The jungle seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, but for the first time since his reincarnation, Clay felt like he was making some progress. With Rian and Nash at his side, he had begun to understand how to use his skills more effectively. He still didn't fully grasp the extent of his abilities, but at least he wasn't entirely helpless in this strange new world.
But even so, the jungle had an oppressive feeling—a constant tension in the air that made it feel like something was always watching. And the more Clay learned, the more he realized that survival wasn't just about strength or skill. It was about knowing who to trust.
That's when they encountered him.
The man appeared out of nowhere, walking toward them through the thick foliage with an almost casual grace. He was tall, with slick black hair and a sharp, calculating look in his eyes. He wore a simple cloak, but there was something about him—something that screamed experience. He carried no weapon, but his confident stride made it clear that he wasn't afraid.
"Rian, Nash," the man called out, his voice smooth and calm. "I didn't expect to find you here. It's been a while."
Rian and Nash stopped in their tracks, clearly recognizing him. "Alaric," Rian muttered under his breath. "What are you doing here?"
Alaric's smile was disarming, friendly, even, but Clay sensed something off about the situation. The way Rian tensed and Nash's eyes narrowed—it wasn't a warm reunion.
"I'm just passing through," Alaric said, his gaze now settling on Clay. "But it seems you've got someone new with you. I take it he's still adjusting to Eloria?"
Clay's instincts flared, but he forced himself to stay calm. "I'm Clay," he introduced himself, keeping a cautious distance. "And who exactly are you?"
"Alaric," the man replied, extending a hand with a friendly smile. "I've been in these lands for some time. If you're looking to get stronger, I can help you. There's a dungeon not far from here, one that's perfect for training. We've been using it for years."
A dungeon. Clay's mind whirled at the possibility. Dungeons were a common method of gaining experience in many worlds, a place to battle beasts and gather resources. But they were also treacherous—full of traps, powerful monsters, and often, hidden dangers.
"I can't promise safety," Alaric continued, "but if you want to learn quickly, this is the place. I'll guide you through."
Rian's expression darkened, but he remained silent, clearly uncertain about trusting this new face. Nash, on the other hand, just gave a grunt of acknowledgment. "It's your call," he said to Clay. "But don't get too comfortable with trusting strangers out here."
Clay weighed his options. He was still new to this world, still figuring out his powers and how to survive. The idea of training in a dungeon seemed like a valuable opportunity. But there was something about Alaric's smooth demeanor, the way he had appeared out of nowhere, that set off a warning in the back of Clay's mind.
But despite the warning, the opportunity was too tempting. And he didn't want to seem weak in front of the others.
"I'll go," Clay said, his voice steady. "Lead the way."
Alaric's smile widened. "Glad to hear it. Follow me."
The journey to the dungeon was surprisingly short. Alaric led them through dense underbrush, the forest slowly giving way to jagged rocks and craggy terrain. The entrance to the dungeon was hidden in a small cave, barely noticeable if you weren't looking for it. The air inside the cave was cool and damp, and the walls were covered in strange glowing symbols.
"This is it," Alaric said, his voice echoing in the still air. "I've used this place to train many people. It's perfect for someone looking to hone their skills."
The group entered the cave, and Clay's senses immediately went on high alert. The air felt thick, almost oppressive, and the faint sounds of distant growls and skittering echoes told him that there were dangers within. But this was a dungeon, after all. It was supposed to be dangerous.
They descended deeper into the cave, the tunnels winding and twisting. Alaric led the way, moving with ease through the darkened corridors. Rian and Nash followed, but Clay couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The deeper they went, the quieter it became. Even the usual sounds of the jungle seemed to fade away.
Finally, they arrived at a large, open chamber. The walls were lined with strange, glowing crystals, casting an eerie light across the room. In the center of the chamber was a stone pedestal with an ancient-looking tome resting on it.
"This is where you'll train," Alaric said, his tone far colder than before. "We'll start with something simple. You'll fight, you'll learn, and you'll get stronger."
Clay didn't need to be told twice. He stepped forward, feeling the rush of energy building within him as he activated his Appraiser skill, scanning the environment. His focus shifted to the tome on the pedestal—something about it felt... wrong.
Before he could say anything, the ground beneath their feet rumbled. Rian and Nash both tensed, their hands moving instinctively toward their weapons. But it was too late.
The walls of the chamber began to shift, and the once-stable ground cracked open. A trap.
"Get ready!" Rian shouted, but Clay was already moving, the realization dawning on him too late.
This wasn't a training ground. It was an ambush.