The morning sky over the Emerald Kingdom was veiled by a thin mist that still clung low, as if it hadn't quite woken from the night's slumber. Small birds flitted between the rooftops of stone and wood buildings, creating a gentle rhythm of life slowly blooming under the young sunlight. The main street remained quiet, with only a few merchants opening their stalls and arranging their wares.
Lucifer stood in front of the inn, dressed in his new uniform—simple but tidy. At his belt hung a bronze badge engraved with the letter E, still gleaming as if untouched by battle. His eyes gazed westward, where seasoned adventurers passed by like a ceaseless river.
Soon, he heard familiar footsteps behind him.
"Ready for your first mission?" Arthur asked, walking casually with his hands tucked into his leather jacket.
Lucifer turned and nodded. "More than ready."
Arthur gave a short smile. "Good. We're starting with something light today. But that doesn't mean it should be underestimated."
They began walking through the city streets. Along the way, they saw children laughing and running, flying paper kites and kicking woven balls. Their cheerful voices mingled with the fresh morning air, forming a sharp contrast to the dangerous world that adventurers usually faced.
Lucifer watched them briefly, then smiled slightly. "They look free… like they don't carry any burdens."
Arthur followed his gaze, his eyes softening slightly. There was something deeper in his voice than just casual observation. "You remind me of my kid," he said quietly.
Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Me? But wasn't your child a girl? How are we alike?"
Arthur chuckled, a rare sound from his lips. "You're just as chatty as she is."
Lucifer laughed as well. "Thanks… I thought you were going to say I'm annoying."
"Maybe a little," Arthur replied with a smile before continuing on.
Soon they arrived at the Guild, specifically at the assignment department. The room was filled with mission boards plastered on wooden walls, each covered in parchment sheets listing various jobs—from gathering herbs to delivering goods to hunting monsters.
The clerk behind the desk looked up and nodded in greeting. "Good morning, Arthur. Mission for today?"
Arthur nodded. "We're taking the goblin extermination job in the northern border area."
The clerk looked uncertain. "That's a Rank D mission… your friend is still Rank E…"
"He's with me," Arthur cut in firmly.
The clerk immediately nodded in understanding and handed over a rolled-up parchment containing the mission details.
Lucifer unrolled it. Inside were the location, estimated number of goblins, and a note about a suspicious den behind some old ruins.
"Looks easy enough," Lucifer remarked.
Arthur patted his shoulder. "Don't get overconfident. Goblins are weak individually, but in numbers and tight spaces… they can be deadly."
Lucifer nodded resolutely. "Got it. I'll stay alert."
Without wasting time, the two mounted horses and headed to the mission site. The journey took about two hours through dirt roads and small forests. Along the way, birdsong, insect chirps, and the rustle of leaves accompanied them. The day grew brighter, sunlight piercing through the forest canopy above.
After a peaceful ride, they arrived at the mission site—a small hill with the ruins of an old building, covered in moss and wild plants. The air was damp, and the earth smelled of decay.
"This is it," Arthur said, dismounting.
Lucifer followed, his dagger already hanging at his side, ready for use.
As they navigated the ruins, strange noises came from behind the rocks—low growls and high-pitched goblin laughter.
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "They don't know we're here?"
"They might… but goblins tend to act brave when they're in groups," Arthur replied.
Moments later, a group of goblins emerged from the bushes and debris. They were small, with filthy green skin and crude weapons made of stone and wood. Their eyes glowed yellow, and their mouths revealed sharp, dirty teeth.
There were about twelve of them.
Arthur drew his sword. "Get ready. Don't let your guard down."
Lucifer nodded, taking position. As the first goblin charged, Arthur moved in, swinging his blade in a swift arc. One goblin was instantly sent flying, its neck slashed. Lucifer dodged a thrown rock and countered with a quick stab.
The fight was fast-paced. Arthur moved like a storm—swift and powerful. Lucifer kept up with a more agile style, dodging and attacking, occasionally guarding Arthur's flank from goblins trying to ambush him.
After about ten minutes, the battle was over. All the goblins lay sprawled out. Some still twitched, but Arthur quickly dispatched them to prevent any from rising again.
Lucifer wiped sweat from his brow. "That was… intense."
Arthur nodded. "You fought well."
Lucifer smiled proudly. "Thank you, mentor."
They decided to rest briefly before heading back. But just as they began walking away, Arthur suddenly stopped.
His eyes locked onto a crevice behind a large rock, where a faint blue glow shimmered.
Lucifer frowned. "What is that…?"
Arthur stepped closer. "Looks like… a cave."
Lucifer could feel a strong mana aura radiating from within the gap. The air around the cave mouth felt heavy, as if hiding something immense.
Arthur glanced at him. "You feel it too?"
Lucifer nodded. "A very dense aura…"
Without needing many words, they both stepped into the cave.
