Chapter Seventeen: The Grand Duke of Ephesoya’s Request

Although they had completed the first task, everyone remained in the arena and did not leave. The second of the two tasks was to escape from the castle. However, now that their restraints were gone, with the players’ abilities, getting out of the arena was not an issue. What they had to consider now was what awaited them outside. Since the goal was to escape the castle, it was clear it would not be a smooth journey.

But before they could discuss their strategy, several pillars of crimson light suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping a few of the group and making them vanish before everyone’s eyes. The others scanned their surroundings but found nothing amiss.

Murong Xun felt himself wrapped by a force, and his vision blurred. In the next instant, he found himself seated in a modestly sized room, sitting on a chair. Compared to the dank, cold cells and the bloodstained arena, this room was a world apart. At the center stood a long rectangular table, with four chairs on each side and one at either end, making a total of ten seats. Murong Xun found himself occupying the seat at the lower end of the table, and he frowned at this.

Aside from the table and chairs, the room featured display cabinets and a fireplace, filling the space with warmth. Behind one glass cabinet rested a variety of equipment in different colors, not the slightest attempt made to hide them, left casually to gather dust.

Apart from Murong Xun and the empty head seat, all the other eight seats were now occupied. The people there included Jian Ge Wenfeng, who had displayed remarkable skill earlier; the mind control master “Support” Anye; the “Healer,” a red-haired woman; and an elderly man with a pipe, whose control abilities were unknown. On the other side, to his surprise, sat four figures dressed identically in golden armor, their expressions grim, backs straight, as if cast from the same mold.

“The Holy Paladins are involved as well!” Wenfeng frowned. He and Yi Shisan had deliberately sealed their powers to enter this war-torn world, never expecting the Holy Paladins—lords of the first and second tiers—to send people here too.

Now, the nine of them seated at the table exchanged glances. Wenfeng tried to stand, only to find himself held fast by an invisible power—he could not rise at all.

“No use trying. This spatial restraint can’t be broken even if your powers weren’t sealed,” one of the Holy Paladins across from him jeered.

“Hmph!” Wenfeng shot him a contemptuous look and left it at that.

In the previous world, he and Yi Shisan had crossed swords with the Holy Paladins during a mission, and relations had not been pleasant. At Wenfeng’s glare, the Paladin stiffened and fell silent. This was a ruthless man; facing him alone, one would be wise to flee as far as possible. Even with four together, and even though their foe was not at full strength, fear lingered deep inside.

“It seems fate has a sense of humor,” Anye remarked, his gaze sweeping the room. “Four support players from the same prison, now gathered here.” He deliberately ignored the rivalry between the other powerhouses, but when his eyes landed on Murong Xun, he paused for a moment. At first, everyone claimed to be support—hardly something to believe immediately. Yet in the arena, Murong Xun had indeed displayed his culinary skills, making Anye somewhat inclined to think he was a life-skills player. But now, he was not so sure. Regardless, he knew none of these people were simple.

“It’s quite the coincidence,” the old man replied, lighting his pipe and puffing away.

As they were about to exchange information, the seat at the head of the table was suddenly filled. At the abrupt arrival of the wolf-headed figure, everyone’s expression turned serious.

“Welcome to the private castle of the great Archduke Ephesoia!” The wolf-headed man wasted no time on pleasantries, immediately stating his purpose. “You are the lucky few—my master has a task for you.”

No one was surprised. If there were nothing to do, they would not have been brought here. Seeing that no one foolishly began asking questions, the wolf-headed man nodded with satisfaction. He detested those who pestered him with endless inquiries.

“I am the steward of this castle. You may call me Steward Wolf,” he said, offering only a title, not his real name. “Some of you came to this world with a purpose, so you should have done your homework.” He glanced at Wenfeng and the four Holy Paladins. They made no attempt to hide it and admitted as much.

Among players, they were respected, but in the presence of someone like Steward Wolf, the difference in level was simply too vast. Yet the steward showed no interest in probing their identities.

“I care nothing for your motives. My master requires something, and you are to bring it back,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

“If even the Archduke cannot obtain it, what hope have we?” Wenfeng frowned.

“If I say you can, then you can.” Steward Wolf struck the ground with his cane, producing a dull thud. “My master and I entered this world by different means than you. Once outside, this world cannot withstand our power—so we need your help.” As he spoke, he scanned the group, a distinctly human-like smile appearing on his lupine face. “You are here with the permission of the Mage Tower. This is a transaction, notarized by the Tower—you complete the task, and we pay the price.”

As the group pondered, the steward’s tone grew stern. “You do not have the right to refuse!”

Hearing this, their faces darkened, but no one objected. Killing them was all too easy for him.

[Archduke Ephesoia’s Request: Find the Archduke’s lost item. On completion, your evaluation rank is increased by one, and you may select a random item from the Archduke’s collection.]

Without waiting for further questions, the Mage Tower’s prompt appeared, sealing the arrangement. Their expressions turned bitter, but they had no choice but to accept.

“Steward, can you at least tell us what we’re to look for? We can’t just wander around like headless chickens,” Anye spoke up. With no idea what they were seeking, where should they even begin?

“I will provide clues when the time comes. Once you arrive, you will know what it is,” Steward Wolf replied, offering no specifics. The group could only accept this with resignation, though their curiosity was piqued—what could possibly be so important to a vampire archduke?