Who Designed This Underworld Dungeon?-Chapter 1123 - 729: The Very Beginning of the Journey

"The reason for not continuing to fight the Black Knight is to conserve energy. Clearly, as long as we retrieve the weapon, there's no need to risk engaging in battle with him. Our true enemy is the Undead Asylum Demon, because only upon its appearance will the Fog Gate rise."

Walking down the road, Hevi was constantly explaining his logic for not continuing to entangle with the Black Knight.

Todd could only nod repeatedly to show he was listening. He actually understood that it was just the other party being talkative again.

Shouldn't he be explaining this to me?

The Black Knight really didn't chase after us. Perhaps during the time the Suffocating Dragon Tooth held him, we had run far enough and he judged it unnecessary to pursue.

"Has Sain Dungeon become merciful? I distinctly remember the Black Knight chasing me all the way before, finally stabbing me to death just before I could enter the Crystal Elder's battle area."

"Maybe it's because the Black Knight chasing you held grudges."

"There should only be this one Black Knight, right? There won't be more, will there?"

"Such a powerful guy can't exist in multiples, so rest assured."

The Starfire Knights continued discussing the dungeon topic. Having just escaped death, Hevi didn't prohibit this chatter.

After retrieving the weapon, those strengthened Living Dead Soldiers and slightly stronger Animated Corpse Knights no longer posed a significant threat.

The enhancement effect brought by the Suffocating Dragon Tooth seems to have a time limit. Now the beefy muscle-bound state on them has been completely dispelled, returning to their original forms.

Todd finally understood why all the other Starfire Knights' clothes seemed so loose, except for Hevi's; it's because they might burst from their muscles at any given time.

While people were discussing the dungeon, he occasionally glanced at Hevi.

It's impossible to discern what the Suffocating Dragon Tooth normally looks like or where it's stored.

Weapons are the strongest after Divine Artifacts; he heard adults say this since childhood, and it was surprisingly impactful seeing one in person for the first time.

Weapons are strong, and naturally, you need strong combat skills to wield them. In other words, Hevi possesses exceptional combat power.

If so, maybe I can ask him to take me away from Dorian's side...

"What's up?" Hevi noticed his gaze and turned to ask.

"No, nothing." Todd turned his head away.

If he wants to make such a request, it must wait until he and Hevi are much more familiar; the current relationship is still too early.

Besides, if he can get back to the Fire Transmission Ceremony, he won't owe any favors and can escape by himself.

Todd temporarily put aside his thoughts of escape.

The Northern Undead Asylum seems like a real prison, even more excessive than usual ones.

The guards here have also turned into Animated Corpses, just like the prisoners, and there are hidden traps along the paths—some positioned very insidiously, catching people off guard.

Only the Starfire Church people can laugh, even as they see companions hit by traps; they also pride themselves on guessing trap locations correctly.

This is no church; you guys are just a fan club under the guise of believing in Gwyn.

Following this group, Todd felt he was becoming more lively, despite previously hating this joyful atmosphere.

To fit in, he forced out smiles, and eventually, wasn't sure if he was still pretending to smile.

[Beware of the trap ahead]

"Another warning! That knight is a real good person!"

A Starfire Knight tossed a stone ahead, and the ground instantly sprouted numerous spikes. Walking onto it unprepared would certainly skew you into a kebab.

"Here we go again."

Seeing the warning, Todd laughed genuinely this time, not just putting on a brave face.

Because this warning was left by the knight who saved them twice earlier.

Why so sure? Because when they triggered the warning, the shadow of the knight would appear, revealing the gesture he made when leaving the warning.

The unknown Astara Upper Knight is truly a great guy.

Both Hevi and Todd believe so now.

They've encountered several warnings on the road. Some guided their path, some warned of traps, and others showed the knight deliberating where to go, displaying a lively demeanor.

Even if they haven't met him, people already envision an altruistic, upright knight in their minds.

If they could meet him, they must express their thanks sincerely.

Todd thought so; even someone accustomed to living in gray areas would appreciate positive vibes from generous people.

If the person who helped him were the residual shadow, he'd strive to return the favor if they asked, and of course, provide rewards. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Warnings from the knight helped them avoid a few traps—not many—but in such an oppressive and eerie setting, encountering the warnings themselves was uplifting.

During their Northern Undead Asylum exploration, Hevi's team demonstrated dungeon exploration expertise.

Or perhaps it's their adeptness in deduction?

"Be careful. The corner ahead blocks our view just right; I bet there's a monster lurking."

"It's a forked path. Let's take this route entirely; even if there's a monster, we can tackle it together."

"There's a wild dog facing away ahead. Prepare for at least ten dogs to jump out."

Though predictions don't always hit the mark, the result is evident as they successfully avoided losing anyone so far.

That's success at its best.

"Hevi, since Sain Dungeon emerged here, we can't stand idly by; let's hurry out and report back."

"Yes, report back promptly. Capture the Teleportation Gate before people from the Holy Light Church arrive, and don't hand Sain over."

"The dungeon's filled with treasures. Securing it decisively secures victory."

"It's been ages since I felt the bonfire upgrade vibe. Hurry and gather the troops; I can't wait to get stronger."

Hearing this, Todd estimated a war might erupt at Hepa Town, possibly flattening the entire place.

Todd thought this had nothing to do with him—he'd be gone by then—but he recalled town folk who survived longer thanks to his aid.

"...Why am I thinking about this?"

He shook his head, trying to shift focus, saying, "Why has it been so long since I saw the knight's message?"

"Indeed, did we take different routes?"

As they spoke, Hevi stepped onto a staircase leading up, and rumbling sounds came from above. A huge iron ball came rushing down!

Naturally, Hevi jumped aside, pushing everyone away as a "boom" echoed, collapsing the room right opposite the stairs!

"There's actually a room here?"

Only then did people notice the walls were hollow.

"Could there be treasure hidden inside?"

Todd eagerly leaned inside.

His body suddenly froze.

"What's wrong?"

Sensing something amiss, Hevi approached and peered into the room's depths.

There, he saw an almost-lifeless knight.