Chapter 8, The Mysterious Ruins

Observing Verna's actions, Jan could not help but sigh inwardly. The half-orcs and bear goblins were a bunch of fools; training these dim-witted beings, who could not even count beyond their fingers, into qualified warriors was indeed a challenging task. Although bear goblins and half-orcs were renowned for their "ferocity," this more referred to their reckless charges into battle rather than disciplined organized combat.

Thinking of this, Jan spoke softly to Enoya. Upon hearing Jan's words, Enoya was initially taken aback, but soon calmed down.

Regarding Jan's request to obtain command over the mercenaries, Verna did not say much. This indicates that her group still holds some value for this necromancer—otherwise, he would have no need to usurp her authority; he could simply wait for her entire group to be annihilated and then use necromancy to control their corpses.

The best is yet to come

However, it is unfortunate that this map only records the things that exist, and does not mark the relics buried deep underground.

The daily tasks have not yet been released

As she stepped into the corridor, Janne also unleashed her banshee guard. Their appearance instantly lowered the temperature in the corridor once again, causing even the heavily armored bear goblins to shiver involuntarily. However, the banshees paid no attention to these bear goblins; instead, they swiftly passed through the walls, disappearing from everyone's sight.

It is evident that this place is not ordinary

Upon hearing the report from the adjutant, Jan nodded and glanced once more at the system panel before him. Immediately after, a hint of concern flickered in Jan's eyes

Verna muttered to herself as she stared at the open elongated tombs on either side of the wall, where she could clearly see the skeletons wrapped in burlap. However, these skeletons had been completely shattered and were of no use. Moreover, the burial goods inside had been completely looted, leaving only some broken bricks and tiles, suggesting that the gray dwarves had indeed reaped a considerable harvest.

After encountering the ambush by the clawed beast, the group did not face any further attacks. However, this made them increasingly cautious and careful. Jenn had already hinted to Verna that they had fallen into a trap, and Verna was also aware that there was something wrong with the clawed beast. As a mercenary who made a living underground, her understanding of the clawed beast was no less than that of the others.

Jan clenched his hands tightly; for safety's sake, he could still withdraw from this adventure. However, Jan could not leave, as this was his best opportunity to expand his influence. It was one thing not to have opportunities before, but now, if after the dungeon system was launched, Jan still could not build a powerful fortress, his ultimate fate would be a tragic death in the ceremony that determined the successor to the Demon King.

After a period of exploration, the group quickly found the entrance that the gray dwarves had mentioned. It is located on a stone wall, resembling a large hole that has been excavated. Through the thick layer of dust, Jan could barely see the exquisite patterns and reliefs carved into the wall.

One can imagine how perilous the situation was at that time. Surrounded by her siblings, Janne nearly risked her life to assure her unscrupulous father that she could establish a powerful and magnificent underground city in the barren North, thereby escaping the fate of being "secretly executed" to preserve the royal family's dignity.

I never expected that this mixed-blood elf would not be different from the illustrations in the book

However, Verna was merely speaking in jest; the "tombs" beneath the ground conceal extreme dangers. This is because one can never know if, upon acquiring a bountiful treasure, one might awaken a terrifying lich or demon. This is also one of the reasons the subterranean inhabitants complain about the "crawlers" from the surface.

Zhan En originally thought he would receive the daily quest "Exploring Ruins", but it seems that is not the case. Otherwise, the system would have given him a prompt as soon as he entered. It is now past 1 PM, and the daily quest has still not been released, which also indicates that the system's "prophecy" suggests Zhan En will definitely encounter trouble

After gathering the bodies of the fallen, the group set out once more. This time, the mercenaries were noticeably more cautious; however, seeing Jan and Enoia walking among them, they felt a sense of relief. After all, having two strong allies by their side always brings a sense of security

This type of daily task carries significant risks, and players are given very little time (after all, each daily task resets before 6:00 AM the following day; failing to complete the task before then is tantamount to a waste of effort), while the rewards are also quite substantial

This is an example of the kind of absurd tasks that Jen had previously received, such as "Jumping into an Endless Abyss" and "Pursuing One's Own Sister"

This is the "trade" of the dark regions, where those with strength possess sufficient qualifications to acquire more wealth and greater power... If Jan feigns that everyone is originally on the same path, offering help without concern... then Verna would instead have to be on guard to avoid being stabbed in the back by the other party

It has already passed 1:00, yet the system still has not issued the daily tasks, which has made Jian increasingly cautious. In Jian's memory, the most dangerous daily task he experienced was during his time in the Demon Realm. At that time, he also did not receive any tasks for an entire day, and it was not until Jian received the summons from the Demon King that the system finally issued a task: "Convince the Demon King that you can establish an underground city, rather than being executed on the spot." It was indeed an entire day without receiving any tasks, and only when Jian received the summons from the Demon King, at the moment he stepped into the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, did the system issue the task: "Convince the Demon King that you can establish an underground city, rather than being executed on the spot."

