Chapter 307 Chapter306-Exploring the Dark Realm
[System Notification: You have triggered an extended side quest: Bloodstained Throne...]
[Quest Details: Choose a successor from the Northern Myst Empire's royal lineage, establish a partnership, assist in clearing all obstacles, and help them ascend as the next Emperor of the Northern Myst Empire...]
[Quest Difficulty: Highest]
[Quest Duration: From the moment the quest is accepted until its completion.]
[Current available royal successor: Seventh Prince Auron Eastwind...]
[Quest Rewards: Rewards are given in stages. Upon the completion of each quest segment, specific rewards will be granted, including but not limited to various top-tier equipment and items...]
[In the event of quest failure, all awarded items must be returned...]
[Do you choose to accept?]
As the system's prompt sounded in his ears, John barely lifted his gaze before he heard Auron Eastwind's tentative inquiry.
With a playful smile, he responded, "To be honest, the equipment you've presented leaves me with little reason to decline..."
A look of elation instantly illuminated Auron Eastwind's face. "This is splendid news. I am deeply grateful for Mr. Galewind's assistance. If you truly help me achieve this grand ambition, I, Auron Eastwind, pledge to do my utmost to fulfill any requests you might have in the future."
To such promises, John would typically offer only a dismissive smile.
Even if Auron Eastwind were to truly become the next Emperor of the Northern Myst Empire, it was unlikely he'd possess the means to satisfy all of John's wishes.
John wasn't harboring any ulterior motives towards him.
He simply found the young prince before him to have a commendable demeanor, acting decisively and with conviction.
Whether or not he could truly ascend to the throne of the Northern Myst Empire, forging a bond with such an influential figure in the Godslayer Continent was undeniably beneficial.
Simultaneously, John chose to accept the quest presented by the system.
[System Notification: You have accepted the quest (Bloodstained Throne).]
[Stage Quest One: Explore the Dark Realm (Ultra-high difficulty quest)]
[Quest Introduction: In the vast expanse of the Godslayer Continent, the Sunset Mountain acts as the dividing line between north and south, splitting the land into two. To the north of Sunset Mountain lies a territory completely overtaken by darkness. Here, remnants of humanity and other species coexist, but they've been corrupted by the abyss, becoming pawns of the deep void. It's a chaotic realm, where the common folk revere the Devils of the abyss. When war dawns, these corrupted beings will serve as the army of the abyss, raising their blades against their own kin... The Northern Myst Empire, along with the Easternwood Empire, have decided to form an exploration team to venture into this Dark Realm, gathering intelligence on the enemy's preparations for war. The Seventh Prince of the Northern Myst Empire, Auron Eastwind, secured the right to assemble this exploration team. He will select the elite warriors for this perilous quest. Successfully accomplishing this will significantly boost Auron Eastwind's political stature.]
[Quest Requirements: Join the exploration team and assist Auron Eastwind in completing the quest.]
[Quest Rewards: 1,000,000 gold coins, a mysterious equipment: Asura wristguard (can be issued in advance).]
John's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
He hadn't expected the very first stage of the quest to present such a formidable challenge.
John was acutely aware of what lay to the north of Sunset Mountain.
An expansive territory that, while nominally part of the Godslayer Continent, had long been occupied by the abyss.
The vast majority of players choosing dark attribute classes spawned in the game world of Godslayer right within that Dark Realm.
The globally-renowned guilds, Dawn Guild and Shadowrealm Guild, represented the only two guilds built entirely of Dark Attribute players amongst the top ten worldwide.
Their headquarters resided within that enigmatic Dark Realm.
For players, moving between these two regions wasn't particularly challenging.
Yet for the native NPCs of Godslayer Continent, transitioning from their homeland into the occupied Dark Realm was a formidable task.
The sprawling Sunset Mountain spanned thousands of kilometers, with only a handful of concealed passages piercing through.
The Dark Realm bordered the abyss directly, having long become a haven for abyssal creatures.
As John mulled over these thoughts, Auron Eastwind, brimming with eagerness, interjected, "Since Mr. Galewind has agreed to cooperate, there's no need for secrecy. Frankly, I urgently need your assistance with a matter at hand."
John knew well what Auron Eastwind was driving at, but feigned confusion on the surface, "If you require my help, just speak freely."
Auron Eastwind elaborated on the plans to explore the Dark Realm.
