After all, the survival game had been going on for quite some time, and everyone had built up some resources. The weapons they’d painstakingly upgraded, the crafting stations they’d scavenged, all the basic materials—gone in an instant!
Starting over was anything but easy.
In fact, it was even harder than the initial struggle. This wasn’t the beginner’s grace period anymore—the monsters were far stronger now. How were you supposed to fight them without even a weapon?
Upgrading vehicles again would require materials and supplies at an almost unacceptable cost. So while this dungeon wouldn’t kill anyone, the aftermath was brutal.
Qi Xu couldn’t explain things too bluntly in the group chat, but after knowing each other for so long, everyone had a pretty good grasp of Whirlwind’s style.
If this dungeon wasn’t absolutely terrifying, Whirlwind wouldn’t have spoken so gravely about it.
Qi Xu hesitated until the very last second before the registration deadline—then finally clicked "Yes."
Just as Qi Xu was about to send all their supplies to Dongfang Yuan...
A thought struck them—what about the beginner Spatial Stone?
Backpack items would be automatically deducted, but what about the Spatial Stone? Qi Xu decided to test it out, moving a portion of their supplies into the stone.
Food, water, tools—everything went in. Then they tucked the Spatial Stone into their pocket.
The remaining supplies stayed in the backpack, with only survival coins kept on their person. Though the coins were precious, even if they were all deducted, there’d be plenty of chances to earn them back.
But survival coins were like a magnet for monsters. Leaving even a single one on them was too risky.
Finally, Qi Xu sent the backpack to "Watch Me Wreck You" and even transferred 50 survival coins to Dongfang Yuan as a storage fee.
Then they initiated a rental agreement, leasing these supplies to the player "Watch Me Wreck You" for five days.
Qi Xu trusted Dongfang Yuan, sure—but years of survival games had taught them to make full use of the system’s safeguards to protect their interests.
The only worry was whether Dongfang Yuan might take it the wrong way.
But... "Wreck You" had a uniquely twisted way of thinking. Her first reaction was:
"If this dungeon came around every day, I’d be set! Just lying back collecting storage fees—I’d be rolling in riches. Deal!"
Dongfang Yuan understood perfectly—Qi Xu was just being cautious. But honestly? This kind of measured, rational, emotionally restrained approach was exactly what she looked for in a friend.
So she accepted cheerfully, and Qi Xu let out a small sigh of relief.
Chinese Master Chef handed all their belongings to Wolf Warrior 009, while Retired Magical Boy gave his stash to Bubbly Girl Guo Degang. Everyone made their arrangements, ready to brave the dungeon the next day.
The next morning, before setting off, Qi Xu prepared five days’ worth of food and water for Little Seven, along with five energy stones.
They made sure the ice-type blue crystal on the vehicle wouldn’t run out before relaxing.
Qi Xu couldn’t bear to turn off the blue crystal—no way they’d let their little one suffer in the heat.
"Little Seven, I’m heading out. I’ll bring back treats, okay? Don’t eat too much chilled watermelon, but if you’re really craving it, check the bottom left drawer of the fridge—I’ve already cut some for you."
Little Seven nodded vigorously with a bark. "Awoo!"
Then, with all the dramatic flair of a ten-minute-old puppy, they pointed at the five energy stones and struck a "STRONG" pose.
Qi Xu gave a thumbs-up. "Got it! Little Seven’s the best—growing up so fast. Soon you’ll be strong enough to hunt with me, right?"
Little Seven puffed up with pride and nodded again.
Qi Xu ruffled their fur one last time, then held them close on the couch, waiting for 8 o’clock.
The vehicle kept moving normally—it would automatically stop the moment they entered the dungeon at 8.
The moment they stepped inside, Qi Xu was once again blinded by the sheer opulence of the castle.
The garden plaza in front was packed—players who’d signed up for the dungeon, all staring in shock and confusion at the grandeur before them.
Soon, a long-necked butler in a tailcoat appeared.
"Everyone! Silence! Stop gawking like a bunch of country bumpkins. Eyes forward, posture professional—line up immediately! Those with work permits, proceed to the east wing to sign contracts.
The rest of you—form ranks, now!"
Despite the butler’s condescending tone and obvious disdain, the players actually found it... weirdly comforting.
At least this monster wasn’t killing anyone. A few insults? Please. They were all seasoned wage slaves—this was nothing.
Then it hit them, and they cursed themselves inwardly. "Damn, we’re really broken, huh? Self-gaslighting before the boss even starts..."
Qi Xu headed straight for the east wing, where Chinese Master Chef and Retired Magical Boy were waiting just outside the door.
The moment they spotted the person they were looking for, they rushed over.
"Boss!"
Just seeing Whirlwind made Chinese Master Chef feel steadier—but with so many people around, they dropped the title.
"You two got here early."
"We were already nearby. The moment they said ‘east wing,’ we bolted over." Retired Magical Boy felt the same. Their combat skills weren’t great, so even though they knew this dungeon’s monsters didn’t kill...
They were still nervous.
Especially Chinese Master Chef—their plump, soft appearance practically screamed, "I’m loaded! Rob me!"
So the two had been waiting outside instead of going in.
"Let’s go. Time to line up."
Not many had special professions. By the time they reached the meeting room, there were only about seven or eight people.
Aside from Qi Xu, Chinese Master Chef, and Retired Magical Boy, the others kept their distance, radiating wariness.
Qi Xu scanned the room and thought one girl looked like Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly—but now wasn’t the time for small talk.
Soon, the long-necked butler arrived. The moment he entered, his demeanor did a complete 180—all smiles now.
"Players, welcome. Thank you for coming to work at Princess Manor. I am Butler Giraffe. Should you encounter any issues during your employment, do not hesitate to consult me.
"Next, I will distribute your work contracts. Please read them carefully before signing."
Qi Xu skimmed the contract—all their personal details were already filled in, matching the info on their work permit.
It felt like being sold into indentured labor... but at least it was better than last time, when there’d been no contract at all, let alone any mention of wages.
The contract stated a base wage of 12 survival coins per hour, increasing by three coins daily. Minimum work hours: eight per day. Overtime paid at double rate.
Wow. Overtime pay? Shockingly fair.
..........
