The notification blinked on Kain's screen, its contents stark against the backdrop of his unease. He quickly scanned the text, Serena leaning in slightly to read over his shoulder.
A subtle sweet sll filled his mind briefly, distracting him from the text, but familiar words snapped him back into focus.
Location: Brightstar City, Southern Region.
Objective: A relic related to the Warring States Period has been found. Information about the Abyss and/or Abyssal creatures may be obtained.
Type of Relic: Unknown
Participants Required: Minimum of 5 Pathfinder mbers, including at least one 7-star beast-tar or above.
Reward: 20,000 credits, additional hazard bonuses depending on the situation.
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Kain's heart that was in his throat imdiately dropped back down. Seeing the familiar city na, he'd initially thought there was an outbreak of the corrupted or so other life-or-death ergency in his hotown. Thankfully, it was just a new relic.
He imdiately confird his participation and then used his newly obtained credits to exchange for so supplies that were recomnded by the more senior Pathfinders and would co in hand during an ergency.
Although, he wished to buy so rare evolutionary materials, spiritual skills, weapons or even 'special experience opportunities' (whatever that was) that could greatly bolster his strength, aside from a weapon, the others can't be converted instantly into strength. Considering that he had an urgent mission hanging over his head, he decided to exchange for other items that would increase his chances of survival.
Additionally, since Kain wasn't required to attend a eting for the mission or enter the relic right away, he had so family matters to take care of.
Given the chaos from the Abyssal creatures that was just bubbling beneath the surface and could erupt at any ti, he wouldn't feel comfortable leaving his family in Brightstar City right now while he went in the relic. After all, he'd heard cases of individuals being trapped in a relic for years. He wouldn't want to risk that happening to him in these chaotic tis.
He tasked Collin with buying more of the land adjacent to the one he already was raising the Clear Spring Wolves on and to build a new ho for his relocating relatives (although they hadn't agreed to the move yet).
Of course, Collin grumbled and complained the whole ti about already being busy managing the new industries Kain now possessed—the spiritual beer, elental Silkworm silk, the FMT pills. Kain's fa had even led to him receiving endorsent requests and requests to attend important events. And all of these tasks and requests were being managed by Collin alone.
'I guess I should really hire a personal assistant…' Kain made a ntal note.
After finalizing the land purchase and construction plans with Collin, Kain turned his attention back to his family.
His family in Brightstar City was relatively small, and the director had always been stubborn about staying put. But with the increasing reports of Abyssal activity, Kain knew he couldn't afford to let the director and the children stay there unprotected.
Thankfully, after Kain explained the situation, although still extrely resistant, the director finally agreed to move to Dark Moon City.
By the ti Kain t up with his team at the eting point designated for the participants of Brightstar City mission, he felt more prepared—both ntally and physically. Especially, now that he didn't have to worry about the safety of his loved ones. Collin had texted him that morning to confirm the safe arrival and settlent of his relatives in Dark Moon City.
Kain, as the rookie, had taken the initiative to arrive early and was the first at the location. It was at least another half an hour before the other team mbers began trickling in.
Kain was pleasantly surprised to see that Benji, his guide during the Pathfinder orientation, would be participating. It was nice to have at least one familiar face. The other 2 participants to arrive were both similar-looking won with red hair, likely sisters, nad Claudia and Clara.
After waiting at the designated eting point for close to one hour, the last mber of their five-person team arrived—a tall, stern-looking woman from the Pathfinder branch nad Nadia.
She was a 7-star beast-tar and their de facto leader for this mission. Her contract beast, a massive indigo-grade spiritual creature that resembles a griffin, stood silently at her side, exuding a nacing aura.
Nadia wasted no ti. "You've all read the mission briefing," she said briskly. "Our objective is to explore the relic, assess its connection to the Abyss, and retrieve any information or items of value. This is a priority mission, so no unnecessary risks. Stick together, follow my orders, and we'll get through this."
The team nodded in unison, and Nadia signalled for the teleportation array to activate. The air around them humd with energy as the light from the array grew brighter, enveloping them in a blinding glow.
When the light faded, the team found themselves standing on the outskirts of Brightstar City. The familiar streets stretched out before Kain, but sothing felt… off. The air was thick with tension, and the usual hustle and bustle of the city seed subdued.
However, the last Kain had heard from his family, who had only evacuated yesterday, the news of the Abyss still hadn't spread to here. So what was with the strange atmosphere?
"Did sothing major happen in the city lately?" Kain asked, as a native he was sensitive to the changes in the city. Although his family had moved, he still knew and cared for many of the locals, and so was concerned about the status of the city.
"Probably the relic," Nadia said. "It may be a Historical echo. They have a way of affecting the area around them and the people in the surroundings unconsciously."
Kain's gaze lingered on the city for a mont before he followed the group.
As they approached the heart of the city, the streets grew quieter. Shops that were usually bustling with activity were closed, their shutters drawn tight. Only a few people moved about, their expressions wary and their steps hurried.
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