Walker placed the egg on a flat part of the ground in front of him. The warmth of the flame was still able to reach the two but it wasn’t overpowering. Walker mentally prepared himself for the huge mana drain and tiredness.

The egg had lost its glow as the sun had set but still had echoes of a glimmer in the firelight. “Blood contract” Walker immediately felt all his mana converge to his finger resting above the egg. A drop of shining blood fell from his finger and hit the egg.

‘Blood contract skill has been used.

Contract successfully formed with infant abyssal serpent. Upon hatching the user will have access to the abyssal serpents stats and skill information.’

Walker didn’t even have time to smile before he passed out. His dreams were of darkness. He wanted to see the light but couldn’t find any. Every once in a while a glimmer would appear and he’d run at it only for it to disappear. He was tired and needed it… why couldn’t he have it.

Walker shot up from his slumber to see the sun rising. His dreams were fresh in his mind. Was this his new connection with the abyssal serpent egg? Did it want the light so it could finally hatch after years in the dark waiting?

He was about to fall deep in to thought when he smelled some bread warming by the fire. His hunger overcame him and he rushed to join the others eating. ” you know we had to drag you to a tent right?” Remey was a bit annoyed Walker had left himself out in the open last night. Not to mention the egg which any number of night predators could have stolen from them.

“Sorry sorry that was my fault I let my excitement cloud my judgement. By the way where’s the egg?” Walker didn’t see it nearby and became worried.

“I have it!” Su gave a slight shout from a rock she was sitting on while watching the sunset. “I thought it would like to watch the sunset with me since you said it needs light to hatch.” Su’s kindness was really unmatched.

“It’s strange after I made the contract and fell asleep The dreams I had were all about darkness and chasing light. It might be how the serpents felt after years of sleeping.” Remey became slightly teary-eyed after hearing this.

“Don’t worry little fella we’ll get you to hatch and keep you up on endless adventure!!!” He dramatic jump up with her fist in the air cause everyone to laugh. Midnight was keeping an eye on Su who was holding the egg.

“When that egg hatches it will be your younger sibling you’ll need to teach it well,” Walker said this when midnight came over to him patting her in the head. Unknown to him midnight had shared the same dreams as he did last night. It would seem the blood contract was more connected than he believed.

The party quickly began on its way once again. After a few hours of travel, Walker could make out a broken spire. This lead down to stone buildings with broken roofs, partial doorways. And even some random pits where houses seemed to fall in to the depths.

Weeds covered what seemed to be an old street. Some archways were still standing, the intricate carvings faded away leaving but a shadow of true artwork. This was once a massive city but overnight had lost its whole population. Nobody had managed to find the true reason behind its downfall its name had been lost to time. Adventurers had discovered that atop the earth the buildings would often hold skeletons and the odd zombie or so that came up from the mass of underground tunnels.

Making it to the center of the ancient ruins was near impossible due to the swarms of undead monsters. Undead had come from underground almost drawn to the outside. Many adventurers would set up camp on the outskirts and attempt venturing inside to find treasures but never return. It was not uncommon to find empty tents or forgotten notes of farewell.

“So that big tower thing is in the center right? Think we could see the whole world from up there? Let’s go there first!” Remey wanted to rush right in like usual but Su grabbed her shoulder.

“Haven’t you heard how dangerous the ruins are? No one ever makes it to the center and back. The undead monsters are too thick. Making it to the inner walls is already considered a gold tier adventurer party challenge as it is.” Su being the voice of reason was able to tame Remey’s excitement for a few moments.

Gil and Remey looked at each other for a few minutes then smiled devilishly “then we can’t leave until one of us touches that outer wall!” The two said in unison.

“You know I’d almost be convinced you two had telepathy systems.” Walker gave them a strange look. If they were able to get as far as the inner walls of the ancient ruins and bring back evidence of a monster from there would they be promoted right to gold tier party?

“I don’t think we should head in today, it’s better to have a full day to use.” Su was logical as always. She was right it would be better to scout and maybe attract a single enemy out to test things on for a full exploration the next morning.

“Gil, do you want to scout and lure a skeleton or zombie out here. I’m going to try and learn some holy light magic. If I can pull that off maybe we can be faster tomorrow.” Walker knew sending Gil would be safe due to his soft footsteps.

Gil headed off while Remey and Su set up a small camp. Midnight seemed distracted and kept sniffing the air almost looking for food.

‘Daily quest: the jack of all trades system

Your party is in need of a light magic user to make their current objective safer. As the all around magic user, it’s your duty to step up.

Requirements:

Learn one light magic skill.

Rewards:

+1matk stat ‘

“What!!!! I can get stat points from heroic daily quests!!!???” Walker’s outburst was ignored as Remey, Su, and midnight had all also frozen while staring at their systems.

“Leader! If I do this daily quest I can get a poison resistance passive skill!” Su rushed over to Walker not able to control herself. ” I just need to test a zombies hits against my shield ten times!” Walker was incredibly surprised but turning his head to Remey he knew more was to come.