Gamers of the Underworld

Victoria’s construction pace was fast and exceeded Lancelot’s expectations.

He thought that the few thousand Humans, Fairies, and Elves were nut cases. They started logging trees at a rapid pace, clearing empty land, transporting wood, and constructing the foundations of buildings.

Someone drew a few blueprints of buildings as a guide on a wooden board. Besides the buildings, they started planning for different areas. The first area to be built was the Living Quarters.

Besides the Living Quarters, the wood logs were used to make a surrounding wall.

It had only been two days!

Lancelot was shocked. When he thought about the limits of organic life, he saw unlimited possibilities!

He observed the back view of an exhausted Human who was sitting on the ground and eating.

Lancelot walked over, wanting to chat with them on a basic level and ask them what motivated them to work so hard. Were their families that poor?

Lancelot thought that the exploited laborer would be full of tears as he bit on the bread that was as hard as a bat. He thought that he would use a tree branch to draw out the picture of his little girl.

Lancelot had encountered such scenes many times. After all, life was hard, and poor laborers lived especially hard lives.

When Lancelot walked over, he saw the Human putting clay from the ground into his mouth with a blissful smile.

“Wait! What are you doing? Don’t give up hope!”

Lancelot stopped the Human who he thought was swallowing clay to kill himself. What kind of hard labor and immense pressure would cause such a Human to give up his life? Lancelot was excommunicated, but he didn’t forsake his belief. Humans who killed themselves were unable to ascend the Heavens!

“I’m eating my meal...” The Human was taken aback. When he realized it was Lancelot, he was unbelievably happy. Lancelot had never seen such a happy being.

“Strange Encounter Mission! I have encountered the legendary Strange Encounter Mission!” the Human shouted loudly, and gamers started to gather around him.

The figures in the forest with shimmering eyes moved towards him. Numerous Humans, Fairies, and Elves looked as though they had found their dream goal. In the darkness, he overheard their conversation.

“His luck is so good. He encountered the Strange Encounter Mission just after the start of service.”

“Why haven’t I encountered a Strange Encounter Mission? I’d like to have one.”

“Selling clay, selling clay. The quality is soft and tasty and of fresh stock!”

“The clay seller is a cheat. He just grabbed the clay from the ground to sell!”

“Who’s selling bronze coins? I’m accumulating at high prices. Victoria’s first Guild, Hoodlum Yoga Association, is already registered. Come and register fast!”

“It’s only been three days, and we have a Guild? The rich gamers are scary!”

“We have more rich gamers than you can imagine.”

Lancelot looked to the sides. He felt chills running down his spine from the glimmering stares of those creatures.

Their clothing was tattered, and their hands were badly hurt after two days of continuous work. They were filthy because they hadn’t bathed for two days. Even though a river and a lake were nearby, they didn’t have the habit of bathing.

Or perhaps, they were too busy to bathe.

It was understandable that their lives were hard, but the creatures just slept on the ground while ants crawled over their bodies. Could they not find a higher tree?

It wasn’t the time to ponder. Those creatures came closer, and Lancelot became nervous, grasping the hilt of his sword instinctively.

“What are you doing?”

A helium voice was heard, and Lancelot looked over. It was the three Hamsters who followed Duchess Lilo.

One of the obese Hamsters charged at Lancelot and shouted, “Don’t idly chat with them. The Duchess is looking for you, follow me.”

Lancelot heaved a sigh of relief, releasing his sword hilt and following the Hamsters.

The surrounding creatures gave way, but they continued chatting.

“Ah, I thought it was a Strange Encounter Mission, but it’s only a Plot.”

“A Plot is pretty good too. We have been carrying bricks, constructing houses, and clearing land. Won’t we get bored if we don’t have some entertainment?”

“Why aren’t there any maps for us to fight monsters on the Surface World? I want to fight and sacrifice for Victoria City.”

“I only want to save the world.”

Lancelot was getting used to their strange conversations. However, he was also worried. Could the insanity be infectious?

The Hamsters led Lancelot to the castle that was conjured by Lilo, a place that the gamers were unable to get close to.

“Were you going to hack at them?” the Second Boss Hamster asked Lancelot.

“No...”

“But I noticed your hand grasping your sword hilt. Don’t do that again. After all, you have signed the contract. Don’t ever attack them. Otherwise, there will be severe consequences,” the Second Boss said gravely with his helium voice, frowning.

“That’s right, you’ll have health bars,” Big Big Boss said.

“Do you have things to eat?” The Fat Otaku Hamster looked at Lancelot with anticipation.

Big Boss slapped Fat Otaku’s head and said, “What did I say? You’ll die if you eat things on the ground! You’ll die! There’s the Sacred Light, so don’t eat indiscriminately!”

“Things on the ground?”

Lancelot was dumbfounded. He felt that he heard something important.

“No, it’s nothing. Please go in quickly, don’t keep the Duchess waiting,” Big Boss said as he pushed Lancelot from behind, pointing to the door in front.