Their footsteps echoed softly as the narrow entrance gradually widened into a vast underground chamber. The walls sparkled faintly with embedded crystals, casting a calming yet mysterious bluish-green glow. The deeper they ventured, the denser the magical aura felt—like an invisible fog clinging to their skin.
Lucifer rubbed the back of his neck. "Feels like diving into an ocean made of mana."
Arthur nodded. "This place isn't just a cave. It might've once been the lair of a magical creature."
Suddenly, from behind one of the natural stone pillars, came a loud crack followed by a burst of heat.
They both froze.
"Did you hear that?" Lucifer whispered, moving closer.
Arthur slowly drew his sword. "Be on guard. Something's coming."
From the shadows emerged a large creature with glowing red scales and golden eyes. Its body was long like a giant lizard, with massive claws and a thick tail ending in a blade-like point. When it opened its mouth, sparks flickered with each heavy, heated breath.
"Salamander," Arthur muttered, tightening his grip. "A fire creature. This won't be easy."
Lucifer gulped. "Never fought a fire beast before."
"Don't panic. Focus. Don't let it roast us."
The salamander suddenly roared and unleashed a fiery breath straight at them.
"Down!" Arthur shouted.
They both rolled in opposite directions, barely dodging the blazing stream. Flames scorched the cave wall, leaving charred marks.
Arthur leapt forward, slashing diagonally. But the salamander whipped its tail, forcing him back.
Lucifer dashed in from the side, aiming for its legs. But its scales were too tough—his dagger only scratched the surface.
"Find its weak spot!" Arthur shouted as he slashed at the neck.
The salamander shrieked in pain and leapt back. It spun around and fired another blast of flame—this time at Lucifer.
Frozen in place, eyes wide, Lucifer couldn't move in time.
Arthur dove and tackled Lucifer to the ground, using his back as a shield.
"ARGHHH!!" Arthur screamed as fire scorched his back for several seconds before they could roll away.
When the fire died, Arthur lay breathing heavily. His jacket was charred, and his skin was red and badly burned.
"Arthur!!" Lucifer cried, rushing to his side. "You… are you okay?!"
Arthur forced a weak smile. "I've… had worse…"
"But this—"
"Focus, Lucifer… It's not dead yet…"
The salamander still stood in the center of the cave, now angrier than ever. Its eyes blazed, and its body glowed red-hot like molten metal.
Lucifer clenched his fists. Guilt turned into burning fury. He slowly stood, glaring at the beast with fierce determination.
"Listen here, you overcooked lizard," he muttered. "You hurt the one who saved me. And I'm not letting that go to waste."
He took a deep breath and channeled his mana. A dark aura pulsed around his body, and in a blur of speed, he charged.
The salamander spat another fireball, but Lucifer leapt off the wall, twisted midair, and hurled two throwing knives—both hitting near its eyes.
The beast roared, looking up, and at that moment, Arthur, barely standing, shouted:
"Now, Lucifer! Strike its lower neck!"
With a swift leap, Lucifer lunged and drove his dagger into the gap between its scales, just beneath its chin.
The salamander screamed, smoke billowing from its mouth, then collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.
Silence.
Lucifer panted, hands shaking. He stepped back, staring at the fallen beast.
Arthur limped closer, staggering.
Lucifer rushed to support him. "Don't push yourself."
Arthur nodded weakly. "We… did it."
Lucifer looked down. "I'm sorry… you got hurt because of me."
Arthur smiled faintly. "Sometimes… being a mentor means you have to be willing to burn."
Lucifer was quiet, then chuckled softly. "Funny… but don't say that twice."
They sat down, treating Arthur's wounds as best they could before continuing deeper into the cave.
At the very back, they found a natural chamber lit by a large glowing crystal. In its center, surrounded by ancient, barely legible symbols, lay a large black egg—about the size of a human head. Its surface was rough and scaly, with faint red lines pulsing like a heartbeat.
Lucifer stepped closer, eyes wide. "What… is this?"
Arthur, still in pain, crouched beside him. "I… don't know. But this isn't a normal egg."
"Should we take it?"
Arthur stared deeply at the egg. "The aura coming from it is strong… it could be a rare magical creature."
Lucifer nodded. "Then… I'll carry it."
Arthur smiled. "Maybe one day… it'll be your ally."
Lucifer gently lifted the egg and placed it into an expanded magic pouch. Though physically heavy, a warm, unfamiliar energy pulsed from it into his hand.
With everything done, they slowly exited the cave, leaving behind the dead salamander and the ancient aura still pulsing through the stone.
By the time they returned to Emerald, the sky was fading into dusk. Though their bodies were weary and wounded, their hearts were light. The mission was complete. A mysterious egg had been found.
And their bond had grown stronger.