Gamers of the Underworld

“Lord Sherlock, don’t we have to deal with the crisis in Victoria City? If it escalates, isn’t it an open war with York Territory?” Bru asked with concern.

In front of Sherlock was a crystal ball that showed a group of Humans, Fairies, and Elves tying up tens of Knights while their equipment was stripped and stashed at the side. All their horses were tethered to the side fence while waiting for the subsequent auction.

The gamers didn’t kill the Duke of York’s Knights because they didn’t offer much resistance before surrendering. After Lilo’s request, they were being tied up.

The Knights numbered in the tens, while Victoria City had thousands of citizens. Moreover, the citizens were fearless. They didn’t flinch when they saw the flag of the Duke of York.

“The Duke of York won’t let the matter rest. You’re going against the Grand Duke and the entire kingdom! I advise you to release us! Return our equipment and horses!”

The Knight’s mouth was being stuffed. None of the gamers were willing to accept his Strange Encounter Mission.

“If we obey the Duke of York and seek sincere collaboration with him like Winterfell, will he offer us benefits?” Sherlock asked solemnly.

“Er… according to my understanding of Humans and the behavior of the Duke of York, most likely not,” Bru said.

“Then why do we have to satisfy his request? I won’t do anything that isn’t beneficial to us.”

Bru quickly asked, “But Lord Sherlock, aren’t you going to feign submission before overcoming him with his weakness? If we can make a Grand Duke our subordinate, it will facilitate the construction of our city.”

“This doesn’t sound like what a superior Devil would do. A Devil would never submit to Humans. I won’t even feign submission. Have you seen a Human submit to an old chicken just to overcome it?”

Sherlock’s question was persuasive.

“Isn’t the current situation better for us? The Duke will send us free equipment and horses. Perhaps, he will send more good stuff. It’s also a good way to add more Plots to Victoria City. I’ve discussed the matter with Lilo, and she will handle it well.”

“I’m getting worried…”

Bru was interrupted by a fireball erupting in the Dungeon Core. A letter was thrown out of the flames.

Sherlock examined the letter before the letter incinerated in his hand. He picked up his overcoat and said to Bru, “Inform the gamers to set off. Yoda has flown the Airship to the Black Volcano.”

…

Patrick Star stood outside the small town, gazing at a huge Airship.

Airships were rare in the Underworld. After all, an Airship core was hard to find. It was also a heavy burden for the Dungeon Core.

Without strong power, it wasn’t possible to supply an Airship with sufficient Mana.

Patrick Star knew that Eternal Kingdom had an Airship. He saw one when he visited Eternal Kingdom, though he didn’t witness the Airship participating in the battle with the Ogres.

Sherlock had flown the Airship away, blown the top off of the Ogre Fortress, and kidnapped a kitten.

Following Patrick Star was a local guide whom Sherlock contacted to lead his 5,000 members free tour to the Black Volcano.

Patrick Star came to interview the tour guide immediately.

It was big news for 5,000 citizens of Eternal Kingdom to tour here!

After the tour guide listened to Patrick Star’s interview question, he asked, puzzled, “Eternal Kingdom? No, I received an order for the Nobody Has This Name mercenary group’s free tour. I even prepared welcoming materials. I can’t possibly get the name wrong.”

The tour guide showed his prepared materials.

The Sludge Monster took out a wet wooden board from his body and showed it to Patrick Star, who was befuddled. Perhaps the teahouse boss gave him fake news?

After checking the information from the guide, Patrick Star was sure that the Nobody Has This Name mercenary group was a front for the citizens of Eternal Kingdom!

His professional acuity made him link up the robbery of Winterfell’s item to the Northern Dukedom, the disappearance of 2,500 guards, the deaths of the few survivors, and the Black Volcano entering its active stage. Patrick Star came up with a conclusion…

“Are they relaxing here when the volcano is active? From what I know, they are a group of brave warriors.”

“Tourists who come during the active stage of the Black Volcano are here to kill themselves. It’s the first time in my career that I have witnessed a 5,000 member suicide group. With my rich experience, I’m confident in leading them to death while I remain intact.”

Patrick Star noticed the confidence of the Sludge Monster while he took down notes. Patrick Star nodded and asked, “I see. Besides the Black Volcano tour, are there any other arrangements?”

“Of course. The free tour consists of many activities and collaboration with more than 100 merchants who will provide goods and services at reasonable prices. Every merchant has a two-hour touring period. After that, there’s a group shopping period. We have discussed the pricing with all merchants. Each transaction will have a higher price than the previous one.”

Patrick Star nodded. The Sludge Monster was indeed professional.

That was the content of Patrick Star’s interview of the tour guide.

Patrick Star was excited as he stood in front of the Airship. Soon, the warriors of Eternal Kingdom would arrive for a tour!

That was big news!