Chapter 503: The First to Enter [ Magic Castle Bonus - ]

he first official exploration of Greyfen began beneath a clear morning sky, with more than two hundred Warriors gathered outside the enormous stone pillars surrounding the dungeon’s entrance.

Unlike the previous day, when excitement over the S-Rank Dungeon Passes had nearly overwhelmed the registration counters, the atmosphere was considerably more organized.

Guild employees moved between wooden tables, checking registration documents, recording purchases, and directing expedition companies toward designated waiting areas.

Sage stood beside Tobias, observing the preparations with considerable satisfaction.

"How many companies have completed their registrations?" Sage asked, examining the ledger resting upon Tobias’s desk.

"Seven companies have purchased enough Passes for their intended expeditions, Guildmaster," Tobias answered. "However, only four have confirmed that they’re prepared to enter today. The others have requested additional time to purchase supplies and recruit suitable members."

Sage nodded approvingly. "Good. At least some of them understand that preparation is more important than enthusiasm."

Tobias adjusted his spectacles. "We’ve also received several requests from independent Adventurers seeking permission to form temporary expedition parties. I’ve directed them toward the registration desk until their membership and arrangements can be verified."

"Excellent," Sage replied. "Make sure everyone understands that purchasing a Pass doesn’t exempt them from following Guild regulations."

Nearby, Oren Thales supervised the employees responsible for maintaining order, while Maura Bellamy reviewed the records that returning expeditions would be expected to submit.

The Guild had established a temporary reporting station beside the entrance, equipped with parchment, ink, storage chests, and several large tables.

Sage intended to make good use of it.

After all, Greyfen contained hundreds of unexplored floors, and the Guild possessed reliable information concerning only a small portion of its interior.

That situation needed to change.

"Guildmaster, the reporting documents are ready," Maura announced, approaching with several neatly arranged sheets. "Each company will record its members, intended exploration route, expected return date, and any discoveries made during the expedition."

Sage examined the documents before nodding. "Very good. Make sure they understand that reporting unusual monsters, dangerous terrain, and discovered passages is strongly encouraged. We’re not demanding that they surrender valuable secrets about every treasure they find, but information concerning serious dangers could save lives."

Maura smiled. "I’ve already included a section for dangerous encounters and requests for rescue assistance."

"Excellent," Sage replied. "Let’s hope the second section remains largely unused."

Unfortunately, he wasn’t particularly optimistic.

The first company preparing to enter was a mercenary organization known as the Silver Hart Company.

Its captain, a broad-shouldered man named Darian Falk, approached the registration table accompanied by five experienced Warriors.

Their equipment was practical rather than extravagant, consisting of reinforced leather armor, steel weapons, healing potions, and several carefully packed supply bags.

Darian greeted Sage with a respectful nod.

"Guildmaster Sage, my company has completed its preparations. We’ve purchased six Passes and intend to explore the initial region for no longer than three days."

Sage examined their equipment with interest. "A reasonable objective. Are you planning to prioritize monster materials or exploration?"

"Both, if circumstances permit," Darian answered. "But our primary goal is to understand the terrain and identify profitable hunting grounds. We have no intention of challenging anything beyond our capabilities."

"An excellent attitude," Sage replied. "I sincerely hope you maintain it once you discover something valuable."

Darian laughed. "I’ve buried enough reckless companions to know when greed becomes dangerous."

Beside him stood a dark-haired woman carrying a long spear and a compact shield. She introduced herself as Seraphine Kestrel, the company’s second-in-command.

"We’ve also brought additional rope, spare torches, and enough provisions for five days," Seraphine explained. "If the dungeon proves more complicated than expected, we’d rather retreat than discover we’ve exhausted our supplies."

Sage nodded approvingly. "Then you’re already better prepared than half the people currently waiting outside."

The second company, the Ashen Wolves, was led by a veteran swordsman named Corvin Dalmere.

Unlike Darian’s cautious approach, Corvin intended to conduct a relatively short reconnaissance expedition, concentrating on the passages closest to the entrance.

"We’ll return before nightfall if possible," Corvin explained, resting one hand upon his sword. "My men are familiar with dangerous ruins, but none of us have explored an S-Rank Dungeon before."

"Then consider this an opportunity to acquire experience without gambling your lives unnecessarily," Sage replied.

Corvin nodded seriously. "That’s exactly what I intend, Guildmaster."

The third group consisted of four independent Adventurers who had recently formed an expedition party specifically for Greyfen.

Their leader, Elowen Varrick, was an experienced archer with sharp eyes and an unusually calm demeanor.

"We don’t intend to fight anything we can avoid," Elowen explained. "Our objective is to identify accessible resources, record useful landmarks, and return with enough information to plan a larger expedition."

Sage smiled. "A sensible strategy. If you discover anything particularly useful, the Guild may be interested in purchasing your findings."

Elowen’s expression brightened. "Then I suppose we have another reason to return alive."

"An excellent reason," Sage agreed. "I recommend making it your highest priority."

