Evan arrived early at Crestfall Risk Shield with a plan in mind. The company was growing but still fragile. Many adventurers supported him yet others doubted his ideas. If he wanted to stabilize the company he needed a breakthrough. Something visible. Something that would convince even stubborn adventurers that risk could be measured. He looked at the prototype device resting on the counter. Three crystals enclosed in a metal frame. It could read mana fluctuations curse levels and magical instability. But it was still just a tool. To change the world he needed to show its power in front of a crowd.

As he cleaned the desk and organized his parchment charts he heard the sound of footsteps outside. When he opened the door he found Elira waiting for him with a bright smile. Good morning she said. I brought you something. She held out a small pouch of powdered herbs. These help stabilize life energy readings. If you combine them with your device you can get cleaner results. Evan thanked her and placed the pouch next to the crystals. Elira studied the risk board and nodded. You updated the western ruins again she said. Evan replied Yes the curses are spreading faster than expected.

Elira’s expression darkened. That place used to be quiet. Something is stirring. Evan agreed. The danger readings were increasing at an unusual rate. If the trend continued a disaster could occur soon. That was another reason he needed a public demonstration. The city had to take the warnings seriously.

Later that morning Mira rushed into the office with flushed cheeks. Evan the guild master agreed to let you show your device she said. The guild will host a gathering at noon. Many adventurers will attend. Evan felt a small surge of tension. A gathering meant a larger audience but also more critics. Still it was the opportunity he needed. He grabbed the device and several charts then followed Mira toward the guild hall.

When they arrived the hall was packed. Adventurers of all ranks filled the room. Some looked curious. Some looked suspicious. Draven and his group stood in the corner with crossed arms. The guild master stood on the stage. He raised his hand for silence. Today we witness a demonstration of this new tool he said. The man behind it believes danger can be measured. We will see if he is correct.

Evan stepped onto the stage. His heart beat steadily. This was not fear. It was focus. He placed the device on a small table and turned to face the crowd. Many of you believe danger is random he said. Many believe instinct is enough. But danger follows patterns. Magic leaves traces. Monsters respond to mana changes. Curses rise in cycles. If we measure these signals we can predict hazards before they strike.

He lifted a cursed dagger wrapped in cloth and placed it beside the device. When he unwrapped it faint dark smoke rose from the blade. The crowd went quiet. Evan activated the device. The three crystals spun slowly at first then rapidly as dark pulses of mana washed over them. A set of bright red numbers appeared above the frame. High risk the reading showed. Evan raised his voice. These numbers are not guesses. They are measurements. This dagger carries unstable curse energy strong enough to alter monster behavior within a dungeon.

He then placed a clean steel sword on the table. The crystals barely moved and the numbers dropped to a calm blue level. The crowd murmured. Even those who doubted risk measurement leaned forward with interest. Evan continued the demonstration by pointing the device at samples taken from different dungeon regions. He explained each reading in simple terms. Mana pressure rising. Monster migration. Environmental instability. Cursed territory expansion.

Finally he turned toward the audience. If we use this tool we can map dangerous zones. We can warn adventurers before they enter deadly regions. We can prevent unnecessary deaths. Unexpectedly Garron raised his hand. Yesterday he said your device warned me about a curse trap. If not for that warning I would be dead. A few adventurers nodded. Rumors of Garron’s survival had spread.

But Draven stepped forward with a hard voice. This is deception he shouted. You are using glowing crystals and fancy numbers to scare adventurers. Real warriors do not need devices. The crowd stirred again. Some agreed with Draven. Others glared at him. Evan remained calm. I am not replacing courage he said. I am enhancing it. Courage without information is reckless. Courage with understanding is survival.

Draven pointed at the device. Prove it he demanded. Show us something useful. Something real. Evan considered the request then nodded. He picked up a small vial containing dust collected from the western ruins. The device reacted instantly with violent flashing lights. The numbers spiked even higher than before. Much higher than previous readings. The crowd gasped. What does that mean someone asked.

Evan steadied his voice. It means the western ruins are entering a curse eruption cycle he said. The danger level is rising rapidly. Anyone entering the ruins within the next three days faces extreme risk. At least double the normal rate. Mira stepped forward with wide eyes. We should close the ruins she whispered. Evan nodded. If my readings are correct something catastrophic may be forming.

Draven looked skeptical but even he could not ignore the extreme readings. Several adventurers began whispering nervously. The guild master finally raised a hand. Enough he said. This device may indeed have value. We will review its readings and adjust mission recommendations. Evan felt relief wash over him. It was a meaningful victory. Not full acceptance but a step forward.

As the crowd dispersed many adventurers approached Evan with questions. Some wanted readings. Some wanted advice. Some wanted to know if the ruins were truly dangerous. Evan answered each question patiently. Elira stood beside him offering additional insight about life energy fluctuations in cursed areas. Their combined explanations formed a powerful impression.

When the event ended the guild master approached Evan privately. Your demonstration was convincing he said. I still do not fully trust this method but the results cannot be ignored. I will allow you access to more mission records. Evan bowed respectfully. Thank you. With more data he could refine the risk models. More accurate predictions meant greater trust.

As Evan returned to his office he felt a surge of energy. Today was a turning point. His device had survived public scrutiny. Adventurers were beginning to believe in measurement. The world was inching toward a new system. When he entered the office he placed the device gently on the table. Its crystals glowed faintly as if acknowledging the progress.

The first public demonstration was a success. But Evan sensed this was only the beginning. If the western ruins truly faced a curse eruption then the real test of his system was approaching. The city would soon need more than numbers. It would need preparation coordination and protection.

And Crestfall Risk Shield would provide it.