The players were having dinner together at Delicious Wind Goose’s house.
It wasn’t only because Old Goose’s house was the most spacious. Another reason was that the other players had the habit of visiting to discuss their thoughts or private matters.
Over time, everyone treated it as a norm.
The Old Goose’s home had become a landmark building like a temporary headquarters.
Just this morning, all the players had cleared “Nightmare: Gallery” using the strategy summarized by Jiu Er and Delicious Wind Goose.
This was undoubtedly a day worth celebrating!
Because this meant that players could finally gain a foothold in this world even though it was just an entry-level novice dungeon instance!
“The dungeon instance of this game is too difficult!” The players complained at first.
But when they thought deeper about it, the dungeon didn’t seem to be overly difficult.
Typically speaking, adventuring unexplored parts of the game as front liners usually took more than two days, unlike their accommodating circumstances now.
With that in mind, they felt embarrassed to complain that this dungeon instance was too difficult.
After all, they overcame the dungeon within two days. If they were to acknowledge it to be difficult, they were in a way mocking themselves being inferior already.
“But don’t be too excited. We are just able to clear it, but we haven’t unveiled the real ending.
“After the cooldown is over, everyone has to try new routes. After you die twice, you can go through the correct route and get a reward. The purpose is to train ourselves.”
Delicious Wind Goose summed it up like this, “I think that we failed miserably on the first day because we were not mentally prepared and couldn’t adapt to the dungeon instance of this world.
“It now appears that the nightmare dungeon instances in this world are a test of resilience rather than skills and IQ.”
“Don’t forget acting.” Child God, who played Miss Elle, added, “Acting skills are also fundamental.”
Lin Yiyi whispered, “Actually, I think it feels like Running Man [1].”
(TN: The players were physically running in the dungeon instance too)
She had a wealth of experience in board games, so she is familiar with this situation.
“Yeah, sanity check too.” Jiu Er nodded with lingering fear, “When I saw those paintings, my erosion rate increased a lot. I don’t think I will challenge the nightmare with my life. I will focus on clearing it on the first run because of my situation.
“So, the increase in erosion rate is equivalent to losing sanity?”
“But the question is, if the erosion rate goes up, how can they go down?”
Anderson asked worriedly, “Would it be once it’s maxed out, we will die on the spot and can’t be resurrected?”
Hearing his terrifying assumption, the players went a little quiet for a while.
Indeed, the erosion rate seemed to be increasing slowly.
But just because it increases gradually, the players were a little panicked.
The slower the increase, the more confident the players felt that erosion was a form of injury that wasn’t easily afflicted but hard to be cured at the same time.
After each respawn, the erosion was still retained, unlike their health bar that refreshed into the blank slate.
What happens if the erosion rate is full?
DongDong—
At this moment, the players heard someone knocking on the door.
The players shivered inexplicably as if they were caught in an illegal party. But soon, they reacted. It appeared like they just got together to eat a meal with nothing shameful about it.
Garlic Chives, who was closest to the door, reacted and ran over to open the door. Then, the players realized that it was their feudal lord, Don Juan Geraint, who was knocking on the door.
“Why are you all here?” Annan was also a little surprised.
Is this a dinner party?
Does anyone have a birthday?
In this small room, 40 players had crowded together.
There were eight people on the bed, and a group gathered around the table. A few were sitting on the ground. A silly player had a branch in his mouth, acting cool while leaning against the wall.
Annan couldn’t help but glance at the eccentric player and remembered his name.
—Purple Hydrangea.
Hmph, I will send you directly next time there is any dangerous job.
“Delicious Wind Goose, I need something from you. Come out.” Annan called out names one-by-one, “Yiyi, Jiu Er, Wandering Child. You all come out too.”
The four players, who had their names called out, panicked.
It was like going back to the school when the headteacher suddenly came in and called your name.
That tends not to end well.
The higher possibility was to be utilized as temporary labor.
But, when the four players thought of the potential task, they were delighted.
Is my boss giving out affection ratings?!
“Feudal lord, please just call me Old Goose.”
The four players followed Annan out, and Delicious Wind Goose whispered, “That’s what my friends call me.”
He had been called “Old Goose,” “Uncle Goose,” and “Baldy!” for a long time.
Having people call him by the full name felt uncomfortable.
It felt like calling someone via the online nickname across the street when meeting a netizen.
Wandering Child hurriedly said along the side, “Don’t forget about me! Just call me Child…”
The added suffix sounded a bit shameful.
“Alright,” replied Annan understandingly.
The main reason was that he felt tired of acting.
Jiu Er’s and Yiyi’s names were still fine.
Except for Hyphen being comical, Annan quite liked the name.
The players followed Annan to the city lord’s residence, and Annan offered them to sit.
“I summoned you out today because you have made rapid progress recently.”
Annan said solemnly, “Five days later, Senior Salvatore and I will have a secret plan. We need some helpers, but this plan is important. I need someone more capable.”
When the four players heard this, they were suddenly startled.
Isn’t this the legendary hidden mission?
Without giving a chance for the players to think about it, Annan said quickly, “Three days later, you shall clear the nightmare as quickly as possible. Then, follow me to Roseburg. I have made an appointment with Bishop Daryl in Roseburg. He is offering help to reveal an easy nightmare—an easy nightmare dedicated to advancement.
“According to my guess, when you clean up the ‘Nightmare: Gallery’ again, your strength should peak at ordinary people’s level. Then, you’re open to using that nightmare to advance. If you can advance smoothly, I will issue an important mission at that time,” said Annan solemnly.
The players were surprised deep down in their hearts.
That’s right! The four of them were the only players who had reached Level 9.
Three days later, they would indeed be promoted to Level 10 — the peak level of commoners. The next step was advancement.
—As expected of Lord Don Juan, he has keen eyesight!
But soon, Lin Yiyi realized a problem.
“Is it a we?” She asked cautiously.
Annan nodded seriously.
The beautiful ice-blue pupils shone like the fine gems or a baby Ragdoll’s eyes [2].
Annan replied solemnly, “Yes, I asked Bishop Daryl about the nightmare. This nightmare is simple. It allows up to five people to enter at the same time and work together. To be precise, in this nightmare, we need to play the role of the famous wizard and the four guards.”
After Annan heard the specific content of the dungeon instance from Bread Daryl, he had to make some minor adjustments to his previous plan.
So, he had the four players clear Nightmare: Gallery again. Then, take them to Roseburg.
That nightmare was really suitable for advancement!