'Slash!' The sound of a sharp weapon cutting through echoed through the plain silent field.
'Thud, thud, thud.' "Gasp!" The sound of someone hurriedly running away from something could be heard.
'Plop, plop, plop' Lowell fastened his pace as he looked back at the three carnivorous beasts following him.
Though he was already used to encountering beasts as dangerous as these, he had never met beasts with such an intellectual understanding of each other.
These beasts were very smart, using their grey fur and speed to attack him in the most unexpected ways.
They had tested him at first and when they found out his weakness they would attack it. When Lowell sliced forward his would leave his back vulnerable.
He would only put his focus and attention to the front, not paying attention to his surroundings.
"Kyaa!" His desperate shout resounded as he sliced a wolves face scarring it.
"Krik, krik!" With a feral snarl it launched itself towards Lowell.
....
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."
Gabriel's patience was wearing thin. "How much?"
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.
"That will be 500 talons," the guild master said, purposely raising the price to test Gabriel's reaction.
He expected hesitation, maybe frustration. Young masters always flinched at spending money like this.
But Gabriel's face remained unmoving.
Lowell, standing beside him, suggested they reconsider, sensing the guild master's intentional price hike.
Gabriel, however, did not hesitate.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a silver coin, and placed it on the counter.
"Is this enough?"
The guild master froze. Lowell's eyes widened.
It wasn't just that Gabriel had unhesitantly placed the coin down—it was what that coin represented.
A royal crest gleamed on its surface. This was not ordinary currency.
This coin could only be obtained and owned by the highest of royals—the lowest rank being a duke.
The guild master's jaw dropped.
Quickly regaining his composure, he straightened his posture, realizing exactly who stood before him.
This young man was not just a rich noble—he was actual royalty.
The guild master immediately bowed, his tone shifting. "Young Master, this is far too much—"
Gabriel cut him off, his voice sharp. "Keep the change. I do not want to waste my time with this."
A clear command—a reminder of his status.
The guild master bowed deeply, calling his attendants.
"Make sure you treat this young master with respect. Tend to all his needs to the best of your abilities."
The attendants, though surprised, quickly understood that this was someone of immense status.
They hurried to the waiting room, eager to see the outstanding figure their guild master was so desperate to please.
But when they reached the second floor and saw Gabriel, they froze mid-step.
They could not comprehend how such a beautiful being could exist.
Everything about him was flawless—his pale skin, silver hair, and bright eyes.
But before they could stare too long, Lowell's annoyed expression made it clear: leave.
One of the servants quickly bowed. "Young Master, it is very late. Please follow us so we may serve you and ensure you have a comfortable rest."
Lowell stepped forward, irritation flaring. "No need. Just take us to the dungeon."
The servant hesitated, then reached out, attempting to gently guide Gabriel by the arm.
Lowell's eyes darkened.
Sensing immediate danger, the servant backed away, bowing deeply.
"Yes, Young Master. This servant shall take you there right away."
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 new mission had been written.
Objective: Enter a dungeon and clear it.
Deadline: 7 days.
Gabriel's fingers tightened around the book. 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.