Chapter 296: The Unwavering Mindset of a Duel King
Chapter 296: The Unwavering Mindset of a Duel King
"I have no idea," You Xuan replied innocently, feigning confusion and looking around.
"I've been waiting here for a while, and I haven't seen anyone else show up. Are there others who will be joining us?"
"Tsk." The Dark Demon World Overlord clicked his tongue in disdain. "These unreliable fellows. The quality of God's messengers gets worse with each generation. I've said it before; the organization should tighten its screening process. In times of emergency, we can't afford to wait for them. We don't need their dead weight anyway. We'll settle the score with them after the mission is complete. Let's go."
To You Xuan's surprise, the Demon World Overlord didn't ask any questions and simply waved for him to follow.
You Xuan had been prepared to expose himself and take the Demon World Overlord down along with the three teammates he had already eliminated. But now, he decided to hold off and see how things played out, as the Demon World Overlord seemed to be taking the initiative without questioning the disappearance of their teammates.
There would be other opportunities to get the cards. For now, he could afford to be patient. Besides, while the Evil Spirit cards could be sold for money, the truly valuable cards might not be that common. At the moment, he was more interested in the Dark Item than filling out his deck.
If the Millennium Puzzle could truly summon the Pharaoh back, it would undoubtedly shake the entire Dueling World.
The Demon World Overlord led the way silently through the forest until they reached a valley shrouded in an ominous, dark aura. Thick, black mist flowed through the valley like ink, creating an eerie atmosphere.
A stronghold had been established at the entrance of the valley, where numerous spirits had gathered. You Xuan followed the Overlord and seamlessly blended into the group, facing no checks or questions. The discipline among them seemed rather lax.
Leading the group was a figure dressed as a Red Robe Wizard, his black robe giving him the appearance of a zombie.
Death King—Arch Lich, a six-star Undead with an attack power of 2400.
He was apparently the highest-level spirit among those present, and the six-pointed star representing Orichalcos on his forehead seemed to signify his status within the organization.
"Gathered here are God's chosen messengers, each of you endowed with a talent for dueling and destined to serve the organization and our great God," the Arch Lich began. "Ahead of us lies a cave filled with unknown obstacles—the power of lost souls, the barriers of dark forces, and the influence that twists minds. These may pose a danger to you, but I know that you are all prepared."
You Xuan understood the implication—those gathered here were meant to be cannon fodder, paving the way for others.
"However, through the ritual of foresight, the organization has confirmed that the 'Seal Item' lies within," the Arch Lich continued, his voice carrying a sense of authority. "Whoever brings out the 'Seal Item' will earn God's favor and be granted a three-level promotion within the organization. Even if some of you unfortunately perish in the attempt, God will remember your sacrifice. Your souls will forever be cherished by the Great God, and your names will be etched eternally on the tablet of glory."
So, God will tearfully devour our souls to show remembrance, You Xuan thought sarcastically. Nonetheless, he raised his fist and declared, "We serve the organization not for fame or glory but to strengthen our faith! Even if it means breaking every bone in our bodies, we do so willingly! For Orichalcos!"
The spirits around him were momentarily stunned by his fervor, but soon followed suit, echoing his words with their own fists raised. "For Orichalcos!"
The chorus of voices, however, lacked discipline and sounded chaotic.
It seemed that many of those present were less than enthusiastic about their role as sacrificial lambs.
You Xuan promptly introduced his superior, the Dark Demon World Overlord who had guided him earlier. "This is our team leader."
"Good," the Death King nodded in satisfaction. "Then your team will take the lead and go first, setting an example for the rest. After retrieving the 'Seal Item' today, I will report your achievements, and the organization will recognize your primary merit."
"We are deeply grateful!" You Xuan replied.
He had intended to be among the first to enter anyway. Since he had entered the Spirit World through the Link System, he was not concerned about any traps or dangers. His main worry was that if he fell behind, some lackey might get their hands on the divine artifact and offer it to the organization, which would create a whole new set of problems.
Being the first to enter was exactly what he wanted.
However, the Dark Demon World Overlord who had brought him here was not feeling so enthusiastic.
At that moment, he glanced at You Xuan with a look of resentment, thinking, 'Are you out of your mind? Can't you see this is a suicide mission? You just had to show off your dedication to the organization, didn't you? Fine, have your dedication, but why drag me into this? I must be out of my mind too.'
Despite the internal rant, he couldn't show any of these thoughts on his face. Instead, he forced a smile and nodded vigorously, "Received!"
And so, to You Xuan's satisfaction, he and the Dark Demon World Overlord took the lead, entering the cave under the admiring gazes of the spirits behind them.
The Dark Demon World Overlord sighed.
Once upon a time, before the influence of Orichalcos had spread, he had been a formidable overlord in his own right. Who would have thought that he would end up as cannon fodder now?
As they entered the valley, the cave that the Death King had mentioned soon came into view.
It was a damp cave, its entrance obscured by overgrown weeds and grass. The grass varied in height, some standing tall like swords, while others curved like snakes. The leaves were covered in the morning dew, sparkling with a crystalline glow, creating a natural barrier that cleverly concealed the already narrow cave entrance.
It would have been difficult to spot without pushing through the black mist and parting the grass.
The passage inside remained narrow, and a damp breeze brushed against their faces. The cave entrance was irregular, its edges eroded by time, making the surface uneven.
However, as they ventured further, the cave gradually widened, revealing a much more spacious interior.
A similar mist to the one outside enveloped them once more.
You Xuan quickly realized that this mist might contain some sort of hallucinogenic effect. The dampness in the air grew heavier, and even the air itself seemed to become more oppressive.
Sounds began to fill his ears, like the giggles of female spirits, and soft whispers beckoned, "Why so tense? Come, let's relax together~"
Absurd images started to appear all around him.
Ahead, a spacious avenue lay before them, with countless banknotes on one side and a mountain of cards on the other, symbolizing wealth and power.
And at the end of the road, he even saw the usually stoic and silent magician with a face as cold as ice, now smiling and waving at him, a hint of blush on his pale face.
Ridiculous.
The mist dissipated, and the illusion faded.
You Xuan's steps were light and unhindered, his heart unperturbed.
Such a trivial level of temptation could never shake the iron will of a true dueling master.
(End of Chapter)
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