The caravan rattled along the dirt path, its wooden wheels creaking under the weight of trade goods. Cale stayed silently at the back, his senses honed, eyes scanning the darkening forest.
Night fell quickly, and the group gathered around a crackling campfire, its orange glow a feeble shield against the suffocating mana that saturated the woods.
Cale leaned against a tree, his fingers idly tapping the hilt his dagger. Shadows seemed to danced just beyond the firelight, their flickering movements too deliberate to be dismissed as tricks of the eye.
Then came the familiar chime in his mind.
—
[Mission Update: Investigate the Stonefang Ruins.]
[Optional Objective: Defend Black Hollow from the upcoming monster horde.]
[Possible Rewards: ???, Increased Core Energy, Ability Unlock, Dungeon Points.]
—
"Hmm… Convenient," Cale murmured as he squinted at the notifications. He had received this mission to investigate the Stonefang ruins as soon as Kain mentioned it in the dungeon, that was what got him intrigued originally.
For a mentionof this place to trigger a mission from the system, it seemed there was something important to uncover there, perhaps relating to his identity as a dungeon master.
ALso, there was the fact that the possible reward at first was listed as ???. But now the mission seemed to have updated with an optional objective to defend Black Hollow village.
And there were now additional possible rewards.
Just as he mused, his gaze drifting to the treetops. Above, the stars gleamed cold and distant, as if watching his every move.
"Master," the Core's gentle voice whispered in his mind. "The horde presents a rare opportunity. Their essence could fuel your growth significantly."
"I figured as much," Cale replied. His voice dropped lower as he added, "But first, we deal with Black Hollow. One step at a time."
He had to know what type of place he would be defending. With his experience in that other world, he knew that there were different types of scenarios that came with approaching a new village.
And with that, he closed his eyes, his mind already calculating the next moves in his ever-growing game of survival.
—
The next morning arrived with a soft mist clinging to the trees, muting the sounds of the forest. The caravan continued it's journey, moving cautiously.
The air was still thick with tension from the previous day's attack.
Cale stayed near the back, his sharp eyes scanning the woods for any signs of trouble. The guards, who had been wary of him at first, now glanced at him with a mixture of respect and unease.
Even the young woman he had saved kept her distance. Her wary demeanor wasn't surprising; considering the strength he had displayed fighting the orcs.
And yet, her gaze betrayed her.
Though she avoided his gaze whenever he looked her way, she couldn't stop herself from glancing at him.
There was something compelling about him, a subtle elegance in the way the forest canopy filtered threads of sunlight that wove through the strands of his long dark hair and the defined lines of his face, catching on angles that were too well-formed to ignore.
It lent him an air of calmness and refinement that contrasted sharply with the scars of battle etched into the guards around her.
When her cheeks flushed, she turned sharply away, gripping the hilt of her blade as if it might steady her thoughts.
"You're quite the mystery," said the wiry trader, falling into step beside Cale. "A young traveler who fights like a seasoned warrior and asks about cursed ruins. Care to share your story?"
"Not particularly," Cale replied without looking at him.
The trader chuckled. "Fair enough. But I'd still advise caution. Black Hollow's not the friendliest of places, especially for outsiders."
"Noted," Cale said flatly.
The trader didn't press further, though Cale could feel his curiosity buzzing like an insect. It didn't matter. Black Hollow was just a stepping stone to his real goal.
His aim was to conquer this world afterall.
—
By midday, the forest gave way to fields, and the village of Black Hollow came into view. It was a modest settlement, with weathered wooden houses clustered around a central square. A stone well stood at its heart, surrounded by villagers bustling with activity.
Cale noted the faint shimmer of mana lingering in the air. Ritual preparations were underway.
As the caravan rolled into the square, villagers stopped and turned, their expressions a mix of relief and apprehension. A man with broad shoulders and a thick beard—likely the village head—approached.