After all, for a necromancer, soldiers have always been readily available as needed

In the end, Jan agreed to Verna's request, but he also put forward his own conditions—that is, any treasures discovered at the target location must be selected by Jan first. Furthermore, the soldiers under Verna's command must follow Jan's orders and are not allowed to act independently. If Verna does not agree to this condition, then both parties will part ways.

Verna made a gesture, and soon, three bear goblins strode in with their torches held high as they entered the cave, waving their torches and probing ahead. They then made a safe response

Perhaps it is, or perhaps it is not

In the end, Jan made a decision

Enoya's concerns are not without reason. If, as Jan said, this tomb is merely a disguise, it indicates that the true master here possesses strength sufficient to create such an extensive facade. For Jan, this would likely not be an easily manageable adversary

In the exploration of the succubus, the map that had originally been shrouded in mist gradually revealed its true appearance to Jan. It appeared to be merely an ordinary tomb; whether from the narrow burial passage or the structure before him, it seemed to be part of a mausoleum.

Although it is unclear how the system that Jan possesses collects and calculates data in reality and in books, Jan places considerable importance on this feature. This is not merely due to the trivial experience gained from daily tasks, but rather because it essentially provides Jan with a form of divination, indicating whether he will encounter trouble and danger on that day

It appears that this is just an ordinary tomb.

What first caught Jen's eye was a smooth corridor. Perhaps due to the passage of time, its once even and smooth floor had become somewhat uneven, with damp moisture enveloping the space, mingled with a hint of the unique chill of the underground world. The sound of footsteps echoed in the silent passage, breaking the long-standing silence

On this point, Jan is unequivocal

After watching the departure of the female demon guard, Jan finally spoke up to inquire. Upon hearing his question, Enoia took out the pocket watch from her bosom, glanced at it, and then respectfully replied

Conversely, if the system, through extensive calculations, determines that the player is likely to encounter a monster siege, be attacked by other players, or face unexpected events today, it will continuously postpone the release of daily tasks until the player begins to experience such events

If it is the surface, then this is simply an unfair clause, as it means that Verna and her subordinates are essentially working for Jan for free, and can only pick up what others have left behind. However, Verna did not resist this; instead, she readily nodded in agreement.

Enoya, what time is it now

The reward for the task that Jan received was a map detailing the entire northern region's mineral deposits and various races. It was precisely with the aid of this map that he was able to safely construct an underground city here without encountering any trouble or prying eyes

However, we must continue to move forward

I see, I understand now

Those foolish creatures living under the sun bury any troublesome issues underground, completely disregarding the thoughts of the subterranean residents. I truly hope that those damned bastards are roasted alive by the blazing fireball above their heads

However, at this moment, apart from gritting her teeth and moving forward, Verna had no better options left

Verna did not enter immediately, but quietly waited for a moment before waving her hand. Subsequently, the mercenaries entered in succession, forming a defensive formation on both sides, remaining vigilant against various potential dangers that might arise in the surroundings

Does that mean we will encounter very tricky enemies

Only after everyone had entered did Verna lead Jan and Enoia inside. At that moment, the other mercenaries had already lit the torches on the walls, illuminating everything before them

Regarding this dungeon system, Jan has conducted extensive research. Daily tasks are assignments that players receive in the dungeon each day, but the timing of task issuance is quite significant. If the system determines that a player is unlikely to encounter any unexpected events on a given day, a daily task will be issued early, and at the latest, it will be released before noon

The female demons encountered no enemies, yet this only made Jan feel uneasy. It is impossible for a tomb to lack any form of defensive power, especially in this world filled with swords and magic. Even in the absence of undead guardians, traps and poison should effectively deter the greedy gazes and actions of tomb raiders.

1:12:34 PM

This is the entrance to the ruins mentioned by those gray dwarves

This tomb is likely a disguise