Chapter 72

The sea breeze, carrying a fishy scent, stirred up waves, while the ferry, loaded with food, fresh water, and medicine, sailed steadily through them.

Captain Raul stood somewhat absent-mindedly in the cockpit, letting his first mate steer the ship.

His gaze would occasionally drift to the small room outside the cockpit.

That was originally his captain's cabin.

But now, he had willingly given it up to someone else.

Without the slightest hint of coercion.

Because he knew very well why these people had boarded his ship!

Just thinking about these people going to the island to deal with that special trouble made Raul shudder involuntarily.

As someone who made a living at sea, Raul had seen too many things that could not be explained by science.

Therefore, he held a sense of reverence for certain things and matters.

This naturally included the people who dealt with such things and matters.

...

"Ferry? What a nostalgic mode of transportation!"

A burly man, smoking a cigar and bare-chested, showing off his muscular build, leaned against a large, double-shoulder tactical backpack, grinning widely.

This was the first person Qin Ran saw and the first words he heard after the sensation of weightlessness and the bright light disappeared.

Qin Ran discreetly surveyed his surroundings.

The sound of waves and the clear view of the sea outside the window indicated that he was on a ship.

The cramped room was crowded with people, who were his teammates this time.

Apart from the burly man who spoke first, the remaining four were also very distinctive—although everyone's faces had been altered and concealed, some features could not be hidden.

Facing Qin Ran was a young man dressed in fine clothing, maintaining a certain 'dignity' even while sitting, with a slightly pale complexion.

Standing beside the young man were two fully armed, muscular men, standing straight with solemn expressions and alert postures, each holding a shield as tall as a person, which caught Qin Ran's attention.

Their positions clearly indicated that they were protecting the young man dressed in fine clothing.

Thus, their identities were obvious.

The young man dressed in fine clothing was likely the employer this time: Stanbeck.

The remaining two were probably the spokespersons, Number 1 and Number 2.

As for their identities?

The simple nicknames and their protective stance left Qin Ran with no other possibilities.

They were bodyguards.

Standing next to the three was a lean, well-built young man with an ordinary face.

This person clearly noticed Qin Ran's scrutiny and immediately showed a simple, honest smile, looking very sincere. However, Qin Ran noticed the sharp glint in his eyes.

He was definitely not as harmless as he appeared.

"If it weren't for special skills!"

"Then... his perception must be at least D!"

Qin Ran had tried to observe with his peripheral vision, but he was still noticed.

This was enough to prove the other person's exceptional abilities.

At least, he was much stronger than the three people beside him.

Even if one of them had more experience in dungeons, and the other two were fully armed, it was the same.

So, among the remaining two... who was Lawless?

After excluding the three, Qin Ran's gaze swept between the bare-chested man smoking a cigar and the ordinary-looking young man.

This time, Qin Ran did not hide his gaze.

Everyone present could easily see Qin Ran's scrutiny.

Based on Qin Ran's understanding of Lawless, the guy would definitely step forward voluntarily.

And indeed, as Qin Ran had guessed.

The next moment—

"I am the captain this time, Lawless!"

"This is my eighth dungeon!"

"2567?"

The bare-chested man smoking a cigar stepped forward, looking at Qin Ran, a hearty smile appearing on his rugged face.

"Yes! 2567, my second dungeon!"

Qin Ran smiled and nodded.

The fact that the bare-chested man was Lawless did not surprise Qin Ran. In fact, after the man spoke first, Qin Ran had already inclined to believe it, as this matched his impression of Lawless as a chatterbox.

"2567, you are younger than I imagined!"

"Your strength is also stronger than I imagined!"

"The Artisan always said you were very lucky!"

"I hope this time you can bring me good luck too!"

"I am most lacking in luck!"

The next moment, Lawless's talkative nature further confirmed Qin Ran's suspicions.

He was indeed Lawless, even with his rugged face, tall and muscular build.

"I am Zhang Wei, this is my fourth dungeon!"

The young man who looked very sincere followed Lawless's words, introducing himself.

"Number 1! Third dungeon!"

"Number 2! Second dungeon!"

"I am Stanbeck, this is my fifth dungeon, I entrust myself to all of you!"

Then, the remaining three introduced themselves in turn.

When it was Stanbeck's turn, the well-dressed employer stood up, his legs straight, his upper body slightly bent, but not more than 20 degrees, the entire process meticulous yet natural, exuding elegance.

This simple, seemingly casual etiquette once again demonstrated his noble background.

"Stanbeck, we are all paid to do the job!"

