Chapter 87: Princess Hilda and Xin Xin looked down at the map he held in his hand, tracing the outlines of the unexplored territory he found himself in. It was a blank canvas on the map, an area of the mine that had yet to be charted or investigated. The realization didn’t bring him any comfort; in fact, it only deepened the sense of uncertainty that surrounded their predicament. A mixture of frustration and anxiety welled up within him. The lack of any known pathways or exits from this unexplored section was disheartening. He pondered the possibilities, wondering if there was a hidden passage or tunnel that could lead them out. Maybe they could continue digging, hoping to find a breakthrough, or perhaps he could come up with some ingenious plan involving Pudding’s abilities. But even as these ideas churned in his mind, Xin knew they were treading on uncertain ground. Pudding couldn’t fly, and Xin had recently auctioned off items that might have helped with such a predicament. And even if Pudding could fly, he didn’t know if it could ask for help above. Xin’s prospects were narrowing. Turning to Princess Hilda, Xin voiced his question with a glimmer of hope. "Is there any other way in the tunnels? Perhaps another route that could lead us to an exit?" Regrettably, Princess Hilda’s response dashed those hopes. She shook her head, her expression a mirror of his own disappointment. "I’ve scoured these tunnels extensively, but I haven’t come across any other passages or exits. It’s as if this place is a dead end." Xin’s heart sank as the weight of their situation pressed down on him. The possibility that there might not be a straightforward way out from this underground abyss was daunting. He glanced around at the unfamiliar cavern, the glowing crystals casting eerie shadows on the walls. The thought of being trapped in this gloomy and unknown place sent a shiver down his spine. As uncertainty loomed, Xin couldn’t help but wonder if the seemingly implausible idea of Princess Hilda’s assistance held the key to their escape. However, the thought of being hurled upward by the immensely strong dwarf Princess raised its own set of worries. Could such a maneuver even be survivable? It was a question that lingered, casting a shadow over any potential solution. The multitude of possibilities swirled within Xin’s mind, each one carrying its own set of uncertainties. What if, upon his escape, he found himself unable to locate the Princess again in this labyrinthine mine? The twisting passages and convoluted tunnels could easily lead to such a scenario. Another thought tugged at him — what if he logged out of the game and returned to the town? Would that action even work in this unusual situation? The fear of losing this hidden cave and, by extension, the Princess herself gnawed at him. The dilemma of choosing between pursuing the questline and the risk of potentially losing track of the Princess was a tough one. Amid these thoughts, Xin continued to weigh his options while he gave the command for his golems to disband their formation. He wanted to avoid triggering a landslide because it might lead to a devastating consequences, and he didn’t want to exacerbate the situation further. As he contemplated the way forward, he decided to use his time wisely. Mining seemed like a productive activity, and who knew what rare and valuable stones he might uncover in these uncharted depths? He began to swing his pickaxe, striking at the rock. In the midst of his work, a voice cut through his concentration. It was Princess Hilda, her tone curious as she inquired, "Are you foraging for materials, Lord Schrodinger?" Xin paused his mining and looked over at her with a nod. "Yes," he replied, his gaze shifting between the rocks and the Princess. "While I’m considering my options, I might as well gather resources that could be useful." Princess Hilda’s eyes held a mix of fascination and respect as she observed his actions. The fact that he was diligently working even in this uncertain situation seemed to impress her. "My, how resourceful of you. I love a man who’s not wasteful and take everything as an opportunity." Xin’s fine hair rose on end. Princess Hilda’s smile illuminated the cave as she effortlessly swung her massive hammer down, creating a minor tremor in the ground beneath. Xin felt a mixture of awe and a touch of trepidation at the power she wielded. "I’ll lend you a hand," Princess Hilda declared with a determined expression, producing a gleaming Platinum Pickaxe from her inventory. Xin’s eyes widened at the sight of the remarkable tool, realizing the rarity and value it held. The significance of the Platinum Pickaxe wasn’t lost on Xin. In the world of Guildbane, where tools like bronze, silver, and gold were considered valuable assets, a Platinum tool was the epitome of excellence. Crafting one was no simple feat; it required unique and precious materials that were anything but common. What’s more, it couldn’t be bought in stores or in anywhere else. Xin had heard rumors about the existence of Platinum tools, but no players ever managed to obtain one due to the complexity of crafting requirements. It was a tool of legends, something coveted and sought after by many. The Princess seemed to sense his astonishment and smiled warmly. She shared the origins of the tool, explaining, "This is a cherished gift from my late mother." She continued, "I have spent years in the mine and had yielded a trove of valuable materials. Should we successfully escape this predicament, I pledged to share my hoarded resources with you as a token of my appreciation and a form of payment for saving my life." Silence hung in the air as Xin contemplated his thoughts. He considered the possibility of acquiring the Princess’s Platinum Pickaxe, but the sentiment attached to it was evident. It had been a gift from her late mother, and such a valuable heirloom held far more emotional significance than its material value. His momentary musings led him to the realization that asking for the tool directly might not be a feasible option. It was something she cherished, and he respected that. Instead, Xin offered a grateful nod and a sincere acknowledgment. "Thank you then. Rest assured. I’ll do everything in my power to find a way for us to escape." With their shared goal binding them together, they resumed their labor of digging and mining in the heart of the cave.