Chapter Eighteen: The Dungeon is About to Open

“Don’t be reckless!” Zhao Tai lowered his voice.

Xiao Zhang let out a heavy breath.

Zhao Tai fixed his gaze on Xiao Zhang and whispered, “Dog Bro, don’t lose your cool!”

As soon as Xiao Zhang arrived, Mode greeted him, “Xiao Zhang, come here, I’ll introduce someone to you.”

Zhao Tai frowned and glanced at Xiao Zhang, whispering quickly, “No matter what, don’t act rashly. Absolutely don’t reveal yourself. Hold on for now, wait patiently for a chance… then save him.”

Xiao Zhang walked toward Mode, looked at him, then at Mo Kuang behind Rat. “What’s going on?”

“This is Rat. He’s a famous hunter around here. Quite a few NPCs have fallen to him,” Mode replied.

Rat nudged Mo Kuang at his feet. “Ha, luck’s on my side. Who would have thought I’d run into this troublesome woman here? And she dared to come alone to pioneer the new server!”

Xiao Zhang struggled to keep his emotions in check, while Zhao Tai was poised for a quick escape.

“So what are you saying?” Mode curled his lips, leaned in with icy eyes, “You should know, she’s a hot potato! If the people from Flower Pavilion find out, not only can’t I handle it, even Ghost Lantern won’t be able to!”

Rat chuckled, “Then I’ll leave it out of my hands! If Shadow Isle doesn’t want her, I’ll find someone else—she’s too valuable to worry about finding a buyer.”

Mode’s expression twisted into something strange. “Are you truly not afraid of Flower Pavilion’s revenge? Besides, how could Flower Pavilion let her come to this so-called last server alone?”

“Who knows. But… this isn’t the first time I’ve done something like this.” Rat grinned, licked his lips, his gaze greedy. “I’m not asking for much, just four thousand points and two rounds of protection! You know how hard it is to catch someone alive!”

“Alright, I’ll have to report your request to the chief.” Mode’s tone was cold. “Also, Rat, the dungeon is about to start. Don’t cause any more trouble during this period. After we finish the dungeon, if there’s time left, you can hunt other awakened teams—I won’t interfere. But for now, keep it together.”

Disappointment flickered in Rat’s eyes as he snorted, “Fine, you’re the captain!”

He turned, kicked Mo Kuang again, and laughed, “Then you guys watch over this one for now!”

Xiao Zhang exhaled long and deep, finally relaxing.

“Alright, take her aside for now. Once the dungeon starts, perhaps she’ll be useful as a stepping stone,” Mode sneered. “Lilia!”

Lilia immediately walked over to him. “What is it?”

“These two are yours to watch,” Mode said with a smile. “I don’t trust anyone else.”

Lilia giggled, threw Xiao Zhang a flirtatious glance, and walked over. She glanced at Mo Kuang on the ground. “Oh, quite a catch! You want to pin the blame on me, don’t you?”

Mode forced a dry laugh. “Who else could handle her?”

“Isn’t my handsome little brother here? B+ strength is enough, and it’s a perfect chance for you to prove yourself, right, little brother?” Lilia’s tone was gentle, but her words sent chills down Xiao Zhang’s spine.

Mode looked over as well—he clearly harbored doubts about Xiao Zhang’s identity, but said nothing to object.

“Of course, of course. It’s an honor for a younger brother to help his sister.” Xiao Zhang feigned a cheerful smile. “But my abilities aren’t great—I’m worried I might slip up!”

Lilia caught the implied message: he’d do it, but she needed to show some appreciation.

“Naturally.” Lilia took out a white dagger and tossed it to Xiao Zhang.

“Thank you, sister!” Xiao Zhang took the dagger without even looking and stowed it away.

Mode watched this exchange and snorted, glancing at the sky. “Alright, it’s getting late. Everyone, hurry up and prepare! The dungeon is about to start!”

Xiao Zhang picked up the still-unconscious Mo Kuang. “Boss, what should I do with her?”

“Bring her into the dungeon. Just keep an eye on her!”

Not far off, Zhao Tai finally relaxed and quietly moved next to Xiao Zhang. He whispered, “How is she?”

Xiao Zhang checked her condition, then immediately gave her the only intermediate healing potion he had. “She should be fine. When you enter the dungeon, stay away from me—act like you don’t know me.”

Zhao Tai considered it and nodded.

Xiao Zhang suddenly remembered something. “Where did Ghost Lantern go?”

“That guy already went in!”

Suddenly, Xiao Zhang heard a rumbling from beneath the ground!

The earth shook violently, as if struck by an earthquake.

The tremor arrived swiftly and faded just as quickly. The other teams erupted—not in panic, but excitement.

At that moment, Mode announced through his communicator, “The dungeon is about to start! Everyone, mind your positions!”

Meanwhile, a mechanical female voice echoed from the sky: The dungeon will open in five minutes.

Dungeon ‘Underground Prison’ opening. Mission: kill the prisoners. This is a D-level dungeon. Please collect resources generated by the dungeon. Good luck, players.

This hidden dungeon will restrict the use of all extra subsidiary equipment. Please adjust accordingly.

Player duels are prohibited in this dungeon. Do not kill other players. Any violation will result in system punishment.

From afar, Rat cursed loudly, “Damn it! How is this hidden dungeon so unfair?” Clearly—

…these restrictions were a huge disadvantage for Rat. Yet the rest of his team seemed ready, especially Lilia and Mode, who were happily chatting.

Other teams vented similar complaints.

Xiao Zhang glanced at Zhao Tai and noticed a strange expression. “What’s wrong? Is something off?”

Zhao Tai frowned. “The moment we exit this hidden dungeon, trouble is bound to follow. Dog Bro, be careful when you go in.”

“I will.” Xiao Zhang turned his head. “That old witch Lilia has her eye on us!”

Zhao Tai glanced at Xiao Zhang and whispered, “It’s fine. Ghost Lantern has his eye on her too.”

“So you’re not just planning to clear the mission, huh?”

Just then, Mo Kuang, draped over Xiao Zhang’s shoulder, suddenly stirred.