Chapter 60: Positioning

"I have no intention of leaving the city," Ryuzhi replied flatly, holding the arm as he prepared to retreat into a corner.

At that moment, Mr. Skeleton Worm spoke up, "You might have some misunderstandings, and perhaps you don't know what this gathering is all about. We primarily focus on wilderness expeditions. Honestly, there are many things to be discovered out in the wild—such as giant beasts, or rare herbs that cannot be found anywhere within the city walls. All of these are essential materials for becoming a transcendent.

Look at why these friends of mine are so enthusiastic; it is precisely because they know that following me on expeditions brings immense benefits. If you don't believe me, you can ask them how they grew to be where they are."

"That's right! Last time I was just someone with latent potential, but during our last expedition, I managed to gather sufficient materials, and now I'm a formidable brawler," a man declared excitedly. It was obvious he was Mr. Skeleton Worm's most loyal follower. "I'm joining this time as well. I have to find some good stuff. I have a younger brother at home who is about to come of age, and I need to prepare some fine items for him."

"Oh, then you all should just go yourselves."

Ryuzhi had not the slightest desire to get involved. Although he was somewhat curious about how many such places there were to explore in the marshes outside the city, his duties forbade him from leaving his post. Even if he wanted to enter a game, he still had to request leave. An expedition that required being away for days with yields lower than a game session simply could not arouse his interest.

"However, if you happen to obtain any good items, you can sell them to me. Perhaps I will offer a price that satisfies you."

The brawler was about to try persuading him further when Mr. Skeleton Worm intervened, "Forget it, if he doesn't want to go, then let him be. Still, I hope this gentleman will keep what he's seen a secret and not blindly follow us when we leave the city."

As Mr. Skeleton Worm spoke, his eye sockets locked onto the severed arm Ryuzhi was holding.

Ryuzhi chuckled inwardly. He was certain Mr. Skeleton Worm wouldn't give up so easily; if he were in the other's shoes, he wouldn't let go of such a golden opportunity either.

One had to know that the current permissions to enter the game were heavily restricted. Without specific designated items, most players entering the game would be assigned randomly.

Those with good luck might be fine, but if someone possessed the absolute worst luck and got thrown into a Holy Light-themed game world, could they possibly conjure up a Holy Light undead?

They would undoubtedly pack up and head straight back home on the very first day.

Therefore, having a physical coordinate for a game world right before them was something even high-tier players would crave, let alone the fact that Mr. Skeleton Worm might not even be a regular player himself.

With this thought, a faint smile surfaced on Ryuzhi's lips. "I'm not that idle, and I won't follow you out. But let's get one thing straight: if you truly find anything worthwhile, I can pay a high price for it."

Mr. Skeleton Worm was about to say something further when he heard a voice shout, "Get lost! Even if you have money, we wouldn't sell anything to you!"

"Exactly! I despise rich cowards like you who hide behind others and let them die for you."

"That's right! If you don't even dare to participate in an expedition outside the city, what kind of transcendent do you even hope to become?"

"Get lost! Get lost! Don't ever show your face here again. Show up once, and I'll beat you once!"

For a moment, Mr. Skeleton Worm found himself in an awkward position. He had originally wanted to win Ryuzhi over. Although it was clear Ryuzhi might not follow his lead, it would still have been better than the current situation.

At this point, Mr. Skeleton Worm had only one thought left: once the gathering ended, he would have someone trail Ryuzhi to find out where he lived, eliminate him, and take back that arm.

Glancing sideways at Mr. Skeleton Worm, Ryuzhi wore a slight smile. His right hand rested on the thin rapier at his waist, while his left hand leaned upon the Staff of Death, exuding an aura that suggested he would retaliate with full force if anyone dared to act recklessly.

Mr. Skeleton Worm grasped Ryuzhi's intentions at a glance. Aside from his own personal strength, maintaining his reputation for ensuring the safety of most participants was the very foundation upon which he had built this gathering.

If he were to personally take action against Ryuzhi, no one would ever be willing to attend these gatherings again.

Therefore, no matter how much resentment simmered in his heart, Mr. Skeleton Worm finally said, "Very well, sir, you may take your leave. Rest assured, we will guarantee your safety while you are here."

Ryuzhi cast one final look at Mr. Skeleton Worm, then turned and walked back toward the way he had come. He had noticed a small teleportation array back there; this must have been the method used to bring people in, and presumably, it was also the way out.

Ryuzhi suspected that the landing spot upon being teleported out might well be under their surveillance.

Yet Ryuzhi was entirely unfazed. He stepped onto the teleportation array and tapped it with the tip of his Staff of Death. The array activated automatically, whisking him away.

The next instant, Ryuzhi materialized at the edge of the Bunir District. Walking just one more block would bring him into District 108, the Karaz District.

"Interesting."

Turning his head for a quick glance behind him, Ryuzhi spotted some strange bubbles churning in the marsh beneath the wooden boardwalk.

"It seems that fellow really hasn't given up. But what can you do even if you refuse to let go?"

Muttering to himself, Ryuzhi tucked the arm into his coat, grasped his Staff of Death, and strode swiftly in the direction of Golden Scissors Street.

The Bunir District was not particularly small, and since Ryuzhi had deliberately led those lurking in the swamp mud on a chase, he had walked a slightly longer route.

By the time he returned to Golden Scissors Street, night was already falling.

Ryuzhi tossed the severed arm into his Underworld Palace. Uncharacteristically, he chose not to dwell within the Underworld Palace that night, instead retiring to his own small two-story building and summoning Videnina.

"Someone might come to launch a sneak attack tonight. I'm not sure of their background, but if anyone actually shows up, eliminate them directly and drag their corpses into the Underworld Palace."

Having made these arrangements, Ryuzhi returned to his room to read.

Videnina offered no verbal reply, but Ryuzhi trusted she would carry out the task flawlessly.

Meanwhile, right in the muddy mire outside Ryuzhi's courtyard, a corpse entirely covered in rotting aquatic weeds was slowly crawling out from the sludge.

However, it did not enter Ryuzhi's courtyard. It merely glanced at the premises from the outside before retreating back into the mud.

As it withdrew, it left behind a faint, muffled sigh.

"Damn it, to think they dared to target a Corpse Collector. I honestly have no idea what they were thinking. Good thing I noticed early, otherwise..."