Easy Customers

Now, Wallace stood next to Mendez and his soldiers, his eyes focused on the seven Mana Knights, the lone Mage, and then out of curiosity, he looked at the dungeon that Butler Mendez said he owned.

"Is that my dungeon?" he mumbled to himself.

The place gave off a stronger modern vibe than most he had seen before, which was even more advanced than the rest of things he had seen from his home planet.

Suddenly, he noticed the soldiers beside him were trembling. Wallace turned his head to them, he wasn't sure if their eyes were on the powerful figures or the dungeon in front of them.

He was about to ask why they were worried when one of the Mana Knights stepped forward.

"Your dungeon comes with a high cost, it's unbeliev-" he started, but his words trailed off as his eyes met Wallace's steady gaze.

The Mana Knight, for some unknown reason, swallowed. He had met countless people, but somehow he felt this young man's stare was different; it was as if he came from another world.

There was nothing particularly mysterious about Wallace; he simply radiated self-confidence, which made him even more intimidating.

But what he didn't know was that his experience with people backfired and it pulled a mysterious tense pressure from Wallace.

"I know," Wallace replied briefly, leaving the statement unexplained.

Although he didn't know what the other dungeons of other Nobles were like, if his dungeon had a game from his past life, it means that his dungeon would be different.

Yes, he was expecting it to have some sort of perks, like being expensive and other benefits that he promised he would find.

In short, this is his cheat in this new unknown magical world.

A cheat that would set him apart from everyone else.

Breaking the silence, Butler Mendez put his gentle fist near his mouth and cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention.

"Errhhmm!"

He then gestured towards Wallace with his hands, introducing him to the group of Mana users.

"Let me introduce the new Baron Wallace, the newly appointed ruler of Toraz territory," Mendez declared, his voice conveying a mix of formality and a hint of secrecy. "I understand the term 'new' raises questions, but unfortunately, I can't share the details with outsiders like all of you."

Mendez's gaze shifted to the eight Mana users in front of them, his expression conveying excitement.

"I hope all of you will find great satisfaction and excitement in exploring the depths of the Baron's dungeon," he added, his smile polite but with an underlying sense of curiosity.

As the mana users Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper, and Marcus stood side by side, they were surprised by the new discovery.

"Is he really that young and new?"

They couldn't believe it.

A new noble had appeared, suggesting that no other mana users had entered his dungeon until now.

The message was clear—they could potentially find many magic scrolls, treasures, and valuable items for themselves, as they would be the first to explore its depths.

No wonder the entrance fee was high; this chance was worth it.

They felt excitement growing as they considered the possibilities.

Among the group, Gideon, the first one who spoke earlier but stopped, took the lead and advanced carefully.

At first, he had planned to voice his complaints, but when he saw Wallace's unwavering gaze, he felt an unfamiliar sense of fear, causing his words to stumble.

Knowing now that Wallace was new, Gideon decided to stay quiet, recognizing the potential that lay ahead if done carefully.

With determination, he finally said, "Let me please enter your dungeon first, young Baron."

He closed the gap between himself and Wallace, surprised by the young man's lack of fear.

Gideon reached out his hand, offering a pouch with a handful of Neutral Magic Crystals as they made a sound and then he said, "Here."

After that, he saw Wallace's face light up with confusion as he accepted the gift, even though he was unaware of its significance, he felt an impulse to take whatever was inside it.

Butler Mendez, understanding the importance of this chance, chose not to interrupt either, after all, this is why they came here.

The reason they are here.

However, he didn't expect it would happen this fast.

Seeing this exchange, the other mana users, Gideon's seven other companions, didn't waste a moment and joined in, saying, "Let us enter your dungeon too… young Noble,"

Their voices echoed together as they eagerly prepared for this adventure with a greedy look in their eyes.

Wallace's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind spinning with what was happening in front of him.

Getting a bunch of Neutral Magic Crystals seemed almost too easy, a thought that left him shocked.

He looked at Butler Mendez, seeking guidance in his confusion.

The butler, however, responded with a subtle nod, silently conveying his approval to proceed.

As Wallace watched helplessly, his hands unconsciously and skillfully collected the magic crystals that were in the pouches. He looked at Butler again, seeking what he should do, but Butler Mendez just nodded again.

It was as if the butler's quiet manner said, "Go on, take them all, keep going."

A sense of urgency filled the air as the mana users finished their payment and gathered near the entrance of the dungeon, which seemed mysterious to Wallace, like they were hurrying for something.

Uncertainty filled Wallace's thoughts, for Butler stayed silent, giving no instructions.

With no other choice, he decided to examine the magic crystals in the pouches. With trembling hands, he took out one of the crystals, causing his fancy bracelet to shake.

Suddenly, a new screen appeared before his eyes, showing the words, [ Scan it here, ] along with an interesting and puzzling image that caught Wallace's interest.

Understanding the message to him, he cautiously put the Neutral Magic Crystal into the assigned slot.

Anxious anticipation filled the air as Wallace waited for something to happen.

Still, nothing happened.

Seconds turned into what felt like an eternity, pushing him to make a bold decision.

Without hesitation, he chose to place all the magic crystals together, hoping that their combined power would lead to a more significant result.

After he's done, a new message on the screen appeared:

[ Ding!

[ Outsiders' temporary profiles created completely. ]

Near the entrance, Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper, and Marcus stood anxiously, their eyes fixed on the dark entrance of the ominous dungeon.

The air crackled with tense energy as they exchanged confident looks, believing that all the treasures were just within their reach.

They just needed to be silent and not alert the new young Baron.

Little did they know, a surprising turn of events awaited them.

Suddenly, as if hit by an unseen power, a sharp pain shot through their left wrists, causing them to grimace in pain.

Arghj!!"

A collective gasp escaped their mouths as they turned their attention to the source of their suffering.

There, hanging in the air, appeared a puzzling, futuristic bracelet, with a metal armor and mysterious glasses.

Glowing words floated before their bewildered eyes, spelling out a cryptic command:

[ Ding!

[ Please press the button… ]

Perplexed and cautious, they exchanged suspicious glances, their voices filled with uncertainty and curiosity.

"What is this?" they asked simultaneously, their gazes naturally falling on Wallace, who had inexplicably been raising his left hand at regular intervals, as if secretly communicating with the same thing.

In the noble lands they had visited before, they had never encountered anything like this peculiar situation. It felt like they were about to experience something new and different.

They knew they could potentially die in any noble's dungeon, even if it was just a baron's.

However, being the first to venture here, they also had a good chance of finding valuable scrolls and techniques. Their greed overcame their fear of the unknown.

So they plan not to question anything.

Sensing them, Wallace looked at them, and with a nod, he said, "Press it and enter my gaming dungeon..."

Hearing Wallace say that, all of them did as they were told—not just that—they did it fast for some unknown reason.

Simultaneously, they pressed the button on their left wrists—it's gaming time!