Hollow Ascension

Chapter 7: First Mission

The cart rattled down the uneven path leading to the Northgate Outpost, its wooden wheels creaking with each jolt over the rocky terrain. The old man driving the cart, who had introduced himself as Gregor, was lost in his thoughts, occasionally flicking the reins to urge the horse forward. Kael walked alongside, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

This road was the main supply route to the outpost, bordered by dense clusters of trees and undergrowth. It was an ideal location for an ambush, something that hadn't escaped Kael's notice. As they moved further away from the city, the forest closed in, its canopy darkening the path beneath them. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, masking any subtle movements that might come from the underbrush.

Kael feigned nervousness, glancing frequently at the trees as if expecting an attack at any moment. It was part of the persona he had chosen to adopt: a low-ranked, inexperienced adventurer trying to make his way. The more he sold that image, the more others would overlook him and lower their guard.

Gregor grunted, eyeing him with a mixture of pity and amusement. "First time outside the city, kid?" he asked, flicking the reins again to steady the horse.

Kael nodded, doing his best to look a little pale. "Yes. I'm... not really used to this," he admitted, injecting just the right amount of hesitation into his voice.

Gregor chuckled. "You'll get the hang of it, or you won't last long." He glanced around, his eyes sharp despite his casual demeanor. "Keep your eyes open, though. Bandits have been getting bolder recently, and the last thing we need is a surprise attack."

Kael nodded earnestly, though inwardly, his mind was racing. Bandits, he thought. They could serve as either an obstacle or an opportunity, depending on how things played out. If they encountered trouble on this mission, it would allow him to gauge the guild's response to danger. On the other hand, if they remained undisturbed, it would highlight a potential weak point in the guild's security that he could exploit later.

They continued in silence for some time, the only sounds being the clatter of the cart and the occasional call of a distant bird. Kael kept his gaze sweeping across the treeline, his senses on high alert. He was not just looking for threats; he was studying the area, memorizing landmarks, and noting any features that might serve him in future schemes.

The sun hung high overhead when they finally approached a bend in the path. Kael tensed, sensing a shift in the air. It was quieter here, the forest's usual background noise dampened. He forced himself to remain calm, keeping his movements slow and uncertain.

From the corner of his eye, he saw a glint of metal—a brief flash that betrayed the presence of something in the underbrush. There, he thought, his heart quickening, though he kept his face carefully blank.

"Wait," Kael said suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I think I saw something."

Gregor pulled on the reins, bringing the cart to a halt. His eyes scanned the treeline, brow furrowing. "Where?" he asked, his voice dropping to a more cautious tone.

Kael pointed toward the undergrowth to their left, making sure his hand shook slightly to appear nervous. "There, in the bushes. I thought I saw metal... like a weapon."

Gregor muttered a curse under his breath and reached for the short sword at his side. "Stay here," he ordered gruffly as he climbed down from the cart. "If it's trouble, don't play the hero. Run back to the city and warn the guild."

Kael nodded, stepping back as Gregor approached the treeline. Internally, he was already planning. This could be an ambush, or it might be nothing. Either way, he had to react in a way that maintained his image while gathering as much information as possible.

Gregor moved cautiously, his sword raised, eyes fixed on the spot Kael had indicated. The seconds stretched out, tension thickening in the air. Then, with a sudden rustle, a figure leaped out from the underbrush—a bandit, clad in worn leathers and brandishing a dagger.

Gregor swung his sword, forcing the bandit back. "Ambush!" he barked, his voice carrying authority. More figures emerged from the treeline, encircling the cart. There were five of them, each armed with a variety of crude weapons.

Kael stumbled back, feigning panic. "B-bandits!" he gasped, clutching at the dagger on his belt. He made no move to attack, instead retreating toward the cart, eyes wide with mock fear.

Play the role, he reminded himself. You're a weak adventurer, not a fighter. Let them think they've got you cornered.

Gregor fought furiously, his sword flashing as he blocked and countered the bandits' attacks. He was outnumbered, but his experience showed in every movement. The bandits pressed in, their attacks disorganized but relentless. Kael watched the battle unfold, carefully noting each move, each mistake, and each advantage.

"Get back!" Gregor shouted, swinging his sword in a wide arc that forced the bandits to scatter. "Run to the city! Now!"

Kael hesitated, glancing around frantically. He needed to look like he was on the verge of fleeing but not quite willing to abandon the cart. "I-I can't just leave you!" he cried, taking a step toward Gregor.

Perfect. He had to make it seem like he wanted to help, but lacked the courage and skill to be effective. It would reinforce his image as someone who was willing but ultimately weak—someone not worth viewing as a threat.

As the bandits regrouped for another attack, Kael caught sight of a bowman in the treeline, drawing an arrow back. His eyes widened. If he didn't act now, Gregor would be in serious trouble. He needed to intervene, just enough to tip the scales without revealing too much.

"Look out!" Kael shouted, pointing at the archer. The bandit's eyes darted toward Kael, momentarily distracted.

Gregor reacted instantly, pivoting to block an incoming strike while closing the distance toward the archer. In one fluid motion, he threw a small dagger, striking the bowman in the arm and causing him to drop the arrow with a cry of pain.

With the archer neutralized, the remaining bandits hesitated, their formation faltering. Gregor seized the opportunity, advancing on them with renewed vigor. Within moments, two more bandits were down, clutching wounds as they retreated into the forest. The remaining assailants, seeing their plan falling apart, turned tail and fled into the woods.

Breathing heavily, Gregor lowered his sword, his eyes scanning the treeline for any remaining threats. "Gone," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. He turned to Kael, his gaze assessing. "You... you did alright, kid. Spotted that archer in time."

Kael forced a shaky smile, his legs trembling. "I-I was just lucky," he stammered. "I didn't even know what to do..."

Gregor nodded, his expression grudgingly approving. "Luck or not, you saved my hide back there. You've got a keen eye, even if you're not much of a fighter."

Exactly what I wanted you to think, Kael thought, though outwardly, he only gave a nervous nod. "I just... did what I could."

Gregor sheathed his sword and walked back to the cart, motioning for Kael to follow. "Well, let's not waste time standing around. We need to get these supplies to the outpost before more of them show up."

Kael nodded again, falling into step beside the cart as it resumed its journey. Inside, his mind raced, analyzing what had just happened. The ambush had provided him with valuable information: the road to Northgate was poorly guarded, bandits were growing bolder, and the guild's supply lines were vulnerable.

[Contract Progress: 70% - Weaknesses Identified]

The System's voice echoed in his mind, and Kael allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. This mission had been fruitful. He had not only solidified his image as a cautious but resourceful novice, but he had also gathered crucial intelligence on the guild's operations. Now, he could start thinking about how to use that information to sow further disorder within the guild.

As they continued down the road, the outpost's walls came into view. Kael squinted at the distant structure, noting the guards patrolling its ramparts and the state of disrepair in parts of its fortifications. Another weak point, he thought, filing the observation away for future use.

"Not much further now," Gregor grunted, glancing at Kael. "You did good back there. Just keep using those eyes of yours, and you might survive this line of work."

Kael gave a small, humble nod. "I'll try," he replied, his voice steady despite the storm of calculations whirling in his mind.

The cart rolled up to the outpost's gates, and Kael took a deep breath, preparing for the next phase. This mission was merely a stepping stone—a way to integrate himself further into the guild while assessing the vulnerabilities he could exploit.

Let them think I'm weak, he thought as the gates opened to admit them. The longer they believe that, the stronger I'll become.