The rhythmic thrum of the helicopter's rotors filled the cabin, cutting through the tense silence that hung over its passengers. Eleven individuals, some of them sat strapped into their seats, some standing, their expressions a mix of focus and anticipation.

Among them were Julio and Nicholas, both deep in thought as the aircraft sliced through the clouds.

Their destination was an unassuming patch of wilderness, a location marked for the appearance of a special dungeon. While they weren't aware of it, someone else was already waiting there.

The team wasn't heading to just any dungeon but to conduct a Trail Run, a series of tests devised to select the elite who would participate in the most prestigious and dangerous dungeon clearing missions: Bright Dungeons.

These dungeons, overflowing with treasures and game changing opportunities, were coveted worldwide. However, their unpredictable nature made them exceptionally lethal.

The Trail Runs were born from necessity. Rising tensions between the three continent had pushed their governments to seek a way to foster cooperation.

The plan was simple but bold; assemble mixed teams from all three continents to tackle Bright Dungeons together, showcasing unity and shared strength.

But entry into these high stakes missions wasn't handed out freely, after all they only had a few consumable items to force open a bright dungeon.

Thus each continent tested its most promising candidates through grueling trials. Only the winners earned the right to face the Bright Dungeons. This helicopter carried one such team: ten handpicked geniuses, accompanied by a single guardian.

Victor Dane, the B-rank guardian assigned to this trial team, sat near the cockpit, flipping through a dossier with practiced ease.

His sharp eyes scanned the pages, occasionally flicking toward the passengers seated across from him.

"Alright," Victor began, his deep voice cutting through the drone of the engine. "Let's go over the roster one more time."

He adjusted his glasses and glanced at the first name.

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Julio Moretz, D-rank, Pet Master. Victor's gaze landed on the young man sitting near the back of the cabin. Julio was leaning casually against the wall, his demeanor relaxed, but his sharp eyes betrayed his readiness. At his feet were three peculiar starfish pets, each pulsating faintly with blue light.

"Julio Moretz," Victor said aloud.

Julio grinned, raising a hand lazily. "I am here."

Victor ignored the attitude, moving to the next name. His eyes briefly scanned over the bulky Nicholas, crouching beside Julio.

Nicholas, D-rank, BeastHolder.

"Nicholas Fenn," called Victor.

Nicholas gave a curt nod. "here."

Victor paused before continuing. His eyes drifted to the trio of C-ranks sitting at the front, their presence commanding attention even without words.

Kane Velmont, C-rank, BeastHolder. Kane was impossible to miss, his broad shoulders and shining golden light armor giving him an almost celestial aura. The man carried himself with an air of authority, his golden eyes watching the others with quiet appraisal.

Victor studied him for a moment. "Kane Velmont,"

Kane didn't respond verbally, only offering a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Next, Victor turned to the long haired girl seated near the window.

Arabelle Avenhart, C-rank, Pet Master. Arabelle's emerald-green eyes were distant, scanning the horizon beyond the glass. Her pet, an almost translucent, dragonfly like creature, flitted near her shoulder, its iridescent wings catching the light. The creature enhanced Arabelle's senses, amplifying her unique set of skills, making her invaluable as a scout and tracker.

"Arabelle Avenhart," Victor continued.

Arabelle gave a polite smile but said nothing, her fingers absently stroking the dragonfly's delicate wings.

Finally, Victor's eyes shifted to the last C-rank.

Leandro Tyrex, C-rank, Summoner. A stoic man with short, dark hair and piercing blue eyes, Leandro was clad in sleek black armor.

"Leandro Tyrex," Victor concluded.

Leandro gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable.

Victor glanced down the list again. "The rest of you," he added, his tone dismissive, "you've got your strengths. Don't die, and maybe you'll make it through the trial." His eyes lingered briefly on Jimmy, a nervous looking D-rank sitting near the back, his leg bouncing anxiously.

"Relax, Jimmy," Julio teased, "You'll be fine as long as you don't trip over your own feet."

"I wasn't nervous!" responded Jimmy flustered.

Nicholas snorted. "Sure, and I'm a pixie."

The cabin filled with quiet chuckles, though the tension was still palpable.

As the helicopter began its descent, the chatter subsided, replaced by focused silence. The team disembarked one by one, boots crunching against the grass of the clearing.

And then they saw him.

A lone figure sat leaning against a large rock in the middle of the field, his posture relaxed, his eyes closed as if he hadn't a care in the world.

Victor frowned, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his blade. "Who the hell is that?"

The team exchanged wary glances.

Kane stepped forward, his golden armor gleaming under the sun.

"Whoever he is," Kane said calmly, "he's sitting exactly where the dungeon is supposed to appear."

Max was in a bad mood so he didn't even glance towards the bunch of newcomers, Xrak asked him to clear the dungeon with them to avoid unnecessary complications, but he didn't need to befriend them.

As for safety, they were under Lucy's range so it didn't matter.