It was a warm morning. The sun had already fully risen, bathing the Sungley mansion in a golden light that made the windows and the white columns of the front garden shine. Two groups of adventurers had arrived at the main entrance, and this time the guard did not hesitate for even a second: he went straight to inform the lords of the house.

  —My lord! My lady! I bring important news! —announced the guard, slightly agitated by the rush.

  Laret looked up calmly.

  —Yes, of course. Tell us.

  —Two groups of adventurers requested to meet with the boss monkey... —he made an abrupt pause, swallowing nervously—. I mean, with young master Kael!

  Caria raised an eyebrow.

  —Two groups?

  —That is correct. The D-rank adventurer group from the other day... and also the S-rank group, Silver Fang.

  That last announcement immediately caught the lords’ full attention.

  Caria let out a tired breath, bringing a hand to her head as she scratched it in resignation.

  —Oh, for God’s sake... that child...

  Laret sighed, but kept his composure.

  —Tell the adventurers to come in. We will personally take them to Kael.

  —Yes, sir!

  And so, the very lords of House Sungley went out to receive them.

  Valeryn stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

  —Good morning, my lords. It is an honor to be received by the lords of House Sungley.

  All the adventurers lowered their heads in respect.

  Caria smiled at them kindly.

  —Welcome. It is a pleasure to see you. I assume you came because of some matter involving our son.

  Lyris stepped forward.

  —Good morning, my lords. Indeed, young master Kael asked us to come for some special equipment required for his mission.

  Laret observed them one by one before replying.

  —Then let us go see him. He should be in his workshop.

  The S-rank adventurers looked at each other, visibly surprised.

  —Hey, Valeryn —murmured one of the S-rank adventurers—. Didn’t you say the young master was four years old?

  Valeryn nodded with a faint smile.

  —That is correct... he is very intelligent.

  As they advanced, the peaceful air of the mansion was interrupted by an explosion that rumbled like thunder.

  The windows trembled lightly.

  Caria stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes opened wide and her patience vanished.

  —AAAAAAAAAA! That little demon already did something he wasn’t supposed to!

  Mana wrapped around her like an invisible blaze. Without giving any further explanation, she made a supersonic leap and vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a faint current of air.

  The S-rank adventurers were stunned.

  —I don’t think you should worry... —said Lyris naturally—. From what I understand, this happens all the time.

  When everyone reached the workshop, the scene was exactly what one would expect.

  Caria, visibly furious, was hitting a completely charred Kael on the head, his face blackened with soot. At his side, also singed but with a completely neutral expression, stood Zarina, covered in soot.

  Kael looked up... and his eyes shone brightly when he recognized the new arrivals.

  It was the entire Silver Fang group.

  With strategic speed, he approached his mother, kissed her on the cheek, and taking advantage of her confusion, managed to slip free.

  Then he walked up to the new adventurers and, still with his face blackened and his hair faintly smoking, bowed formally.

  —HELLO! Good morning. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kael Sungley. I hope we can get along well.

  The adventurers exchanged glances. The scene was absurd... but also impressive.

  The first to introduce himself was the leader.

  Carred stepped forward.

  His presence commanded respect even without heavy armor. He was an elite scout whose experience had made him the tactical backbone of the group. He mastered the bow with lethal long-range precision, but never hesitated to enter close combat when necessary, wielding the sword with the same cold efficiency.

  His style was direct, calculated, and ruthlessly effective.

  —My name is Carred. It’s a pleasure, young master. For us, it is a great honor to be able to collaborate with the great house that guides and protects us.

  His voice was firm, but without arrogance.

  The next to introduce himself was Arlen.

  —Good morning, young Kael. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Arlen.

  The group’s main mage. Cold, analytical, and extremely calculating. His violet eyes seemed to contain arcane energy even at rest. He wore dark robes reinforced with discreet arcane details, and his bearing was elegant without being ostentatious.

  Then the group’s tank stepped forward.

  Tolnya looked like a wall.

  —It... it is a pleasure to meet you, young master Kael. I... I am Tolnya.

  His voice was deep, though slightly awkward in social situations. His heavy armor bore marks from old battles, and his massive body gave the impression that nothing could bring him down easily.