"Welcome back, Tarrik," the man said to the trader, his voice deep and rough. His eyes flicked to the damaged wagons and bloodstained guards. "I see the road hasn't been kind."
"Orcs," Tarrik replied. "We lost two men, but we had help." He gestured toward Cale, who remained by the rear of the caravan, arms crossed.
The village head's gaze settled on Cale, his expression unreadable. "A mercenary?"
"Something like that," Cale said, stepping forward. "I'm passing through. Heard about the ritual you're planning. Thought I'd lend a hand."
The man's brow furrowed. "We don't need outsiders interfering in our affairs."
Cale shrugged. "Suit yourself. But when the horde comes knocking, don't blame me if you regret it."
The village head's lips pressed into a thin line. He studied Cale for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. But don't cause trouble."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Cale said, his tone dripping with mock sincerity.
As the day wore on, Cale wandered the village, keeping his distance from the locals. He needed information—about the ritual, the horde, and the ruins—but he wasn't about to announce his intentions outright.
The opportunity came sooner than expected.
"Traveler," a voice called from behind him.
Cale turned to see the young woman from the caravan. She had cleaned up since the battle, her pale hair tied back and her simple armor polished. There was a determined set to her jaw, though her hands fidgeted at her sides.
"You're the one who saved us," she said, as if confirming it to herself. "Thank you."
Cale inclined his head. "No problem."
She hesitated, then added, "I… heard you asking Tarrik about the ruins. Are you planning to go there?"
"That depends," Cale said. "What do you know about them?"
"Not much," she admitted. "But my father might. He's helped a noble explore the area before. He doesn't talk about it much, but…" She trailed off, glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear.
"If you really plan to go, you'll need his advice."
"Where can I find him?" Cale asked.
She hesitated again, then gestured toward a small house near the edge of the village. "He's there. Just… be careful what you say. He's not fond of outsiders."
"Noted," Cale said.
As she turned to leave, he called out, "What's your name?"
She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Leira."
"Thanks, Leira," Cale said, his tone softening slightly.
She nodded, then hurried away, leaving Cale alone with his thoughts.
—
The house was unassuming, its thatched roof and weathered walls blending into the background of the village. Cale knocked once, the sound echoing dully.
The door creaked open, revealing an older man with graying hair and a suspicious scowl. His eyes narrowed as they took in Cale's armor and posture.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" the man demanded.
"Your daughter said you might know something about the Stonefang Ruins," Cale said, cutting straight to the point.
The man's scowl deepened. "Leira shouldn't have told you that. Those ruins are trouble."
"Trouble's part of the job," Cale said. "But I need information. Anything you can tell me."
The man hesitated, scrutinizing him a little, then stepped aside. "Fine. But you'd better not bring any of that trouble here."
Cale entered, the faint scent of herbs and wood smoke filling his nostrils. The man gestured to a worn chair and sat across from him.
"The ruins are cursed," the man began. "An old fortress from the Warlord Era, before the kingdoms united. They say the warlord who built it tamed beasts—monsters that could tear a man in half. But when he died, the beasts turned feral, and the fortress became their lair."
"And recently?" Cale prompted.
The man's expression darkened. "The monsters are stirring again. Some say it's the work of a dungeon—one forming beneath the ruins. If that's true, then anyone who goes there is as good as dead."
Cale leaned back, absorbing the information. A dungeon forming beneath the ruins? That could mean competition—or opportunity.
"Thanks for the warning," he said, standing.
The man eyed him warily. "You're really going, aren't you?"
Cale smirked. "Wouldn't be much of a story if I didn't."
As he stepped back into the fading sunlight, the system chimed in his mind.
—
[Objective Updated: Investigate the Stonefang Ruins.]
[Warning: High-Risk Area Detected. Prepare Accordingly.]
—
Cale's smirk widened. The it seemed the ruins weren't just a simple destination, they were a significant challenge.
By now, he had already grown used to this sort of challenges.