Multiple voices filled the air around the ancient ruins as players sat scattered across fallen logs and moss-covered rocks. The old stone structures looked like they had been abandoned for hundreds of years, with thick vines growing over cracked walls and broken pillars. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the ruins, creating patches of light and shadow on the ground where everyone had gathered. The atmosphere felt tense and excited at the same time, like everyone knew something important was about to happen.
Zhan found a comfortable spot on a smooth rock and rested his head against his palm, trying to be patient while they waited. His eyes slowly moved across the crowd of players, studying their faces and equipment to get an idea of what kind of people had shown up. Some looked confident and well-prepared, while others seemed nervous and unsure about what they were getting into. The mix of experienced fighters and newer players made him wonder how well this expedition would actually go.
—Huh, there are some familiar faces here too, people I remember seeing before in the city or during the first day.
He thought to himself, recognizing a few players from his time in this world. Most of the faces were complete strangers, but a couple stood out in his memory from different situations. It was interesting to see how their paths had crossed again after all this time. He wondered if they would remember him too, or if he had just been another forgettable face in the crowd.
—There's that delinquent-looking guy with the spiky hair who always seems to be causing some kind of trouble around the city. And I think that's the girl who screamed really loudly during the teleportation process when we all first got brought to this world. I think that's about all the people I can actually recognize from before.
That wasn't a huge number of familiar faces, but it was better than being completely surrounded by strangers. At least he had some idea of what to expect from those two, even if his memories of them weren't particularly positive. The delinquent seemed like the type who would take unnecessary risks, and the screaming girl might panic under pressure. He made mental notes to keep an eye on both of them during the dungeon raid.
Heavy footsteps could be heard moving through the tall grass that surrounded the ruins, getting closer with each passing second. The sound was confident and purposeful, like someone who was used to being in charge of important situations. Everyone in the crowd immediately went silent, turning their heads toward the source of the noise. The casual conversations and nervous chatter stopped completely as anticipation filled the air.
"Hello everyone, thank you all for coming here today to participate in this historic expedition."
A strong, clear voice rang out across the ruins as the Galaxy Guild's founder stepped into view. He was exactly what Zhan had expected a guild leader to look like, with an impressive presence that commanded immediate respect. His gray hair was neatly styled and his posture was straight and confident, like a military officer addressing his troops. Even without saying much, it was obvious that this was someone who had seen a lot of combat and survived to tell about it.
The man was wearing a complete set of high-quality armor that looked like it had been crafted by a master blacksmith. The metal plates were polished to a bright shine and fit his body perfectly, showing no signs of damage or wear. He wasn't wearing a helmet, which let everyone see his face clearly and made him seem more approachable. His black eyes were sharp and intelligent, constantly scanning the crowd to assess the players who had volunteered for this dangerous mission.
His physical build was impressive but not overly bulky, suggesting that he focused on speed and skill rather than pure strength. The way he moved showed years of combat experience, with every step and gesture looking smooth and practiced. He carried himself like someone who had been in countless battles and always came out on top. Everything about his appearance screamed "professional warrior" to anyone who knew what to look for.
—He's definitely quite strong, probably stronger than most of the other players I've seen so far in this world.
Zhan muttered in his thoughts, studying the guild leader's equipment and body language for clues about his abilities. The quality of his armor alone suggested that he had access to resources and crafting materials that normal players couldn't afford. His confident attitude wasn't just an act either – it was backed up by real skill and experience that had been earned through hard work and dangerous fights.
"Today, we're going to attempt to clear the dungeon that has been hidden underneath Ylza City this entire time."
He announced in a confident voice that carried easily across the ruins, making sure everyone could hear him clearly. His tone was serious but not frightening, striking the right balance between acknowledging the danger and maintaining morale. The way he spoke made it sound like this was a difficult but achievable goal, rather than a hopeless suicide mission. He had clearly given speeches like this before and knew how to motivate people.
