars adorned with intricate carvings that emitted a faint blue glow. Strange symbols were etched onto the surface of each pillar, and the floor in the center of the chamber featured a large circle with geometric patterns.
The miners who were present immediately stopped their activities and bowed their heads as Cero entered. He stepped forward, his eyes scanning the entire room.
"System," Cero thought, speaking within his mind. "What's the initial analysis of this place?"
[Processing… This structure is an ancient magical mechanism. Purpose: Unknown. Partial activation detected.]
Cero approached one of the pillars, carefully examining the symbols on its surface. His hand lightly touched the stone, sensing the energy emanating from it.
[Warning: Magic energy levels are increasing. Recommendation: Strengthen security before deeper exploration.]
"Fascinating," Cero murmured. He turned to Ragner. "Fortify the perimeter around this room. Ensure no one enters or leaves without my explicit permission."
"Understood, Director," replied Ragner, immediately issuing orders to the security team.
The head of the mine stood near the edge of the chamber, watching the unfolding scene with a mix of awe and confusion. "What... what are you planning to do, Director?"
Cero cast him a brief glance, his faint, confident smile returning. "Answer questions."
As the security team reinforced the perimeter, one of the technicians called out with a startling report. "Director, there's energy movement in the circular platform. The patterns are shifting!"
Cero quickly approached the circle at the room's center. The symbols on the floor began glowing brighter, and the chamber trembled subtly. The miners retreated in fear, but Cero stood unwavering in his position.
"Sistem, what's happening?" he inquired within his mind.
[Analysis: Mechanism activation detected. This serves as the entrance to the dungeon's core. Activation requires direct interaction by a registered user.]
"So, only I can open it," Cero murmured, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Ragner stepped closer, his face tight with concern. "Director, I recommend we wait. This energy is far too unstable. We don't know what might happen."
Cero turned to face him, his expression calm yet authoritative. His piercing gaze met Ragner's. "Uncertainty is what makes it intriguing, Ragner," he said, his voice steady yet commanding. "Which is why you'll oversee the group's security here. You'll also assist Sarah in managing operations across the territory in my absence and assume full responsibility for the military."
Ragner frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the decision. "But, Director—"
"You question my decision?" Cero interrupted sharply, his tone icy as his eyes narrowed.
Ragner clenched his jaw tightly before shaking his head slowly. "No, Director," he said at last, though his voice carried a note of frustration.
"Good," replied Cero, his demeanor softening slightly. "Don't let me down, Ragner. I know you're capable of handling this. Trust me, as I trust you."
Cero turned back to the glowing symbols on the dungeon floor, raising his hand to signal the technicians and marines stationed around him. "All units, prepare. I will lead this operation myself. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss."
The technicians busied themselves with their scanners, monitoring the increasing fluctuations of energy emanating from the magical mechanism. Marines formed a tight formation around the perimeter, ensuring no threats could breach the area, whether from within or outside.
Although reluctant, Ragner swiftly took steps to ensure the group's safety. He approached Captain Royce, the leader of the elite special forces tasked with securing the area, and issued additional instructions.
"Make sure the perimeter remains secure," he said curtly. "No matter what happens inside the dungeon, we can't afford any interference from outside."
Royce saluted. "Understood, Commander."
Meanwhile, Cero stood in the center of the room, his gaze fixed on the towering pillars radiating blue light. The energy in the chamber was growing more intense, making the air hum with unseen power. The System's voice echoed in his mind, delivering its latest report.
[Magical energy stable. Mechanism ready for activation. Only a registered user may proceed.]
'Of course, it's me,' Cero thought with a faint smirk.
The chamber fell silent as everyone awaited his next move. Cero's hand hovered over the glowing symbols, his mind racing with possibilities.
Then, without hesitation, he placed his palm against the cold, luminous surface of the circle. The symbols responded immediately, their light intensifying as the floor pulsed with energy. The room shook, and the glowing blue patterns spiraled outward, lighting up the entire chamber.
"Stay alert!" Ragner barked to the team, his voice cutting through the tension.
Cero's gaze remained steady as the dungeon began to awaken. For better or worse, the threshold had been crossed.