Ashbreaker Trial II: Escort the Miners
Emberpoint Ridge was known for two things: rich ore veins and ambushes.
Kael and Riven arrived at the Ridgeguard Outpost just after dawn. The trail ahead twisted along narrow ledges with nothing but air and stone on either side. The crew waiting there—five soot-covered miners with carts full of raw materials—looked uneasy.
One of them, a scruffy dwarf named Torin, stepped forward.
"You're our escort?" he squinted. "Thought you'd be taller."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "We're not here for small talk. Just keep your heads down and move when we say."
Torin grunted, but nodded. "Fine. Just get us to Emberpoint with our carts. We already lost one group last week—ambushed by something that hissed like a steam vent and ate rocks."
Kael's grip tightened around his blades. "Sounds like Riftspawn. Let's move."
[MISSION OBJECTIVE – ACTIVE]
Escort Miner Caravan
Threat Level: Yellow – Tier II Encounter
Escort Health: [100%]
Progress: 0% → 100%
Quest Party: Kael (Lv 17), Riven (Lv 17)
Enemies: Riftspawn Scuttlers, Stoneback Hounds
They hadn't gone more than twenty minutes when the cliffs trembled.
Skittering noises.
Dozens of small, sharp-legged creatures surged from the rocks—Riftspawn Scuttlers, each one about the size of a wolf, eyes glowing green.
[Enemies Approaching!]
Riftspawn Scuttlers (Lv 16) x10
Escort Health: 92%
Kael dashed forward and sliced through the first two. Riven dropped traps behind the miners—spiked glyphs that detonated on contact. The cliffs echoed with screeches and the crackle of burning Riftflesh.
Riven uses Trapburst Glyph – 5 hits!
Kael uses Whirlwind Edge – 450 DMG AoE!
But then—Stoneback Hounds arrived. Larger, armored, and faster. One slammed into a cart, splintering a wheel.
"Keep those carts moving!" Kael shouted, launching himself at the beast.
Two of the hounds lunged for Torin. Riven leapt between them, daggers flashing in a blur.
Riven uses Shadow Dash – 3 hits, Critical
Kael executes Parry Counter – 900 Damage!
The last Stoneback fell with a choking growl.
"Carts intact?" Kael called.
Torin wiped his brow. "Barely. But yeah. You two fight like demons."
They reached Emberpoint Ridge's far gate just as the sun hit its peak. The guards opened the checkpoint, waving the miners through.
Torin turned back, tossing Kael a heavy pouch.
"From the miners' guild. And from me… thanks."
[MISSION COMPLETE – TRIAL II]
Escort Complete
Reward: 400C, 1,000 EXP, Ashbreaker Favor +1
Loot: Stoneback Fang x1, Riftspawn Core x3
Level Up: Kael Lv 18 | Riven Lv 18
Tier III Unlock Progress: 2 / 5
Kael counted the coins as they walked away. "One more trial down."
Riven checked her gear. "And one dungeon sweep left. Wonder what the Forgotten Tower Cells look like."
Kael gave a dry laugh. "Forgotten? Let's remind them who we are.