In an instant, Wallace quickly looked from Mana knight to Mana knight, his heart pounding with excitement as he could collect another bunch of Neutral Magic Crystals. Although he didn't have a clue what these crystals were for, it didn't matter.
It was better to have a lot of them in case of an emergency.
Suddenly, Wallace woke and noticed something.
"Hmm?"
The Mage and Mana knights' faces had changed for some unknown reason when they looked at their wrists.
What had caused such a sudden change in their expressions?
He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
"What is the problem?" he asked.
The atmosphere grew tense as the Mana knights exchanged glances, their hesitation noticeable upon looking at them.
"Not talking?"
Sensing their reluctance to reveal the truth, Wallace's curiosity peaked, compelling him to examine his own wrist. With trembling hands, he turned on the hologram, unaware of the shocking discovery that awaited him.
A message appeared, its words displayed clearly:
[ Guests, playtime is over.
[ Can't play anymore today!
[ Come again Tomorrow!
[ See yah! ]
The message hung before him, leaving Wallace speechless.
The meaning behind the Mana knights' exchanged looks now became painfully obvious.
The weight of the situation settled on his shoulders, filling him with a deep sense of powerlessness and helplessness.
What can he do against the system or this cheat?
As he prepared to announce his resignation to Mage Marcus and the seven Mana knights, fate intervened with a proposal that shocked him out of his despair.
Suddenly, a new message appeared.
[ To prevent this message from appearing, would you like to invite them to be your citizens? (Yes) or (No) ]
The holographic screen offered, leaving Wallace amazed.
It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. After all, Butler Mendez had mentioned the scarcity of Mana Users in his Territory, and to Wallace, the idea of gaining loyal followers held undeniable appeal.
Perhaps, with their loyalty, and there's a lot of them, he could counter potential threats like the mysterious woman who had crossed his path before.
The bigger the army, the greater, and the safer.
Determination swelled within his head as he made his choice clear, tapping the screen [Yes] with resolve.
Looking forward to seeing what will happen, a new message appeared, igniting hope in Wallace's heart.
[ Loading...
[ Sending Invites… ]
…
Wallace's invitations had just left his fingertips when a sudden flash of light moved across the wrists of the Mana knights and mage.
Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper, and Mage Marcus still wore futuristic bracelets that symbolized their status as guests of the Toraz territory.
These bracelets projected a new hologram that instantly grabbed their full attention, with a beautiful lady, smiling at them.
The hologram's voice, with its pleasant female tone, enticed them further into its web of mystery.
[ Are you tired of being ordinary guests in a world where you can only play for one hour each day? ]
It tempted, its words resonating with the promise of something better.
[ Are you weary of coming back tomorrow, paying a high entrance fee, and facing the same game with a limited single hour again? ]
The hologram's tone became persuasive and captivating, like an advertisement, pulling the Mana knights and mage deeper into its enchanting hold.
The idea of advertising was unfamiliar to their medieval minds, so the Mana knights and mage found themselves inexplicably drawn to this new experience.
They suddenly realized that their current arrangement limited them to just one hour of playtime per day, at a steep cost of 25 Magic Crystals.
The revelation made their body freeze like ice, it's too short, creating an unspoken agreement among them as they eagerly awaited the hologram's response.
The room became filled with anticipatory silence, and the holographic image shimmered with their high hopes.
What answer would it provide?
What kind of agreement would tell them to avoid those costs?
The Mana knights and mage exchanged glances, their eyes shining with curiosity and determination.
In the shimmering hologram's display, the lady gracefully moved her hands behind her back.
As if by magic, the scenery changed, revealing the vast Toraz territory.
The panoramic view unfolded, showing the grand Baron Castle with its tall towers, the mysterious depths of the Dungeon, and the lively streets filled with happiness.
Every detail was carefully created, capturing the essence of the realm vividly.
With a voice that carried a subtle charm, the lady spoke, her words filled with a tempting offer.
[ Join us, become a valued citizen of Toraz Town, under the esteemed rule of Baron Wallace Toraz. You won't have to pay daily entrance fees anymore. Instead, pay a small monthly tax of ten magic crystals, and in return, protect the town, its people, the town's reputation, the Baron himself, and the dangerous Dungeons below. ]
The announcement sent shockwaves through their minds, leaving the Mana knights—Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, and Jasper—and the wise Mage Marcus amazed.
Could it really be that simple?
Their hearts raced, excitement surged through their very veins, and their minds were filled with thunderous applause to the offer.
Such a brilliant offer!
Such a brilliant territory and dungeon!
However, the captivating lady in the hologram had more to share, her voice carrying the promise of endless opportunities.
[ That's not all. Discover your true calling, find a job in the town, and your time here will be fulfilling. The more important your chosen occupation is in Toraz Town, the more time you'll have in each Dungeons for your choosing to enter and play. An extra hour, or maybe even more, to enjoy the pleasures and adventures that await you. ]
Upon hearing these words, the eyes of Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper, and Marcus gleamed with desire and eager anticipation.
The prospect of a life connected to Toraz Town ignited a passion within them, fueling their hunger for purpose and glory.
If those are all what it takes, then, they cannot see any problem working and living in this town!
Once again, it didn't end there, the hologram of the beautiful lady shimmered before them once again, her voice oozing with temptation.
[ But hold on, there's more, ]
The lady on the hologram said, her words lingering in the air, teasing their senses.
[ On your very first day here, you get to choose any dungeon and explore it for a full three hours! And let me tell you, dear folks, this is just the beginning. There are more dungeons waiting for you, along with exciting events and opportunities that will make you grateful for the moment you joined this town. ]
The Mana knights—Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper—and the mage Marcus, felt their minds whirl like a storm.
More dungeons?
The idea was both thrilling and chilling, stirring a mix of excitement and unease in their hearts.
The schools they had attended had lost their shine a long time ago, no longer holding the appeal they once had.
Some of them had been rejected by society, considered unworthy because people thought they lacked talent.
They had clung to the hope of climbing the ranks, of earning at least the recognition of a noble Viscount. But now, even if this is Baron territory, with the tempting opportunities offered by this town, an extremely safe dungeon, they felt an overwhelming sense of luck and fortune that they could not express or say in words alone.
Their eyes sparkled with newfound determination, reflecting the glimmer of opportunity that called to them.
From this day forward, they would serve under the young Baron Wallace, pledging their allegiance to him as their Lord.
This town, with its promises and possibilities, would become their refuge, their beloved new home.