Chapter 40 :The Generous Queen
In the era of spiritual energy resurgence, humans awakened diverse abilities, but the Ruins birthed countless creatures—Eastern zombies, Western slimes and goblins, and unknown mystical beings. These creatures, varying widely in strength and lineage, followed a clear hierarchy. The highest known spiritual beasts were two: the mythical Demon King, ruler of the Ruins, and the dragon, apex of both Eastern and Western lore.
The Demon King’s discovery came ten years ago by the elite “Ace Expedition Team.” Survivors reported a possible Fifth Plane entrance beneath its throne in the Fourth Plane. Lin Xue knew little of this, but the dragon’s might was seared into her memory. A small city of 100,000 near Lin City was razed one summer night by a rampaging black dragon from the Ruins. Despite adventurers and military presence, human forces were powerless, the city’s flames illuminating Lin City.
Now, hearing of a dragon’s trace in the Ruins from the Braves team, even in front of her rival Wen Yin, Lin Xue’s brow furrowed with unease. Recent Ruins expeditions showed increasingly volatile spiritual beasts. A dragon outbreak in Lin City would be catastrophic. The priority was clear: head to the Adventurer’s Guild for the Braves’ intel.
But glancing at Wen Yin in Su Qi’s home, Lin Xue hesitated. If I leave this succubus alone with Su Qi, what if she seduces him again?
As she pondered how to address this with her rival, Wen Yin finished her call. Noticing Lin Xue’s hesitation, she calmly walked to the coffee table, wrote a note for Su Qi, and said, “Blood Princess, you must’ve gotten the Guild’s message. Let’s head to our respective Guild branches. Tea can wait.”
Lin Xue wasn’t surprised. Both her Blood Princess and Wen Yin’s succubus abilities were rare and powerful, vital to any team, so Wen Yin receiving a call was expected. But her casual note-writing and familiarity with Su Qi’s home stung. She’s like the childhood friend in anime, holding all the advantages except compatibility with Su Qi’s ability. Yet, Lin Xue consoled herself: The childhood friend never beats the fated newcomer, especially when my ability aligns so well with his.
Determined not to lose face, she wrote her own note for Su Qi, then escorted Wen Yin out, locking the door. Their Guild branches differed, so Lin Xue took the downward elevator while Wen Yin swiped a special card and pressed the top floor button.
As the elevator climbed to Muyin District’s 32nd floor, Wen Yin stepped out. If Su Qi were present, he’d be shocked to learn his decade-long home housed an Adventurer’s Guild on its roof, like Lin Yin Manor. The usually quiet Guild was abuzz today, filled with unfamiliar faces, likely due to the dragon news.
Wen Yin’s entrance silenced the crowd, shifting whispers from dragons to her. “Is that the solo A-rank adventurer, the Queen?” “I heard the Braves’ leader invited her to join, and she refused!” “Why call her Queen?”
Ignoring the chatter, Wen Yin strode to the A-rank counter. Adventurers had ranks, with higher ranks granting better treatment. As she approached, curious captains edged closer, hoping to overhear exclusive A-rank dragon intel.
The receptionist looked up, smiling professionally. “Miss Gu, the dragon details will be shared in a meeting soon. As an A-rank adventurer, you’re eligible for special intel and an S-rank dragon mission. We can discuss in the VIP room if you’re interested.”
The crowd’s eyes gleamed at the mention of an S-rank mission—rare, high-value tasks beyond the usual A-rank ceiling. But Wen Yin shook her head, surprising them with her question. “I’m not interested in the S-rank mission. Can you check which Lin City team has a ‘Blood Princess’ ability user?”
The receptionist hesitated. “I’m sorry, we can’t disclose other adventurers’ information.”
Unfazed, Wen Yin smiled, picking up an A-rank commission. “Then can I post a bounty? I’m seeking a team with a ‘Blood Princess’ for a potential alliance. Anyone who’s encountered such a team in the Ruins can earn 5,000 points.”
The receptionist froze. 5,000 points equaled multiple A-rank rewards, worth at least 500,000 in cash or spiritual items. Such a lavish bounty for a simple request? That’s beyond generous!