Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 71: Double Danger

After bypassing the traps at the threshold of the cave, navigating the cavern became effortless. In hindsight, interrogating the overseer was meaningless, but at the same time it would have been a reckless disregard for caution if they didn't follow protocol.

Mana Crystals were an expensive resource; it was easy to deduce that they would only be utilized on the path leading to something significant.

And so, it wasn't much of a surprise that half a mile into the cavern's depths, where Mana Crystals adorned the walls like precious jewels, the atmosphere shifted, revealing a hidden sanctuary within the heart of the mountain.

The crystals, now larger and more refined, brightly illuminated the path. The rough terrain transitioned into a luxurious setting—a red carpet led the way into an expansive chamber, revealing a meticulously crafted space.

The cavern's floor, now smooth cobblestone beneath lush carpeting, hinted at opulence. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting picturesque scenes of rolling plains and forested valleys. A magnificent chandelier, casting a warm glow, hung from the ceiling, adding an air of grandeur to the space.

Within this hidden haven, two men lounged on separate plush couches, surrounded by extravagance. Subservient female Beastkin knelt on all fours, their backs providing a comfortable surface for the men's legs. Tenderly massaged and attended to, they were served fruit and wine by two human females, painting an ambiance of indulgence and leisure.

"It's unusual to find rats scurrying around in this place," said one of the men as he stirred the wine in his flute and took a brief sip.

"Forget unusual," responded the other man with a scoff. "This has never happened before. So much for your concealment spell and the worthless traps."

Ignoring the reproach, the man narrowed his eyes shrewdly, assessing how the light refracted through the red liquid in his glass. Even the devil's luck wouldn't be enough to find this place, much less to bypass the traps. There's obviously more to these rodents than meets the eye. "I wouldn't underestimate them if I were you."

Feeling offended by the warning, the other man jerked his shoulders aggressively, driving away the woman who tended to him. Then with a dark scowl, he pushed to his feet and faced the entrance of the chamber from which a flippant voice arose.

"You guys sure stick out like a sore thumb."

"What was that?" the man who was standing spat, a blood vessel throbbing in his temple.

Daisuke nonchalantly stepped out of the darkness and into the light, hands tucked into his pockets. "You both are obviously warriors, not gentlemen," he said, assessing the garments and old scars they wore. "So you just don't quite fit in with all the luxury you've got going on here."

The man angrily gritted his teeth.

Milo shrunk back. "Sh-Should you really be provoking them like that?"

Rexar frowned with contempt. "More importantly—"

"They have hostages," Elena interjected with a frown, biting her lip furiously when she noted the woman who was still being used as a footstool. "I can't believe the way they're being treated; it's so demeaning."

"Don't worry, you'll be joining them shortly," were the last words that the man uttered before unfurling his arms that were now aglow with a purplish aura.

The chamber rumbled and a dark hum followed, accompanied by the thunderous shattering of rock. Daisuke retrieved the Lipanthyer's Fang and assumed a battle stance in time to witness as a crude arm made of stone burst upward through the carpet with unbridled veracity.