The morning sun rose in the east, painting the sky gold as the city slowly came to life. The sound of wagon wheels echoed over cobblestone streets, mingling with the chatter of merchants opening their stalls. Rian woke up feeling unusually excited. Today marked his first official mission as an adventurer. Though he had only been assigned to logistics, a role most people considered dull, he was still eager. It was his first real step into this new life of adventure.
Stepping out of his room, Rian saw Catty already busy in the small kitchen, preparing breakfast. On the simple wooden table, a few basic dishes were neatly arranged. Steaming boiled tubers and potatoes were sprinkled with coarse salt, accompanied by a few slices of pan-fried meat—simple but surprisingly appetizing.
"Morning, Catty. You're up early and cooking?" Rian greeted, walking to the washbasin in the corner to splash his face with refreshing cold water.
"Yes. I wanted to make breakfast and lunch for us to bring on the mission," Catty replied, glancing back over her shoulder. "But... I can only make simple things like this." She gestured toward the food she had prepared.
"So, this is all you can cook?" Rian tilted his head, his tone teasing.
"Yes," Catty admitted quietly. "When I was still an animal, I never cooked at all. I just copied what Fredd did yesterday. I can't make anything else." Her cat ears drooped slightly, showing her embarrassment.
Rian smiled warmly. "It's fine. Whatever you cook, I'll like it. This is more than enough."
"Really? Thank you," Catty said, her expression brightening at the simple compliment.
"I'll teach you to make better food later, okay?" Rian added. "Like that roasted boar stew or grilled skewers we saw yesterday."
Catty's eyes sparkled. "Promise?" Her tail swayed gently behind her.
"Yeah, I promise," Rian chuckled.
"Yay! Thanks, Rian!" she cheered, her joy bubbling over.
After finishing breakfast, the two got ready. Fredd had already left earlier that morning for his own mission with a temporary party. Rian and Catty locked up the house and made their way to the designated meeting point.
When they arrived at a small park near the northern gate, they saw Rinrin sitting alone on a bench. The other three members, including Saga, were not there yet.
"Yo, Rinrin. You're early. Been waiting long?" Rian asked casually.
Rinrin looked up, startled, then smiled faintly. "No, I just got here. But honestly, I'm nervous about this mission." Worry clouded her expression.
"Don't worry. I'm sure Saga can handle it. He looks strong enough," Rian said, trying to ease her nerves.
"I know, but... from the description we discussed yesterday, the monster sounds really dangerous," Rinrin replied, gripping the end of her staff unconsciously.
"I'll draw its attention away if it comes near you. I promise," Catty added confidently, her tone brimming with assurance.
"Ah... thank you, both of you. You seem like good people," Rinrin said softly, feeling calmer.
Not long after, Berlin and Gustin arrived together, walking at a relaxed pace. "Where's Saga? Still not here?" Berlin asked in his usual flat tone.
"Yeah. As usual, he's always late," Rinrin sighed, clearly used to it.
A few minutes later, Saga finally showed up, walking with his typical arrogance as if being late didn't matter. "Everyone's here? Good. Let's finish this quickly," he said curtly, wasting no time.
"Hand over everything you're carrying to Rian. Let him be useful to the party," Saga ordered, tossing his leather backpack to Rian without hesitation. The others followed suit.
"Alright, put them in here," Rian said patiently, opening his Storage portal. One by one, the bags and spare supplies vanished into the dark void.
With everything packed, they set off toward the forest. After passing through the main gate, they walked past the fertile farmlands until the path turned soft and damp under the shade of towering trees. Before long, they reached the edge of the Kuningan Wild Forest.
A cold, earthy breeze greeted Rian, carrying the familiar scent of wet soil and decaying leaves. It made him strangely nostalgic like returning home after years away.
Following the map from the mission scroll, they walked for nearly an hour until they reached the designated location. Everyone crouched behind thick bushes, peering at a large stone cliff ahead. At its base yawned a dark cave mouth.
"It's likely nesting inside that cave," Saga whispered, narrowing his eyes.
Rian closed his eyes briefly, focusing his mana. He spread it outward in a transparent dome that scanned the surroundings. In his mind's eye, he sensed a massive, sluggish life force deep within the cave. Saga's hunch was correct and Rian's suspicion that it was a Troll was right as well.
Catty, just as I thought it's a Troll. It's inside the cave, sleeping, Rian communicated telepathically.
Yes, Rian. I can smell it from here too, Catty replied.
Tell Saga you can smell it and offer to scout. But be careful. If you sense any danger, retreat immediately. Your speed is your advantage I trust you, Rian instructed. This was Catty's chance to prove her worth as a scout, just as Saga had wanted.
Understood, Rian, Catty responded with a small nod.
Creeping toward Saga, she whispered, "Captain, I smell a strong monster scent inside the cave. Just as you suspected, it's definitely there."
"Good. Then we'll go straight in and kill it," Saga said impatiently.
"Wait," Catty interrupted. "Let me scout first. I can move quietly and fast, they won't notice me. Give me a moment."
Saga eyed her briefly, then nodded. "Fine. Be careful."
In an instant, Catty's figure vanished into the shadows, gliding silently toward the cave.
Inside, she saw what she expected: one massive Troll, snoring loudly, its chest rising and falling with deep breaths. She scanned the area no other monsters. Confirming it was alone, she swiftly returned to report.
"Yes, it's a Troll. It's asleep. I saw it clearly only one inside," Catty said firmly.
"Well done. Alright, everyone, let's move!" Saga ordered, leading the charge.
They entered the dim cave. The Troll was still asleep. Without hesitation, Gustin lunged forward, swinging his massive sword at its neck. At the same time, Catty darted from the side, striking at the tendons behind its knee.
"GRAAARRRGHHH!"
The Troll's roar thundered through the cave as it jolted awake, its blood-red eyes blazing with fury. It swung its massive arm toward Catty and Gustin with terrifying force.
But before the blow could land, its motion slowed unnaturally. Gustin's first strike had triggered his unique skill, momentarily reducing the creature's speed. Both Catty and Gustin dodged gracefully, leaping back to safety.
In that instant, Saga stepped forward. "HEY, UGLY! OVER HERE!" he bellowed, activating his unique skill Provoking Roar. Instantly, the Troll's eyes locked on him, ignoring everyone else.
The battle had begun.