After receiving his Ruin Explorer License, Marcus Graveblood made his way to the reception desk with a spring in his step. The front lobby of the United Shield Authority branch buzzed with activity, but one familiar figure stood calm amidst the chaos—Elira, the poised and professional receptionist with sharp green eyes and chestnut hair tied into a braid.
"Elira," Marcus called out cheerfully as he approached. "Got my license. Any ruins nearby I can explore for my first job?"
Elira looked up, raising a brow. "Already ready to throw yourself into danger, are we?"
Marcus chuckled. "Wouldn't be much of an adventure otherwise."
She typed rapidly into her console, then turned the screen slightly toward Marcus. "There's one. Just outside the city in the Nareth Forest. It popped up two days ago, registering minimal Prana readings. We don't have much intel on it, which is... odd."
"Sounds perfect," Marcus said, already excited. "Send me the coordinates."
The trip to the ruin site took less than an hour by city bus. The bustling roads slowly gave way to the dense, ancient trees of the Nareth Forest. Eventually, the vehicle halted at a cracked stone path leading deeper into the woods.
Marcus stepped out and breathed in the damp, earthy air. He followed the path until the trees thinned and revealed an enormous stone gate half-buried in vines and moss. Its surface was engraved with glyphs worn by time.
"So this is it..." Marcus whispered.
He examined the gate and adjusted his sword belt. He was about to step forward when a crunch of leaves behind him made him pause.
Five figures emerged from the treeline—gruff, armed, and already eyeing him.
The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "Well, what do we have here? A lone adventurer?"
Marcus turned slowly, expression neutral. "Just exploring. You all from the same guild?"
"We're the Iron Fang Syndicate," Scar-face said. "Name's Vark. These are my boys."
Each man gave a short nod. All wore rough gear, carrying blades and basic armor.
Marcus noted their gear and posture.
'Not amateurs. But not disciplined either. Opportunists.'
"Heading in too?" he asked.
"Yeah," Vark said. "Say... you alone?"
"For now. First ruin. Figured I'd learn the ropes."
Vark smiled wide. "Then how 'bout we team up? Safety in numbers."
Marcus hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Lead the way."
Once inside, the jungle behind them vanished. The air cooled, and the terrain shifted to a damp, echoing cavern. The walls shimmered with faint bioluminescent moss.
Marcus immediately activated his Prana Sense. His surroundings came alive in his mind, forming a 3D mental image.
'I can see everything... footsteps, airflow, movement. Thanks, Mom.'
As the group advanced, growls echoed ahead. Five goblin-like creatures emerged, sharp claws raised.
Vark and his gang smirked.
"Let's see what the newbie can do," one of them muttered.
They stepped aside—deliberately letting the creatures charge at Marcus.
Marcus sighed. 'Really?'
He drew his blade.
The first goblin leapt. A clean slash sent it sprawling. The second lunged; Marcus ducked and slashed upward, sending it into the ceiling. Within seconds, all five lay defeated.
He didn't use any Prana—just pure swordsmanship.
"Damn..." one of the men muttered.
Marcus turned his head, sensing a spike of intent. A stone bullet whizzed toward him. Without even glancing, he tilted slightly, letting it zip past.
He turned slowly, face cold. "Was that your best shot?"
The attackers readied more Prana attacks. Fireballs, water spheres, stone bullets. Two closed in with enhanced melee strikes.
Marcus scoffed. 'Amateurs.'
In the narrow space, he activated Dragon Draw—a high-speed blade draw technique that carved arcs of burning precision through the tunnel.
With calculated movements, he dodged, parried, and disarmed each attacker, knocking them unconscious with the flat of his blade or a blow to pressure points.
They collapsed in groaning heaps.
He exhaled slowly. 'Didn't kill them. Good. I'll need to report this.'
Marcus searched their pockets, found their licenses, and tucked them away. Then he turned deeper into the cave.
