Comprehensive network wizard, magic emperor.

Chapter 358 The Secret Treasure of Lighthouse Academy?
After four classes in the morning, it was lunchtime.

Players have relaxed. Training in this instance feels a bit like a primary school field trip—there's no danger, there are performances to watch, and you can get souvenirs by completing simple tasks.

The downsides are that the natural scenery is so-so, just a dilapidated headland by the sea, with no exotic flowers or rare plants, no spectacular buildings, and although the teacher is kind and approachable, he is quite strict.

The adventurers, their minds becoming increasingly active, began to explore the details of the Lighthouse Academy.

Players from various online games gathered at a table for a meal, talking in hushed tones.

"I remember the description on the World Pass said there were two paths to choose from: one was to study diligently, and the other was to explore hidden secrets. What do you think? How about taking a risk for fortune?" The sorcerer Fly from Tiffilin rubbed his hands together.

"No, no, I won't do bad things." The halfling girl shook her head hurriedly, her two braids swinging like rattles.

"How could it be a bad thing? Brother Mage didn't set any rules for us. Besides, if anyone dares to do anything like murder or robbery here, I'll admire them for life. I'll send the brave warrior on his way." The sorcerer chuckled.

He said that since the dungeon had hints about hidden storylines, he had to explore it out of curiosity, otherwise he would have wasted his ticket money.

“To be honest, we’ve already made a fortune in this instance,” the Dragonvein Warlock said candidly, stirring the thick soup in his bowl with his own spoon.

"I don't like hearing that. Think about it, if other people who enter the dungeon later discover the hidden route, wouldn't they earn five more Disaster Coins than us?"

“That makes sense. Since there are bound to be some dishonest people, why can’t we be the ones to start this bad trend?” The bespectacled female mage pushed up her reflective lenses, revealing a determined yet cunning look in her eyes.

The halfling weakly advised everyone to repent and reform as soon as possible, but unfortunately, none of the players who had already been provoked listened to her. She even made her swear in front of her family's ancestral iron pot that she would not tattle on them.

[Frosty Stew Pot] refused, raising a slice of bread as a shield.

"Come on, good boy, it's your loss if you don't join our great adventure." Tifflin scoffed. "Besides, even if you tattle, we won't admit it. Don't underestimate our determination to 'do something naughty' and our prankster skills."

The Dragon Vein Sorcerer coughed and asked Lin Bo, who looked on with great interest, "What did the assistant say? Are you interested in the secret that the mage brother is hiding?"

"Personally, I don't think there are any secrets here. With you all so eager to play, you'll probably end up with nothing." The young man in white smiled.

"My friend, you're mistaken! How could there not be secrets here?" The sorcerer Tiflin had the typical mindset of a bad kid, yawning constantly during class but his eyes would light up when he encountered some improper extracurricular activities.

Everyone asked him what he had discovered.

“I sent my magical pets to secretly explore all the rooms on the first floor. There’s an elevator that leads underground. There must be some secret buried under the lighthouse.”

The halfling whispered, "It's probably a cellar for storing food. We have a place like that in my house. My parents never hide money in a cellar, so there's definitely nothing secret about it."

"Go away, little kid, don't interrupt. As for right and wrong, I'll decide after I explore the place at night!" A magician said with a resolute expression.

Tifting grinned. "And another thing, isn't the most obvious one those force field spheres on the table on the second floor? One of them is covered with a cloth. There doesn't seem to be a portal on the wall connecting to that pocket universe either. Friends, isn't the answer right there in the riddle itself?"

The Dragon Vein Sorcerer looked at the [Flying Sword Apprentice], "You are most knowledgeable about force field spells. Are you confident that you can infiltrate those force field spheres without triggering an alarm?"

"I will not participate in your schemes." [Flying Sword Apprentice] ate his meal in silence, his mind still focused on improving his swordsmanship.

Lin Bo ate in silence. When his mischievous friends asked if he wanted to join in, he just smiled and shook his head. What secrets could the Lighthouse hold? They were nothing more than some long-forgotten stories. He added, "Be prepared for disappointment."

"Don't talk like you know so much about the mage's family, okay?" Tiflin wasn't discouraged and remained full of energy.

