The Weight of Knowledge Ethan moved through the streets of Portland, the weight of his new daggers pressing against his belt. The encounter in the sewers had left him with more questions than answers. The Shadow-Touched, as he had begun calling them, weren’t just dungeon creatures. They weren’t like the Nightfangs or any monsters categorized by the System. They were something else. Something that wasn’t supposed to exist. And that terrified him. Because if the System itself couldn’t recognize them— Then how the hell was he supposed to fight them?
A City on Edge Despite the familiar bustle of the market, Ethan noticed something different. People were uneasy. Adventurers spoke in hushed tones, some glancing toward the Guild Hall with wary expressions. A merchant muttered to his assistant, “…another one gone.” Another adventurer, a heavily armored warrior, shook his head. “They’re not saying much, but the Guild’s looking into it. I’d stay close to the city if I were you.” Ethan frowned. This wasn’t normal. He stepped toward one of the murmuring adventurers. “What’s happening?” The man turned, blinking in surprise before recognizing Ethan. “You’re the one who went to the outpost, right?” Ethan hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. What’s going on?” The adventurer’s expression darkened. “More disappearances.” Ethan’s stomach tightened. Returning to the Guild By the time Ethan reached the Guild Hall, the tension in the air was thick. He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the noise around him as he headed straight for the reception desk. Elias Thurman was there, talking in low tones with another Guild official. When Elias saw him, he barely hesitated before nodding. “Inside. Now.” Ethan followed him through the Guild’s restricted door, leading into a private office. Elias shut the door behind him. “You heard?” Ethan exhaled. “Disappearances.” Elias nodded. “Two more last night. Both F-Rank adventurers. No bodies, no signs of struggle. Same as before.” Ethan gritted his teeth. The pattern was clear. Whatever was happening was spreading.
A Choice to Make Elias leaned against his desk, studying Ethan. “I know you’re already heading back to the outpost with your team.” Ethan nodded. “Good.” Elias crossed his arms. “Because whatever you found last time? I think we’re only seeing the beginning.” A pause. Then— “Do you want the Guild’s help?” Ethan blinked. “What?” Elias’s expression was unreadable. “You’re the only one who has fought one of these things and survived.” “I can send other adventurers to investigate. I can authorize better gear for you and your team. But if I do that…” His gaze hardened. “…The Guild takes full control of this mission. That means you report directly to me—and anything you find is classified.” Ethan’s jaw tightened. This was a calculated move. Elias wasn’t offering help out of kindness—he wanted control. If Ethan accepted, he’d gain resources and information… But he’d lose his ability to act freely. He thought of his sister. Emma was taken when the System first descended. And no one had ever given him answers. Would the Guild really help? Or would they bury the truth if it didn’t fit their agenda? Ethan’s fingers curled into a fist. “…No.” Elias raised an eyebrow. “No?” Ethan exhaled. “My team and I are handling this. If I find something, I’ll decide what to do with it.” For a long moment, Elias said nothing. Then— The corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Good answer.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
A Team Reunited Ethan left the Guild office, his mind still processing everything. The moment he stepped into the main hall, a familiar voice called out. “About time.” Gareth, Kara, and Leah were waiting near their usual table. Kara was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, while Leah sipped from a cup of tea. Gareth eyed Ethan. “You’re late.” Ethan shrugged. “Had a conversation with Elias.” Leah arched an eyebrow. “That can’t have been fun.” Ethan exhaled. “He offered to back us with Guild support. I turned him down.” Gareth gave a small nod, like he had expected it. “Good. That would have put us under their thumb.” Kara snorted. “Yeah, I’m not looking to be a Guild puppet.” Leah hesitated. “Still… I can’t help but wonder what they’re not telling us.” Ethan agreed. But they’d find out soon enough. Because now? They were going back. The Journey to the Outpost Begins The next morning, the party set out before dawn. This time, they were better prepared.
Gareth had upgraded his spear, reforging it with a stronger metal alloy.
Kara had a fresh blade, newly sharpened and reinforced.
Leah carried extra mana potions, ensuring she wouldn’t run dry mid-battle.
Ethan had his new daggers, the Twin Shadowfangs resting at his sides.
The road stretched ahead of them, the faint glow of sunrise painting the horizon. And with every step— Ethan felt the shadows growing closer. Waiting. Watching. And this time? He was ready to face them.
