Rescuing Tessa

The next morning, Cruzer made his way to the Adventurer's Guild. The guild hall was an impressive structure, its exterior covered in magical glyphs that pulsed with energy.

Inside, the hall bustled with adventurers of all ranks, discussing quests, sharing stories, and planning expeditions. Cruzer approached the reception desk, where a stern-looking receptionist greeted him.

"I'd like to register for a dungeon dive," Cruzer stated confidently.

The receptionist glanced at his guild card and frowned. "I'm sorry, but as a newly arrived adventurer and an E rank, you do not fulfill the requirements to explore the dungeons here."

Cruzer was taken aback. "What do I need to qualify?"

"To enter the dungeons managed by the guild, you need to be at least a D rank adventurer. Additionally, new arrivals must complete quests for at least seven days under the supervision of a C rank adventurer to ensure they understand the risks and rules. The Adventurer's Guild is the ruling authority here, and these regulations are in place for everyone's safety."

Determined not to be discouraged, Cruzer nodded. "Understood. How do I get started on these quests?"

The receptionist handed him a quest log in a transparent tablet. "Here are some beginner quests. You'll be paired with a C rank adventurer who will oversee your progress. Complete these, and you'll be on your way to earning your D rank."

Cruzer took the log and thanked the receptionist. He knew he had a lot of work ahead, but he was ready to face it.

Ding! New mission has been issued, host. Complete it in time.

Mission: Rise to at least D rank in 7 days

Reward: 1000 Astral Coins, Basic Water Bullet skill

Determined to complete the system mission, Cruzer carefully examined the quest log. He picked out three quests that seemed manageable for his current level.

Quest 1: Gather Medicinal Herbs

Objective: Collect ten Nocturnal Mint plants from the Great Jura Forest to the south of the city.

Details: Nocturnal Mint is a rare herb that only blooms at night and is used in various potions. It can be found deep in the forest, often guarded by magical creatures.

Reward: 5 Energy Stones per herb

Quest 2: Clear the Road

Objective: Defeat the pack of Nightfang Wolves that have been terrorizing the merchants traveling to and from Labyrinth City.

Details: These wolves range from levels 20 to 40 and are highly aggressive. They have been attacking caravans, making travel dangerous. Eliminate them to ensure safe passage for the merchants.

Reward: 250 Eneregy Stones

Quest 3: Rescue Mission

Objective: Locate and rescue a missing adventurer from the ancient ruins north of the city.

Details: An adventurer named Tessa has gone missing while exploring the ancient ruins. She was last seen near the entrance, and it's believed she may have been trapped or injured inside. Find and bring her back safely.

Reward: 500 Energy Stone

Cruzer decided to tackle the quests in order, starting with the herb resuce mission as he felt that delay might result in the death of Tessa. He checked his newly acquired supplies and set out towards city ruins.

The path to the ruins was well-trodden, a dirt road flanked by tall grass and occasional stone markers covered in moss. As he walked, the bustling sounds of Labyrinth City gradually faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wild creatures.

The ancient ruins loomed ahead, their weathered stone structures partially overtaken by nature. Ivy climbed the walls, and trees grew through broken rooftops. Cruzer paused at the entrance, taking in the eerie silence. The ruins had an air of mystery, a testament to a forgotten civilization that once thrived here. He adjusted his grip on his sword, steeling himself for whatever dangers lay ahead.

As he stepped into the ruins, the temperature dropped, and the air grew thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient stone. His footsteps echoed softly on the worn cobblestones. Cruzer followed the path outlined on his map, his senses heightened for any signs of danger.

The ruins were a labyrinth of narrow corridors and open courtyards, some parts crumbling with age while others remained surprisingly intact.

Soon, Cruzer encountered his first obstacle. A swarm of rodent-like creatures, their eyes glowing red in the dim light, scurried toward him. These creatures, known as Ratterlings, were weak but could be overwhelming in numbers.

Cruzer swiftly drew his sword, slashing through the swarm with precise, calculated movements. Each strike was efficient, cutting down multiple Ratterlings at once. Despite their numbers, the creatures were no match for his skill as they were low level monsters who were just stronger than normal rodents, not even providing a single point of exp

As he continued deeper into the ruins, Cruzer found himself dodging various traps. Pressure plates that triggered arrows, tripwires that released nets, and hidden pits designed to ensnare the unwary.

He navigated these dangers with agility and caution, relying on his keen senses and reflexes to avoid harm. Each trap he disarmed or dodged added to his confidence, but he remained vigilant, knowing the ruins held many more perils.

After a while, he heard a faint sound—a soft, rhythmic tapping, like someone striking stone. He quickened his pace, turning a corner to find a young woman trapped beneath a fallen archway. Her face was pale, and her breathing labored, but she was conscious and struggling to free herself.

"Tessa?" Cruzer called out.

She looked up, her eyes widening in relief. "Yes, that's me! Please, help me. I'm stuck."

Tessa's condition was dire. Her leg was pinned under a heavy stone, causing her significant pain. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her hands were scraped and bruised from her futile attempts to lift the debris.

Her clothes were torn and dirty, evidence of her struggle to survive in the ruins. Her eyes, though filled with pain, her skin showing slight shade of purple as if she had been poisoned.

Cruzer quickly assessed the situation. The archway had collapsed, pinning Tessa's leg beneath a large stone. He sheathed his sword and approached cautiously. "Hold on, I'll get you out of there."

He channeled his strength, carefully lifting the stone enough for Tessa to pull her leg free. She winced in pain but managed to drag herself out from under the debris. Cruzer gently lowered the stone back down and helped her to lean on the wall to rest.

He then took out water bottle from his terminal and handed her water bottle. He also applied som healing magic to her. He then gave her some antidode pills.

"Thank you," Tessa said, her voice weak but grateful.

"I thought I was done for. Wait till I get back, those bastards left me for dead here. I will show you why they call me Vulture Tessa.", she murmured to herself

"What exactly happened here ?," he asked as he heard her murumurs and knew that her entrapment was not an accident but deliberate action by someone. 

In reply to his question, she showed him a weak smile andsimply shook her head.

Noticing that she won't be telling him anything, he decided to head back to the city as her matter posed no concerns to him. He was just paid to rescue her not be her personal problem solver.

"Let's get you back to the city," Cruzer replied. He supported her as they made their way out of the ruins, moving slowly to avoid any further injuries.

The journey back was uneventful, but Tessa's condition worried Cruzer. She needed medical attention, and he hoped they would reach the city in time. As they approached Labyrinth City, the familiar sounds of civilization grew louder, a comforting reminder of safety and resources.

At the city's edge, a patrol of adventurers spotted them and rushed over. Cruzer explained the situation, and they quickly arranged for Tessa to be taken to a healer. She gave him a grateful smile and bowed as they parted ways.

He then headed towards the adventurer guild to inform them about the completion of his mission and to cash out his rewards.