"What? The dungeon entrance has been underneath the city where we've been living this whole time?"
One player called out in surprise, his voice carrying a mix of shock and disbelief. The news seemed to catch most people off guard, since they had been searching for dungeon entrances in the wilderness for months. It was frustrating to think that the answer had been right under their feet the entire time they were looking elsewhere. Several other players started whispering to each other, sharing their own surprised reactions.
"Is that really true? How did nobody find it before now?"
Another player replied, asking the question that was probably on everyone's mind. It seemed impossible that hundreds of players could live in a city for months without discovering something as important as a dungeon entrance. Either it had been very well hidden, or the Galaxy Guild had access to information that other players didn't have. The timing of this discovery also seemed suspicious, like maybe they had known about it for a while.
—The dungeon entrance was underneath us this entire time, right under our noses while we were all searching everywhere else. This makes me feel pretty stupid for not thinking to look there myself.
Zhan thought, scratching his head in frustration at his own lack of foresight. It made perfect sense when he thought about it – video games often hid important locations in places where players wouldn't think to look. The most obvious spots were usually the ones that got overlooked because they seemed too simple or convenient. He should have considered the possibility that the city itself was built on top of something important.
"Just a few hours ago, members of the Galaxy Guild managed to locate and access the entrance to this underground dungeon."
The guild leader continued his explanation, gesturing with his hands to emphasize important points. His voice remained steady and professional, but there was a hint of excitement underneath that suggested he was genuinely looking forward to this challenge. The fact that they had only recently found the entrance explained why this announcement had come so suddenly. They probably wanted to strike while the iron was hot and organize an expedition before other guilds could interfere.
"However, we currently have no information about what kinds of monsters or traps might be waiting for us inside the dungeon."
He added, making sure everyone understood the risks they would be taking by participating. This honesty was probably meant to weed out players who weren't serious about the danger involved. Anyone who was looking for an easy adventure would hopefully reconsider and leave now, rather than becoming a liability during the actual raid. The unknown nature of the dungeon made it both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
"There's even a strong possibility that the monsters inside this dungeon will be significantly more powerful than anything we've encountered in the overworld so far."
The guild leader's words hung in the air like a heavy blanket, making everyone think seriously about what they were volunteering for. The silence that followed was complete and tense, as each player considered whether they were really ready for this level of challenge. Some people shifted uncomfortably on their seats, probably realizing that this wasn't going to be the fun adventure they had imagined. Others seemed to get more excited, like the increased danger made the reward more appealing.
Zhan caught a glimpse of the delinquent player grinning in a way that looked almost crazy, like he was looking forward to the violence and chaos. That kind of attitude could be useful in a fight, but it could also lead to reckless decisions that put everyone else in danger. He made another mental note to stay away from that guy during the actual dungeon exploration. Some people were more dangerous as allies than as enemies.
"But don't worry too much about the unknown dangers, because other players from several different guilds will be joining us in this fight!"
The guild leader raised his fist high in the air, his voice becoming more energetic and inspiring. This announcement seemed to lift the mood of the crowd, as people realized they wouldn't be going in alone or understaffed. Having multiple guilds working together would mean better coordination, more diverse skills, and higher chances of success. It also meant that if something went wrong, there would be more people available to help with rescue efforts.
Everyone around the ruins started cheering and clapping, their excitement building as they imagined the possibilities of what they might accomplish together. The sound of voices and applause echoed off the old stone walls, creating an atmosphere of celebration and determination. Players who had looked worried a few minutes ago were now smiling and talking excitedly with their neighbors. The guild leader had successfully turned their fear into enthusiasm with just a few well-chosen words.
Zhan remained sitting silently on his rock, not joining in with the cheering and celebration around him. While he appreciated the positive energy, he preferred to stay focused on the practical realities of what they were about to attempt. Enthusiasm was good for morale, but it wouldn't protect anyone from monster claws or magical attacks. He needed to keep his mind clear and analytical if he wanted to survive whatever was waiting in that dungeon.
