The bard fantasized again.

Chapter 141 Delving into the Dungeon (5.1k1w, please subscribe and vote!!!)
"Alright, [A Group of Adventurers]. Congratulations on successfully registering as a member of the guild. All guild services will be available to you—"

Hope has already explained everything to you, so I won't go into too much detail. Based on the addresses you provided, the guild will be charging each of you a monthly membership fee of 10 gold coins, starting next month.

"10 gold coins per person?"

Tang Qi glanced back at the bustling group of adventurers behind him.

Although the hall had returned to its usual hustle and bustle, some people still occasionally glanced at them, unable to resist scrutinizing Tang Qi and the others.

Tang Qi estimated the number of adventurers in Dragon Gold City.

Several thousand, or tens of thousands?
As a collective that can be classified as a separate area in a city with a population of 10, Tang Qi felt that it must be no small number:
"You guys really know how to make money."

10 gold coins a month, that's much more money than writing a book yourself.

Sure enough, the one at the top knows how to make money.

Given the uproar caused by Tang Qi, it took Miss Eagleman quite a while to maintain her usual professional smile:

"This is also to urge all adventurers to accept missions in a timely manner, since the rewards for a single mission are substantial enough to cover all of this. Not to mention you."

If everything that happened in the Dusk Forest really had anything to do with you.

Tang Qi didn't explain further, only responding with a smile.

By not actively explaining everything and maintaining a certain sense of mystery, one can attract attention without being too conspicuous.

Just like the whispers he vaguely heard—

"Three people—no, two people, along with a dwarf? They're the ones who dealt with the necromancer of Dawnwood?"

To avoid the embarrassing situation of accidentally killing the kobold with a single blow after seeing Kuru due to a stress reaction, Kuru always wears a large black robe to cover himself completely when he goes out.

Upon seeing its shape, most people would think of dwarfs—

This is a stereotype.

"What kind of setup is this? Human warriors, dwarven spellcasters, and... someone playing an instrument? What's their role? Are they going to play music and sing in the background?"

This is also a stereotype.

Ordinary adventurers don't carry a lute around all the time.

If they needed to hum a tune during a break, the wandering knights would often find a leaf, place it to their lips as a leaf flute, and their off-key but lighthearted singing was enough to accompany it.

A proper musical instrument takes up space and is cumbersome—after Tang Qi arrived in Longjin City, he had to change the gut strings on his lute every month.

This is a memento from Catherine's mother; he must cherish it.

“Hey, don’t underestimate that guy. I ran into him in the Golden Oak a couple of days ago. He was as agile as a wanderer, and he could even cast spells—he’s definitely not a simple character.”

Taverns, women, and legends are all topics that adventurers love to talk about.

And the Golden Oak happens to possess that.

Clearly, news of the conflict that night had already spread throughout the adventurer community.

A bard who can fight and cast spells? That's even rarer than a dwarf with giant blood!
After all, there really was a case of Goliath marrying a dwarf within the territory of Ironforge.

But perhaps it was the protection of the city guards that prevented the Red Scarf Gang thugs from coming after them again.

They might have already come looking for us?
Tang Qi recalled the assassination attempt from the previous night, his mind racing with unease.

"So, would you like to take on some quests, friends from [A Group of Adventurers]? I'd be happy to serve you."

Hope waved her fiery red hand in front of Tang Qi's eyes, pulling him back to reality.

Tang Qi then shook his head and laughed:

"No, no need. I can no longer afford to hire you."

Five gold coins to help introduce the guild and register them; this was the price they had agreed upon beforehand.

Now, Tang Qi's pockets are so empty that he can't even produce a single gold coin.

Hope blinked, afraid that the other adventurers would hear their predicament, and whispered in Tang Qi's ear with surprise:

"My God, you guys are tough guys who fought your way out of the Dawn Forest, how come you're so poor?"

Tang Qi glanced at Chen Xi, while the woman, a notorious spendthrift, scratched her head, turned her back, and pretended to admire the scenery within the guild.

