Secrets

In a flash, a strange hologram screen appeared on the Mana Knights' wrists, catching their attention.

Ding!

The words carved into the screen, for some unknown reason, sent a chill down their spines:

[ Guests Mana Knights.

[ Welcome to Mobile Gaming Dungeon Online...

[ Thank you for playing to play a game for one day. ]

Soon, the system would show the game's title:

[ Available game: Predator versus Aliens. ]

The glowing words looked so mysterious, and the Mana Knights couldn't help but be curious, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

"Are you all seeing them too?"

Marcus, on the side, asked with a worried tone.

At first, they are feeling greedy, but the more they click the messages, the more their senses scream of a bad feeling.

Tension filled the air as the Mana Knights nodded at Mage Marcus and exchanged hesitant looks, whether they should continue or not, as if their instincts were warning them of the unknown.

Suddenly, all the hairs on their back stood up, as if inviting them into a world beyond their wildest dreams, an image glowed bright green on the screen— the word "[ Play? ]" displayed on it.

With massive hesitation, their fingers still moved across the screen's surface, tapping the icon together.

The moment they did, the content on their wrist screens changed, offering them a choice:

[ Would you like to play [ Single Player ] or [ Multiplayer ]?"

"What do you all want?"

Marcus asked.

They could understand the [ Single player ] and [ Multiplayer ] options. However, despite knowing his Mana Knights for a long time, he is not sure.

There could be a trap if they chose [ Single player ] and were offered better rewards. But if one of them was greedy enough to take it, there might be consequences too, and that's what they are afraid of.

The Mana Knights Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, and Jasper looked at each other, and almost all of them nodded at the same time.

"Let's go together, it's better safe than ever!"

United in purpose, they knew that going into the dangerous dungeon required their unity.

They understood the serious consequences that awaited them in the dangerous 'Noble's Dungeons,' where even the smallest mistake could cost them their lives.

It's better safe than sorry.

Mage Marcus cast one last look at Wallace, the young new Baron, who was watching them. He felt guilty, as most nobles form a team to gather resources from their own dungeon before anyone else can. But since the butler said Wallace was new, this young man didn't know they were taking advantage of him.

Still, they had to do it. This world is unforgiving, so they had to seize every opportunity.

Yet, Mage Marcus couldn't shake a lingering fear in his heart for his team. With conviction, he addressed his comrades, his voice strong, "Let's go!"

In perfect harmony, their fingers tapped the [ Multiplayer ] option, as a united force.

As they chose [ Multiplayer ] in the game, the screen suddenly changed, grabbing their attention.

The numbers [ 8/70 ] appeared before them with a message saying [ Loading ], sparking their curiosity.

The seven Mana Knights and the mysterious Mage Marcus still felt a sense of wonder to these glowing words.

To Mage Marcus, this is magic.

Immediately, the message on their screens quickly transformed, urging them urgently:

[ Please enter the dungeon… ]

Looking at each other, the Mana Knights silently understood. With that, their determination grew stronger, and without hesitation, they turned and walked towards the scary dungeon door.

They moved forward together, their boots and armor clanging on the cold stone floor.

Swoosh!

...

Outside the dungeon, Wallace stood in shock, his surprise evident on his face.

"So fast?"

He was momentarily speechless when the Mana Knights entered the unknown so quickly.

They are quiet too, as if they were hiding something from him. However, he couldn't think of any reason why.

Considering whether to follow, he watched as the group disappeared into the depths of the dungeon, leaving him with a lingering unease.

Meanwhile, Butler Mendez was also taken aback by the sudden turn of events, and found himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Why are they in such a hurry?" he wondered with suspicion too, like Wallace, his face showing concern. Then, as he realized what had happened, fear clouded his expression.

He placed a shaking hand on his forehead and whispered under his breath, "Oh no! I've made a big mistake!"

Wallace sensed the despair coming from the butler and turned to face him, his eyes filled with worry. He carefully studied Butler Mendez's face, noticing the trembling eyebrows, the haunted gaze, and the paleness draining from his complexion.

"What's the matter?"

Wallace asked, his voice filled with genuine concern, feeling the seriousness of the situation sink into his bones, reflecting the anguish on Butler Mendez's face.

Yet, he didn't get a reply.

"No... I made a terrible mistake, I made a terrible mistake," the butler would add.

Wallace squinted at his butler, his gaze sharp and piercing.

"What really happened?" he demanded, his voice sounding as if he wanted to summon a doppelganger, grab the crying figure in front of him and scream at his ear with his saliva sprinkling, 'stop crying, you old crazy shit!' But instead of getting an immediate answer, Mendez stood frozen in place, his eyes fixed on Wallace's face.

The silence stretched on, the air seeming to breathe heavily, as Wallace's patience dwindled.

"Hey...!" Wallace's voice started to sound angry, a hint of frustration seeping through.

At last, summoning his last bit of courage, Mendez sank to the ground, his body trembling with remorse. "Please forgive me, Mr. Wallace... please forgive me..." he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. Wallace's frustration boiled over, and he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Just say it!"

Taken aback by Wallace's outburst, Mendez stumbled over his words as he explained the serious situation.

"Sir, every new Baron who gets the title must rely on the old Baron's help to control Mana users or get help from higher-ranked Mana users to conquer the dungeon and get its resources first. They should have a contract or agreement that ensures the resources will be passed on to the new Baron."

Mendez paused, his voice filled with regret. "But I failed to consider the risk of an outside Mana user, like the group of people who just entered, claiming the resources before the rightful Baron could. The new Baron would be left with nothing, stripped of what was rightfully theirs..."

Mendez's voice cracked with anguish as he continued, overwhelmed by his emotions.

"I should have known better. I was consumed by your family's disappearance, and I ignored my duties. I forgot... the stress clouded my judgment…"

Soon, he clasped his hands together and prayed, "Sir, I have made a big mistake. I am willing to give my life in exchange... sir... please… I came from that famous Butler Family, and even here, I made a very big mistake! Am I really worthy to be a butler? Am I even worthy to serve a Lord?"