As they finished loading the heavy gold bars into the back of their SUV, Marcus and Kael climbed into their seats. The soft creak of the vehicle's suspension under the weight was the only sound for a moment, until Kael started the engine and began the drive toward the next city. The sun was setting behind them, casting golden hues over the hills they had left behind.
"That ruin was a whole different beast," Kael said as he adjusted the rearview mirror. "Those monsters weren't just stronger—they were coordinated. If Tier 1 is like that, I don't even want to think about Tier 2 or above."
Marcus leaned back in his seat, his arms folded behind his head. "Yeah, we handled it, but just barely. I think you're right—we might need more training. Maybe even another partner."
Kael gave him a quick glance. "Yeah. But we've gotta be careful who we bring in. One wrong pick and it could get us killed."
Marcus nodded thoughtfully. "No freeloaders. No glory seekers. Someone reliable. Someone we can trust."
The rest of the ride passed with the occasional hum of tires against the road and the distant sounds of wildlife. Eventually, the glowing silhouette of the city came into view.
The city gates were tall and reinforced with metal plates etched with Prana seals. Guards in gray-and-white United Shield Authority armor stood watch.
"Halt. ID and license, please," one of the guards said professionally.
Marcus and Kael handed over their explorer licenses. After a brief inspection, the guards stepped aside.
"Welcome to Zareth City. Enjoy your stay."
Once inside, they headed straight for the local USA branch—a sleek, glass-paneled building marked with the familiar crest of a sword and shield over a globe. Inside, a friendly male receptionist with a tidy uniform and a disarming smile greeted them.
"Welcome, explorers! What can I help you with today?"
"We've just cleared a Tier 1 ruin outside the city," Kael said. "We need to register the details and convert some loot."
"Of course! Right this way."
He guided them through the process efficiently, helping them upload details of the ruin, combat data, and environmental scans. Then, with a few taps, the gold bars were evaluated and converted into digital credits.
"Impressive haul," the receptionist noted, handing over their digital balances. "You're building quite the profile."
Marcus leaned on the counter. "Quick question. Do you know anything about a group called the Lion Head Group?"
The receptionist's eyes lit up. "Oh, absolutely. They're a prestigious organization. They manufacture top-grade gear for both explorers and USA enforcers. Elite armor, weaponry, even high-end Prana artifacts. Their elite explorers are practically legends."
Kael frowned slightly. "Then why was one of their VIPs ambushed on the road like that?"
The receptionist shook his head. "Hard to say. Maybe she was traveling incognito? Still, odd for someone of that status to go unguarded."
Marcus and Kael exchanged a glance. Questions for later.
Hunger made its presence known with a loud grumble from Marcus's stomach.
"Let's grab a bite and call it a day," he said.
They found a cozy inn with warm lighting, an old stone fireplace, and a quiet dining hall. After checking in and getting two adjacent rooms, they settled down at a table near the window.
Dinner was simple—grilled meat skewers, seasoned rice, and vegetable stew—but hearty and satisfying.
"So," Kael asked as he sipped his drink, "what's next?"
Marcus leaned forward. "I want to train the breathing technique I just picked up. It's hard to maintain it mid-fight, but I can feel the difference when I get it right."
Kael nodded. "Good call. I'll hit the market in the morning—look for info on the next ruin and grab supplies. We need better arrows, food, and maybe a few new tools."
Marcus smiled. "Thanks, Kael. Really."
Kael shrugged. "You'd do the same."
The bond between them had strengthened, not just from shared danger but from mutual trust. They knew each other's rhythms now. They weren't just teammates—they were brothers-in-arms.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast of flatbread, cheese, and eggs, they split up.
Marcus headed to a private training ground outside the city. He focused on breathing, rhythm, and balance. Sweat poured down his back as he practiced strikes, movements, and breathing in unison—again and again until his body ached.
Meanwhile, we follow Kael through the city. He returned to the USA branch and asked for ruin updates.
"There are a few Tier 1 ruins within a day's journey," the clerk said, showing him a map. "Most of the higher-level ones are deeper in the frontier. You'll need to pass through several towns to reach them."
Kael took the coordinates of the closest Tier 1 ruin, thanked the clerk, and went to the bustling market.
He browsed through weapon shops, examining arrowheads made of obsidian and reinforced steel. After purchasing a set of high-quality arrows and travel rations, he also picked up a few enchanted flares and utility tools.
By midday, Kael returned to the training ground.
Marcus was sitting on a stone bench, devouring food like a starving beast. His clothes were dusty, and his face gleamed with sweat, but his eyes were sharp and focused.
"You look like you fought a sandstorm," Kael teased.
Marcus waved him over with a grin. "Come eat. I got extra."
Kael shook his head, chuckling, and sat beside him.
"How'd training go?"
Marcus wiped his mouth. "I've mastered the first stage. I can keep the breathing technique up while moving and even while fighting, at least for short bursts."
Kael blinked. "You learned it that fast? Marcus, that's... impressive."
Marcus rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess all that training on Brown Island paid off. My mom, the elders, even the fishermen—everyone taught me something."
Kael smiled. "You're a monster."
"Takes one to know one," Marcus smirked.
They laughed, the mood light.
"Found a ruin for us," Kael said, showing him the map. "We hit it early tomorrow. Should be quick. And we'll be back before nightfall."
"Why the rush?"
"There's a festival here tonight."
Marcus's eyes lit up. "Festival? Oh, I'm not missing that."
Elsewhere in Zareth City…
In the dim backroom of an abandoned tavern, a group of cloaked figures gathered around a cracked wooden table. Candles flickered, casting their faces in eerie shadows.
"The mayor's prized Prana Orb will be displayed during the festival," said the man at the head of the table. His voice was gravelly, seasoned with command. "We strike during the fireworks."
"What about the guards? The USA presence is heavy," another asked.
"That's why we cause chaos. Fires. Illusions. Panic. When everyone's running, we take the orb and vanish."
A third figure, wearing a bone mask, leaned forward. "And if we encounter resistance?"
"Eliminate them. Quietly, if possible. Brutally, if necessary."
They all nodded.
The man smiled. "Let the people dance and laugh tonight. It'll be the last joy they remember."
Back in the training ground, Marcus and Kael watched the sunset paint the sky in orange and crimson.
Tomorrow, they'd raid another ruin.
And tomorrow night, the city would burn—or be saved.
The road ahead was far from quiet.
Adventure continued.