The ruin stretched further in. More goblins appeared, but none were a threat. Traps lined the halls—simple tripwires, pitfalls, and arrow traps.
His Prana Sense saw them all.
Eventually, he arrived before a large door carved with glyphs. He placed a hand on it.
An arrow whizzed past him.
Marcus deflected it with a flick of his sword, spinning around.
A young man in a hunter's outfit stood there, bow raised, hazel eyes fierce. His coat was dark green, hood drawn back to reveal shoulder-length blonde hair.
"You! Stop right there! I'll defeat you, villain!"
Marcus blinked. "What?"
The man loosed another arrow.
Marcus deflected it again. "Hey—maybe talk first?"
"You left five men unconscious at the entrance! I saw their bodies! What else am I supposed to think?!"
Marcus dodged more arrows as the volley increased. The archer's Prana infused the projectiles, making them faster and sharper.
Just then, the boss room exploded open. A Hobgoblin twice the size of a man charged out, roaring.
Marcus prepared to defend—but more arrows came from behind.
'This guy is relentless!'
He activated Body Enhancement and slid under the charging hobgoblin, narrowly avoiding a crushing blow.
As he rose, a second hobgoblin appeared, swinging its blade. Marcus moved—but a stone-tipped arrow struck the hobgoblin's sword, knocking it aside.
He glanced back. The hunter had saved him.
'Alright... maybe he's not a total idiot.'
They moved in sync. Marcus engaged one hobgoblin, while the hunter rained arrows on the other. Within minutes, both beasts were down—one by sword, the other a pincushion of arrows.
Marcus sheathed his sword and turned. "You gonna explain that ambush now?"
The archer lowered his bow, face flushed. "I... I thought you killed them. They were unconscious, and you were alone... it looked bad."
"They tried to rob me. I spared them. Took their licenses to report them."
The man hesitated, then nodded. "You could've killed them if you wanted. Sorry. I overreacted."
Marcus smiled. "Misunderstandings happen. What's your name?"
"Kael Thornhart. I'm a freelance hunter."
"Marcus Graveblood. Explorer."
They entered the boss room, where piles of gold glittered in soft torchlight. Among the loot was a scroll and a beautiful longbow.
Marcus walked to the scroll. Kael picked up the bow, his hands trembling.
"This... this bow is made of spiritwood. Rare stuff."
Marcus glanced at him. "Take it. You helped fight the boss. You deserve it."
Kael frowned. "But you cleared the ruin. It should be yours."
Marcus shrugged. "Then take half the gold too."
Kael's eyes widened. "You're serious?"
"Of course."
They shared a laugh. Marcus activated the scroll. Light enveloped his suit.
"Self-cleaning and auto-repair enchantments?" Kael asked.
"Yup. This suit's from my mom. Not trading it for anything."
They packed the gold, dragged the unconscious attackers back to the entrance, and called the USA Enforcers.
After giving their statements, the enforcers hauled the criminals away.
The sun was setting. The forest lit with golden light.
Kael held out a hand. "Friends?"
Marcus clasped it. "Friends."
They blinked.
They both laughed and began walking back toward the city, a new friendship born in steel and fire.
Back in the city, they made their way to the USA center and sold the gold. With their earnings split evenly, both were pleasantly surprised at the generous payout.
Afterward, Kael led Marcus to a small but cozy dinner tavern near the inn Marcus was staying at. They found a corner booth and ordered a hot meal—grilled venison, spiced rice, and a bottle of local fruit wine.
As they ate, they talked about their backgrounds, favorite weapons, and techniques.
"You've got good instincts," Kael noted between bites. "We moved well together back there."
Marcus nodded. "Same to you. Honestly, haven't fought that smoothly with someone in a long time."
A brief pause passed before Kael asked, "What do you say we team up? Explore ruins together as a party?"
Marcus smiled. "Was just thinking the same thing."
They clinked their glasses in agreement.
And so, a new duo was formed—two skilled adventurers ready to face the unknown together.