Chapter 90

Finding the warp connected to the Labyrinth City, he intended to conquer it quickly. However, the White King intervened. He officially declared to all cities that he would turn them into seas of fire if they were to interfere. There was no one more insane, but the opponent was the White King. If it was the White King, he could say such things. "Damn. It was the White King's territory." The Master clicked his tongue. Not Phantom Randolph, but one of the Five Pillars under the White King. There could be someone with the same name, but for some reason, it felt like a heavy weight on his chest. "Could Phantom have changed his appearance?" "Isn't it possible? As long as he doesn't change his species." The White King wouldn't fail to recognize someone just because they changed their appearance to a monster. It was known that the White King possessed the ability to see the future. Someone who could see events far into the future wouldn't fail to recognize a human. What about Medusa? Therefore, changing just the appearance wasn't enough to be listed as one of the Five Pillars. "So, it's really just a coincidence? Just the same name?" "That's what I think." "Is there a skill or item that can change the species?" "Even the best appearance-changing potion can't change the species, so it's impossible." "What about a hidden trait?" Hidden trait. There was one related to species among the known hidden traits. The man recalled it and spoke. "Are you talking about the Glutton?" "Yes. The Glutton seems possible." "The Glutton was concluded to be the most useless hidden trait. It gives the characteristics of a monster but the host can't survive due to poison and mental corruption..." "The opponent is Phantom. It might be possible for Phantom." "Even with the body of a Transcender, it was concluded that it's impossible. How could it be possible just because it's Phantom?" The Glutton is a hidden trait that changes the body and gives the characteristics of a monster. However, the restrictions are so severe that it's impossible to use its power properly. In short, it was a 'garbage hidden trait.' The most useless among all hidden traits. The man added, "And the Glutton can't change the species. It only gives some characteristics of a monster." "...... Right. That's how it is." The Master nodded. So, it's really just the same name? It was a content that had been tested dozens, hundreds of times. There was no way this content was wrong. The Glutton was conclusively determined to be a garbage hidden trait. The Master rubbed his forehead. "My head is already a mess because of that Kim Hana." "Should we send a warning?" "No. Leave it. We need to reorganize the assassination team, so we might as well bury the knight." The entire assassination team headed towards Randolph and was buried in the abyss. A painful loss. A loss that hasn't been recovered yet. Suddenly, the Master said, "Is the 'Special Auction' in the Empire being prepared without any problems?" "Yes, don't worry." "It must be prepared properly. We need to recover the losses." To recover the losses so far, we need to perform well in the Special Auction. The Special Auction held by the Empire once a year is only attended by those with an invitation, and even the rulers of most cities don't receive one. The chosen ones gather and hold an auction for astronomical amounts of money. This is on a completely different level from the players' auction house. If we do well, we might even connect with the nobles of the Empire. It's an auction we must participate in with our lives on the line. "How much gold do you think we can gather before the auction?" "About 100 million gold." "Gather 200 million gold. Sell all the relics if necessary." "Is that okay?" "It's the first time I've been invited by the Empire. I need to show my true abilities." It was the first time a player had received an invitation to the Special Auction held by the Empire. Therefore, I need to make a strong impression. 'This is a golden opportunity. If I can connect with the Empire's nobles, climbing higher won't be a problem.' If that's possible, we can recover all the losses and achieve unimaginable results. I can't miss this opportunity. Crack! The Master clenched his fist tightly. * "......" Hudson's vision went dark. No, it was bathed in gold. -How about it? This is the treasure I've collected all my life! Greed, with his hands on his hips, boasted in front of Hudson. An endless mountain of gold and silver treasures. "D, Do you mean all of this belongs to Mr. Randolph now?" -...... Yes. It all belongs to him now. But Greed's shoulders drooped. He had lost all his life's savings in a gamble and was taken by Randolph. Hudson's eyes spun. Ancient imperial coins and treasures related to the old empire. "At least 1 billion gold......" His head started to spin. If all of this were sold, it would be at least 1 billion gold. With good handling, it could fetch over 1.3 billion gold. The problem was how to dispose of such a large amount. -But it's fine! I can collect it again. I have a 20% share because of the contract with him. There are many treasures in this labyrinth...... Greed said in a sad voice, as if trying to console himself. Greed, born in the Abyss Labyrinth, cannot leave it. In exchange for guarding the labyrinth, he and Randolph agreed that Greed would keep 20% of the treasures he found in the labyrinth. 'Just 20%?' Hudson crossed his arms and sighed. Guarding the labyrinth and finding treasures himself for just 20%. But Hudson held his tongue. More urgent was the disposal of the treasures. 'I need to visit the Golden City of Arcana.' The only place to handle this, besides the Empire, is Arcana. If I pit the city council and the big shots against each other, it can be handled smoothly. Hudson burned with determination. 'My connections in Arcana are still alive. I need to reclaim the casino, do some money laundering, and call the best warp engineer to build more warps in the labyrinth......' There's a lot to do. All of it entrusted to me by Randolph. But it wasn't a burden at all. On the contrary, he was grateful. 