  As long as Tolnya remained standing... the battle was not over.

  Kael observed each one with childlike fascination, but also with silent analysis.

  And there were still three left.

  Now it was the turn of the female members of the team.

  The fourth to introduce herself was Ferrah.

  The young woman moved forward with light, almost feline steps. Her gaze was lively and curious, and a crooked smile appeared on her face when she saw Kael completely singed.

  —Aw, how cute and how black you are, little one! —she said without any filter, leaning slightly toward him—. You smell like burnt wood. Let me introduce myself, I am Ferrah.

  She was a swift and deadly huntress, a specialist in daggers and crossbow. Her slim and athletic body was made for constant movement. She had subtle bestial traits that revealed her origins, with slightly pointed ears that seemed always alert to the faintest sound. Her light clothing was designed to never get in her way; every weapon seemed like a natural extension of her hands.

  The comment did not seem to bother Kael... on the contrary, it made him smile even more.

  The fifth to introduce herself was Sara.

  Her posture was straight, impeccable. Every movement conveyed elegance and discipline.

  —Good morning. It is an honor for me to serve and receive help from the Sungley lords. My name is Sara.

  She was a noblewoman trained in a hybrid style that combined refined swordsmanship with offensive magic. Her intense red hair was tied back with sobriety, and her steady gaze reflected pride and confidence. She wore full armor with ornamental details, without sacrificing mobility.

  Her presence commanded respect even in silence.

  And finally, the sixth member.

  Mitan took a small step forward. Her voice was soft, but clear.

  —Hello, good morning, young master... my name is Mitan. It is a great honor to meet you...

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  She was the group's buffer, the silent pillar of the Silver Fang. She did not fight on the front lines, yet her magic was decisive: she strengthened attack, defense, and resistance with almost perfect precision.

  With tan skin and a slender figure, her body was covered in finely crafted magical runic tattoos that glowed faintly whenever she channeled mana. Her green eyes conveyed calm and absolute control. She wore light garments adorned with arcane talismans that produced a soft chime with even the slightest movement.

  Kael, amazed by every member of the group, could not contain himself.

  His eyes shone with genuine excitement.

  —Wow! You all look really powerful! And who was the one who managed to make a contract with a magical spirit?

  Laret appeared behind him like a silent shadow and placed a firm hand on his son’s head.

  —Son —he said in a serious tone—, traits such as a person’s magic element or whether they possess a spirit are personal matters. That information cannot be revealed so easily. They are trump cards. If your opponent knows what you are capable of, they will be able to prepare better.

  Kael blinked a couple of times, understanding immediately.

  —Ah! My father is right. My apologies... it is just that I get excited about spirits and types of magic.

  Tolnya, with some nervousness but also with determination, stepped forward.

  —A-and... I was the one who made a contract with a spirit, young master...

  Silence fell for a second.

  The S-rank group members —except for Tolnya— lowered their gazes slightly, remembering the difficulty of that ceremony.

  Kael opened his eyes in genuine amazement.

  —WOOOW! Mister Tolnya, thank you for the information. I am very happy for you.

  Arán, unable to hold back, cut in without thinking too much.

  —Ah... I thought the leader, since he was the strongest, had passed the trial...

  Several gazes turned toward him.

  Caria sighed before answering calmly, though her gaze was firm.

  —The spirit ceremony is not only about strength or intelligence. In fact, that is the least important part. In the contract ceremony, what matters much more is the spirit that wishes to bond with you... and your endurance and perseverance. You must have mental fortitude, ideals, and unbreakable goals to reach the final trial.

  Caria’s words carried weight.

  The S-rank group nodded in silence.

  Kael raised one hand, retaking control of the conversation with surprising ease.

  —Well, my father is right. Too much information has already been given. Let us move on to the important matters. Now I will ask for special help from my amazing and powerful assistant, Zarina.

  The blow to the head came immediately.

  —Zarina is going to bathe because of your fault, you devilish child! —Caria scolded him—. If you want to blow things up, do it by yourself. Don’t drag her into it!

  And without giving him a chance to reply, she took Zarina in her arms and carried her away, while the girl remained completely neutral, still covered in soot.

