Chapter 69

In the midst of the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

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Unable to Resist immediately replied —

Unable to Resist: 10,000 points, half paid in advance, all expenses covered by the other party, no share of the rewards from the dungeon, just the completion of the main quest — your dungeon count should not exceed four times!

2567: That generous?

Unable to Resist: Not really generous, that guy is a shrewd businessman, how could he let you have the upper hand?

Unable to Resist: You sold two "Iron Fist-2" rocket launchers to Steam City for 10,000 points and 5 skill points! From me, you got 4,000 points, 2 skill points, a "Basic Medical Workbench Blueprint," and a "Solo Dungeon Cooldown Reduction Card"!

Unable to Resist: In total, that's 14,000 points and 6 skill points. Since you managed to bring out two "Iron Fist-2" rocket launchers from the dungeon, the rewards must have been substantial. Even if you made the "Basic Medical Workbench," you should now have an Expert-level skill and a Proficient-level skill!

Unable to Resist: Moreover, you just sold a large batch of "Gems," enough to get you two more Expert-level skills!

Unable to Resist: Of course, that guy doesn't know about this yet!

Unable to Resist: However, hiring an "mercenary" with an Expert-level skill for 10,000 points is a fair price!

...

Unable to Resist's clear calculations made Qin Ran shrug helplessly. No one likes having their secrets known.

However, Unable to Resist was special. As one of the few veteran players who had traded with Qin Ran, he even introduced the "Craftsman" to him. With a bit of effort, it was possible to estimate Qin Ran's strength using points and skill points.

The only thing Unable to Resist couldn't grasp was the rewards from the dungeon. This was why Qin Ran was willing to continue trading with him.

Because the other party had no idea that Qin Ran could obtain a double S rating and the "Dawn Knight Body Forging Technique" and "Bessica Kick Technique."

Of course, it was also because the other party showed sufficient trust.

Otherwise, Qin Ran wouldn't mind waiting for the cooldown of the dungeon to end, after the guild war between Steam City and Steel War Wagon, and then head to the "Black Market" — the "Black Market" that was supposed to open today was postponed due to the guild war.

Fortunately, the guild war wouldn't last long. The increasingly sparse gunfire and explosions in Qin Ran's ears were enough to prove it.

However, Qin Ran couldn't know who the victor would be. Even if Steam City bought his "Iron Fist-2" rocket launcher, there was no guarantee that Steel War Wagon wouldn't have a trump card.

Whoever the final victor was, it wasn't Qin Ran's concern. He wasn't a member of either guild.

Qin Ran refocused his attention and looked at Unable to Resist's text message, pondering in his mind.

With the binding contract, Qin Ran didn't mind joining a team dungeon once, even if the difficulty exceeded what he should normally face.

But Qin Ran had considerable confidence in his strength. Although he couldn't determine his current level, he estimated that he was at least stronger than players who had experienced three or four dungeons.

The other party was on their fifth dungeon and required him not to exceed four dungeons. Clearly, the average number of dungeons for the team was four! At most, it wouldn't exceed five!

Otherwise, this hiring would be meaningless.

If it was a "fourth" dungeon, Qin Ran had a good chance.

Moreover, the other party had a reason that made Qin Ran interested: although the difficulty of the dungeon increased with the number of attempts, the rewards also increased.

The rewards for a second solo dungeon and a fourth team dungeon, under the same "exploration" level, were clearly higher for the latter.

In addition to this reason, the other party offered another one that made Qin Ran interested — paying 10,000 points, covering all expenses, and not taking any share of the rewards. Based on the 8,000 points, 5 skills, 1 gold skill point, and gold attribute point he received for his double S rating in his first formal dungeon, the other party showed considerable sincerity.

Because, no matter what rating Qin Ran received, he would ultimately get 10,000 points + other rewards.

However, Qin Ran didn't mind getting more benefits.

Next, Qin Ran started typing on the keyboard.

2567: I have three Expert-level skills — "Unarmed Combat," "Firearms: Light Weapons," and "Dodge"!

By revealing these three skills, Qin Ran had his reasons.

The use of "Lightning Finger Knuckles" and "Viper-m1" couldn't be hidden from his teammates.

Similarly, if a battle broke out, the Expert-level "Dodge" would be exposed.

Therefore, it was better to reveal them now and get more benefits.

As for the remaining skills?