'I'll make this labyrinth the greatest city, one that no one can touch. And I'll confess to Serengeti.' His heart was set. There was no more hesitation. When Serengeti wakes up, I'll confess immediately. So, I need to finish everything as soon as possible before she wakes up. The first goal is to sell the treasures and make the money work. 'This is the perfect opportunity to show Mr. Randolph my true abilities.' I can't disappoint Randolph, who trusted me with everything. This time, I will truly be of help! Hudson's eyes shone with determination. * After Randolph left for the Mountain of Practitioners. Isabella also finished her preparations to leave. -Mr. Randolph, please allow me to go to the desert city of Faisalmer alone. -Now that the queen is dead, I am the only legitimate successor. The Snake Princess. She disliked being called that, but not anymore. The desert queen is dead. The owner of the desert city of Faisalmer. Now, the only one qualified to rule it is Isabella. If Isabella becomes the owner of the desert city, it could be selected as the third warp connection point for the labyrinth. 'This is also my destiny.' Kidnapped in childhood and became the Snake Princess. Met Randolph and witnessed the death of the desert queen. If I stay here, I'll be stuck in the same place forever. It's time to move forward. I will definitely become the owner of the desert city. Of course, it won't be easy. 'I'll be back.' Isabella headed for the desert city. * "Huff! Huff!" Isaac screamed and sat up abruptly. Isaac then massaged his neck and sighed. His body was drenched in sweat. "Damn, it's like a nightmare." Isaac has been having nightmares lately. A dream of being chased by someone. Eventually, his neck is cut and he dies. He's been having this dream since leaving Kramdel. "Who is chasing me?" Randolph said it wasn't him, but Isaac was uneasy. Even though his sin has been erased and he can freely walk around the city, he can't easily go outside. He decided to stay at the Viscount Wiser's house until the labyrinth city stabilizes, but this place is also unsettling. "I can't stand it anymore." Finally, Isaac headed outside. A walk in a quiet place might calm his mind. He continued walking along a small forest path. How long had it been? "...... Stop following me and show yourself." Someone had been following him since he went outside. It was so secretive that he initially thought it was an assassin. But even after giving several chances, there was no attack. "You finally found me." Soon, a man appeared from behind a tree. Wearing a white cloak, with a white horn like ivory protruding from his forehead. His visible skin was covered with various tattoos. Isaac drew a dagger from his coat. "Who are you?" "I am a Star Seeker." "...... A Star Seeker?" "Since you have qualified to find me, challenge the star." "How can I believe you're a Star Seeker?" Randolph was also a Star Seeker. But the one in front of him was different. "Do you not have nightmares of being chased and having your neck cut every day?" "......" "It's a signal from the star that granted you the qualification. The 'Star of the Beheaded'." "There's a star with such a name?" "Yes, there is." There was a smell of a fake from the Star Seeker. But if he really was a Star Seeker, this was an opportunity. Transcenders all have absurd abilities. Serengeti alone seemed impossible to defeat. If I can become stronger by eating a star, I won't have to fear being chased anymore. Since Randolph, Isabella, and Saint Seo have all left. Hudson is busy selling treasures and managing the labyrinth. Everyone is doing their part. Except Isaac. "How long will it take to challenge the star?" "Hmm. It could take a month, or it could take longer." "Alright. Solve it within two weeks." "...... That confidence is very good." "Let's go. Lead the way." It was a do-or-die situation anyway. The Star Seeker said to Isaac's enthusiasm, "Follow me. You who have received the guidance of the 'Star of the Beheaded'." The God of Proficiency The warp to the Mountain of Practitioners is connected to five cities. They are all neutral cities that don't belong to any faction, and are places where practitioners finish their final preparations before leaving. One of them is the mercenary city of Cartel. "A drink! A drink!" "Aisha, how's business?" "Uuuu!" When they arrived in Cartel, they saw sweaty mercenaries walking drunk in the streets. "Everyone is drunk~?" The Saint Seo, with her face covered by a veil, said. Indeed. 'Strange.' There are too many drunk mercenaries even in broad daylight. While mercenaries are often associated with alcohol and women, the mercenaries of Cartel were always serious about their jobs. They don't drink during the day if they have work. 'To go to the Mountain of Practitioners, I need to find a guide.' Although it's strange, I have to come here to find a guide. Guiding to the Mountain of Practitioners is one of the main sources of income for Cartel's mercenaries. The entrance to the Mountain of Practitioners changes location each time and the path is dangerous, making it difficult to find without a guide. I entered the largest mercenary guild located in the center of the city. "Welcome! What kind of mercenary are you looking for?" A woman guide, known as the flower of the mercenary guild, greeted them at the entrance. The inside of the guild operated like a pub, with some mercenaries drinking or gambling. But, it's still strange. For a guild of this size, the guide should be the epitome of arrogance, yet she greeted them at the entrance. ... Maybe there's no work? "I'm looking for a guide." "Ah! You came at the right time! A treacherous sea? A cliff that makes you lose sight? An unknown forest where monsters might attack from behind? We have skilled mercenaries who can guide you anywhere in the world!" "I'm looking for a guide to the Mountain of Practitioners." "...... The Mountain of Practitioners?" The guide's expression stiffened instantly. The other mercenaries nearby reacted the same way. "Is there a crazy person going to the Mountain of Practitioners at this time?" "Tsk, I was hoping this would be a good job." "You haven't heard the rumors, I see." "Damn. Another wasted trip." The reaction was not good.