The lone carriage rumbled through one of the underground tunnels leading outside the city, its wheels echoing against the rough-hewn walls. These tunnels were a necessity, providing a hidden passage for travelers to evade potential dangers that awaited beyond the city's main gate. Other races and lurking monsters often lay in wait, eager to prey on unsuspecting humans as they ventured into the wilderness.
These subterranean pathways were heavily guarded and laden with traps, their entrances strategically placed to ensure the safety of those within the city. Moreover, they were intricately connected to the barrier, a transparent yet formidable wall that shielded the city from outside threats, both mundane and magical.
Zolma settled back against the hard wooden seat, the rhythmic vibrations of the carriage reverberating through his bones. Flickering torches lined the tunnel walls, casting elongated shadows that danced with every bump in the road.
Through the small window, Zolma could only glimpse the blur of tunnel walls rushing past. The journey felt endless, each passing moment exacerbating his sense of unease.
After what felt like an eternity, the carriage approached the first gate, directly linked to the city's impenetrable barrier. The transparent barrier distorted the view beyond, creating the illusion of a world seen through rippling water.
Two guards, clad in black armor and wielding giant spears made from black iron, stood sentinel by the gate. Magical formations flanked the gate on each side, poised to open it upon command.
As the carriage drew near, the guards sprang into action. They placed their hands on the respective formations and began murmuring spells. The portion of the barrier connected to the inner side of the gate vanished momentarily, allowing the carriage to pass before reappearing.
Beyond the first gate, the tunnel took on the appearance of a natural cavern, rather than a man-made passage. The carriage continued its journey for another hour until it reached a dead end. Here, four guards, dressed identically to the others, stood watch.
The carriage came to a halt about a meter away from them, and the occupants were ordered to disembark. One of the guards cast a spell, revealing the dead end's true nature as a giant gate.
Approaching the gate, another guard placed his hand upon it, causing it to creak slowly open just enough for the group of 200 to exit. Though more than 10 thousand residents received the notice, they would depart through separate gateways to avoid attracting undue attention.
As the gate swung open, a rush of fresh air flooded the tunnel, shocking the group's senses with the unfamiliar sensation and the sight of the forest beyond.
While the group stood in awe, the guards seized the opportunity to encircle them, brandishing their spears and urging them to depart.
"Leave quickly; we must close the gate," the lead guard commanded with an intimidating tone.
While some hesitated and others begged for mercy, Zolma turned away from the group, striding purposefully toward the looming darkness of the forest. A sense of urgency gripped him as he sought to put distance between himself and the vulnerable throng.
A big group might offer safety in numbers against low-ranked monsters, but Zolma knew all too well that it also attracted the attention of far more dangerous predators. His mother's teachings echoed in his mind, urging caution in the face of the unknown.
As the gate sealed shut behind him with a final thud, he paid little heed to the chaos erupting in its wake. Instead, his focus was drawn to the rapid footsteps echoing behind him, accompanied by a desperate voice calling out for his attention.
"Heeeey! Wait! Just a moment!"
With a muttered curse, Zolma spun around to find a girl, slightly older than himself, racing to catch up. Recognition flickered briefly as he recalled her presence in the guard office waiting room.
"You're making too much noise," he admonished coldly. "It will attract monsters."
The girl's pout did little to sway his resolve as she attempted to engage him in conversation.
"Sorry, I had no clue. I just wanted to ask why you're leaving the group alone."
"It's none of your business," Zolma retorted sharply, turning away once more and plunging into the dense foliage of the forest.
"my name is Alya what about you"Undeterred, the girl introduced herself
but Zolma remained silent, pressing on deeper into the shadowy realm. Giant trees loomed over his head, their gnarled branches casting sinister silhouettes against the darkened sky.
Though the air was fresh, it carried an unsettling chill, punctuated only by the rustle of leaves and Alya's persistent whispers.
Even on the forest's edge, danger lurked in every shadow, and Zolma remained on high alert, wary of the lurking threats concealed within the darkness.
"Hey! Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Alya's whispered words persisted, a stark contrast to the looming dangers that lay ahead.
Zolma, maintaining his focus on the forest's shadows, stiffened as pain shot through his lower back and a hand seized him by the shoulder. Suppressing a cry, he turned, catching sight of Alya's twisted grin.
"I couldn't help but notice that you used a skill back in the waiting room from a corner when I was coming into the room. You awakened, didn't you?" Her smile widened with each word, sending a chill down Zolma's spine.
Fury surged within him, directed at both Alya and his own lapse in caution. He cursed himself for not concealing his awakening better. If he died now, Alya could claim his low-rank mana core, or even a skill or item if luck favored her. All awakened creatures dropped something, even humans.
Alya withdrew the knife from his lower back, brandishing it menacingly aiming at his neck.