They had to be kept hidden.

Qin Ran didn't want to reveal all his secrets, especially to a stranger.

Unable to Resist: Are you going to tell that guy?

Unable to Resist: Do you want more benefits?

After a moment of surprise, Unable to Resist reacted.

Unable to Resist: How many dungeons have you completed?

Unable to Resist: If your dungeon count is low, it's easy to raise the price!

Unable to Resist: Those who fear death love to work with players who have low dungeon counts and strong skills!

Unable to Resist: Third time? Or fourth time?

2567: Second time!

Unable to Resist: ...

Unable to Resist: ...

A series of ellipses indicated Unable to Resist's shock.

After a few seconds of silence, Unable to Resist replied rapidly.

Unable to Resist: So you got two "Iron Fist-2" rocket launchers in the beginner dungeon?

Unable to Resist: And a bunch of "Gems" in your first formal dungeon?

Unable to Resist: Do you have a cheat?

Unable to Resist: Is your relative a game designer?

Unable to Resist: Introduce them to me!

...

Unable to Resist's chatter made Qin Ran frown, and he interrupted.

2567: Just lucky!

2567: Help me contact that broker.

Unable to Resist: Okay!

Unable to Resist: You're sure you're not using a cheat? And your relative isn't a game designer?

...

This time, Qin Ran didn't hesitate and directly closed the private message.

Ten minutes later, Qin Ran reopened the private message.

Unable to Resist: Why are you like the Craftsman?

Unable to Resist: Can we still have fun?

As usual, Unable to Resist started with a bunch of nonsense before getting to the point.

Unable to Resist: 20,000 points, other conditions remain the same.

2567: Deal!

With the price doubled, Qin Ran naturally wouldn't refuse.

Unable to Resist: Then, form a team and sign the contract!

As the text appeared, the virtual platform reappeared before Qin Ran. However, instead of a form, a parchment scroll appeared.

"Advanced Team Contract, signatories will be bound by the contract!"

"Cannot cancel the contract state after entering the dungeon!"

"Cannot harm teammates or team interests while under the contract!"

"Those who harm others will be considered traitors and killed by the contract's power!"

Qin Ran took the floating scroll, and a mechanical voice immediately explained, giving him some reassurance.

Pulling open the scroll, Qin Ran was surprised to see "Unable to Resist's" name on it.

Qin Ran was taken aback and immediately asked.

2567: You're going too?

Unable to Resist: That guy approached me first!

Unable to Resist: And as a great expert, why would it be strange for me to be invited?

Unable to Resist: In fact, I am the one the other party relies on, you're just an appendage!

Unable to Resist: Without me, could that guy offer a high-level team contract worth tens of thousands of points and let a team enjoy a multi-person dungeon?

Unable to Resist: And give me a "Team Dungeon Cooldown Reduction Card"?

Unable to Resist: After entering the dungeon, I guarantee you'll win without effort!

Unable to Resist: Let you see what a true expert is like!

...

Faced with another round of chatter, Qin Ran directly wrote "2567" on the parchment.

Then, he placed the parchment back on the virtual platform.

The contract and platform disappeared together.

On the LCD screen, Qin Ran saw a new option: "Team Channel."

Opening it, only Unable to Resist's name appeared.

Seeing the name constantly sending messages, Qin Ran immediately chose to close it.

Then, he was about to close the private message.

However, just as he was about to close it, Qin Ran suddenly thought of something!

He immediately pulled up the conversation with Unable to Resist to the top, where the introduction of this "hiring" began, and carefully read the text.

"Having experienced four dungeons, but needing to hire someone to get through the fifth dungeon?"

"Then the first four times must have been done in a similar way!"

"Using such methods, the other party is definitely not someone who enjoys thrills!"

"Being able to use such methods, the other party must not lack money, otherwise, they couldn't have acquired so many points!"

"Such a person, not leaving the underground game immediately..."

Qin Ran had a bad feeling.

Unable to leave!

This thought immediately appeared in Qin Ran's mind.

A bone-chilling cold enveloped him instantly.

Qin Ran stood completely still.

Motionless.

After a long time, Qin Ran came to his senses and sent a private message to Unable to Resist.

2567: What happens if a player removes the virtual helmet and doesn't log in for more than three months?

PS: I probably stayed up late last night, and today I'm feeling really down, with a sore back and general discomfort...

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