We sped toward the nearest city, our carriage rattling as the horses galloped at full speed. Within minutes, we reached the city gates—small but well-built, with towering walls that hinted at its wealth.
As we barreled through the entrance, the guards stationed there were caught off guard.
"Hey! Stop right there!" one of them shouted, running toward us.
"Father, the guards—" I pointed, worried about how they'd react.
"That's not important right now. We need to find the Adventurers' Guild," my father said, his tone firm as he dismissed my concern.
Minutes later, we arrived at the guild.
We leaped out of the carriage and rushed inside. The moment we stepped through the doors, the bustling guild fell silent. Eyes locked onto us, startled by our panicked entrance.
"Where is the Guild Master?" my father demanded, his voice tense.
The receptionist flinched at his urgency. "Sir, please calm down. What's going on?"
"Honey, take a deep breath," my mother urged, placing a hand on his arm. "Explain it properly."
My father took a moment to steady himself before recounting everything—the stampede, the sheer number of monsters, and the danger headed for the city.
The receptionist's face turned pale. "A dungeon break…? Are you certain?"
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
"I-I need to inform the Guild Master immediately!" she stammered before pointing toward the stairs. "He's in his office—go!"
Before my father left, he turned to my mother.
"Honey, take Cain and evacuate. Get somewhere safe—no matter what happens."
My mother's expression darkened. "Draven… you and Sofia are staying behind to fight, aren't you?"
"We have no choice," he admitted, then turned to me. "Cain, go with your mother. Protect her."
I nodded, my throat dry. No words came out. My mind was still struggling to process everything.
"I know you two will fight," my mother said softly, holding my father's gaze. "But make sure you both come back safely."
Draven smiled. "Of course." He placed a kiss on her forehead.
My mother then turned to Sofia, her eyes filled with worry. "Sofia, I'm leaving Draven to you. Please… make sure both of you come back unharmed."
"Understood." She nodded firmly.
With that, my mother grabbed my hand. "Let's go, Cain."
As we made our way out, I hesitated, glancing back. "Mother… will they be okay?"
She smiled reassuringly, though I could hear the slight tremor in her voice. "Don't worry, Cain. Your father is insanely strong… but you'd never know it just by looking at him."
Meanwhile, my father and Sofia entered the Guild Master's office.
Seated behind a massive desk was an old man with sharp eyes and a deep scar across his cheek—evidence of past battles. His formal attire contrasted with his rugged appearance.
"You must be the Guild Master," my father said.
The old man nodded. "Gerald Ironwood. What's the situation?"
"My name is Draven Vorstheim, and this is Sofia Valtor, my son's teacher. We saw a massive wave of monsters coming from Eldoria Forest," my father reported. "Before that, we were also attacked by goblins. Do you know where they're coming from?"
Gerald's eyes narrowed. "You said Eldoria Forest?"
"Yes. Goblins, giant rats, horned rabbits, and lesser golems. And I know this is only the first wave. We can't handle it alone—not while protecting my family."
Gerald let out a heavy sigh. "Then there's no doubt. The monsters must be coming from Ironclad Dungeon."
"That dungeon…?" My father's expression darkened. "This is worse than I thought."
"No time to waste," Gerald said, standing. "We need to evacuate the people immediately. I'll issue an emergency quest and gather every available S-rank adventurer. We'll meet outside shortly."
"Understood," my father responded. "Let's go, Sofia."
Outside, the city sirens wailed.
People scrambled to evacuate, guided by guild staff shouting instructions. The panic in the air was suffocating.
Then—the first wave of monsters appeared on the horizon.
The battle was about to begin.