Finding the warp connected to the Labyrinth City, he intended to conquer it quickly. However, the White King intervened. He officially declared to all cities that he would turn them into seas of fire if they were provoked. There was no one more insane, but the opponent was the White King. If it was the White King, he could say such things. "Damn. It was the White King's territory all along." The Master clicked his tongue. Not Phantom Randolph, but one of the White King's Oju-ryeok. There could be someone with the same name, but for some reason, it felt like a breath was caught in his throat. "Could Phantom have changed his appearance?" "Isn't it possible as long as the species isn't changed?" The White King wouldn't fail to recognize someone just because their appearance was changed to a monster. The White King is known to possess the ability to see the future. There's no way he wouldn't recognize a human, let alone Medusa. Therefore, changing only the appearance was not enough to be listed as an Oju-ryeok. "So, it's really just a coincidence? Just the same name?" "That's what I think." "Is there a skill or item that can change the species?" "Even the best appearance-changing potion can't change the species, so it's impossible." "What about a hidden trait?" Hidden trait. There is one related to species among the known hidden traits. The man who recalled it spoke. "Are you talking about the Glutton?" "Yes. The Glutton seems possible." "The Glutton was concluded to be the most useless hidden trait. It gives the characteristics of a monster but the host can't survive due to poison and mental pollution..." "The opponent is Phantom. Phantom might be able to do it." "Even with the Transcender's body, it was concluded that it couldn't be endured. How could Phantom do it?" The Glutton is a hidden trait that changes the body and gives the characteristics of a monster. However, the restrictions are so severe that it's impossible to use its abilities properly. In short, it's a 'useless hidden trait.' The most useless among all hidden traits. The man added, "And the Glutton can't change the species itself. It only gives a few characteristics of a monster." "...... Right. That's how it is." The Master nodded. So, it's really just the same name? It's a content that has been tested dozens, hundreds of times. There's no way it could be wrong. The Glutton was conclusively determined to be a useless hidden trait. The Master rubbed his forehead. "My head is already a mess because of that Kim Hana." "Should we send a warning?" "No. Leave it. The assassination team needs to be reorganized, so it's best to bury the knight himself." All members of the assassination team were buried in the abyss while heading to Randolph. A painful loss. The loss has not yet been recovered. Then, a sudden thought came to the Master. "Is the 'Special Auction' in the Empire being prepared without any problems?" "Yes, don't worry." "It must be prepared properly. Only then can we recover the losses." To recover the losses so far, we need to perform well in the Special Auction. The Special Auction held in the Empire once a year can only be attended by those with an invitation, which even the rulers of most cities can't obtain. The chosen ones gather and bid astronomical amounts. This is a level far beyond the players' auction house. If done well, it might even connect us with the Empire's nobility. It's an auction we must participate in with our lives on the line. "How much gold do you think we can gather before the auction?" "About 100 million gold." "Gather 200 million gold. Sell all the relics if necessary." "Is that okay?" "I received my first invitation from the Empire. I must show my true abilities clearly." It's the first time, as far as I know, for a player to receive an invitation to the Special Auction held in the Empire. Therefore, I must make a clear impression. 'It's a golden opportunity. If I can connect with the Empire's nobility, rising higher will be no problem.' If that's possible, all losses can be recovered, and unimaginable results can be achieved. I can't miss this opportunity. Crunch! The Master clenched his fist tightly. * "......" Hudson's vision went dark. No, it turned golden. -How about it? This is the treasure I've collected all my life! In front of Hudson, Greed displayed the treasure with his hands on his waist. An endless mountain of gold and silver. "S, So you mean all of this belongs to Mr. Randolph now?" -...... Yes. It all belongs to him now. But Greed's shoulders drooped. Despite collecting it all his life, he lost everything to Randolph in the end. Hudson's eyes spun. Ancient imperial coins and treasures related to the ancient empire. "At least 1 billion gold......" His head started to spin. Selling everything here would yield at least 1 billion gold. If done well, it could even fetch over 1.3 billion gold. The problem is how to dispose of so much. -But it's fine! I can collect it again. I have a 20% share according to the contract with him. There are many treasures in this labyrinth...... Greed said in a sad voice, as if trying to console himself. Greed, born in the Abyss Labyrinth, cannot leave it. Instead, in exchange for guarding the labyrinth, he and Randolph agreed that Greed would keep 20% of the treasures he found in the labyrinth. 'Just 20%?' Hudson crossed his arms and sighed. Guarding the labyrinth and finding treasures himself for just 20%. But Hudson held his tongue. More urgent was the disposal of the treasures. 'I need to visit the Golden City of Arcana.' The only place to dispose of this, besides the Empire, is Arcana. Competing with the city council and major figures should be enough to handle it. Hudson burned with determination. 'The connections in Arcana are still alive. I need to reclaim the casino and do some money laundering. I need to call the best warp engineer to add more warps to the labyrinth......' There's a lot to do. All of it entrusted to him by Randolph. But he felt no burden. On the contrary, he was grateful. 