  Kael turned toward Laret with an indignant expression.

  —FATHER! Say something! She loves Zarina more than her own son...

  Laret looked at him with an expression that mixed disappointment and absolute sincerity.

  —Well, of course she loves her more, when all you do is cause disasters, blow her up, and scream.

  Kael was completely exposed.

  He could do nothing but nod at the brutal truth.

  Then, without wasting time, he entered his workshop.

  The interior was full of tools, worktables, jars with strange substances, and half-assembled artifacts. The air still smelled of hot metal and burnt wood.

  Kael began taking out a wide variety of items and placed them in an orderly manner on a broad table.

  —Very well, ladies and gentlemen. Let us first deal with your missions. Both involve entering potentially toxic places.

  His tone changed. He was no longer the excited child.

  He was someone who knew exactly what he was talking about.

  —For the S-rank team: sulfur dioxide, SO?. And hydrogen sulfide, H?S... smells like rotten eggs. Both irritate the lungs, cause dizziness, and can kill in high concentrations.

  He pointed to another set of materials.

  —And in goblin caves where there is saltpeter, there is also guano, urine, and organic buildup that generate ammonia, toxic gases, and fine dust.

  The atmosphere grew more serious.

  Kael placed several crude leather masks on the table, each with a copper frame and a front compartment.

  —Before entering those places... you’ll be using these.

  Carred frowned.

  —What are they?

  —Breathing filters —Kael answered matter-of-factly a confidence far beyond his age—. In caves with saltpeter and in volcanic zones, the air can kill you before a monster does.

  He opened one of the masks and showed the inside.

  —Inside there are layers of wool, charcoal, and treated ash. The charcoal traps toxic gases. The ash neutralizes acidic vapors. The fabric filters fine dust.

  Valeryn observed him with analytical attention.

  —Do they work?

  —They are not miracles —Kael replied—, but they will give you time. Time to fight, flee, and breathe without falling unconscious.

  The silence that followed was one of understanding.

  This was not a game.

  It was survival.

  Kael did not lose his rhythm. He moved through the workshop with a confidence far beyond his age, yet it seemed completely natural in him.

  He took a pair of sturdy goggles from beneath the table and extended them toward the group.

  —These are protective goggles I designed for you. Saltpeter and sulfur can release harmful vapors for the eyes. These lenses are sealed and filter the air near the face, preventing irritating gases from making direct contact with the eyes.

  The D-rank and S-rank adventurers took them curiously.

  —The lenses are made of treated resin —Kael continued—. They block corrosive vapors and small suspended particles. The leather frame seals the sides. They are not elegant... but they are effective.

  Valeryn turned one between his fingers.

  —This is not ordinary adventurer gear...

  —No —Kael nodded—. This is extraction and survival gear.

  Then he dropped several pairs of thick dark gloves onto the table.

  The leather was dense, reinforced on the palms and fingers with extra stitching.

  —These are protective gloves. Saltpeter and sulfur do not just smell bad... they also burn the skin if handled carelessly.

  The adventurers tried them on. They were stiff, but solid.

  —They are made of reinforced thick leather. They will allow you to handle hot minerals, contaminated rocks, or corrosive substances without destroying your hands. Without these... you would finish the mission with your palms full of wounds or unable to close your fingers.

  Bezal nodded, imagining the scenario.

  —Understood.

  Kael then took out a pair of tall boots, much sturdier than ordinary footwear.

  The outside was hardened leather; the sole was reinforced with layers of resin and a thin sealed metal plate.

  —These boots are designed to prevent liquids and gases from coming through from the ground. In goblin caves and volcanic areas, danger is not always in the air... many times it comes from below.

  Valeryn examined the sole attentively, pressing it with his thumb.

  —The ground can release toxic vapors, natural acids, or extreme heat. With these boots, you will not breathe gases rising through cracks, nor will you suffer light burns on your feet.

  The adventurers understood the logic.

  This was not equipment for fighting.

  It was equipment for coming back alive.

  Then Kael took out a thick sack and knocked on it with his knuckles.

  The sound was dry.

