Gamers of the Underworld

Nicholas stood outside the Dungeon Core Main Hall in a black Tuxedo. If his protruding fangs and sharp sprite ears were not taken into consideration, according to human standards, he would be quite a handsome guy.

Nicholas’ behavior attracted the attention of the gamers as they followed behind him. Sherlock understood their behavior as they did not want to miss the “Plot Plot Animation”. He had previously been surrounded by them in a similar manner.

However, Nicholas was puzzled when he saw the Goblins gathering and following him. Though they were Goblins, he felt pressured by their incessant talking.

“Lassie, where are you going?”

“Who triggered the Plot Animation?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps there are new activities?”

“Just follow Lassie.”

“Take a look at my newly exchanged Small Cloth Bag.”

“We shall form a new expedition later and continue fighting the Spiders.”

“Let’s form up first. Once the Plot Animation is over, we’ll set out.”

“I saw Arthur swinging his weapon as he went out. Is he challenging the Spiders alone?”

“Even if he has the most combat training sessions, isn’t it too far-fetched for him to go alone?”

“D*mn, I should have stockpiled the materials. The prices have increased today.”

“Those who rushed to improve their equipment are now dying of regret.”

Nicholas was unable to understand the Goblins. Tens of them followed behind him and chattered non-stop. Why were these Goblins so fond of chatting? Nicholas felt his ears almost bursting.

Nicholas had seen numerous Goblins but not the talkative ones. When a few normal Goblins were put together, they would not even make a sound. Nicholas could not understand why these Goblins had that much to say!

Nicholas arrived at the Dungeon Core entrance with his ears filled with buzzing chatter. It did not last long as Sherlock walked out.

When the Devil Lord appeared, the chatter gradually stopped and there were “shhh” sounds. Some whispered to remind the chattering Goblins, “Stop talking. The Plot Animation is starting!”

Putting the Goblins’ matters aside, Nicholas was looking for Sherlock about another matter.

“Lord Sherlock, pardon my sudden visit.” He bowed towards Sherlock and said, “Since arriving at your Dungeon, I have been grateful for your great hospitality. To express my gratitude, please allow me to present you a gift.”

Sherlock looked at Nicholas and frowned.

Was the great hospitality referring to the empty space without stone slabs and proper beds? Was his gratitude sarcastic?

Sherlock was unhappy. A lowly vampire was giving sarcastic hints to the Devil Lord?

Nicholas was not making sarcastic comments. He was making use of the opportunity to foster their long-term business relationship. However, the Goblins’ abnormal behavior had shocked Nicholas to the core.

Nicholas had never encountered Goblins who would chat casually in front of a superior Vampire. Even after Nicholas exerted his dominance, there was no reaction from the Goblins.

Nicholas was feeling mentally exhausted by the Goblins’ chattering and harassment. Nicholas also realized that these Goblins… were terrifying!

These Goblins were not afraid of a Vampire! Just based on the power of a Goblin? Of course not! They must be dependent on Lord Sherlock’s power!

Nicholas had visited many Dungeons. This was his first encounter with the strange Goblins.

Nicholas was sure that Lord Sherlock’s background was not simple. As a merchant, he felt he had to make a risky investment in Lord Sherlock and his future.

When he saw Sherlock’s unhappiness, Nicholas immediately said, “Lord Sherlock, I am impressed by the brave and resilient servants of the Dungeon. If you would allow, I hope to invest in your Dungeon. It will be in the form of a gift.”

Sherlock finally understood. The Vampire was going to invest in his Dungeon! Was he really impressed by the brave and resilient servants?

Sherlock surveyed his wretched Dungeon and the group of smiley Goblins behind Nicholas who were commenting on the praise. Sherlock led Nicholas into the Dungeon Core Main Hall.

“Come in. Let’s discuss your investment.”

Sherlock closed the door after Nicholas entered the Main Hall. The gamers were puzzled and broke into chatter. The gamers did not have to listen to guess what discussion Sherlock and Nicholas were having.