Because she had no head, or even 'eyes', the four dwarves of the [Dwarf Alliance] were unaware that they had become the only sight to behold.

But she soon discovered that the dwarves had disappeared.

A second later, she breathed a sigh of relief: "It was just blocked."

Tang Qi would never expose the team's shortcomings in front of outsiders, so he shrugged and looked at Hope:

"In short, that's the truth. We are very satisfied with your introduction and look forward to finding a newcomer who hasn't inquired about the market at our next meeting."

"Oh, you're so good with words."

This is why Hope stays in the Adventurers' Guild; only adventurers don't discriminate against Tifflin.

"But compared to spending half a day shouting and earning 5 gold coins, I'm still curious about what kind of mission your team will choose—is it so that I can follow behind you?"

Tang Qi raised an eyebrow: "I think your idea goes beyond that."

"Okay, I admit it, you are a perceptive person."

Hope sighed.

"You don't need to beat around the bush when talking to smart people, right?"

Because I believe that, given your team's capabilities, you will definitely be able to take on a well-paid task.

If I could lead the way, I should be able to earn more than the 5 gold coins I'd pay for advertising, right?

"Lead the way? Are you very familiar with the dungeon?"

"I'm fairly familiar with the shallow area because, although the roads there are quite winding, I've been there a few times and have a general idea of ​​what it's like."

But if you're talking about the deeper levels, then I wouldn't dare go there—

Once you get deeper, the paths become as complex as a maze. If you're unlucky and happen to be caught in a time when the paths randomly change positions, you might be delayed even longer because you're lost, which would be even more dangerous.

But you are trustworthy adventurers, and having you behind me inherently means safety, doesn't it?

"I might not choose a high-paying task."

As Tang Qi spoke, he stepped forward and looked around at the task boards hanging all around him, examining the various tasks.

His purpose in going to the underground city wasn't entirely pure.

They probably came with the combined purpose of 'gathering inspiration for the Guide' and 'finding the mastermind behind last night's assassination attempt'.

Taking on quests, earning gold coins, and experiencing the daily life of adventurers in Dragon Gold City are just bonus activities.

However, the lack of a clear refusal was tantamount to acquiescing to her actions, allowing Hope to follow closely behind.

"Then let me see what tasks are listed here—"

Hmm, most of the commissions outside of Longjin City are escorting, collecting materials, or resolving some regional disputes... Why is there also a conscription offer for the Southern Great Wall?
As for Long Jincheng's request, "Finding my daughter's beloved cat," it was lost near Longwei Pass. The reward is 10 gold coins plus Mrs. Green's apple pie. Chuck mentioned that the lady's apple pie was quite awful.

The reward for finding the missing gold prospector is 300 gold coins. He went to the dungeon a month ago and hasn't returned? He's probably never coming back...

[Long-term commission: Collect Dungeon Mushrooms], purchased on a long-term basis by Starlight Mage Academy, with a reward of 10 gold coins per kilogram of mushrooms. That truly deserves to be called panning for gold.

[Buying Giant Snail Shells], shells must be intact. 200 gold coins will be offered for every 100 kilograms of shells. Mutated shells will be offered at a higher price—isn't that a bit too much?

Tang Qi paused at the task of collecting shells, recalling basic information about the [Giant Snail]—

As a large snail, they are about 3 to 4 meters long, which is almost the length of two Tang Qi lying side by side on the ground.

When they curl up into their shells on their backs, they are between 1.5 and 2 meters tall.

Almost all of their weight comes from the shell they carry, and a complete shell generally weighs between 50 and 200 kilograms, depending on their size and age.

Even so, due to their snail-like nature, their aggressive tendencies are not particularly strong unless actively disturbed.

Even though it will retreat into its shell when threatened, using its rounded back to quickly escape the battlefield, it is still relatively easy to deal with if targeted properly...

This is hardly a threat, so why was it acquired for such a high price?

