The adventurers of Hamlet Town might not have been especially strong, but they had plenty of experience.
Less than half an hour passed between their decision and their departure.
Just half an hour later, Pan Long had passed through a sealed-off cellar in town and entered a ruin, accompanied by four adventurers.
"They say this ruin used to be a town." Jerrod, the Thief serving as their guide, walked at the front with a torch. He watched his surroundings, especially the ground ahead, to avoid traps as he explained the ruin's history to Pan Long. "But none of the townspeople remember there ever being a town here. Strange, isn't it?"
"This ruin was undoubtedly a thriving town once," said Crusader Eric.
The burly, bald man, who had suffered burns more than once, now wore a full suit of armor. A heavy pack hung on his back, stuffed with rations and drinking water.
They planned to explore underground for roughly two days. That was not long, but the underground ruin was fraught with danger, and every supply had to be brought from above. Together, those provisions weighed a great deal. Without someone strong in the party, they would never get far.
Four of the five carried packs. Crusader Eric carried food and water, Sister Cadra carried bandages and herbs, Doctor Turk carried assorted odds and ends, and Pan Long carried firewood.
Only Jerrod carried no pack. As guide and scout, he needed to travel as light as possible so he could disarm any traps along the way and spot enemies early.
"People must explore this place often. Why do we still need a scout?" Pan Long asked. "Shouldn't they have turned over every stone by the roadside by now?"
"Because an evil power blankets the ruin," Eric said gravely. "Even a