56 An Expedition
"I have heard a few rumors among the people about them, but I'm still unclear on the details."
I feigned ignorance as I tried to keep my heart from wildly beating out of my chest. Morrow nodded his head as if this response was within his expectations.
"Not too long ago an ancient ruin was discovered to the northwest were the plains meet the mountains."
As I thought, it really is about that place.
"One of the scouts from the External Division stumbled across it and reported its location."
The External Division was lead by Ward and reported directly to Morrow so it was understandable that he found out about it first.
Morrow continued, "Originally I wanted to lead a team there myself to investigate it, but after further consideration I decided to see if you wanted to go."
I wasn't particularly surprised that Morrow decided not to go himself. This early on in establishing the village Morrow was constantly busy and had many things he personally needed to attend to. Even in the past he had stayed, sending Ward to check out the ruins instead.
"I would be honored to look into the ruins for you brother!" I said enthusiastically!
Morrow brightly smiled, "Excellent! However, you must be careful. Before coming to Agartha I was informed that ancient ruins can be very dangerous."
There was a common saying about ancient ruins that was widely known in the past. "Ancient ruins MIGHT have a great opportunity, but they WILL have great danger." As an adventurer this was a concept I was all to familiar with.
So I meant it when I said to Morrow, "Do not worry. I will make sure to take the necessary precautions."
"That would be for the best. Feel free to pick as many members as you feel you need from the External Division to take with you. Also, I have informed the financial division to provide you with sufficient resources for the expedition. You simply need to go and request what you need. I trust you will be reasonable."
I thanked Morrow before leaving his office, a cold sneer on my face. Morrow wanted me to take people from the External Division? From his perspective that might make sense, but there is no way I could trust anyone from the External Division until Ward is dead. If he wants me to take them I don't mind bringing them along, whether or not they could return was a different story.
After leaving Morrow's Manor I headed towards the financial division. After securing the necessary funds I spent the next three days gathering the supplies I would need. The supplies were easy, for the most part. I knew from past experience the things I was going to need. The basics, other than armor and weapons, were rope, tent, food, shovel, water and sun stones. Water stones are in abundant supply in Black Lion Village due to its close proximity to Lake Lyenas since they could be found on the bottom of the lake. Sun stones while a little harder to get could still be found in the market.
Sun stones are especially important because they not only can function as illumination in the ruins but can also be used to keep certain dangers at bay. These ruins weren't likely to pose a major threat to me since Ward came back fine in the past, but it never hurt to be careful.
After getting the supplies and putting orders in place to ensure things ran smoothly in my absence I headed to Morrow's Manor to let him know I was ready to go. He informed me that Ward and other members from the External Division were waiting for me outside the northern gate.
Before making my way to Northern Gate I headed to the origin stone which was a habit ingrained in me from my last life. You always wanted to check your stats and upgrade your level before leaving a town to make sure you were at your peak.
I quickly arrived and paid the attendant the 5 copper coins for access.
Name: Troy Williams
Level: 11 (0/4300)
Essence: 3747
Stat Points: 0
STATS
Strength: 12
Constitution: 10
Willpower: 14
Dexterity : 14
SKILLS
Snake King Aura: (Active)
As I thought. I hadn't gained enough to go up another level before leaving. When I came to the origin stone the first time after becoming Captain I was a Level 10 and had 1919 essence left over. However after killing the three Sauer underlings who tried to ambush me that night I gained enough to go up to 11. Having enough essence and not using it is obviously foolish so I had already been back to the origin stone since then. On top of that Lieutenants and above would periodically be provided beasts to slay in order to gain essence. Therefore, my essence had risen up to 3747 at Level 11. After the grueling fight I had during the ambush I decided it was best to up my strength stat again so that's where I used the stat I gained from becoming a level 11.
With no major changes to my information I quickly headed to the north gate. When the guards opened it up the first thing I noticed was eleven men standing there. The one in front looking especially gaunt.