Having been a seasoned veteran of the Adventurers' Guild for years, Hope knew the inside story and explained:
"Perhaps it's because the client requested a 'complete shell'?"

When these snails are injured, they try to retract their shells. However, ordinary sharp objects are unlikely to damage their shells, while blunt objects can easily cause the shells to crack, damaging their overall structure...

Many adventurers, after accepting this quest, would excitedly bring the loot to the client, only to have it ultimately rejected because it was 'incomplete'.

Given that he explicitly stated 'complete carapace' in the quest description, many adventurers could only return empty-handed—and the quest remained unclaimed for a long time.

"That's it then."

A complete carapace might be a challenge for an ordinary adventurer, but Tang Qi believed he had a specific method for dealing with it.
Do you know where there are giant snails in the [Deep Well]?

“They’re not in the shallows. But I’ve heard they’re found in the second-level swamp, which isn’t far from the shallows. The only problem is that it’s full of poisonous gas and poisonous creatures.”

"Very well, then you can lead the way." "What's my reward?"

"Ten percent of the final profit. If I can bring back 500 kilograms of intact carapace, you will receive 100 gold."

"But what if you can't bring them back? I know that giant snails and poisonous miasma might not be a threat to you, but considering the predicament of the adventurers before, please forgive me for having to consider this pessimistically—how about a fixed 100 gold coins?"

"If it's a fixed price, that's too expensive. 50 gold."

"90."

"I don't necessarily need you to lead the way, it's just easier this way, 60."

“There are troubles even in the shallow layers, but I can help you avoid them. 80.”

"70, but it will be delivered after the mission is completed."

"Deal. Let's go take on the task now and draft the contract while we're at it, how about that?"

"lead the way."

In fact, Tang Qi didn't know whether he had made a profit or a loss. Neither he, nor Chenxi or Kuru were particularly sensitive to monetary figures—the kobold was intelligent, but it only cared about its reading addiction.

But he was at least confident about how much he would be compensated:
"【Nova】's dimensional bag is a high-end product, capable of holding up to 500 kilograms of items. If it's full, it's indeed worth 1000 gold coins—damn, that's only the price of a bottle of restoration glue."

However, considering the 'mutated shell' on the commission, there might be other rare items, and the potential profit might be even higher.

While considering this, he had already accepted the task from Hope and signed a contract.

Hope extended her right hand to Don Qi:
"So it's a pleasure doing business with you, Boss Tang Qi?"

Out of politeness, Tang Qi took her fingertips.

Perhaps because she didn't move goods often, her finger bones were distinct, slender, and very smooth.

Perhaps it was because of her hellish bloodline that her skin was even hotter, and holding it felt like holding a cup of lukewarm coffee that had been sitting for ten minutes.

"If there's nothing else, shall we head to the Deep Well now?" Hope asked.

"Okay, lead the way."

As always, the graceful Miss Tiflin walked at the front, glancing back from time to time to make sure her employer was right behind her, before leading Tang Qi toward the corridor on the right.

The trading corridor is very wide, just like the Dragon Avenue where carriages and horses travel on the left. The stalls in the corridor are also placed in the center, dividing the corridor into two passages.

On the left is a group of spirited adventurers, about to venture into the dungeon and dreaming about which brothel they could visit with their commission.

On the right are the adventurers who have emerged from the dungeon, looking dejected and as if they have survived a calamity. There are also victors who have returned with their spoils and are in high spirits, but they are ultimately a minority.

"We need to take the one ahead..."

Hope turned around again, as if to introduce something, but then realized she had lost track of her boss.
"I was already walking very slowly."

She sighed; clearly, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

When they turned back to look for Tang Qi, they found him standing in front of a stall, staring blankly at something on the stall.

"What would you like to buy?"

Hope quickly moved closer to see the goods clearly—

A handful of white, finely crystalline powder resting on a blue cloth.

"This is……"

"Salt."

Tang Qi said,
"How to sell it?"

