TAK! TAK! TAKK!

The sound of hooves thundered across the dirt road as Ethan rode at full speed along with his guards trailing close behind. He had chosen not to take a carriage as it would only slow him down.

Four days of relentless riding had left dust clinging to his cloak and sweat darkening his shirt. At last, he reached the outskirts of the town.

He pulled on the reins and stopped. His sharp eyes scanned the desolate streets, the broken houses, and the eerie silence that hung in the air. A frown touched his lips.

Is it really worth it to fight for a dungeon this far out?

He dismounted, causing the boots crunching against the dirt as he walked a few steps forward. Just then, a familiar voice broke through the stillness.

"My Lord… you are here?"

Ethan turned, his gaze meeting Randall. The man looked weary and haggard, his steps hurried as he rushed forward.

"My Lord, you are finally here?" Randall's voice carried both relief and exhaustion.

"I came as soon as I got the letter," Ethan said firmly, his tone calm yet reassuring.

"That's great. I also hired adventurers as you ordered," Randall explained quickly. His words carried weight, his breath uneven from stress.

He went on to report. "There are still a few monsters scattered around. Just low-level goblins. Once we kill them, they don't spawn again. As for loot, it's barely worth much. Some F-rank scraps and a few jewels."

Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's okay if it doesn't yield much. Our goal was to show our might. This is just some extra bonus."

The words lifted Randall's heart, and the tightness in his chest eased. He nodded gratefully.

Soon, Randall led Ethan into a large tent. Inside, four figures waited. Two men and two women.

One of the women drew Ethan's attention immediately. She was tall and muscular, her clothes cut to show strong abs and a wide chest. The lion-like ears and the flick of her tail told him she belonged to the Lion tribe.

The four assessed him quietly, their gazes sharp and measuring. Ethan, in turn, studied each one with calm eyes.

After a pause, he broke the silence. "Hello. I am Ethan Blanks, the Baron of Blank City and your current employer."

A man with short red hair stepped forward, bowing politely. "Hello Sir. I am Joel, an early Advanced rank and captain of this team."

The archer followed, adjusting her quiver before dipping her head. "I am Haro."

A slim woman with faint markings on her hands stood next, her voice soft but steady. "I am Irida. Late-stage Intermediate rank magician."

The last was the strong beastly woman with a quiet face. She gave a short nod. "I am Ryu."

Ethan acknowledged each one with a nod and a small smile. "Good to meet you all."

He glanced at Randall. So far, they seem respectful.

' I had heard adventurers could be ill-mannered. Looks like Randall chose well… but at a cost.'

He knew it had taken nearly two thousand gold coins to hire them.

Taking a breath, Ethan turned back to the group. His tone was calm, but curious. "I am just curious and didn't mean any ill intent, so can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Joel replied with a smile.

Ethan looked at them closely. "Are you all couples?"

Their faces stiffened for a moment, so he added quickly, "I mean, it might be dangerous inside. If two people are in love, one might lose his composure."

That broke the tension. A faint smile touched their lips. Haro even let out a small laugh.

Ryu, who had been quiet till now, glanced at Ethan and thought, 'He's quite thoughtful for a noble.'

Joel shook his head. "No, we aren't. Being a couple is the easiest way to break a team. Since the beginning, we have made sure to keep boundaries."

"I see." Ethan nodded, satisfied.

He stepped forward and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. His eyes moved across the group, sharp and commanding. "Then let's talk about individual strength and roles before heading out."

The air inside the tent grew heavier. The adventurers straightened their backs and started to discuss the plans.

...…..

The dungeon was silent as the group descended. Their steps echoed faintly through the stone halls, carrying a weight of tension that none of them spoke of aloud.

The first layer stretched wide with rocky walls and broken ground, but no monsters lurked there.

Haro's bow stayed lowered at his side, though his eyes darted around, uneasy. The second layer was the same, an empty stretch of tunnels where only the dripping of water filled the silence. By the time they reached the third, the air felt heavy, as though the dungeon itself was holding its breath.

Randall stopped at a wall of stone and brushed away some loose gravel. Behind it, a hidden door came into view. He placed his hand against the rough surface and pushed it open.

"Uncle Randall, is this it?" Ethan asked, his voice calm but steady.

"Yes, my lord. This is the hidden passage." Randall's voice was low as he stepped aside.

"We found it when we came back from the boss room."

The door groaned open, revealing a spacious rocky corridor lit faintly by flames in the walls. Shadows stretched long, giving the place an unsettling air.

Irida stepped closer, her staff glowing faintly as she studied the passage. "Sir Baron, everyone thought that you made a lost deal as the entire dungeon looks empty, however this hidden boss room might make up for the losses."

Ethan gave a faint, weary smile. "Yes. Baron Fenwick must have farmed all the monsters."

Joel's eyes flickered toward Ethan, holding a steady look. "We were all surprised when we heard he lost. It was truly shocking. You hid your strength quite well for so long."

Ethan let out a soft laugh and lifted his hand, brushing the dust from his cloak. "It was all the blessings of my wife. She found me, trained me, and guided me through."

"The Baroness seems to be a kind woman," Irida said gently.

"Yes. She is," Ethan replied with quiet warmth.

Haro tilted his bow across his shoulder. "I've been here a few times, but I never passed the first layer. Baron Fenwick charged a heavy fee for entry."

"Not only that." Joel's calm eyes narrowed slightly. "Adventurers were only allowed up to the first and second floors."

Haro squinted at the empty halls and muttered, "Of all, I really—"

Clang!

An arrow whistled from the shadows. Haro froze in shock, but Ryu, quick as lightning, moved. Her clawed hand snatched the arrow midair. She crushed the shaft with her bare palm creating a loud snapping voice.

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