—A single mistake or moment of carelessness in the dungeon could easily cost us our lives, and no amount of cheering will change that fact.
Zhan thought with a serious expression, watching the excited faces around him. He had seen what happened to players who got overconfident and let their guard down during dangerous situations. This world didn't forgive mistakes or give second chances to people who weren't careful enough. The monsters here were real and deadly, not just obstacles in a video game that would respawn you after death.
"Right now, the main reason why I called all of you here today is so you can organize yourselves into teams and create detailed fighting strategies."
The guild leader continued once the cheering had died down, bringing everyone's attention back to the practical matters at hand. His tone became more businesslike as he shifted from motivation to instruction. The fun part of the speech was over, and now it was time to get down to the serious work of planning and preparation. Everyone needed to understand their roles and responsibilities before they set foot in that dungeon.
"Work together to make comprehensive plans for how you'll handle different types of situations, and we from the Galaxy Guild will review everything to make sure your strategies are sound."
He explained, gesturing toward the other guild members who had been standing quietly behind him during his speech. These were probably experienced players who would be able to spot potential problems in amateur strategies. Having professional oversight would help prevent teams from making basic mistakes that could get people killed. It was a smart system that balanced independence with safety.
The guild leader paused for a moment, looking around at all the faces in the crowd one more time. His expression was serious but encouraging, like a teacher who believed in his students' ability to succeed. The brief silence gave everyone a chance to process what they had just heard and start thinking about how they wanted to approach the team formation process. Some players were already looking around for potential partners.
"Thank you all for volunteering to participate in this raid, and good luck with your planning."
With those final words, the guild master turned and walked away from the ruins, followed by his fellow Galaxy Guild members. Their footsteps gradually faded into the distance as they disappeared back toward the city. The organized part of the gathering was now over, leaving the individual players to figure out how to work together. The real challenge was just beginning, and everyone knew it.
—Oh shit, this is not good at all.
Zhan thought as he looked around at the other players who were already starting to form groups and partnerships. He realized that he had less social presence than most of the other people here, which put him at a serious disadvantage. While everyone else was networking and making connections, he had been sitting quietly by himself like an antisocial hermit. Now he was going to have to find a way to join a team or risk being left out entirely.
"Hey there, excuse me!"
A man's voice called out as someone came running up to him, breathing heavily like he had been hurrying across the ruins. The person sounded excited but also a bit desperate, like he had been searching for someone to talk to. Zhan looked up to see an unfamiliar player approaching with an eager expression on his face. This was either going to be very good or very bad, depending on what kind of person this stranger turned out to be.
The newcomer had bright orange hair that hung down to his shoulders in a somewhat messy style, like he didn't spend much time worrying about his appearance. He was wearing a metal chest plate that looked decent but not expensive, along with knee guards and shin guards that matched. His brown shirt and grey pants were simple and practical, showing that he prioritized function over fashion. Everything about his equipment suggested that he was a competent but not wealthy player.
His eyes were narrow and sharp in a way that suggested he might be of Asian descent, though it was hard to be certain in this fantasy world. There was an intensity to his gaze that made him seem very focused and determined about whatever he wanted to discuss. His overall appearance gave the impression of someone who worked hard but didn't always have the best luck or resources to show for it.
"Please be my partner, just for this raid, I'm begging you please!"
He said while bowing deeply, showing the kind of respect that was common in certain Asian cultures. His voice was sincere and humble, suggesting that he genuinely needed help rather than just looking for someone to boss around. The formal bow was a bit surprising in this setting, but it showed that he was serious about making a good impression. His desperation was obvious, but it seemed to come from a good place.
"Uh, okay, sure."
