Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

Although they did not say it aloud, they had ultimately "defected" from Grey Iron City. Having such a hideout far from prying eyes, and one that seemed to have relatively decent conditions, was naturally a cause for joy.

"Later, we'll dig out a few more living quarters," Bai E instructed casually.

The task quota was still posted on Black Street, but even if it was just a verbal command, he could issue rewards too, providing they were willing to trust and take action, they would not be at a loss.

"As you command, my lord!" Dai Lian hesitated slightly, but Gong Yan had already agreed without delay.

The fact led by Gu Lan had already been verified once, and it seemed that occasionally acting beyond the scope of their tasks did not result in being shortchanged.

Hearing the players' affirmative answers, Bai E nodded in satisfaction before turning to Nova to explain, "This is actually just a warehouse. If you guys are going to stay here regularly, we'll need to dig out another dwelling next to it."

"Okay, we'll do as you say," Nova simply stared at Bai E, her face full of a compliant, beaming smile.

Utter trust could also be quite pressuring. Bai E took a deep breath before gesturing to one side, "…You must be tired after the long journey, find a place to rest for now."

In the corner, there were soft mattresses and bedding left by Kuang Xin and the others, prepared for those occasional moments when they wanted to lie down and rest in a clean spot.

Although Bai E did not quite understand why they needed to "rest" in the game…

"Sure~" The clever Nova knew that Bai E had instructions to give his subordinates, so she consciously stepped aside.

In fact, within this sealed warehouse, it would be very difficult for any sounds to avoid the attention of others.

Looking back at the four players standing obediently in front of him, Bai E's expression became somewhat serious, "In the days of my absence, has anything happened?"

The responsibilities of Xu Ruoguang could not simply be a line of text displayed on the panel.

Dai Lian took the initiative to speak, "We dealt with some potential heretic risks and probes from outside forces. However, it seems that the attitudes of two forces are somewhat ambiguous, presenting themselves under the guise of collaboration. The steward said that we should wait for your return to make a decision."

The four of them, unlike Xu Ruoguang who was bound to Black Street, were free to roam, but they would still make trips there twice a day. After all, they were all tasked with maintaining the order of Black Street.

As it was related to contributions, they would not entirely wash their hands of the matter, so they were informed about the affairs of both the steward and Xu Ruoguang.

"Hmm," Bai E nodded, "Later, I will meet with him to understand the situation in detail…"

Since there were no special significant events, he could now proceed with the plans he had previously set in motion.

"I have a task for you to carry out… You should all know about the Underground Colosseum where Kuang Xin has been competing in the boxing matches, right?"

[Task description auto-generating…]

[Side Mission—Colosseum Suspicions (Combat Assignment): The largest Underground Colosseum in the nearby region always gathers characters from all places. Each time a match occurs, the atmosphere in the arena is filled with a strange vibe, and the hosts of the Colosseum seem to be intentionally leading something…]

Mission Requirements: Investigate the truth of the Colosseum 0/1, and if the host of the Colosseum is plotting something evil, you will also need to completely destroy their schemes 0/1.

Mission Rewards: General Experience 100~200 points (adjustable), item rewards (undetermined).]

(Note: "Auto-complete" allowed; upon confirming the release of the assignment, "authorization" and "expenses" will be deducted and locked.)

[Do you wish to issue the current assignment?]

With two potential outcomes for the mission, there was no way to widen the gap just through experience rewards; the difference could only be reflected in the tangible rewards.

Bai E searched his own person, finding suitable items that could be offered as rewards… a bio-component, and a sub-par bio-component—the drive comes from comparison.

[Confirm Release!]

Brand-new tasks always invigorated players eager for something fresh.

"It's getting late, you can start your mission now," Bai E said as he took out a signal gun from within his clothes, the same model as the old steward's, both of which were extra supplies he had redeemed with military merits, "Take this with you. If you encounter any enemy you truly cannot defeat, use it to notify me."

[You have obtained the mission item: Signal Gun.]

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[Signal Flare: A one-time use item that can be used to request help from the indigenous population in critical moments. This opportunity can only be seized once, so handle with care! (Not limited to the current mission, can be retained if not used in the current mission.)]

Clutching the signal flare, Dai Lian's face lit up with excitement, having snagged another powerful item.

The signal flare itself wasn't much, but the character it could summon was the key.

Even if it wasn't needed for this mission, wouldn't he just breeze through any tough boss in the future by summoning his own boss directly?

"I will not let you down, my lord!"

Bai E nodded slightly, "Go."

Following his eager teammates who were rushing out of the underground base, Kuang Xin suddenly hesitated, "Wait, I was planning to learn some skills from the lord..."

Dai Lian asked with some curiosity, "What skills do you want to learn?"

They had exchanged information on the abilities each could learn from one another, and Dai Lian knew that Kuang Xin had already learned nearly all the skills that were suitable for him from their lord. The rest of the contribution points could be completely saved for the fourth-floor store or for exchanging goods in the warehouse.

"Self-restraint," Kuang Xin stated firmly.

He had been hindered by Spiritual Energy when facing opponents with such abilities on several occasions. The protection offered against Spiritual Energy in the self-restraint skill was something he valued.

It was the only ability they had encountered so far that could strengthen their protection in this regard, and it was also the foundation for learning the path of Spiritual Energy.

With the contribution points he had saved up over the past few days, plus the 50 points just awarded by the lord, his contribution points had once again reached 140, more than enough for the 100 points needed to exchange for the self-restraint skill.

As it involved factors of Spiritual Energy, Dai Lian did not dare to make a decision lightly.

Kuang Xin's close-combat strength was indeed fierce, and he was a qualified Vanguard Shield, but when facing opponents with Spiritual Energy, his combat abilities were significantly diminished under their suppression.

It was difficult for them to judge at the moment whether it was better to specialize in one area or to dabble in every aspect with their current understanding of the world.

And Spiritual Energy wasn't something you could just learn on a whim, could you?

None of their initial attributes included a special focus on "Mystery," and according to the indigenous people of this world, this meant they had no talent for it. They weren't like Gong Yan and Gu Lan, who had improved their "Mystery" attributes and could awaken their Spiritual Energy on their own.

Even with effort, mastering Spiritual Energy was still uncertain.

"Let's ask the lord for advice when we get back..." pulling Kuang Xin along, Dai Lian said, "It's getting late, let's do the mission first."

"Oh, right~" Kuang Xin immediately switched his train of thought, "So, what should we do later on?"

The lord's mission provided only the basic objectives and offered no completion strategy.

With no constraints, there was also no guidance.

How to complete the mission would depend on their own wit.

"We'll see when we get there..." Dai Lian shook his head. Aside from Kuang Xin, the others hadn't visited the Underground Colosseum much. Counting on Kuang Xin to come up with a combat plan wasn't very realistic. They would need to observe the situation on-site before making a decision. "Just register for the competition as usual, and we'll play it by ear. Pay attention to the cues we give you from outside the arena."

"Got it!"

...

After making arrangements for the players, Bai E returned to the three individuals from Grey Iron City.

Seeing their expectant looks, Bai E smiled warmly at them, "Since you're idle anyway, I'm in need of a real manager for my warehouse right now, any of you interested?"

This was originally Gilder's job, but ever since he was reassigned to Black Street to deal with various tasks, it became difficult for him to handle the warehousing duties as well. It was necessary to find a replacement to facilitate the functioning of the warehouse.

Existing functions couldn't just be discontinued, even if they might not be needed often. Otherwise, it would amount to a breach of trust with the players.

One should always be prepared for any eventuality. Bai E had far more to consider every day than what appeared on the surface.

```