'I will make this labyrinth the greatest city, one that no one can touch. And I will confess to Serengetti.' His heart was set. There was no more hesitation. When Serengetti wakes up, he will confess immediately. So, he must finish everything before she wakes up. The first goal is to sell the treasures and make the money work. 'It's a golden opportunity to show Mr. Randolph my true abilities.' He can't disappoint Randolph, who trusted him with everything. This time, he will truly be of help! Hudson's eyes gleamed with determination. * After Randolph left for the Trainee's Mountain. Isabella also finished her preparations to leave. -Mr. Randolph, please allow me to go to the desert city of Faisalmir alone. -Now that the queen is dead, I am the only legitimate successor. She disliked being called the Snake Princess, but not anymore. The desert queen is dead. The owner of the desert city of Faisalmir. Now, the only one qualified to rule it is Isabella. If Isabella becomes the owner of the desert city, it could be selected as the third warp connection point for the labyrinth. 'This is also my destiny.' Kidnapped in her childhood and becoming the Snake Princess. Meeting Randolph and witnessing the death of the desert queen. If she stays here, she will never move forward. It's time to advance. And she will definitely become the owner of the desert city. Of course, it won't be easy. 'I will return.' Isabella headed for the desert city. * "Huff! Huff!" Isaac screamed and abruptly sat up. He then massaged his neck and sighed. His body was drenched in sweat. "Damn, it's like a nightmare." Isaac has been having nightmares lately. A dream where he is chased by someone. He eventually gets beheaded. He's been having this dream since leaving Kramdel. "Who is chasing me?" Randolph said it wasn't him, but Isaac was uneasy. Even though his sin has been erased and he can freely walk around the city, he couldn't easily go outside. He decided to stay at the Wisser Marquis family until the labyrinth city stabilized, but this place was also unsettling. "I can't stand it anymore." Finally, Isaac headed outside. He thought a walk in a quiet place might calm him down. He continued walking along a small forest path. After some time, "...... Stop following me and show yourself." Someone had been following him since he went outside. It was so discreet that he initially thought it was an assassin. But even after giving several chances, there was no attack. "Finally found me, huh." A man appeared from behind a tree. He wore a white cloak, and a white horn, like ivory, protruded from his forehead. His visible skin was covered with various tattoos. Isaac drew a dagger from his coat. "Who are you?" "I am a Star Seeker." "...... A Star Seeker?" "Since you have the qualifications to find me, challenge the star." "How can I believe you're a Star Seeker?" Randolph was also a Star Seeker. But the one in front of him was different. "Do you not have nightmares where you are chased and beheaded every day?" "......" "It's a signal from the star that granted you the qualification. The 'Star of the Beheaded'." "Is there a star with such a name?" "Yes, there is." The Star Seeker gave off a suspicious vibe. But if he really was a Star Seeker, this was an opportunity. Transcenders all have absurd abilities. Serengetti, for example, was impossible to defeat. If he could eat a star and become stronger, he wouldn't have to fear being chased anymore. Since Randolph, Isabella, and Saint Seo have left, and Hudson is busy with selling treasures and the labyrinth, Isaac was the only one left with nothing to do. "How long will it take to challenge the star?" "It could take a month, or it might take longer." "Alright. I'll resolve it within two weeks." "...... Your confidence is admirable." "Let's go. Lead the way." It was a do-or-die situation. The Star Seeker said to Isaac's enthusiasm, "Follow me, the one guided by the 'Star of the Beheaded'." The God of Proficiency The warp to the Trainee's Mountain is connected to five cities. They are all neutral cities that do not belong to any faction, and are places where trainees complete their final preparations before leaving. One of them is the mercenary city of Cartel. "A drink! A drink!" "Aisha, how's business?" "Uuuu!" When they arrived in Cartel, they saw drunk mercenaries with a strong smell of sweat walking the streets. "Everyone is drunk~?" The Saint Seo, wearing a veil to cover her face, said. Indeed. 'This is strange.' There are too many drunk mercenaries even in broad daylight. While mercenaries are often associated with alcohol and women, the mercenaries of Cartel were always serious about their jobs. They wouldn't drink during the day if they had work. 'To go to the Trainee's Mountain, I need to find a guide.' Although it's strange, to find a guide, I had to come here. Guiding to the Trainee's Mountain is one of the main sources of income for the mercenaries of Cartel. The entrance to the Trainee's Mountain changes location each time, and the path is dangerous, making it difficult to find without a guide. I entered the largest mercenary guild located in the center of the city. "Welcome! What kind of mercenary are you looking for?" A woman guide, known as the flower of the mercenary guild, greeted them at the entrance. The inside of the guild operated like a pub, with some mercenaries drinking or gambling. But, it was indeed strange. For a guild of this size, the guide should be the epitome of arrogance, yet she greeted them at the entrance. ... Maybe there's no work? "I'm looking for a guide." "Ah! You came at the right time! A treacherous sea? A cliff that turns dark? An unknown forest where monsters might attack from behind? It doesn't matter. Our guild has skilled mercenaries who can guide you anywhere in the world!" "I'm looking for a guide to the Trainee's Mountain." "...... The Trainee's Mountain?" The guide's expression stiffened instantly. The other mercenaries nearby reacted similarly. "Is there a crazy person going to the Trainee's Mountain at this time?" "Tsk, I was hoping this would be a good job." "You must not have heard the news." "Damn, another wasted trip." The reactions were not good. *****************************************************