Chapter 112: The Echoes of the Silent Keep

Chapter 112: Chapter 112: The Echoes of the Silent Keep

After all that trouble, all she got was a sealed mirror.

Seraphina Sinclair casually tossed the still-scalding yet useless copper mirror back into the storage space of her Silver Moon Earrings.

The item was stored away, but her thoughts didn’t stop.

’Sealed...’

She muttered the word, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the wood grain of the floorboards.

This seemed to be an entirely new domain, beyond the scope of her current abilities, like an invisible wall blocking her path.

As for information about "sealing" on the regional channel... to say it was sparse would be an understatement. There wasn’t a single post.

’Looks like I’ll have to put repairing this mirror on the back burner for now.’

Her attention returned to the Solar Flame Powder.

Pretty Guardian had some but wasn’t selling. She obviously knew its value and might even be experimenting with some kind of crafting Skill, just like her.

’Potions? Or something else?’

’Traveling Merchant 001 also mentioned a survivor who sells Potions. Could he have been talking about Pretty Guardian?’

Seraphina Sinclair fell silent for a moment, but she didn’t find the idea strange.

If she could acquire rune making, it stood to reason that others could acquire different Skills, or perhaps even learn rune making themselves.

The Black Mist World was fair in that respect. As long as you were strong enough to obtain a Stone Tablet, you could inherit its craft.

Seraphina Sinclair pushed the matter to the back of her mind.

That night, the Sunflower was paranoid for half the night, muttering things like, "That thing from last time is here again..." "How did it get in..." "Is the little one going to take me in, too, this time..."

Seraphina was a little dazed when she heard the Sunflower’s first mutterings, but she quickly realized it was Saturday.

The novice instance had arrived on a Saturday, so this week’s instance was probably today as well.

And...

Seraphina Sinclair forced her eyes open. She’d been sleeping soundly, only to be woken up by the Sunflower.

She’d gone through this before. Last time, she hadn’t known it was because of an instance and had spent half the night on edge.

She gave up and sat up, using the faint moonlight from the window to look at the Sunflower in the corner, now just a blurry silhouette in the dark. After staring at it for a moment, Seraphina realized she couldn’t exactly have a conversation with a plant and flopped back down in resignation.

’What else is there to say?’

’If the little thing wants to babble, let it babble. I’ll just pretend it’s a white noise machine. I’m out of ideas anyway.’

When she woke up in the morning, the Sunflower was still muttering.

Seraphina rubbed her eyes, both speechless and dumbfounded. ’Even if it’s a plant, it still needs to rest, doesn’t it?’

’Why doesn’t mine sleep at all?’

"I’ll take you, I’ll take you."

Seraphina muttered, as if responding to the plant, but also speaking to herself. "A free instance... it’d be a waste not to go. Besides, there are rewards."

Although the last novice instance hadn’t exactly been pleasant, it wasn’t unbearable either. Plus, the rewards had been so generous that she’d be surprised if anyone actually *wanted* to skip one.

Seraphina Sinclair rolled out of bed and began her preparations methodically.

All runes accounted for, and all medical supplies ready.

It wasn’t so much packing as it was taking inventory; everything was already stored in her Silver Moon Earrings.

She checked all the items she would definitely need, as well as those she might possibly need, before finally setting up her small pot to make breakfast.

It was worth noting that the upgrade was complete. The cabin now had a brand-new fireplace, so Seraphina no longer had to worry about the nightly campfire setting her floor ablaze.

There was also a new wall-mounted storage rack. Seraphina moved the items cluttering her stone table onto it, freeing the table up for meals.

The other changes weren’t obvious to the naked eye, but a sturdier structure was always a good thing.

The regional channel was surprisingly quiet, as if everyone had forgotten about today’s instance.

To be honest, if the Sunflower hadn’t been muttering all night about the still-invisible portal in her cabin, Seraphina would have forgotten about it too.

The past week had been almost too eventful—the special zone, the path boss, the powder from the Traveling Merchant—it had been time well spent. It was dangerous and nerve-wracking, but looking back on it now, Seraphina felt a warmth spreading in her chest, a swelling sense of accomplishment.

After a moment of reflection, she focused on her meal.

At eight o’clock in the morning, the system began to broadcast its announcement for the instance.

[Good morning, fellow survivors.]

[We trust you have all grown accustomed to the rules and rhythm of The Black Mist World. To further hone your survival abilities, cooperative spirit, and courage in exploring the unknown, the weekly instance challenge will commence this morning.]

[This instance’s theme: Echoes of The Silent Keep]

[Instance Type: Team-Based Cooperative Exploration (4-6 players, random matchmaking)]

[Difficulty Level: Bronze]

[Hint: The ancient keep holds the sealed secrets and dangers of a bygone era. Listen carefully, observe closely. Sometimes, trust is more important than strength.]

[Rewards: Rewards will be distributed upon successful completion based on individual contribution. The exact rewards are confidential! Participants with outstanding performance may receive special bonuses.]

’The Silent Keep?’

’Sounds like the set of some horror movie.’

’And... team-based cooperative exploration?!’

Seraphina was speechless. She had no idea what "cooperative" was supposed to mean in this context. Given that rewards were based on contribution, members of the same team were guaranteed to be competitors.

While Seraphina was thinking, the system continued.

[Teleportation will begin at 8:15. The instance duration is four hours! All survivors, please prepare. Those who refuse to enter the instance will be penalized with a 50% reduction to All Attributes for one week.]

’That penalty...?’

’Wouldn’t that just completely cripple someone?’

’With that debuff active, even killing a Rotting Corpse would be a huge problem!’

’But there’s still one question... do I have to bring the Sunflower into the instance?’

Thinking about it was pointless.

’If I have to take it with me, the portal will give a prompt.’

She was ready, but the system was still blaring.

[Dearest survivor, welcome to this week’s "Black Mist World Mental SPA & Deep-Dive Team-Building Experience"! We hope that within this historic and atmospheric keep, you will temporarily forget the pressures of survival and fully enjoy the pleasure of exploration and the warmth of collaboration!]

[We know just how precious a group trip full of mystery and surprise can be amid the hustle and bustle of daily survival. This "Echoes of The Silent Keep" themed event is designed to provide you with the perfect platform to relax your mind and body, make new friends, and build character!]

[Rest assured, this event has been meticulously designed to be completely safe and painless... erm, that is, safe and *fun*!]

[All interactive elements within the keep have been strictly calibrated to provide you with a perfectly balanced and rewarding sense of thrill!]

[We sincerely hope you and your temporary companions will forge a deep bond of comradeship and together create a beauti—]

The system’s voice cut off abruptly, replaced by a muffled, terrifying, and bizarre scream.

[...Ahem, to create unforgettable memories together! Please be sure to adhere to the event’s core principles: "Listen carefully, observe closely, trust your partners!"]

[Finally, thank you again for choosing The Black Mist World’s weekly limited-time instance service! Your satisfaction is our goal! However... we are not liable for any injuries or deaths! The system reserves the right of final interpretation have a nice game goodbye!]