Chapter 29: CONFRONTATION AT THE RIFT
The mountain’s base stood shrouded in a veil of thick mist, the air tense with anticipation as the red beam of light pierced the heavens from the peak above. Ash, perched atop his steed, was a picture of cool confidence, his sharp eyes scanning the scene.
Beside him rode a burly man with graying hair and tired, bloodshot eyes — the Guild Master of the Melanos Branch, his face a mixture of weariness and unease.
For four days, the mercenaries had camped outside the dungeon, waiting for word from the Tethlan branch. Ash had dutifully sent his report, confirming that the rift was indeed a red dungeon, a rare and dangerous anomaly. His efficiency had earned him the role of leader for the expedition, and now, he was at the head of a party brimming with A-class adventurers, handpicked for this mission.
Red dungeons were a treasure trove of opportunity. The Empire and the main, Aegis of the Fates, branch often monopolized them, making this discovery a potential boon for the Tethlan branch. Ash’s gleaming eyes betrayed his ambition, though he wore the guise of a disciplined leader. To him, the risks were mere obstacles standing in the way of glory.
The Guild Master of Melanos grumbled, his patience wearing thin. "What are we waiting for, Ash? The rift isn’t going to conquer itself."
Ash held up a hand, his tone clipped but calm. "Patience, Guild Master. We don’t rush into the unknown without proper reconnaissance."
Moments later, a figure darted from the forest canopy, leaping gracefully from tree to tree before landing lightly beside Ash. It was one of the scouts, an expert in exploration, clad in muted leathers that allowed him to blend seamlessly with his surroundings.
"Report," Ash commanded.
The scout knelt briefly before speaking. "No sign of monster outbreaks near the rift, sir. I’ve also located the passage leading directly to it. It’s stable, for now."