"There's no need to be so polite!"

Clearly not the first time being hired by Stanbeck, Lawless spoke straightforwardly.

"I am already used to such etiquette!"

"I guess... I can't change it for the rest of my life!"

Stanbeck smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Faced with the employer's bitter smile, Lawless shrugged.

Everyone has different personalities.

Persistence also varies.

Lawless had no intention of changing Stanbeck's mindset.

Not to mention their simple employer-mercenary relationship.

Even if they were friends, Lawless would support his friend's choices.

"Cough!"

Lawless cleared his throat, attracting everyone's attention, and as the captain, he asked, "What do you all think of this mission?"

Immediately, everyone's expression turned serious.

The term 'extremely abnormal phenomenon' not only brought Qin Ran unpleasant associations but also affected the others.

"I, Number 1, and Number 2 have no ability to deal with 'extremely abnormal phenomena'!"

Stanbeck honestly admitted his team's shortcomings.

"If it's a physical monster, I can fully utilize my strength!"

"But if it's a ghost, I can handle ordinary spirits, but not powerful ones!"

Zhang Wei did not hide his ability tendencies.

However, he did not reveal specific data.

"2567?"

Lawless looked at Qin Ran.

"My combat ability is relatively balanced. I can handle both physical and non-physical entities, but not too powerful ones!"

Qin Ran half-truthfully described his ability tendencies.

After all, except for Lawless, Qin Ran could not trust anyone else present.

Moreover, he did not believe that the others had revealed their true capabilities.

At least, Stanbeck had not!

Given his 'wealth,' Stanbeck would have considered various extreme scenarios when entering such a dungeon and would not have come unprepared.

However, even such half-truths drew the attention of all the players present, except for Lawless.

"Truly worthy of being introduced by the 'Broker.' Even at the level of a second dungeon, you are not to be underestimated!"

Stanbeck sighed.

Zhang Wei also looked surprised.

However, he had no doubts.

Before joining this team, he knew that it was organized by the 'Broker.'

The 'Broker's' reputation was enough to earn trust.

Moreover, there was Lawless, who seemed very familiar with Qin Ran.

Qin Ran trusted Lawless's reputation among veteran players even more.

He believed that Lawless would not befriend someone who lied at critical moments.

After everyone had introduced themselves, Lawless spoke again.

"Given that this is my fourth dungeon, as long as we don't trigger any special side quests, I can easily handle both physical monsters and non-physical spirits!"

Lawless's words carried a sense of confidence.

However, no one objected.

Someone who had survived seven dungeons had the right to be confident.

Qin Ran's keen perception noted that after Lawless's assurance, Stanbeck relaxed, and a hint of color returned to his pale face.

"Was Stanbeck's pale face due to fear?"

Qin Ran was taken aback.

He was surprised by his own guess.

However, without more evidence, Qin Ran would not jump to conclusions.

Compared to Stanbeck's relief, Zhang Wei showed eagerness.

Clearly, Zhang Wei would not be satisfied with just the main quest.

Similarly, Qin Ran felt the same way.

Even more so.

He hoped to encounter a monster like the giant crocodile Pluss in the previous dungeon!

Only such a level of monster could yield significant rewards!

Lawless looked at Qin Ran and Zhang Wei, grinning.

"According to the rules of temporary teams, don't expect me to clean up your messes!"

"Besides the main quest, I will only complete my side quests and get my share!"

"You should do the same—everyone gets what they earn!"

He seriously reminded the two.

"Of course!"

Qin Ran replied straightforwardly.

Qin Ran never expected help from others.

Because he did not want to owe anyone any favors.

He knew how hard it was to repay such debts.

"I have no objections!"

Zhang Wei shrugged.

"Very well, then the first thing we need to do is determine the level of the 'extremely abnormal phenomenon.'"

Lawless nodded in satisfaction and pointed outside the room.

Although they could not see, everyone's hearing could clearly distinguish the voices outside.

"My eloquence is completely misunderstood by the natives!"

"This task is up to you!"

Lawless feigned frustration and looked at the others.

"I am fine staying here!"

Stanbeck said.

The two bodyguards naturally did not object.

After excluding the three, only Qin Ran and Zhang Wei remained among the players present.

Qin Ran looked at Zhang Wei, and the latter's gaze met his.

Neither was willing to back down.

After all, interacting with the natives not only provided information but also triggered side quests.

For side quests that could improve their evaluations, no one would give up!

Even if there was only a slight possibility!

Immediately, a tense atmosphere filled the cramped captain's cabin.