Chapter 170: Eggscapade in the Dungeon Midnight Duchess fell silent, though everyone could tell that she was mocking Victor with the small smirk on her face.
Victor’s mood plummeted.
"If we’re unsure, let’s leave them," Xin suggested, attempting to diffuse the tension. "We can always come back for these treasures when we’re better equipped and of higher level. Our main goal is to complete the dungeon safely."
The group nodded in agreement, refocusing their attention on the mission at hand.
While the allure of treasures lingered, they reminded themselves of their primary purpose: to navigate the dungeon’s challenges and emerge victorious, their lives intact.
In the depths of the dungeon, Xin’s primary goal was to experience the essence of the labyrinth. While the allure of treasures was undeniable, he held a pragmatic perspective –– his level was far more valuable than any items right now.
If obtaining treasure meant risking their lives, Xin was more than willing to forego it. He could always come back to it later.
Their next destination was the Royal Stables, a place of grandeur where noble steeds once resided.
The air was thick with the sweet fragrance of hay, and dimly lit lanterns cast gentle shadows on ancient stone walls.
This place held a timeless connection between humans and horses, a history etched into the very stones of the sacred grounds.
As they approached, the distant echo of hoofbeats grew louder, leading them to the very spot where royal horses once grazed.
However, only ghostly remnants of the magnificent creatures remained now. These specters seemed docile as long as no one ventured too close.
Beyond a weathered wooden door, the stables revealed their former majesty, inviting the group to explore the rich equestrian history within.
Victor, with his keen eyes, noticed a hidden gem among the hays. "There’s something valuable there," he remarked, his voice low. "But it’s too close to the spectral horses. Let’s not risk it."
Rever couldn’t help but express his frustration. "It’s annoying that you can see the treasure but can’t grab it. Fear holds you back."
"Greed is the enemy we all share," Yuzuro chimed in. "It can blind even the most cautious among us, and sometimes, it can lead to our downfall."
"Are you talking to me?" Rever chided.
The group moved forward, finding themselves in the Provisions Warehouse, a spacious area brimming with food supplies.
. Crates and barrels lined the walls, and dim sunlight filtered through small windows, illuminating the space with a subdued glow.
The bustling sounds of a once-vibrant center for food preparation echoed through the room, underscoring its rich history.
Amidst the organized chaos of the kitchen, a gleam caught their attention. There, among the cooking supplies, lay a golden egg, its exquisite beauty captivating their senses and hinting at a value beyond the ordinary.
"Is it some kind of pet?" Rever asked, his eyes glinting with greed, momentarily forgetting his harrowing encounter with the Lanternal.
"A pet just lying on the counter?" Victor shook his head. "Highly unlikely."
Midnight Duchess added her own dry humor. "Perhaps it’s a disguised monster waiting to crack open and devour you."
Xin added with a straight face, "It might trigger some traps."
"Or maybe it’s just an ordinary egg painted gold?" Yuzuro lamented.
The group exchanged uncertain glances, contemplating the enigmatic golden egg before them, each member wary of the potential dangers it might conceal.
"We won’t know unless someone takes the chance," Rever insisted.
"The real question is," Victor’s voice was measured, "are you prepared to face another Lanternal if our suspicion turns out to be true?"
"But what if it’s really an egg and a pet hatched from it that could potentially get to Growth three? It’s definitely worth dying for and losing levels." Rever argued back.
"What if we’re overcomplicating things, and it’s genuinely a gift from the developers?" he added in desperation.
Sideway glances were shot to Rever, silently questioning his judgment.
"Do you genuinely believe the developers are that benevolent?" Victor sighed, shaking his head. "You might be more naive than you appear. But by all means, be my guest and investigate if you’re feeling brave."
The atmosphere in the Provisions Warehouse grew tense as Rever cautiously approached the gleaming golden egg.
The entire party held their breath, their eyes fixed on him, the silence heavy with anticipation.
Xin, Victor, Yuzuro, and even Midnight Duchess stood still, their bodies poised to react at a moment’s notice, prepared for any potential traps or threats that might be triggered by the seemingly innocuous object.
Rever’s hand trembled slightly as he extended it towards the golden egg, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface.
The room seemed to hold its breath alongside them, the air thick with tension.
For a moment, time hung suspended as the group waited in anxious anticipation.
Then, Rever’s fingers made contact with the egg, and nothing happened.
No traps were triggered, and no bosses emerged from the shadows.
The room remained eerily silent, the only sound being the soft echo of Rever’s breath.
Rever turned to look at the others, his expression unreadable. "It’s . . . plastic."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the group as they released the breaths they had been holding.
Victor couldn’t help but chuckle nervously, the tension dissipating like a burst bubble. "Plastic? Seriously?"
Yuzuro laughed lightly, her voice laced with amusement. "Well, I guess even in this dungeon, plastic decorations manage to look real. Talk about attention to detail."
Xin, though relieved, couldn’t help but shake his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "We can never underestimate the game developers’ dedication to realism, it seems."
The only one who wasn’t laughing was Rever himself. He was angry and disappointed that the egg wasn’t a pet.
"I guess it’s not really easy to find those things," he muttered to himself.
The tension that had gripped them moments ago now transformed into a sense of amusement.
They had narrowly escaped the fear of triggering a trap, and Rever’s close encounter with the plastic egg became a shared moment of both amusement and relief.
With the threat averted, they continued their exploration, their senses heightened, knowing that any corner of the dungeon could hold unexpected surprises.