Chapter 298: Chapter298-Visiting the Underground City
Dark Fox had come to understand that the initial pamphlet was essentially a test for them.
If they had carelessly accepted it, it would mean either they had powerful backing or they were easy prey.
However, since it was only their first day here, it was clear they had no such backing, which meant they were considered easy prey.
The man was likely from the underground city, which explained his brazen attitude.
This realization meant that there were some matters they needed to carefully investigate next.
This time, John still did not accept the badge offered by the man.
Instead, he smiled at him.
"So, this is your big welcome from the underground city, is it? Sending such an incompetent person to deal with me."
John's words were quite blunt, but the man opposite him didn't show any sign of anger; he remained respectful.
Holding the badge in both hands, his gaze at John was devoid of the earlier probing.
"Respected sir, I apologize for my earlier misjudgment which caused you some distress. Please, let's not dwell on that. I will take full responsibility for this incident."
John felt curious but said nothing, simply watching silently, as if waiting to see what kind of responsibility would be taken.
The man's expression remained unchanged, still wearing that mild smile, then he suddenly drew a knife and chopped off his own wrist in a swift motion.
In an instant, the wrist fell to the ground, creating a bloody scene.
Yet, the man showed no sign of pain, maintaining his faint smile as he looked at John with eyes filled with admiration and respect.
"May I ask, esteemed sir, if you find my gesture of apology satisfactory? If you are not satisfied, I can continue to make amends."
John was acutely aware of the gazes of others still fixed on him.
Initially, they might have intended to harm these newcomers, but the sight of a man severing his own hand had drastically changed the situation.
Everyone knew this man represented the underground city, signaling that he was extending an invitation to these men on its behalf.
If a representative of the underground city was bowing to them in such a manner, it signified there would be interesting developments to follow.
Here, only strength was respected, without regard for any connections.
Silver Tear was bewildered, not expecting the man to so cleanly sever his own hand.
He seemed immune to pain, still wearing that light smile, which now appeared particularly eerie.
Dark Fox's face remained expressionless, yet inside he was still surprised.
He glanced at John subtly and found him unchanged, as serene as ever, as if the events that had just unfolded couldn't disturb him in the slightest.
Suddenly, Dark Fox felt a different kind of sentiment—John seemed even more composed than they were.
This man seemed to maintain this demeanor consistently, never overthinking anything.
John remained silent, standing still in his spot.
The man showed no additional reactions, still composed.
Even the angle of the smile on his face remained unchanged, and although his hand continued to bleed, it seemed to bother him not at all.
The expressions on the faces of those nearby varied, while both Silver Tear and Dark Fox kept their silence.
They were well aware that this journey was under John's command.
Essentially, whatever John said, they would follow, and their next actions would align with John's lead.
"What if I choose not to go?" John asked, his tone light.
The man continued to maintain a respectful demeanor, the corners of his mouth curving into a slight upward arc, smiling gently.
"Whether you wish to come or not is entirely up to you, sir. If you choose not to, it would be due to my inadequate invitation, or perhaps you simply do not like my approach."
"We will certainly send someone else to invite you next time, and the method of invitation will surely be to your liking."
John understood now that if they didn't go now, someone would surely come again to invite them until they accepted.
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Although the tone used was very gentle, it was clear that they would keep inviting them until they agreed to go.
With that being the case, it might be better to just go ahead and visit the underground city now, as they had planned to do anyway.
John noted that the badge held in the man's single hand looked exactly the same as before, with no differences.
However, the magical fluctuations from it felt somewhat off, though it was unclear exactly what that meant.
"Do you have anything interesting going on there? I always enjoy a lively scene. If it's not interesting, then I might not be inclined to go."
The smile on the man's face remained unchanged, still gentle.
"Of course, we will see to whatever you desire," he assured.
"Rest assured, whatever your needs, we will fulfill them."
John accepted the badge, his lips curling into a slight smile.
"Is that so? Then I must take a look."
Seeing that John actually intended to go, Silver Tear and Dark Fox's eyes flashed with concern.
They still didn't know the exact situation or what problems might arise.
Going there could potentially be dangerous.
But after a moment's thought, they realized that their mission was fraught with risk from the start.
Why waste more time?
It might be better to head straight to the most obvious places.
The man, upon receiving John's response, maintained his impassive expression, simply picked up his severed wrist from the ground, stuffed it into his pocket, and walked forward.
He seemed unconcerned about the blood still flowing from his wrist, presenting a particularly eerie sight.
This act indeed shielded them from many malicious gazes.
Everyone knew what this man represented and understood that since John and his companions had chosen to follow him, the situation had changed.
Even if some still wished to intervene, they now had to hold back, at least until the underground city's interest waned.
There were things they simply couldn't do—too overt actions might draw undue attention, putting them at odds with all the forces of the underground city.
They neither had the capability nor dared to oppose such power!
Silver Tear distinctly felt that the gazes of those around them had changed.
They followed the man to the city center.
As soon as they caught sight of the building, John immediately stopped in his tracks.
The building gave him a very familiar feeling.
Rose Bar!
He had felt this same sensation when he visited the Rose Bar, and now unexpectedly, the Rose Hotel evoked the same feelings.
Could there be some connection between the two?
John continued to follow the man inside, who was still bleeding along the way, yet seemed to feel no pain at all.
With respectful demeanor, he led John into the hotel, while others discreetly cleaned the trail of blood.
No one else showed any particular reaction to this man's condition, not even sparing him an additional glance!
A thought struck Silver Tear.
Perhaps they really could rescue their captain!
"Esteemed guest, this badge will serve as your identification during your stay here. All expenses will be recorded on this badge. Should you have any needs, feel free to contact any hotel staff."