The morning light filtered gently through the trees as Ravin sat inside his cabin, the familiar wooden walls surrounding him with a quiet sense of stability. The fire had long faded, replaced by the calm stillness of a new day. Yet his mind was far from at rest.
Too much had changed.
Too quickly.
Ravin reached for the book beside him, his fingers brushing against its worn cover before opening it slowly. This book had become more than just a source of knowledge—it was his guide, his teacher, and perhaps the only reason he had survived this far.
"…Let's see what else this world is hiding."
He flipped through the pages carefully, his eyes scanning lines of text with growing focus. Sections on creatures, magic, survival—he had read many of them. But today, something different caught his attention.
A section marked with a distinct symbol.
Rare.
Important.
Ravin narrowed his eyes slightly and turned to the page.
The title alone made him pause.
**The Hidden Treasure Beyond the Mountains.**
"…Treasure?" he murmured.
His interest sharpened immediately.
He leaned forward slightly, reading more carefully.
According to the text, deep within the forest—far beyond the regions Ravin had explored—there existed a range of towering mountains. These mountains were not ordinary. They were described as vast, ancient, and nearly impossible to cross for those without strength or skill.
And beyond them…
A hidden land.
A place untouched by ordinary beings.
And within that land—
A treasure.
Ravin's eyes focused intensely as he continued reading.
**The Crimson Ruby.**
A jewel of immense power and unimaginable value.
The book described it not just as a gem, but as something far more significant—a rare artifact capable of storing and amplifying mana. Its natural affinity aligned with fire, making it especially valuable to those who wielded flame-based abilities.
Ravin's grip on the page tightened slightly.
"…Amplify mana…"
His mind immediately began connecting possibilities.
If such a jewel truly existed—
Then it wasn't just wealth.
It was power.
He continued reading.
The estimated value of the Crimson Ruby was stated clearly.
**Seven hundred billion Royal World Coins.**
Ravin blinked once.
Then again.
"…Seven hundred… billion?"
Even without fully understanding the economy of this world, he knew that number was beyond anything ordinary.
But the book didn't stop there.
It explained.
The **Royal World Coin** was the unified currency used across all major kingdoms. Unlike fragmented systems where each nation held its own currency, this coin was accepted everywhere—used in trade, commerce, and exchange between all regions.
A single standard.
A single value.
A single system.
Ravin read carefully, absorbing every detail.
The book clarified further:
**Forty thousand Royal World Coins equaled one piece of pure gold.**
His eyes narrowed slightly as he processed that information.
"…Forty thousand… for one gold…"
Which meant—
Seven hundred billion coins…
Was an amount that surpassed entire kingdoms.
Wealth that could build armies.
Buy territories.
Control influence.
Or…
Secure absolute freedom.
Ravin leaned back slightly, exhaling slowly.
"…This isn't just treasure."
It was power in another form.
Different from mana.
Different from combat.
But just as dangerous.
He looked back at the page, his thoughts growing deeper.
"…And it's here… in this forest?"
That didn't make sense.
Something like this wouldn't be unguarded.
Wouldn't be easy.
Wouldn't be safe.
And the book confirmed it.
The region beyond the mountains was marked as highly dangerous. Not because of terrain alone—but because of the creatures that resided there.
Stronger.
Smarter.
More territorial.
And in some cases—
Unknown.
Ravin's expression hardened slightly.
"…Of course."
There was always a cost.
Always a risk.
Nothing in this world came freely.
He closed the book halfway, resting his hand on it as he stared at the floor in thought.
This wasn't like hunting beasts for growth.
This wasn't survival.
This was a decision.
A path.
A direction.
If he chose to go after this treasure—
He would be stepping into something far beyond his current level.
But…
His eyes slowly lifted.
"…I've never chosen the easy path."
A faint red glow flickered around him.
Followed by a softer light.
His two energies responded naturally, as if agreeing with his thoughts.
Ravin stood up.
Walked toward the door.
Opened it.
The forest stretched before him, vast and silent as always.
But now—
It felt different.
Because now—
He knew something lay beyond it.
Something greater.
Something worth risking everything for.
"…Mountains… huh."
He stepped outside slowly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon hidden behind endless trees.
"…Then that's where I'm going."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
No doubt.
Only determination.
The journey would be long.
Dangerous.
Uncertain.
But Ravin had already changed.
He was no longer the man who woke up in fear beside a broken cabin.
He was stronger.
Sharper.
Evolving.
And now—
He had a goal.
The Crimson Ruby.
A treasure beyond imagination.
A challenge beyond limits.
And as the wind moved through the forest, carrying the quiet promise of what lay ahead, Ravin took a step forward.
The next chapter of his journey had begun.
And this time—
He wasn't just chasing power.
He was chasing destiny.