As the companies completed their preparations, Sage gathered their leaders near the reporting station.

"Before anyone enters," he announced, "there are several matters I want everyone to understand. Greyfen’s S-Rank classification reflects the overall danger of the dungeon. It doesn’t mean every monster near the entrance possesses overwhelming strength, but it certainly doesn’t mean the early regions are safe."

The company leaders listened attentively.

Sage continued, "The Guild will maintain records of explored routes, dangerous encounters, and environmental hazards. If you encounter something unusual, report it upon returning. Accurate information benefits every Adventurer who enters after you."

Darian nodded. "Will those reports be available to other companies?"

"Information concerning general safety will eventually be made accessible through the Guild," Sage answered. "More specialized discoveries may be handled separately, depending upon their nature and the agreements involved."

Seraphine raised her hand. "And if a company fails to return by its expected date?"

Maura stepped forward, having been asked by Sage to clarify the reporting procedures.

"The Guild will record overdue expeditions and assess the circumstances," she explained. "However, a delayed return doesn’t automatically mean a rescue party will be dispatched. Any rescue operation must consider the available information, personnel, and risks involved."

Sage nodded. "Precisely. The Guild will make reasonable efforts to assist Adventurers, but nobody should assume that purchasing a Pass entitles them to an army of rescuers."

Several company leaders exchanged thoughtful glances.

Unfortunately, not everyone appreciated the warning.

A loud laugh suddenly interrupted the gathering.

"Guildmaster Sage, you’re making this sound considerably more complicated than necessary!"

The speaker was a tall, muscular swordsman wearing polished plate armor decorated with silver engravings. A magnificent greatsword rested across his back, while six heavily armed companions stood behind him.

His name was Bastian Rookmere, captain of the Crimson Talon Company.

Bastian had purchased seven S-Rank Dungeon Passes earlier that morning, attracting considerable attention by paying the entire amount without hesitation.

Now he appeared determined to attract even more.

"I’ve explored dangerous dungeons throughout the Kingdom," Bastian declared confidently. "And I’ve discovered that most warnings are exaggerated by people who lack the strength to handle real challenges."

Sage regarded him with mild curiosity. "An interesting observation. Have you explored many S-Rank Dungeons?"

Bastian’s smile faltered briefly.

"Naturally not," he admitted. "This is the first one officially classified by your Guild."

"Then I suppose we’re all about to learn something new," Sage replied pleasantly.

Several nearby Warriors chuckled.

Bastian’s expression hardened.

"My company doesn’t need lectures about retreating whenever something looks dangerous," he declared. "We intend to explore as deeply as possible and return with treasures worthy of our reputation."

Darian frowned. "Captain Bastian, there’s a difference between courage and recklessness."

Bastian turned toward him dismissively. "Spoken like someone who’s already planning to run away."

Seraphine’s eyes narrowed, but Darian merely shook his head.

Sage stepped forward before the argument could escalate.

"Captain Bastian, you’re free to establish your own expedition objectives," he said calmly. "However, I strongly recommend respecting the dungeon’s dangers. Even powerful Warriors can die when they encounter something beyond their understanding."

Bastian laughed again. "I’ll remember your advice, Guildmaster. Although I suspect we’ll return with enough treasure to make these cautious fellows regret wasting their opportunity."

Sage studied him for a moment.

Wonderful. The dungeon hasn’t even opened for its first paying customers, and someone is already volunteering to become a cautionary tale.

Nevertheless, Bastian had completed the required registration and purchased valid Passes.

Sage had no legitimate reason to prevent his company from entering merely because its captain possessed an impressive shortage of common sense.

With the preparations complete, Oren directed the registered companies toward the entrance.

The towering stone pillars began glowing more brightly as the first Adventurers approached.

Darian stepped forward, holding his S-Rank Dungeon Pass.

The golden formation responded immediately.

A narrow passage opened through the barrier, allowing him to cross the threshold without resistance.

His companions followed, their Passes producing the same reaction.

A cheer rose from the surrounding crowd.

The Silver Hart Company had become the first paying expedition to enter Greyfen.

Corvin and the Ashen Wolves followed shortly afterward, while Elowen’s party entered after completing its final equipment inspection.

Then Bastian approached the entrance with his companions.

He glanced back toward Sage, wearing an arrogant smile.

"Guildmaster, prepare your merchants. The Crimson Talon Company will be returning with treasures unlike anything this Kingdom has ever seen!"

Sage folded his arms.

"I’ll inform them," he replied pleasantly. "Although I’d personally prefer you return with all seven members of your company."

Bastian laughed before presenting his Pass.

The formation opened, and the Crimson Talon Company disappeared into Greyfen.

As the golden barrier closed behind them, Sage watched the entrance thoughtfully.

The Guild’s first paying expeditions were finally underway.

And somewhere beyond those ancient stone pillars, Greyfen was waiting to teach its newest visitors exactly what an S-Rank Dungeon meant.