Finally, the Coliseum fighters in Sector 5 graduated as Adventurers. Equipped with their new gear, they were transferred to Sector 10 of the Adventurers' Zone, ready to begin their journeys.

Sector 10 - Adventurers' Zone

The new adventurers said their goodbyes, each with the excitement and uncertainty of what lay ahead.

Aric: "Eldrick, Nyra… I know fate will cross our paths again. When it does, I want us to be much stronger. My goal is to become a guardian for some noble," Aric says, with a mix of determination and hope in his eyes.

Nyra: "That's what we all want, Aric. We'll see each other soon. In the meantime, I'm heading to my room to prepare for my first mission," Nyra replies with a smile before turning and walking away.

Aric watches as Nyra walks off, then turns to Eldrick.

Aric: "Aren't you going to rest a bit before starting?"

Eldrick: "I had something in mind… I was thinking we should team up. I'm better at fighting from a distance, but I need someone to cover me up close. I think you might be the best option."

Aric smiles, feeling that his day is only getting better.

Aric: "That sounds great! So, instead of resting, let's head to the tavern. My father used to forge weapons for adventurers, so I heard about a mission that might interest us."

With that plan, they head to the tavern.

Meanwhile…

Freya, with disheveled hair and a half-eaten piece of bread in hand, rushes through the streets of Sector 10. Her breathing is heavy, not only from exertion but from the urgency she feels.

Freya (thinking): "I can't believe I'm late today! I need to get there before they leave… that damned entity said I should wait for two specific adventurers."

She arrives at the tavern, nearly skidding inside, and asks breathlessly:

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Freya: "Have the new adventurers arrived yet?!"

The bartender, surprised by Freya's sudden entrance, responds:

Bartender: "Yes, they arrived a while ago. Two of them have already set out on their first mission."

Freya (thinking): "Two adventurers? It has to be them… but how am I going to know exactly who they are?"

Freya: "What mission did they take?"

Bartender: "The Crystallized Cave mission."

Freya: "Give me a mission that's close to that… these damned rules about not leaving the city without a signed mission… they're delaying me."

Without wasting any more time, Freya rushes towards the Crystallized Cave.

In a dense, fog-covered forest…

Aric and Eldrick advance, the silence only broken by the crunch of leaves under their boots.

Eldrick: "Aric, why did you choose this mission? We could have done something more exciting, like hunting goblins or exploring ancient ruins."

Aric: "I heard this cave is full of rare minerals. Some adventurers who went to my father's forge mentioned some red stones that could be useful for my skills."

Eldrick: "And are you planning to sell them or what?"

Aric: "No, that's not it. My ability allows me to use materials to forge weapons and armor. If we find those minerals, I can create powerful gear. And with that, we'll be unstoppable."

Eldrick: "Interesting… If we manage to get through this, you could make me a magical robe or something like that, right?"

As they continue, the forest begins to change. The trees turn pale, covered with a thick layer of frost, and the air grows colder, almost icy.

Eldrick: "We're close. According to the information we were given, this place is inhabited by a rather dangerous creature."

Suddenly, from among the frozen branches of a pine tree, a gigantic spider with a humanoid torso appears, its many eyes reflecting a malevolent glow.

Eldrick: "Aric, I need you to distract it. I'll finish it off with a fire spell."

Aric: "I'm on it!"

Quickly, Aric creates armor and a sword from scraps of metal and charges at the spider, embedding his sword into its massive body and clinging on tightly.

Aric: "Hurry up, it's casting something! I won't be able to hold it for much longer!"

The spider thrashes violently as its humanoid torso begins to cast an ice spell capable of freezing the very air.

Eldrick: "Ready! Aric, jump!"

Aric: "I can't! My body is half-frozen, I'll break if I fall from here!"

Eldrick: "Trust me!"

With one last effort, Aric jumps to the ground, and at that moment, Eldrick's spell is unleashed. A whirlwind of fire and wind engulfs the creature, disintegrating it completely and thawing Aric.

Aric: "We did it! You're amazing, Eldrick! Now, let's gather as much as we can from this cave. And don't forget the five amethyst ores to complete the mission."

The two adventurers enter the cave, collecting all the minerals and materials they can. As they exit, they encounter a powerful-looking blonde woman, with a stern and determined expression.

Freya: "Finally, I found you useless!"

Chapter 5 End