Zhan replied somewhat awkwardly, not really sure how to respond to such an intense and formal request. He wasn't used to people approaching him with this much enthusiasm and respect, especially strangers who didn't know anything about his abilities. The guy seemed harmless enough, and Zhan did need a partner if he wanted to participate in the raid. It wasn't like he had a lot of other options at this point.
"YES! THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
The man practically shouted with joy, grabbing Zhan's hand and shaking it vigorously with both of his own hands. His excitement was almost overwhelming, like he had just won the lottery or received the best news of his life. The enthusiasm was kind of endearing, even if it was a bit much for Zhan's more reserved personality. At least he wouldn't have to worry about his new partner lacking motivation or energy during the raid.
"I'm Harold, what's your name?"
He asked, finally releasing Zhan's hand and stepping back to a more comfortable distance. His smile was genuine and friendly, showing that his excitement came from happiness rather than any kind of manic episode. The name Harold didn't really fit with his Asian appearance, but names in this world didn't always follow the same rules as the real world. He seemed like a decent person, which was more important than whatever he was called.
—I guess I'll just have to make a friend every once in a while, even if it's not something I usually do.
Zhan thought with a small grin, realizing that having a social connection might actually be beneficial in this situation. He had been operating as a solo player for so long that he had forgotten what it was like to work with other people. This could be a good opportunity to learn some new skills and maybe even enjoy the company of another human being. The worst that could happen was that they wouldn't work well together, and they could always split up later.
"Zhan. Just call me Zhan, nothing fancy."
He said, extending his hand out for another handshake in a more traditional and relaxed manner. He wanted to establish a more casual and equal relationship rather than the overly formal dynamic that Harold had started with. Simple names and straightforward communication would work better for both of them during high-stress situations. There was no need to complicate things with unnecessary politeness when they might be fighting for their lives soon.
"Nice to meet you, Zhan!"
Harold exclaimed, taking his hand and shaking it with enthusiasm but not quite as aggressively as before. He seemed to understand that Zhan preferred a more low-key approach to social interaction. His smile remained bright and genuine, showing that he was genuinely happy to have found a partner for the upcoming adventure. The handshake felt firm and confident, suggesting that he might be more capable than his desperate approach had initially suggested.
"Nice to meet you too, Harold."
Zhan replied with a smile of his own, feeling a bit more optimistic about this partnership than he had expected. The guy seemed eager to please and willing to follow someone else's lead, which could work well with Zhan's more strategic and cautious approach. As long as Harold could handle taking orders and didn't do anything too reckless, they might actually make a decent team. Only time would tell how well they worked together under pressure.
"Alright, let's get started on making a fighting plan for the dungeon raid."
Zhan said, ready to get down to business and start preparing for the challenges ahead. He had experience with combat and strategy, so he figured he could take the lead on planning while Harold provided input and support. The sooner they got their strategy figured out, the better their chances of surviving whatever was waiting for them underground. Planning was just as important as fighting when it came to dangerous situations like this.
"Uhm, what exactly is a fighting plan..?"
Harold asked with a confused expression, tilting his head to the side like a puzzled dog. His question was asked in complete seriousness, showing that he genuinely had no idea what Zhan was talking about. The innocent confusion on his face made it clear that he had never been involved in any kind of organized combat or tactical planning before. This was going to be more complicated than Zhan had hoped.
Zhan sat in complete silence for several long seconds, staring at his new partner with a blank expression. He was trying to process the fact that he had just agreed to team up with someone who didn't even understand the basic concept of strategy or planning. The realization slowly sank in that this might explain why Harold had been so desperate to find a partner – everyone else had probably figured out his lack of experience and decided to look elsewhere.
—That's exactly why no one else wanted to take this guy as their partner for the raid.
He thought with a growing sense of regret and frustration, understanding now why Harold had been running around begging people for help. The other players had probably asked him a few basic questions about combat and realized that he was completely unprepared for this kind of challenge. Now Zhan was stuck with him, and it was too late to back out without looking like a complete jerk.