Chapter 526: Monopolizing Resources.
The group of adventurers huddled together, staring at some jagged rocks. They were looking over a large map that represented this area, one of their members was scribbling on it, filling out the blanks as they went along. There were five in total, a balanced party with years of experience exploring dangerous ruins and forgotten realms. Their leader, a burly man in heavy armor, frowned as he ran his gauntleted hand across the rough stone.
“This is strange… Are you sure we made a wrong turn? I could swear that this is where the entrance should be…”
Behind him, a robed man with sharp eyes and a calculating demeanor stepped forward. The adventurer group stood where the entrance to the next dungeon floor should have been, their expressions ranging from curiosity to frustration.
“It is strange indeed, leader.”
“I know that already! You don’t need to repeat yourself!”
The man, who looked like a mage, shrugged. Like everyone else, he had expected to find the exit to the next floor by now. Time was running out, with more and more adventuring teams diving into the dungeon. They knew a boss chamber had to be nearby. Securing the first clear would earn them bonus loot, and they were determined to get it before the guild claimed it.
“Don’t you have any magic to check? What if it’s hidden by an illusion?”
“Sure… give me a moment. I can check again, but I doubt it’ll change anything.”
“Just do it.”