The meeting room inside the Adventurer Association was spacious, well-lit, and filled with an air of anticipation. Twelve people, seven men and five women, sat around a long, polished table. Each of them bore distinct expressions—some calm and collected, others eager and restless. They were a diverse group, each possessing unique abilities suitable for different positions in combat and exploration.
Adam sat at one end of the table, taking in his new teammates. Though he lacked combat abilities, he knew that his *Insight* ability could prove invaluable in deciphering ancient texts and unknown structures. He wasn't the strongest person here, but he had a role to play.
The host of the exploration, a tall man in his late thirties, stepped forward. His presence was commanding, his posture upright and confident. He placed a small device on the table, and with a flicker of mana, a holographic projection appeared above it. The image displayed a map of the targeted ruin, a large, ancient structure surrounded by an unfamiliar landscape.
"My name is Garrett Vaughn," the man introduced himself. "I am the lead researcher for this expedition. Before we proceed, I'll be outlining the details of our mission."
The room quieted as everyone focused on him.
"As you all know, the ruins we are about to explore are one of the oldest discovered through the Gates. Initial scans indicate a labyrinth-like structure with multiple underground levels. The ruins have been left undisturbed for decades due to a lack of proper resources and experts capable of deciphering the texts within. However, with the increasing need for knowledge on otherworldly civilizations, the Adventurer Association has decided to push forward with an expedition."
Garrett adjusted the projection, zooming in on an entrance marked with glowing symbols.
"Our goal is to document the ruins, collect artifacts, and decipher any inscriptions we find. This is where Adam Carter comes in."
Adam straightened slightly as all eyes turned toward him.
"Adam has been selected due to his rare analytical ability, *Insight*. His knowledge of ancient languages, although limited, will be crucial in identifying patterns in inscriptions. While he is not a combatant, I expect everyone here to work together to ensure the safety of the entire team."
A few murmurs spread across the room, but Garrett continued without pause.
"The team is divided into three subgroups: combat specialists, researchers, and logistics support. The combat team, led by Marcus Raines, will secure the area. Researchers, led by myself, will analyze the ruins and collect data. Logistics support, managed by Olivia Ward, will ensure smooth operations."
He gestured to each respective leader, who gave a brief nod.
"Our primary concerns are unknown traps and potential hostile entities. Previous surveys detected mana fluctuations inside the ruins, suggesting that something—possibly dormant—is still active within. Be on guard at all times."
Adam absorbed every word carefully. The thought of facing potential dangers was daunting, but his excitement overpowered any fear. He had spent years attempting to study otherworldly languages, but without access to actual ruins or sufficient materials, his progress had been slow. He had pieced together basic symbols and phrases from photographs taken by other explorers, but this was his first real opportunity to work on a live site.
After a few more minutes of discussion, Garrett concluded the briefing.
"We leave in an hour. Gather your gear and meet at the Gate's entrance. Dismissed."
---
Adam stepped out of the meeting room, his thoughts racing. He was finally getting a chance to put his knowledge to use. He had often imagined what it would be like to stand before an ancient inscription, tracing its worn symbols with his fingers, trying to unravel the secrets of civilizations lost to time.
As he walked toward the equipment area, he noticed a few team members whispering among themselves.
"He doesn't even have combat skills," one of them muttered.
"What's he gonna do? Read the enemy to death?" another joked.
Adam clenched his fists but chose to ignore them. He wasn't here to fight—he was here to uncover knowledge. If they underestimated him, he would prove them wrong through his work.
He focused on collecting his essentials: a data tablet, a notebook, and a voice recorder. Since he lacked combat abilities, he was also provided with an emergency mana barrier device—a small gadget capable of deploying a short-lasting protective shield. It wouldn't withstand heavy attacks, but it could give him enough time to retreat if necessary.
With everything in place, he made his way to the association's departure zone.
---
The team gathered outside the Adventurer Association building. A convoy of reinforced vehicles waited for them, their engines humming softly. The trip to the Gate would take around an hour, and the mood in the vehicle was a mix of excitement and tension.
Marcus Raines, the combat team leader, sat across from Adam, checking his weapon—a sleek mana rifle designed for high-speed combat. He glanced at Adam.
"You ever been through a Gate before?"
Adam shook his head. "No, this is my first expedition."
Marcus smirked. "Try not to get in the way."
Adam met his gaze. "I'll do my job. You do yours."
There was a brief pause before Marcus chuckled. "Fair enough."
The vehicle sped through the city, passing towering skyscrapers and heavily fortified districts. The world had changed so much since the day of Awakening. Where once there had been ordinary streets and office buildings, now there were training centers, mana research facilities, and guild headquarters. This was a world shaped by power, and Adam was determined to find his own place within it.
The convoy finally reached the outskirts of the city, where the Gate stood.
---
Gates were colossal, swirling constructs of energy, their surfaces rippling like liquid metal. This particular Gate had been stabilized with a massive containment structure built around it. Soldiers and security personnel patrolled the area, ensuring no unauthorized individuals entered.
The team disembarked, and Garrett led them toward the Gate's entrance. Waiting for them was the expedition's head supervisor—a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.
"Dr. Vaughn," she greeted Garrett with a nod. "Your team is cleared for entry. The stabilization field is holding, but keep in mind that conditions on the other side remain unpredictable."
Garrett acknowledged her before turning to the team. "This is it. Final checks before we enter. Make sure your gear is secure. We don't know what's waiting on the other side."
Adam took a deep breath, gripping the strap of his bag. This was his first step into a world he had only dreamed of exploring. The mysteries of the ruins awaited, and he was ready to uncover the truth.