"Slash!" The sound of a sharp weapon cutting through echoed through the silent field.
"Thud, thud, thud."
"Gasp!"
The hurried footsteps of someone running for their life could be heard, followed by the low growls of beasts in pursuit.
"Plop, plop, plop."
Lowell fastened his pace, glancing back at the three carnivorous beasts chasing him.
Though he was already used to encountering dangerous creatures, he had never faced beasts with such intelligence.
These creatures were far too coordinated, using their grey fur and speed to attack him in the most unexpected ways.
They had tested him at first, observing his movements. And when they found his weakness, they exploited it.
Whenever Lowell sliced forward, his back remained vulnerable—his focus always on the enemy in front, never on his surroundings.
"Kyaa!" His desperate shout resounded as he scarred one of the wolves' faces with his blade.
"Krik, krik!"
With a feral snarl, the beast launched itself toward Lowell, its eyes burning with fury.
It had been a month since Lowell and Gabriel left the cave, their journey marked by countless steps and silent reflections.
They had traveled through dense forests, across rolling hills, and finally arrived at Eldoria, a bustling town known for its local guilds that managed dungeon explorations.
Eldoria was alive with activity.
Adventurers filled the streets, exchanging tales of their exploits and planning new quests.
The guild hall, a sturdy building of stone and wood, stood at the heart of the town, its doors adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles and mythical creatures.
Lowell and Gabriel entered the guild hall, greeted by the clamor of adventurers negotiating contracts and reporting their findings.
The guild master, a seasoned warrior with a grizzled beard and a stern expression, greeted them with a nod.
"Welcome, travelers. What brings you to our guil—?"
The guild master's words faltered as his gaze landed on Gabriel.
Though he was a hardened man, he could not help but be taken aback.
Such a handsome—no, rather beautiful—man existed?
Gabriel's pale skin, silver hair, and piercing eyes made him look almost ethereal, an existence that did not belong in the rough world of adventurers.
"We seek to enter the Whispering Caverns," Gabriel replied, his tone calm and measured. "We wish to test our skills and gather resources."
The guild master snapped out of his daze.
"Oh? Oh yes, yes." But then, realization struck him.
The Whispering Caverns were dangerous, home to formidable creatures.
"The fee is substantial, but the rewards are great," the guild master said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We do not just let anyone in—you must be an official member from the guild."
Gabriel's patience was wearing thin.
"And why is that?"
The guild master sighed internally, already annoyed.
He had met countless young men like this—arrogant, rich, and reckless, thinking their family names made them untouchable.
People like this always died quickly, believing themselves invincible.
Still, it was a pity. If Gabriel had been a commoner, the guild master would not have hesitated to make him his own son-in-law.
"Because if something were to happen, then the guild would be held responsible. So, it is a law that one must be a part of the guild under the rules, excluding the guild from any responsibility for one's actions," the guild master explained.
Gabriel remained unmoving, his expression unreadable.
Lowell, standing beside him, sensed the guild master's meaning and suggested they reconsider.
Gabriel, however, did not hesitate.
"We don't have enough money," he admitted. "We'll sign under the guild."
The guild master raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You wish to sign under our guild?"
"Yes," Gabriel said simply.
The guild master sighed, motioning for an attendant to bring the registration parchments.
"Very well. You will need to sign with your blood to confirm your membership."
Gabriel and Lowell stepped forward, pressing their fingers against the parchment as their blood marked the contract.
Then— The guild master froze. His eyes widened, his breath hitching slightly. The blood-infused parchment revealed their ranks.
C-Rank.
The guild master's jaw nearly dropped.
"You're both C-Rank?"
The surrounding adventurers, who had been half-paying attention, suddenly turned toward them. A murmur spread through the guild hall.
"C-Rank? And they want to sign under our guild?"
"That's unheard of. Why would someone that strong join a low-tier guild?" The guild master regained his composure, though his mind was still racing.
"Are you certain?" he asked carefully. "With your rank, you could join any of the elite guilds. Why choose ours?"
Gabriel's expression remained calm.
"We don't need prestige. We need access to dungeons."
The guild master studied him, then nodded slowly.
"Yes of course. of course. You are now officially members of Eldoria's guild."
The attendants, though still stunned, quickly handed them their guild badges. Gabriel took his without hesitation.
"Now, about the Whispering Caverns," the guild master continued, clearing his throat. "Since you are official members, you may enter. But be warned—it is not a place for the weak."
Gabriel's fingers tightened around the badge, his gaze unwavering.
"Mercenary 101."
"We'll manage."
The guild master sighed, then motioned for an attendant. "Take them to the dungeon portal."
Gabriel and Lowell followed them through a secluded area, reaching a garden.
At its center lay a pond, but its surface fluctuated unnaturally, indicating it was a portal. The servant nodded to the others.
"Young Masters, it is here that we must part. May fortune favor you."
Gabriel stared at the portal. Before entering, the notebook appeared, its pages shifting. A mission had been written.
Objective: Enter a dungeon and clear it.
Deadline: 7 days.
Gabriel's fingers tightened around the necklace.
This was not just a test—it was a command. If he failed, the consequences would be severe. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, crossing into the unknown.