An Operator Lost in Another World [ONGOING]

Chapter 6: Instincts Unleashed

From the moment he arrived in this world, Mason barely had any chance to witness magic firsthand.

To be honest, he was kind of excited—because his first experience with magic wasn't as a bystander, but as a direct participant in battle.

The real question was: what kind of magic would he face? Offensive magic, like elemental fire, lightning, or water? Defensive barriers? Or maybe curses and hexes that could rot him from the inside out?

He didn't know. But he was keen on finding out.

To prepare for the tight corridors ahead, Mason set down his MRAD sniper rifle in a secluded, camouflaged spot, deeming it too cumbersome for cave traversal. Instead, he mounted his GPNVGs atop his helmet—four-tube night vision goggles ideal for navigating low-light environments.

Watching from the side, Masami tilted her head in curiosity. "What are you doing, Mason? Don't you need a torch or light magic to go inside?"

"Not really," he said, pointing to the device. "This helps me see in the dark and provides thermal imaging—even through fog, dust, and smoke."

He preferred not to use anything that would emit visible light—no torch, no flashlight. Stealth was key.

"Thermal imaging?" Masami repeated, her voice tinged with awe but still confused.

"It detects heat signatures. Basically, I can see you glowing red, and enemies too, if they're alive. Anyway, I should get going."

He turned toward the looming darkness. "Masami, could you stay out here? Watch for any escaping goblins?"

"No. I'm going with you."

Mason blinked.

It wasn't a joke. Her eyes were burning with resolve. The quiet, timid girl from yesterday was gone—replaced by someone more composed. More mature.

"I want to be more useful to you," Masami said, stepping closer. "I know how to take care of myself. I want to stand by your side—not behind you."

Mason chuckled softly and shook his head. "Since when did I ever stop you from making your own choices?"

A flicker of realization crossed Masami's face.

"I'm here to protect you, sure. But your future's your own. If you're this determined, then let's go together. Just watch my back."

"Then it's settled," she said, tail swaying with excitement.

Mason lowered the GPNVGs and stepped into the black mouth of the cave. The green-tinted world inside unfolded like a tunnel through time. Shadows sharpened. Heat signatures danced faintly in the distance.

"Don't you need light?" he asked over his shoulder.

"I'm a fox beastkin. We've got sharper senses than humans—including night vision," she answered with pride.

"Fair enough. Still using that knife?"

"It's fine, but I prefer a double-edged sword. Light, flexible, with a small hilt. That's what I trained with."

"I'll get you one. After this test—once we have money."

With their chatter done, Mason focused. The cave was longer than it looked from the outside. After two minutes of careful walking, he still hadn't hit the end. Instead, it felt more like a carved hallway than a natural formation—definitely man-made.

No traps yet. No alternate paths. But he kept his ears sharp.

Ahead was a sharp corner. He paused, not wanting to blindly peek around it.