  —This is just as important as the masks. These sacks are sealed. They keep moisture out and prevent vapors from escaping.

  Adriel took one carefully.

  —Why so much care just to transport the material?

  Kael looked at her with absolute seriousness.

  —Because damp saltpeter is ruined. And sulfur... if it is exposed too much to the air, it starts releasing gases that can make you dizzy even outside the volcanic area.

  Valeryn inspected the inside.

  —This is not an ordinary sack... it has been treated.

  —Exactly —Kael replied—. You collect the material, seal it, and do not open it until you return. No sticking your face inside to look. No snooping around.

  A few swallowed nervously.

  Then he placed several metal lamps on the table.

  —This is exclusively for you, D-rank team. No torches.

  The adventurers looked at each other in confusion.

  —And how are we supposed to see inside the cave? —asked Bezal.

  Kael took one of the lamps and lit it. A small, steady flame illuminated the room without producing smoke.

  —Torches consume too much oxygen and produce smoke. In closed caves, that is a death sentence... or an explosion if there are gases.

  He slightly turned a ring at the base and the flame became even smaller.

  —These are low-flame oil lamps. They provide enough light, do not produce smoke, and do not ignite dangerous gases.

  Arán felt a chill run through him.

  —...So if we had gone in with torches...

  Kael looked at him without softening the answer.

  —Yes. You probably would have blown up along with the cave.

  The group turned serious instantly.

  Then he brought out metal tools, arranging them precisely on the table.

  —These are not weapons. They are extraction picks and chisels. Saltpeter is fragile and crystallized... if you hit it like idiots, you are going to break it or contaminate it.

  The adventurers examined the tools.

  —The picks are for opening controlled cracks. The chisels are for separating the material carefully. No heavy blows, no sparks, and no cave-ins.

  Bezal nodded gravely.

  —If you extract the material cleanly, it is worth ten times more. If you ruin it... then you only carried useless white garbage.

  A slight tension ran through the D-rank team.

  Kael then placed several small elongated objects on the table.

  —These are route markers.

  He held them between his fingers.

  —Caves are not straight paths. They branch, repeat themselves, and deceive the eye. Without these, you may walk in circles until you die in there.

  He explained each function clearly:

  —Visual orientation. They are carved with simple arrows that indicate the way out. Even in low light, you can feel the shape by touch.

  —Team identification. Each marker has the group’s symbol engraved on it, to avoid confusion with caves already explored.

  —And passive luminous signaling. In the center there is a resin that absorbs light from the lamps and releases it slowly in the dark. It does not burn. It does not consume oxygen.

  Kael looked at them one by one.

  —Every certain distance, you drive one into the wall or wedge it between rocks. If something goes wrong... this can be the difference between coming out alive or disappearing forever.

  The D-rank team felt the real weight of the mission.

  Kael was not improvising.

  He was planning survival.

  Then he brought out several thick cloaks. They looked heavy, but when touched they were surprisingly flexible.

  —These cloaks are not simple coats. They are designed to resist extreme heat, hot ash, and blasts of scorching air. In volcanic areas, the air can burn the skin, the ground radiates heat, and sudden changes can kill in minutes.

  Valeryn took one and examined it with technical attention.

  —The outer layer is treated with resin from the Nabu tree mixed with volcanic ash. That allows it to better resist heat, repel part of the sparks, and prevent burning ash from piercing the fabric. The inside has layers of compressed cloth that trap air, creating a thermal barrier.

  Lyris frowned.

  —And that will not make us sweat ourselves to death?

  —No —Kael denied—. It is made to preserve a layer of air between the fabric and the body, reducing the direct impact of the heat. Also, the collar and shoulders are reinforced to prevent scorching gusts, ash, and hot dust from entering through the openings.

  Valeryn nodded slowly.

  —With this, we can move near volcanic zones without becoming incapacitated.

  —Exactly —said Kael—. It is not for fighting. It is for surviving the environment.

  Finally, he brought out several small metallic objects.

  —Lastly... signal whistles.

  The adventurers looked at them.

  —In caves or in the middle of combat, shouting is useless. Smoke and noise swallow everything. These are designed so the sound carries far and clearly.

