**Chapter 11: Secrets Unveiled**
"Beep... target is wearing something similar to a fox mask to hide his information."
Ethan's excitement surged upon learning about the mysterious emblem, concealed behind a fox mask. The revelation fueled his growing curiosity about the hidden intricacies of the world he had stumbled into.
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Ethan pondered over the new information provided by the system. His initial belief that only the system could introduce unique elements like the fox mask was shattered. With each revelation, from the formidable individuals with levels around 30 to the appearance of the undead, Ethan realized that there was much more beneath the surface of this world.
As Max, half paralyzed by fear, stood before him, Ethan couldn't resist a mischievous grin. The boy, contemplating promises to orphans and the surrender of his cherished One Piece collection, was a comical sight.
Ethan observed Max's attire—a neat blue suit with a tie featuring a silver horse-shaped emblem, a subtle yet significant detail. However, as Ethan reached to touch the emblem, the system issued a warning.
*Beeeeep*
"High energy detected! Host will get injured if he touched the emblem, as the host doesn't have an imprint on the emblem."
Ethan's demeanor shifted to seriousness. Although he doubted severe injury, the existence of an item requiring an imprint before touch intrigued him. As Max trembled in fear, Ethan couldn't help but find the situation hilariously absurd.
"Oi kid, get hold of yourself," Ethan playfully jerked Max, bringing him back from the brink of panic.
"Yo-you aren't going to do anything to me, right?" Max asked timidly, still wary of the stranger in his own house.
"Haha, what? Of course not, lil' Maxie," Ethan reassured, ruffling Max's hair. Gradually, Max's fear subsided.
"Max, tell me, how did you get this emblem?" Ethan pointed at the emblem, eager to uncover its secrets. Max, though reluctant, revealed, "I got it from my... father."
Intrigued, Ethan delved deeper, "Do you know anything about this emblem? And who else can touch it?" Max, now emanating an aura as formidable as his young miss, answered, "Only I can hold the emblem. Once, my big bro tried to snatch it, and he was paralyzed for almost 2 days."
Ethan, his interest piqued, requested the system to scan the emblem's manufacturing and record all information in the room.
With a final pat on Max's head, Ethan bid farewell, leaving the room. Max, still bewildered, locked the door, contemplating the bizarre encounter that had just transpired.
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Ethan, having parted ways with Max, approached Emma to bid her farewell. Assured of her safety, he headed to the construction site, instructing the driver to drop him off. However, as soon as the driver was out of sight, Ethan ventured deeper into the construction site, determined to explore further.
"Scan the area," Ethan commanded the system, seeking to uncover any hidden elements in the vicinity. A blue light illuminated the surroundings, revealing red dots accompanied by descriptions like "iron," "special iron," and "useless iron." Ethan, disappointed by the lack of anything substantial, decided to return home.
However, his thoughts turned to the dungeon key still in his possession. Pulling it out from storage, Ethan examined the ancient-looking key, which appeared fragile and aged.
"C rank dungeon key
Description: Put key in front of your body at any place and try to unlock an imaginary door. A dungeon gate will appear."
"Time for purge."
Ethan, fueled by his newfound purpose and determination, embarked on the next phase of his journey, eager to unlock the mysteries that awaited him in the depths of the dungeon.
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