Then, with a look of genuine concern, he turned to John: "Originally, I intended to recruit some high-level players, led by my chief guard, to embark on this expedition into the Dark Realm."
"However, my chief guard is only a little over level 300. The prospects of successfully completing the quest seem bleak. Mr. Galewind, you can probably deduce why I vehemently argued to my father for the right to form this exploration team."
"The success or failure of this quest to explore the Dark Realm will directly determine my influence within the empire's upper echelons. It's of paramount importance!"
"I'm hoping, Mr. Galewind, that you might lead our team on this quest. I'm confident that with your prowess, the challenges of the Dark Realm will pose little threat."
"The only condition is that you avoid provoking the abyss lurking behind the Dark Realm..."
John's fingers gently tapped his wine glass, producing a melodic chime.
Seeing John fall silent, Auron Eastwind showed patience, waiting quietly by his side.
After a brief pause, John relaxed his furrowed brow, remarking calmly, "Since we've established a partnership, and I promised to assist you with three tasks, I won't go back on my word. I'll accept this request."
Auron Eastwind's face lit up with elation.
He took a hearty gulp of beer, trying to mask his unbridled joy. "This is fantastic! Let me toast to your honor, and thank you for your assistance!"
Pouring wine for John with a face full of gratitude, Auron Eastwind toasted.
John raised his glass but didn't drink immediately, saying, "I'll help you with this matter, but I have one condition..."
Auron Eastwind sat up straight, intently saying, "Please, Mr. Galewind, speak freely."
With a nonchalant tone, John said, "For this exploration quest, every move must be made under my command. No one in the team can defy orders."
"As the Seventh Prince of Northern Myst Empire, involved in governance for years, you must understand the catastrophe that arises when two voices attempt to lead a single team."
Auron Eastwind patted his chest reassuringly, "Rest assured, Mr. Galewind. I'll ensure the exploration team undergoes strict scrutiny, guaranteeing that every member will follow orders without question."
John then nodded in satisfaction, emptying his glass in one swift motion.
Having addressed the crucial matters, Auron Eastwind finally felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.
The atmosphere in the room turned notably lighter.
It was now a time for casual conversation.
With a gentle clap of his hands, Auron Eastwind summoned dozens of gracefully poised bunny girls.
They filed into the room one after the other.
Adorned in sheer veils, they danced gracefully to the mellifluous music.
Their slender waists, prominent chests, and rounded hips swayed enticingly before the two men, painting a vivid tableau of captivating beauty.
John lounged on the sofa, quietly appreciating the bunny girls' performance.
While he seemed utterly engrossed, his gaze remained clear and undistracted.
"Auron Eastwind, after all these years of playing coy, always putting on that defiant and disagreeable facade before the world, why do you suddenly reveal your true nature in front of outsiders like us today?" John sipped his drink with amusement in his eyes.
A wry smile appeared on Auron Eastwind's face. "There was no choice. Over the years, I had to maintain that domineering and disagreeable demeanor to keep my brothers off guard..."
"But in front of you, Mr. Galewind, continuing such a repulsive charade seems out of place..."
John nodded with understanding.
After a pause, he continued, "Honestly, I've always been curious: why did you suddenly decide to seek me out? Is the situation in the Northern Myst Empire so dire that you'd risk seeking the aid of a stranger you've never met?"
A light smile graced Auron Eastwind's handsome face. "It's not that severe. But I was born of humble origins. My mother wasn't from any prestigious lineage, so among my siblings, I have the least backing."
"Someone of your demi-god caliber, not affiliated with the Northern Myst Empire and free from complex interpersonal entanglements, is naturally my ideal ally."
John looked slightly surprised, "So that's the reason you came to me directly?"
Auron Eastwind slowly shook his head, chuckling softly, "It's not that simple. In fact, before coming to see you, I grappled with the decision for a long time and even considered abandoning the idea. I'd always thought that a powerful figure like you, if ever interested in the Northern Myst Empire's elite, would opt for royal heirs with a deeper lineage..."
"But it was Duke Dinan who told me that if I wanted to choose a partner, Mr. Galewind was the best option. As long as I was honest, at the very least, you wouldn't detest me."
John gazed at Auron Eastwind, laden with implications.
"Having guidance from the Prime Minister, you're not as isolated and powerless as you describe yourself, are you?"
A cryptic, inscrutable smile appeared on Auron Eastwind's face, leaving much unspoken between the lines.
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