"One copper coin equals one gram."

"Cheaper."

"If you like it, buy it or not."

Most of the people setting up stalls here are adventurers, and Tang Qi can't force most of them to speak properly.

He then looked at Hope:
"Pay."

"I'll pay?" Hope pointed to himself.

"What else? I'm penniless right now—it'll be included in your salary when I get out."

Seeing Tang Qi's matter-of-fact attitude, Hope took a deep breath, then reluctantly pulled out her fanny pack:

"How much do you want to buy?"

"All."

"All of it!? Can you even finish it?"

Hope couldn't help but say,

"You're not planning to start a fire and cook in the dungeon, are you?"

It's not surprising to see salt at adventurers' stalls, since some people do use it as a condiment to improve living conditions in dungeons, which is why the price is often inflated.

But there's no need to buy this much—

That's a whole handful, enough for an average family to use for half a year.

"Just pay."

Given that Hope might not believe him, Tang Qi felt there was no need to explain too much.

Considering the contract he was under, Hope finally sighed:
"I'm starting to wonder if deciding to guide you was a mistake..."

She spent 30 gold coins to buy a whole bag of salt, and then watched helplessly as Tang Qi put it into his dimensional bag.

"I've already lost money before I even started making any."

"Don't worry, it won't be a problem for you," Tang Qi said confidently.

"So, can we go to the [Deep Well] now?"

"lead the way."

This time, Hope's expression was no longer as excited as it had been at the beginning, but the Tifflins were a race that was highly adaptable under any conditions.

She quickly adjusted her mindset, put on a smile, and led Tang Qi to the end of the corridor:
"This is the [Deep Well Straight Elevator], driven by a gravity magic circle. It can help us get to the dungeon entrance, and you can also take a look at the scenery outside while you're there."

The straight ladder was covered by a transparent glass dome, allowing Tang Qi to clearly see the grandeur of the [Deep Well]—

It was indeed a round well leading to the ground.

However, it was magnificent and enormous enough, far wider than the central square of Longjin City.

The entire Adventurers' Guild surrounded it, making the building resemble a cylinder.

As the elevator descended, it was pushed and pulled by gravity and attraction, and all it felt was a moment of stability.

Upon reaching the bottom, Tang Qi stepped out of the elevator and found himself in a huge, empty pit.

Looking up, I felt like a frog at the bottom of a well, only able to see a round, clear blue sky, with two flying dragons occasionally streaking across it.

That wasn't a dragon in the true sense of the word.

Like the [False Dragon], they are just some large lizards with fleshy wings.

The blazing sun bathed the entire gray stone clearing, illuminating the deep pit so brightly that Tang Qi could see the eight entrances and exits guarded by soldiers surrounding the pit.

"Do you see their attire? Their armor is carved like scales—that's the [Dragon Cavalry], the most renowned legion in Dragongold City."

By having them guard each entrance and exit to maintain order, conflicts can be effectively prevented from breaking out among adventurers before they even enter the dungeon.

As Hope spoke, she roughly determined the direction and then led Tang Qi toward an entrance.
“We’ll take the southwest entrance; it’s the shortest route to the deep swamp.”

Why do we still have to queue?

Looking at the scene at each entrance and exit, Tang Qi felt that once he entered the Adventurers' Guild, he would have to queue everywhere.

"Because guild members will collect an entrance fee, one gold coin per person."

"Ha, now I know why Longjincheng is called the 'commercial capital'. It's almost like you have to pay for even breathing."

"Don't be so discouraged, I'm paying anyway—you now owe me 33 gold coins."

"I appreciate that you didn't include your own."

"Of course, I am a guide with professional ethics."

After Hope paid with three gold coins, the unique coolness of the underground rushed over her.

Tang Qi realized that this might be his first adventure in the subjective sense.

He hurriedly took out his logbook, preparing to record everything that happened in the deep well:
"The Guide to Longjin City is finally going to have some new material."

(End of this chapter)