The seven players on the adventure discussed and divided the work: some were responsible for exploring the underground space, some were responsible for spying on the time bubble on the second floor, some were responsible for getting information from the lighthouse apprentices, and some were responsible for distracting the other teammates to buy time to commit the crime.

These plans and whispers were all blocked by soundproof barriers to ensure that no word got out.

Of course, they didn't shy away from mentioning [Frost Stew Pot], [Flying Sword Apprentice], and Lin Bo. The only class in the afternoon was alchemy, also a fundamental subject, the importance of which was self-evident.

When the Grand Master began the class, he smiled and said, "I don't have any outstanding achievements or insights in the field of alchemy. I probably don't know more than you all, so feel free to use your imagination. Use the equipment and materials in the classroom to create the props you like."

It's easy to tell a spellcaster's skill level from their basic skills. The potions and pills made by the Lighthouse apprentices are all ordinary, slightly better than the beginner level, at most advanced potions for veterans, and their techniques are not particularly sophisticated.

Now the auditors all understood.

It turned out that these dozens of white-haired old mages were not legendary experts at all, but just a group of old and frail apprentices.

So the previously cautious players immediately went over to say hello, either by offering to help or by pretending to ask for advice, and the conversation gradually turned to everyday trivia and strange tales.

These recipients were all from the martial arts world, so they naturally understood the thoughts of these strangers. However, they were also curious about the background of the Grand Master's guest. The two sides exchanged pleasantries, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

The recipients recounted the myths and strange tales they had heard during their travels around the world as if they were true, while the players on the multiverse simply talked about the infinite scenery of the multiverse, each of them stunned by the other's words.

Only afterward did the players realize that they hadn't obtained much useful information and had heard very little truth, instead revealing all their true nature.

“It’s alright, we’ll have plenty of opportunities. Just don’t reveal the most crucial information,” Tieflin reassured his dejected companion. “Don’t let them know we’re instanced creatures. Friends, remember our greatest strength.”

"Are we players?" the bespectacled female mage asked, raising her hand in response.

“That’s right.” Tiflin flicked his tail, accidentally slapping one of his companions in the process. He apologized casually, then said confidently, “This trick never fails. Once the native inhabitants of the dungeon have seen the scenery of the multiverse, they will definitely be unable to resist coming to us, seeking an opportunity to venture into a wider world.”

"Why do you seem so skilled?" The Dragon Vein Sorcerer squinted suspiciously.

“I often use the excuse of giving Indigenous people an invitation to the Internet to trick them into giving me benefits,” Tiftlin chuckled.

"Wow, you're so despicable." His companions all thought this kid had no class.

“Anyway, there’s a time loop. The victims won’t remember what happened.” Tifflin shrugged, showing no remorse.

So they waited patiently, but an afternoon passed and not a single lighthouse apprentice came to them to inquire about the details of the network.

Tiffilin couldn't contain himself any longer, so he went to the witch and asked, feigning curiosity, "If you were given the chance to join the network, what price would you be willing to pay?"

“If such an opportunity arises, it would certainly be a good thing, guest,” the witch smiled warmly. “But this path may not be any easier or more arduous than my current life. Following the Archmage has been my lifelong vow, so leave the scenery of the journey to you, guest. I will remain with the people of this world.”

The old apprentice of the lighthouse did not chase after the player's beautiful lies.

This incident was quite frustrating for the bad kids.

The good news is that someone discovered the secrets of the underground workshop during a chat.

"The Grand Master once led some of his disciples underground to refine divine medicine, creating a magnificent phenomenon. However, I don't know what kind of treasure it was. Not being able to participate and contribute is the biggest regret of my life. I just don't know if I will have the chance to make up for it in the future."

After organizing and analyzing all the known clues, the group came to a conjecture.

"The sorcerer is most likely concocting an elixir of immortality in the basement. Three apprentices used illusion magic to conceal their age. They were his assistants back then." The illusionist adjusted his glasses, his analysis logical and methodical.

"So the hidden reward in the dungeon is the elixir of immortality, right? That stuff's pretty good. Let's figure out a way to get our hands on it. Then we can talk about splitting the loot." The wicked boy, Tiflin, rubbed his hands together mischievously.

(End of this chapter)