The Bran Village Adventurer Guild had officially decided that Empoy could no longer operate solo.
"Well…" the receptionist said, folding her arms, "he technically saved the village three times now. The official guild report says we have to assign him a team."
Empoy blinked. "A team?"
"Yes. You'll have partners. Under supervision. Do not screw this up."
He sighed. "I don't even like partners."
The receptionist ignored him. "Meet your team: one level-2 adventurer, a level-1 mage, and… well, that's it."
Empoy stared at the trio waiting awkwardly:
Kiko, the overly enthusiastic swordsman who practiced dramatic poses even while sitting.
Lina, a mage who nervously clutched her staff like it was a baby.
Bram, a quiet archer who mostly avoided eye contact.
Empoy muttered, "Perfect. Disaster in three… two… one…"
The "Bigger Challenge"
The guild handed them their first assignment together:
Mission: Investigate the old cave near the northern ridge. Strange noises reported. Probable monster activity.
Empoy groaned. "Old cave, northern ridge… that's like a two-hour walk. Why not just send the real heroes?"
Kiko shouted, "Let's go! Our first team mission!"
Lina whispered nervously, "Do you think it's dangerous?"
Empoy muttered, "Probably. Not for me. For you… maybe."
At the Cave Entrance
The cave smelled like wet stone and stale air. A faint glow pulsed from deeper inside.
"Monster," Bram muttered. "Definitely a monster."
Empoy nodded. "Yes. Likely dangerous. Step carefully… or just let me handle it quietly."
The team edged forward.
Suddenly, a giant cave troll leapt from the shadows. Its eyes glowed crimson, and its roar rattled the walls.
Kiko screamed and swung his sword dramatically, missing completely.Lina fired a small magic bolt that fizzled into the wall.Bram loosed an arrow… which bounced harmlessly off the troll's hide.
Empoy sighed. "Step aside."
He reached into his bag, pulled out a few small devices: mana-thread wires, a compact coil generator, and a reinforced blade. He placed the devices subtly along the cave floor and walls, connecting them with barely visible threads.
He tripped over a rock, accidentally activating the traps. Sparks arced. The troll roared, caught in a network of subtle electric pulses that left it dazed but unharmed.
The team froze. "Did… did he just…?"
Empoy dusted his hands. "All under control. Nothing special."
The troll staggered, stumbled into a stalagmite, and collapsed, defeated. Empoy stepped around it casually, brushing dirt off his clothes.
Guild Misunderstanding
Back at the guild, the receptionist was fuming.
"How did he do it again?!" she yelled into the comms.
"He—uh—he's using unofficial tactics," one junior guild member stammered.
Empoy walked in, holding his satchel. "Morning. Monster gone."
"Explain yourself!" the receptionist demanded.
Empoy shrugged. "Tripped over a rock… maybe it fell on him."
Kiko's jaw dropped. "I saw it! He—he defeated a cave troll… by tripping?!"
Lina whispered, "Are… are we allowed to say he's strong?"
Empoy muttered, "No. Keep it quiet. Background character. Lowest rank. Officially useless. Got it?"
Villagers Take Notice
Meanwhile, back in Bran Village, news of the cave troll spread quietly.
The villagers whispered:
"Did you hear? Empoy… again?"
"He's just an extra, but somehow… stronger than anyone we've ever seen."
"I think he does it on purpose… or maybe he's just lucky?"
Empoy returned to his shack and opened a notebook, sketching ideas for improved devices.
Quiet life… maybe officially useless, but unofficially… unstoppable.
He smiled faintly. "Perfect. Let's see how long the guild can keep misunderstanding me."
Lightning flickered faintly across his fingers as he adjusted a mana-thread coil.
One day, they'll know. But not today.