NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32: Bait
While Xu Feng called for the same driver to get to his "new house" location, back at Divine World, things were getting chaotic.
BAM!
A player clad in armor with a lance on his hand, struck against a lava beast, creating a thunderous impact that echoed through the fiery caverns.
The beast roared in agony, its molten form splattering against the rocky walls.
As the battle raged on, other players joined the fray, their spells and weapons clashing against the relentless onslaught of monsters.
Sometime later, the lava beast finally fell to its death, with the players gaining a significant amount of experience points.
"Boss, this potion is really amazing. We can fight against these lava beasts without worrying about the hostile environment. Additionally, their attacks are severely weakened as well thanks to our increased resistance." The Knight Lancer player exclaimed joyfully.
If Xu Feng was here, then he would have recognized the Knight Lancer player to be the very same one that had scolded him earlier when he first arrived at Riverwood Town.
"Hmph, why bother speaking the obvious, Ardent Lance?" The boss, Herald Fist, snorted coldly at his subordinate.
"Don't you know I spent a lot just to grab two potions! If it weren't for the limited potions and being distracted, then I wouldn't have lost the last potion." Regret filled his expression as he recalled this matter.
Though the truth was that he didn't have sufficient funds and was forced to watch the last potion being purchased by someone else. Nevertheless, he was still exhilarated to obtain two out of the four available potions.
And just when he was wondering how to use these potions carefully, given it cost a fortune, a generous player decided to post on the forum on how to tackle the Scorched Caverns.
Obviously, Herald Fist wasn't foolish enough to follow the guide right away and waste his potions.
Instead, he had his subordinates enter the Scorched Caverns first without the use of potions and follow the guide. Sure enough, the guide was accurate, and they only ended up in defeat because of the lack of fire resistance.
To ensure that it was true, Herald Fist didn't hesitate to test the theory three more times until he confirmed it was doable.
Thus, he was now with his trusted aide, Ardent Lance, along with the elites of his guild to officially attempt the first-clear achievement.
"Hurry up, people!" Herald Fist loudly shouted. "I and Ardent Lance's potion duration has a time limit, so we must reach the finale fast."
"Yes, boss!"
With the battle outcry, Herald Fist, Ardent Lance, and the rest of the members began to proceed forward, their pace rapidly increasing.
As Herald Fist was determined to become ahead of the rest of the other guilds, outside the dungeon, a large group of people were gathering.
"Do you think Herald Fist will achieve the first clear?"
"He has a 90 percent chance. Herald Fist himself leaked that he got two out of the four Fire Resistance Potions from the Auction Market, and his members already tested the theory from that anonymous player as well."
"It seems like the Tyrant Fist guild will become the pioneers this time."
"Indeed, Herald Fist is really lucky to have so much funds so early on. His fingers are also so damn fast to click the buyout option compared to others!"
"Heh, it's definitely because his thing down there is no good so he needs to resort to finger to satisfy his partner. That's the only reason why he has fast fingers!"
While the players discussed among themselves and showcased clear envy and jealousy at Herald Fist and his seemingly "secured" first-clear achievement, in a distant area, someone else was livid.
"Gentle Wind, are you sure that person isn't fooling you?" Autumn Breeze asked.
"I know we have the contract, but what if he doesn't care about this game and just wants to earn some quick bucks. You've even sent him the money already too." She added, feeling confused by her friend's action.
"Haha, just calm down for a bit, Autumn Breeze." Gentle Wind chuckled softly, her expression tranquil. "It's not even certain that Herald Fist would succeed. Maybe he will soon begin cursing and throwing his fist randomly."
Hearing that nonchalant response, Autumn Breeze narrowed her eyes and stared at her suspiciously. "Do you know something that you haven't told me, Gentle Wind?"
"You'll know in due time."
"Ugh, what's with the mysterious acting? Just tell me. I'm your bestie." Autumn Breeze started acting coy, hugging her arms and asking with puppy eyes.
Despite the cute actions, Gentle Wind merely smiled and responded in a roundabout way. "There's no need to know now aside from the fact that Herald Fist will definitely become an embarrassment soon. By that time, you can use some of our funds to take a screenshot of his green face."
Almost instantaneously, Autumn Breeze started clapping her hands, her eyes eager in anticipation of such a scene.
"Hahaha, that Herald Fist was so arrogant in the previous game too. If I can see him being frustrated to the point of his face turning green, then that's something to be shared with everyone." She cheered gleefully.
Watching her bestie imagine the downfall of an arrogant person, Gentle Wind didn't bother to comment on it and instead began private messaging someone.
Gentle Wind: Herald Fist has taken the bait and is in the dungeon currently.
Anonymous Player: Heh, thanks for the heads-up. Rest assured, he won't be able to complete the dungeon and more potions would be soon available for auction.
Gentle Wind: Are you not going to give me a few like you promised?
Anonymous Player: The potions I'm putting for auction aren't that great. But if you still want them, then I can give you a few out of favor for paying me in advance.
Gentle Wind: I'll take your word for it then.
As Gentle Wind unconsciously held a smile on her face, on the other side of the message, Xu Feng himself arrived at his new house location.
Closing the message prompt that was being projected from his smartwatch, he thanked the driver and gave him a good tip as well.
"Herald Fist has taken the bait, so I must hurry up with this business and log back in to make a fortune." He murmured, staring at the magnificent skyscraper.