Sherlock beckoned Nicholas to take a seat and then tapped on the table. Bru was talking excitedly in Sherlock’s mind on how to scam the Baron.

Sherlock did not respond to Bru. Instead, he frowned and said to Nicholas, “I’m not lacking in Magic Stones and I have a good impression of you. I would like to hear about your investment plan.”

Nicholas said excitedly, “Lord Sherlock, I’m willing to vouch for you and recommend to the Merchant Alliance to place Eternal Kingdom as one of the Alliance trading posts. We’ll set up a Teleport Portal at your Dungeon and arrange for a resident merchant. No matter what materials or buildings you require, the Merchant Alliance will provide the best resources and services for your Dungeon’s development. The resources will be escorted and discounted twenty percent off the market price. This is my gift to you.”

Sherlock hesitated as the offer was tempting. There was a free resident merchant, Teleport Portal and a 20% discount of the goods.

Sherlock could apply for the Merchant Alliance to station a merchant at his Dungeon himself, but the application fees, deposit fees, commission fees and Teleport Portal would cost a ton.

With Nicholas’ recommendation, Sherlock would save a large sum of money.

However, there were many problems with this recommendation.

The merchants would arrive and interact with the gamers for long periods of time. With the differences in culture, there would be serious consequences. Sherlock felt that it was going to be troublesome.

The reason he allowed the Merchant Band to visit the Dungeon was to let them be part of the Beta Testing activity and entertain the gamers so that they would be hardworking. Secondly, the Merchant Band was only staying for three days. Within this short period of time, Sherlock was not worried that they would discover anything. Moreover, he had an agreement with Nicholas.

The most important factor was that Sherlock did not trust Nicholas. As a Dungeon Lord, he had only met the Baron for a day. Why would he agree to his investment? Was he foolish or naive?

Sherlock was clear about Nicholas’ intentions. First, Nicholas clearly wanted to test Sherlock. Secondly, Nicholas was interested in the investment.

Sherlock was lacking in Magic Stones, but he had not reached the stage that he would invite characters he did not trust to his Dungeon.

“Apologies, Baron Nicholas, you have a tempting proposal, but I must decline.” Sherlock pushed out his hand and said, “The Merchants applying to visit my Dungeon have already been scheduled to next year, and I have some other intentions regarding trading and commerce in the Dungeon.”

“But Lord Sherlock…”

Nicholas had not expected Sherlock to decline him directly. Most of the developing Dungeons would jump at his offer as it was a win-win situation. When the Dungeon obtained abundant resources, Nicholas could earn profits and improve his standing in the Merchant Alliance. He could also foster a good relationship with the Dungeon Lord. Otherwise, how could a Baron Vampire have tea and beat up other creatures with the Dungeon Lords?

“Don’t say anymore. My planned commerce blueprint is massive and cannot be accomplished by a Teleport Portal and a resident merchant. If you don’t have other matters, please leave. My servants are very happy that you are here. I hope that you will also be happy with your stay and make my servants happy so that they would work harder,” Sherlock said as he stood up and patted Nicholas’ shoulders.

“Nicholas, don’t be mistaken. I’m not rejecting your cooperation. It’s not personal. Neither am I looking down on you. As you know, keeping a Dungeon is not easy. I have to take care of all areas. Numerous creatures are watching me. If I fail or have big news, they will publish everything. I tried to hide your visit to the Dungeon, but they found out. I had to put in a lot of effort to placate them. Otherwise, we would not be able to do business. If I agree to let you set up a Teleport Portal, how do I answer to those creatures? How many notices will I have to post to placate them?” Sherlock explained as he sent Nicholas out.

While the gamers chatted non-stop, Sherlock added, “I have high expectations of you. Though we cannot collaborate now, I believe in your talents and experience. We will definitely have a chance to work together. I believe in you, Nicholas.”

Sherlock closed the door of the Main Hall. Nicholas was feeling puzzled. He remained silent under the harsh gazes of the Goblins before he muttered, “Y-yes, Boss!”