After parting ways with Lucas, Eli's thoughts turned towards his next adventure. However, before diving back into the dangers of another dungeon, he remembered the trove of items he had amassed from his previous expedition. Deciding it was time to cash in on his efforts, Eli made his way to the trading post, the same place where he had encountered the staff girl the day before.
Upon entering, he was greeted by the familiar face of the girl who had assisted him previously. Recognizing Eli, she smiled and introduced herself as Jenna. "Back again so soon? What do you need today?" she asked, her demeanor friendly and professional.
Eli, with a hint of excitement, replied, "I'm here to sell the materials I've gathered." Jenna's mention of the missed 10% sale increase piqued his interest, but he remained hopeful they could work something out.
Curious, Jenna asked to see a sample of what he had to offer. Eli obliged, presenting a few spider corpses, silk, and poison sacks. Jenna examined the items closely, then provided him with their estimated value, which already seemed promising to Eli.
When asked how many he wished to sell, Eli casually mentioned he had a few hundred of each, causing Jenna to pause, her expression a mix of shock and awe. "And where, may I ask, are all these items now?" she inquired, skepticism threading her voice.
Eli, keen on keeping his system's storage space a secret, fabricated a story about having them stored nearby. Jenna, undeterred by his vagueness, offered a storage ring as a solution for transporting the items, mentioning there would be no charge as long as it was returned within 24 hours. The trading post had Eli's registration information, ensuring they had leverage should any issue arise.
Grateful, Eli accepted the ring and stepped outside, finding an empty alley to transfer the items from his system into the ring. The process took about 10 minutes, after which he returned to Jenna, ready to complete the transaction.
"I've got everything here," Eli announced, activating the ring. In an instant, the counter was flooded with over 500 spider corpses, more than 500 poison sacks, and almost 200 pounds of spider silk. Jenna's eyes widened in surprise, despite her earlier composure.
After a moment to recover, Jenna quickly set to work calculating the total value of Eli's haul. The numbers added up quickly, and when she finally loaded the credits onto his registration card, Eli was astounded by the amount. From selling the spider silk, poison sacks, and spider corpses, Eli had earned a total of 35,000 credits making it a substantial amount for his endeavors. It was far beyond what he had imagined, a sum that solidified the fruits of his dangerous labor within the dungeon.
Eli thanked Jenna, his mind racing with the possibilities this newfound wealth afforded him. Upgrades, equipment, maybe even investing in future expeditions—the options were endless.
As he left the trading post, registration card heavier with credits, Eli couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. His decision to venture into the dungeon, once fraught with uncertainty, had now proven to be one of the best he had ever made. With the financial aspect of his journey looking brighter, Eli set his sights on the next challenge, ready to dive back into the world of dungeons and monsters, equipped with the knowledge that his efforts could indeed pay off in ways he never imagined.
With the trading post now behind him and his pockets significantly heavier, Eli turned his thoughts to his next adventure. The success in the Spider Nest had not only boosted his confidence but also filled him with a desire to push further, to test his limits against more formidable foes. Given the abundance of monsters and the lucrative rewards they offered, another bug-based dungeon seemed like the logical next step.
The Scorpion Dungeon caught his interest—a low to middle-level dungeon known for its challenging terrain and the venomous creatures that called it home. These monsters were notorious not only for their strength but also for the value of their venom and chitin, which fetched a higher price on the market than the spiders' silk and poison. The potential for greater rewards was enticing, and Eli knew that with his current abilities and the strategic use of his God Hands, he was well-equipped to take on the challenge.
As he made his way towards the Scorpion Dungeon, Eli contemplated his strategy. The scorpions, with their lethal stingers and armored exoskeletons, would require a different approach than the spiders. Their venom was more potent, and their aggression, coupled with the dungeon's harsh desert environment, made them formidable opponents. Eli considered how best to utilize his elemental abilities, particularly the lightning and fire that had served him well in the past. He knew that precision and power would be key to overcoming the scorpions' defenses.
Determined to make the most of this opportunity, Eli also saw this as a chance to further refine his skills and perhaps discover new aspects of his abilities. The high number of monsters in bug-based dungeons offered not just the potential for profit but also for growth. Each encounter would be a lesson, each challenge a step towards mastering his powers.
As the entrance to the Scorpion Dungeon came into view, Eli felt a surge of adrenaline. The familiar thrill of the unknown, the anticipation of battle, filled him with a sense of purpose. This was his path now, a journey of discovery and conquest, each dungeon a stepping stone to greater achievements.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the trials ahead. The Scorpion Dungeon promised to be a crucible, testing his strength, strategy, and resilience. But Eli was ready. With his God Hands by his side and a clear goal in mind, he stepped into the dungeon, ready to face whatever challenges lay in wait.