Chapter 60: Momentary Silence

"That... That must be the Ruin of Manifestation!" Artha exclaimed hurriedly.

Seeing the change in Artha's expression, Both Ragna and Dreg became very excited. They knew that they had found a great discovery this time.

"What kind of a place is it?" Dreg asked.

"It's... a place only told in ancient writing. We've been looking for it in this expedition and we need something from it," Artha also looked very excited, he continued, "The two of you have noticed us about the Red Demon's Invasion, repelled the Scouts and bought us some time, and now you even found the Ruin? A mere contribution point can't even express our gratitudes."

Ding!

Another Great Merit!

By telling the location of the Ruin of Manifestation, you've greatly helped Prince Artha in finding his objective!

You have gained 1000 Contribution Points.

Prince Artha's impression of you has increased greatly.

It will be much easier to conduct trades and businesses inside the Prawk City.

Both Ragna and Dreg knitted their brows slightly. It seemed like the rewards are just so-so compared to their prior achievements. But, before they could speak, Artha continued his speech.

"Unfortunately, because of the Red Demon's Invasion, we can't move that easily. Protecting this base is as important as finding the Ruin." Artha shook his head, a complicated expression was on his face.

Ragna sighed inwardly. If only he had told this matter right when he found it, the reward would definitely be much higher than what it was. Would it be better if he entered the ruin by himself?

No, that would be too dangerous at his current level. Before he gained all the rewards, he was just a level 20 Mage. It would be disastrous if it turned out that the Ruin was more difficult than the Ancient Blood Cave. There was a time limit in this realm after all.

He could only blame his own self for not having enough power. Well, Dreg also had his own part to blame, but after experiencing many battles with him, Ragna couldn't bring himself to hate him. Especially when he was his first 'comrade' aside from Lily and Silver.

Dreg also noticed Ragna's change in mood, he felt somewhat guilty but there was nothing that he could do.

Both of them left the tent, but there was something that they failed to notice. Prince Artha was deeply pondering on something while looking at their disappearing back.

...

Ding!

Red Demon's Invasion!

The Army has noticed a strange movement in the forest. It's already confirmed that the Red Demon has started their Invasion. Because of the level discrepancy between Players and Demons, The Army has issued an order to retreat and organize at the base. Players are allowed to return to the City but will be restricted from leaving the City perimeter to stand guard in case of the Demon's attack.

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The rewards from killing the Demons will be much higher than normal monsters.

This sudden notification immediately caught the player's attention. The discussions inside the community were intensifying.

"Damn it, I have just started hunting and suddenly they called me back!"

"Oh God, we're very lucky that we didn't encounter them. Even one Demon can annihilate our group!"

"Finally! I have been waiting for this. I've been envious of other city's Demon Invasion, now that it has arrived, I'll make sure to get the most contribution points!"

Some people were badly affected by this sudden event, but most players rejoiced inwardly. The faster the Demon started the Invasion, the more contribution points the player could get. It was currently on the third day and they still have about four days to fully use this opportunity.

It was a common knowledge that contribution points had a lot of use. Besides the reward that was promised to be given at the end of the expedition, players could also exchange them for items and favors from NPC and other players. Contribution points became a form of exchange that was even more popular than golds.

Currently, Ragna and Dreg could be considered as filthy rich after acquiring the contribution points from Artha.

"Hehehehe" Ragna was feeling ecstatic. He was a bit disappointed with the Ruin of Manifestation's reward, but nonetheless, he still acquired a lot. He felt that he shouldn't be too greedy in this aspect as it could backfire on him.

"That laughter really sounds creepy you know" Dreg rebuked from the side.

"Shut up, wipe that disgusting look on your face before talking to me" He pointed at Dreg who was fervently looking at his contribution point screen.

Both of them laughed. Indeed, this was a time of bliss one could only get after finally completing something important.

"So, what are you going to do? From the looks of it, the Demon won't start attacking until tomorrow" Dreg asked.

"I think I'll head back to the city. There's nothing I can do here because the army restricted us from wandering too far. I'll go see a friend of mine"

"Uh, okay then. I also need to resolve some business. Apparently, my friend whom you killed this morning requested something to me"

"You mean Crane? He's your friend?"

"Yeah, he's a friend from high school. We were close but he got held back a year because of his family's situation. I already warned him not to do anything rash but in the end, he provoked you. I was watching at that time and I think that it's not worth it to help him. He also needs to taste his own medicine... Ah, please don't hate him. He's not as bad as you think" Dreg explained.

"Well, I can't say anything about that. I have let go of that matter because of this," Ragna opened his inventory and grabbed the Staff that Crane dropped.

"Damn, he dropped THAT? Hahahaha he must be really mad now. Anyway, I'll do my best to mediate this matter. I don't like seeing a fight between my... friends" He had a slight pause before saying the last word. An awkward expression was on his face as he looked at Ragna's response.

Ragna only smiled in response. He quickly fiddled his system screen before sending something to Dreg.

It was a friend request.

...

"Silver, are you there?" Ragna called out Silver's name inside the Blacksmith Association. He had messaged her telling that he would be visiting earlier but she didn't respond.

Ragna walked inside the building, after receiving his Personal Brand, he could enter and leave as he wished. Inside the basement, there were many blacksmiths busily doing their work. Most of them were beginners but there was no lack of experts. Of course, Ragna didn't see anyone who was more skilled than Silver.

Clang! Clang!

Clang! Clang!

Ragna heard the crisp and beautiful sound of hammer clashing into metal from inside a room. This room was supposed to be Silver's but from its sound, the frequency between each hammer's hit was too fast. He opened the door slowly, afraid that he would disrupt anyone who was concentrating inside.

The door was already half opened, but the person inside didn't seem to notice. No, it wasn't just a person, there were two people inside.

Both of them were working together on the same metal. Ragna couldn't help but be astonished at the sight. Both of them were holding their own hammer and they were pounding the metal at the same spot in a harmony.

Every time a hammer was raised, the other would hit. The movements were fluid without a pause. Even when they changed the spot, they didn't talk to each other as if they had understood it. It shouldn't be too much to describe it as a perfectly synchronized dance.

From the looks of it, they were creating a sword.

Ragna could recognize one of them, it was his mentor, Silver. The other one was a man. His hair was short and neat. His toned body could be seen because of his shirtless appearance. The most prominent characteristic was his eyes that seemed to blaze with intensity.

It was the first time Ragna saw someone who was as skilled or maybe more skilled than Silver.