The narrow portal behind them suddenly closed, blocking the sunlight from behind, and complete darkness descended before them.
Flint's sinister voiceover, tinged with malicious delight, echoed once more, "Hide well, for my bloodstained treasures are coming to find you. Be very careful not to... die, Kekeke..."
A Whale Oil Lamp that Gus, [Phantom Blade], had prepared in advance immediately lit up. Its perimeter, emitting a faint blue glow, pierced the darkness, illuminating the Underworld maze once more. Yet, apart from them, the passageway was clearly empty, though faint whispering noises seemed to emanate from a corner. The empty maze suddenly felt... crowded with people!
Byron immediately took out the number 12 Crystal Skull, [Polaris], to open his strategic map. Unexpectedly, as soon as his Spirituality began to emanate, it was reflected by the surrounding stone walls, unable to extend far. Only upon careful observation of the maze walls did they notice intricate patterns embedded onto their surfaces with extremely thin White Lead wire. Calling the others over to take a closer look, they could barely make out what seemed to be cicadas in various developmental stages, each with a different form. Not just one wall, but all visible walls and floors bore similar patterns. Because the amount of White Lead used was minimal, it only slightly weakened normal transcendent abilities but severely affected spiritual perception. This was to be expected. Methods to shield perception were standard for every maze; otherwise, the laboriously constructed labyrinth would have been built in vain, wouldn't it?
But the cicada motif concerned Byron. In Mysticism, cicadas often symbolize 'resurrection through molting and the immortality of the soul.' Even the Nobility in Byron's former life were often buried with a jade cicada in their mouths, highlighting how deeply ingrained this mystical symbolism was.
Before Byron could voice his thoughts, Thomas the parrot preemptively spread his wings, indicating he too was clueless.
"I see," Byron said. "So while Flint was busy with construction, you were off playing with sheep, right?"
Byron didn't wait for the parrot's indignant protest and turned to [Singer] Jacqueline. She understood his unspoken request, and dolphin-like notes immediately soared from her mouth. Ultrasonic waves rippled through the pitch-black corridor, instantly reflecting obstacles and forming a sonic map in the young girl's mind.
Andrew looked at the girl, his pale jawbone moving slightly, but ultimately, he remained silent. Byron had already warned his uncle in advance: their female cousin was simply not an option. To describe it more precisely using a term from his previous life, their families were still well within the prohibited degrees of kinship for marriage; they were definitely considered close kin. The Hospital Sequence had long been suppressed by the Church. Although they firmly believed that marriages between close relatives could slow the dilution of transcendent bloodlines, they failed to recognize the greater harm involved. Even if the urge to push for marriage was strong, there had to be boundaries. The only grandson of [Evernight Queen] Margaret from the Kalmar Union, who suffered from hemophilia, was a victim of such detrimental customs. Of course, Jacqueline's overly slender figure, which at a glance appeared unsuited for childbirth, also played a part.
"They're coming, from behind us," the young girl suddenly opened her eyes, warning her teammates.
At that moment, the gold-seeking mouse in Byron's pouch jumped out, SQUEAKING, signifying it had scented treasure. This meant a large wave of "treasure" was actively approaching.
Soon, Byron also heard extremely faint footsteps from behind, growing closer and louder. With a wave of scorching air, a group of wobbling, ghastly figures appeared before them.
The two attackers at the forefront were Material entities. They resembled charred human bodies, pitch-black as if made of cinder, like heaps of ash somehow pressed back together. Many parts, however, revealed gleaming golden skeletons and slowly flowing blood of pure gold, all constantly emitting blistering heat. Behind them were semi-transparent Spiritual Bodies, each with elongated limbs, sharp claws, and a grotesquely swollen belly. The bellies were filled with Gold Coins, silver coins, jewelry, Antiques, treasure chests, swords, armor... an endless assortment. Others seemed to be Spiritual Bodies possessing objects, such as a suit of bloodstained knight's armor. Without exception, all emitted thick, ominous black smoke, making Byron and his companions instinctively recoil from the slightest contact.
The [Nautical Logbook] automatically displayed information about them:
[Bizarre · Miser]:
"Most Secret Realms are born from cracks appearing between the Material World and the Sea of Origin Matter. The various negative emotions, settled in the depths of the Human collective subconscious, rise like sediment with the Source Tide and return to the Material World.
Humanity's endless Greed, Residual Souls, and various treasures buried within the cracks combined. Thus, these misers were born—living for treasure, dying for treasure, driven mad by treasure. Most of the treasure within this hoard has been animated in this way.
Taboo: Like attracts like.
Similar wealth or traits will attract misers holding corresponding treasures to your side. Discarding the related treasure can save your life. If the 'like attracts like' phenomenon stems from one's own inherent traits, well, you're on your own."
At this point, Silvergold Island no longer seemed to be concealing the "Alchemy of Transmutation" or the ingredients used. It clearly presented the island's past dead before them in a bizarre form.
Looking back at the basic rules:
"Rule one: Most dangers on the island can be bypassed with money. If you have enough, you might reach the treasure cave without facing any danger."
"Rule two: You must restrain your Greed. Be clear about what you want from this island; know what to take and what to leave. Otherwise, greed will turn your blood into gold."
Many doubts were suddenly clarified.
Standing at the rear of the group, tasked with covering their retreat, Skeleton Knight Andrew showed no hesitation. He drew his longsword, as sharp as ever, from his waist and roared in his heart, I am the vanguard!
And he was the first to charge forward.
Compared to Byron's heretical "I am the vanguard, the boss charges first" philosophy, Mr. Andrew was a truly pure Storm Knight. He also exemplified the correct way to utilize a Lancaster.
Even without revealing the unique abilities of a [Storm Admiral], a single heavy and forceful [Wheel Slash] was enough to cleave one miser in two, from hip to head. Then, another spinning slash.
CLATTER!
In the pitch-black maze, a brilliant golden light suddenly flashed. Antique Gold Coins from Castilia, finely crafted scimitars, jewelry from some noble Family... all clinked and scattered across the ground.
This was a true loot drop, the kind you'd expect from slaying monsters in a treasure hunt!