  Kael blew one. The sound was sharp and clean, slicing through the air like a blade.

  —Memorize the signals. Three quick whistles mean abandon everything and retreat. No discussion.

  The atmosphere was completely different from the beginning.

  He was no longer a soot-covered child.

  He was someone thinking about lives.

  The air in the workshop had grown heavy, not because of smoke this time, but because of the seriousness of the moment.

  Kael took a deep breath and pulled out the final artifact.

  He placed several round objects on the table, each the size of an apple. Their surface was rough, with small side grooves and a metal safety pin on top.

  Adriel frowned.

  And that... what exactly is it?

  Kael held one carefully.

  —It is a paralyzing smoke bomb. Use it as a last resort in case of confrontation with an enemy.

  The adventurers exchanged tense glances.

  Kael explained in a clear and firm voice:

  —Inside there is a mixture of resins and powder from a special fungus. When activated, it releases a dense smoke that temporarily blocks the nervous system.

  Arán swallowed.

  —And the goblins...?

  —They will be left on the ground unable to move —Kael answered without hesitation.

  Arán spoke again, now more worried.

  —And us?

  Kael raised one of the breathing masks.

  —That is why you are equipped. You breathe filtered air... they do not.

  Elira smiled faintly, understanding the strategic advantage.

  — That’s a surgical way to clear out a cave.

  Kael nodded.

  —Exactly. Less risk, fewer injuries... more saltpeter.

  Then he looked at all of them with a serious expression, very different from that of the enthusiastic child from a few minutes ago.

  —This is the most I can do for now. I do not have the materials or tools necessary to provide you with better equipment...

  Silence fell over the workshop.

  Carred stepped forward.

  —As the team leader, I am more than satisfied with what you gave us. We have done a similar mission before... and we ended up badly affected. But you... you literally covered every need we ignored that time.

  Bezal nodded sincerely.

  —Same for us. I never expected this much detail for our first cave mission. I feel like we are going more prepared than an A-rank team.

  Those words were not empty praise. They were genuine recognition.

  Both adventurer teams looked directly at Kael and thanked him for his consideration and concern.

  Arán, unable to keep to himself what he was thinking, blurted out:

  —kid, we could easily take all this gear and sell it for a very good price.

  Before the sentence had fully settled in the air, the D-rank team appeared behind him and landed a precise combination of blows on his head.

  —OWWWCH! —Arán complained, rubbing his head—. I did not mean it like that! It is just that... you have worried a lot about us. Truly... you have worried more than many people in the guild.

  The confession was honest.

  Kael looked at them all with a slightly strange expression, as if the idea of not worrying had never crossed his mind.

  —Of course I worry about you. I consider you my clients... and very good friends. I could never forgive myself if I knew you went on a mission, came back injured... and I could have prevented it.

  His words were not dramatic. They were simple. Direct.

  —Truly... and please, use all of this equipment without worrying about losing it or damaging it. Your priority is your lives. If something goes wrong, abort the mission and to hell with the materials.

  The workshop remained silent for another second.

  Then both teams began gathering the equipment, now with a different kind of respect.

  A deeper one.

  Kael, despite still being blackened and charred, received seven kisses and seven cheek pinches from the seven female adventurers, all deeply grateful for his concern.

  Between laughter and little jokes, they said goodbye.

  When the workshop finally fell silent and the door closed, Laret looked at his son.

  Kael was no longer smiling.

  His gaze was fixed on the table where the artifacts had been.

  —What is it, little charcoal boy? —Laret asked in a calm tone—. Do you think they will fail? Are those materials that important?

  Kael slowly raised his gaze.

  His expression was no longer childish.

  It was serious.

  —The materials are not more important than their lives... —he replied calmly—. But if they manage to bring them back... believe me, I could prepare the way for the real trump card against any possible invasion.

  He made a brief pause.

  —And without the need to resort to magic.

  Laret understood in that instant the real weight of what his son was planning.

  It was not just saltpeter extraction.

  It was not just sulfur.

  With those words, Kael declared the first step toward the weaponization of explosives complete and ready.

  And the workshop, still filled with the smell of soot and hot metal, silently became the beginning of something far greater.