I found myself standing in front of the request boards, wanting something nice and interesting to be my first request. As I browsed through the numerous requests, I mumbled to myself "Gathering herbs… too lame." "...This one doesn't pay enough." "Extermination, I'm not a fan." Ugh, why is it so hard to find a good one?

Just then, I overheard two nearby adventurers talking about a request that involved protecting archaeologists as they explored some ancient ruins, with the possibility of maybe keeping some treasures. They lamented that they were too low in rank to take on the job. With my interest piqued, I decided to check out the request for myself.

'Protection for Archaeological Expedition - Rank: Gold'

The description detailed the need for six or more skilled adventurers to protect archaeologists during their exploration of some newly discovered ancient ruins. The job would last approximately two weeks, and the adventurers would be paid two true silver coins each. The request also listed several requirements and preferred skills, which I skimmed through quickly.

I think I met them.

Most importantly though, this was like the perfect first request! It sounded interesting, the pay’s great, and there would be other adventurers around in case I screw something up. Feeling excited, I signed up for the request and was told to come back tomorrow for a briefing session with the employers and other adventurers who registered. The actual expedition would begin in three days.

The next day, I gathered with the other adventurers for the pre-departure briefing. In total, four adventurers, including me, had signed up. The team consisted of a youthful looking female elf who specialized in dual-wielding short swords and archery, a standard human swordsman who looks to be in his 20s, and another middle aged human with a massive frame and two giant axes strapped on his back. The two archaeologists who had posted the request were also present.

During the meeting, we briefly introduced ourselves before the archaeologists shared the plan for the expedition, including what each member would need to bring and what their roles would be. Food, water, and transportation were handled by the archaeologists, everything else was up to us. The archaeologists explained that they were in a rush to explore the ruins, which was why we were setting off so soon even though they originally wanted six adventurers.

Towards the end, Finn, the swordsman, glanced at my clothing and commented that I needed something more appropriate for the ruins. I looked at my clothes but felt they were fine for a magician like me. Sure, they looked somewhat lacking compared to the others all decked out in leather with occasional metal plating and sturdy boots, but I was a magician in the backlines, so it should be good. I could move around just fine, and it wasn’t like I was going to get up close and personal against any opponents with the other adventurers here.

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Besides, I didn't have the funds to purchase new gear so this was the best I’ve got.

On the day of departure, we gathered at the meeting point outside the Adventurer's Guild, ready to set off on our journey to the ancient ruins. Everyone was in high spirits after seeing the caravans and horses we’d be riding in. Though half of it was filled with travel supplies and other tools, there was still enough space for us to not need to walk.

We took turns keeping watch during the night.

Elara, the elf ranger, occasionally guided us on shortcuts through the forest, saving us a lot of time and making the employers overjoyed. The four of us took turns keeping watch during the night, ensuring that we were always alert and prepared for any unexpected dangers, not that there were any.

The journey was relatively peaceful, with everyone mostly using this time to bond and ask more about the ruins. Though the archaeologists weren't exactly sure what it was yet, they hypothesized it to be some forgotten front-line fort from back when Gods roamed the world.

Throughout the journey, I took the opportunity to collect pebbles, filling my empty coin pouch with them.

…

"I see it! The purple tree!" I shouted while flying slightly ahead of the group, looking for signs of the ruins.

"That's it!" one of the archaeologists confirmed. "That's where the ruins are! Let's go quickly so we can do some exploration done before sunset."

After three days of travel, our group finally arrived at the site of the ancient ruins. From some makeshift camp, It was clear that another group had already arrived before us. Not willing to fall too far behind and eager to begin the exploration, we hastily set up a base camp and doubled checked our equipment again before descending into the ruins.

As we entered the ruins, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension. The sun was already setting, and we wanted to make the most of our time by doing some initial exploration. The deeper we ventured, the colder the air became and an eerie atmosphere began to envelop us.

I raised my wand and cast a simple light spell to illuminate our surroundings, saving us the trouble of using torches. The dimly lit corridors and rooms seemed to stretch on endlessly, and the faint echo of our footsteps filled the silence.

As we descended further, I unconsciously mumbled "It's strange that this fort is completely built underground."

Finn, overhearing my comment, replied "It could be to counter bombardment-type magic. I heard magic was crazier back then."

“Bombardment magic?" I asked.

“Yeah, like the ‘BAM BWOOSH BOOM’ kind that could level entire cities you know.” Finn explained while making grand gestures and sound effects.

We continued to explore the ruins, finding mundane things like old weapon racks, partially collapsed walls, and empty storage rooms. Everything showed signs of age and disuse, but nothing seemed particularly unusual. Our team occasionally made remarks about the state of the rooms or commented on the age of the artifacts.

As we ventured further, we noticed signs that others had already explored the area: broken locks, disturbed dust, and footprints in the dirt. The archaeologists cursed under their breath, speculating that there really was a rival team or treasure hunters ahead of us. One of them angrily kicked a broken lock, sending it clattering down the hallway.