Dungeon King: A Lady Knight Offered by My Goblins

Chapter 204 202-Hot Spring Ruins

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The codenames of these individuals seemed somewhat peculiar, causing a surge of unease in Sherry. 

Underneath the table, her hand discreetly tugged at Ethan's clothing. 

However, Ethan was already well aware of who these people were.

In a composed manner, he stated, "As for codenames, you can call me Black Dragon." Ethan impersonated Komait by using his codename.

Upon hearing the name "Black Dragon", the others in the room abruptly turned their gazes towards Ethan, a flash of surprise and reverence appearing in their eyes. 

Subsequently, they all chimed in, "Welcome, Brother Black Dragon!"

"Wait!" Ethan interjected, "I didn't say I wanted to join. Furthermore, you haven't explained what you're planning to do. How can I decide whether to join or not? Although we share a common identity, that doesn't necessarily mean anything."

His abrupt interruption caught the group off guard, including Sherry who looked around at everyone, her curiosity piqued. 

The individuals in the room shared an identity with Ethan, marking them as Dark Lords infiltrating Frosty City. 

Their codenames were indicative of the races they belonged to.

Ethan's fearless demeanor stemmed from having sensed the presence of other Dark Lords in the market crowd earlier, including that of Dark Lord Blood.

His curt refusal to join irritated some in the room, and all eyes turned to Dark Lord Blood.

"Apologies, my mistake for not clarifying," Blood promptly stood, addressing Ethan, "Black Dragon, we called you here for a matter of utmost importance, something that could greatly benefit both you and us."

"What matter?" Ethan pressed, seeking more details.

Blood resumed his seat, taking his time to elucidate, "To understand this, we have to go back to when the Devil Guild attacked Frosty City. The foundation of Frosty City is incredibly unconventional. The Azure Empire harbors a secretive scheme behind its establishment. The Devil Guild has verified this information, discovering a hot spring in the Great Snow Mountains to the east of the city."

"A hot spring?" Ethan couldn't help but interject.

"Yes, exactly, a hot spring," 

Dark Lord Rock nodded, picking up where Blood left off, "That hot spring is referred to as the 'Goddess of the Snowy Mountains' hot spring. According to the rumors, immersing oneself in it can significantly enhance physical strength and broadly augment one's capabilities. Moreover, it possesses powerful therapeutic properties."

"And this hot spring was discovered by the Azure Empire two years ago," continued the narration.

"Once the Azure Empire seized control of the Eastern Shore, they couldn't wait to enter the Snowy Plains, establishing Frosty City with the intention of permanently monopolizing the 'Goddess of the Snowy Mountains' hot spring."

"But they didn't anticipate the Devil Guild getting wind of it."

"Regrettably, even though the Devil Guild managed to learn of this, and discreetly took care of the guards in Frosty City before heading to the hot spring to investigate, they found that all the spring water had been drained away."

Dark Lord Rock elucidated every detail meticulously, enabling Ethan to grasp the full scope of the situation. However...

"Let me interrupt again; what does this have to do with your invitation for me to join?" Ethan inquired, showing signs of impatience. 

He didn't have much time to spend with these individuals.

"It does, and significantly so!" Dark Lord Rock affirmed with a smile. 

"At the bottom of the dried-up spring pool, the Devil Guild members discovered an intact ruin. Moreover, this ruin permits entry only to those possessing a unique bloodline, almost as if it was designed for us Dark Lords. According to the information I procured at a high price from the Devil Guild, entry into the Hot Spring Ruins requires a team, comprising a minimum of five members and a maximum of ten."

"And the rewards one can acquire vary based on performance within the ruins," he added, his deep voice echoing in the room.

A flicker of surprise passed through Ethan's eyes as he posed his final question, "Why choose me?"

"Because you are strong enough!" Dark Lord Rock stated confidently, the affirmation resonating with a note of certainty.

Subsequently, he rose to his feet, followed by the others, all fixing their gazes on Ethan.

"How about it, Black Dragon, are you interested in joining?" Dark Lord Rock inquired again, evidently the leader of this band of Dark Lords.

Ethan, pulling Sherry up with him, replied, "No problem."

A fully functional, intact ruin — everyone understood the immense value it held. 

Especially a site with such stringent entry requirements, restricting access to individuals with a specific bloodline; the rewards that awaited them there were undoubtedly beyond imagination. 

Facing such an opportunity, Ethan naturally had no intention of letting it slip by.

Seeing Ethan agreeing, the others visibly brightened, their joy apparent.

Particularly Dark Lord Blood, who enthusiastically invited Ethan and Sherry to sample the abundant feast laid out on the table. 

"Come, try this. It's a specialty from the Snowy Plains, unavailable anywhere else," he insisted, as Ethan responded with a warm smile.

In no time, the gathering morphed into a congenial assembly of old friends, acquainted for years.

As dinner neared its end, Dark Lord Rock spoke again, "Everyone, we now have enough people to enter the ruins. Let us meet at the inn's entrance tomorrow morning to head to the Hot Spring Ruins."

"No problem," Ethan was the first to respond, followed by agreements from the others. After settling this matter, they left one after another.

Afterward, Ethan and Sherry returned to the inn. 

Following a brief wash-up, they lay down on the bed. 

With Sherry lying sideways next to Ethan, her hand resting on his chest, she voiced her concerns regarding the next day's expedition, "So many people will surely be heading to such a ruin, Ethan. You have to be careful."

"Don't worry, I will be fine," he reassured her. "Also, you're coming with me to the Hot Spring Ruins tomorrow."

Ethan tenderly ruffled Sherry's hair.

"Me?" Sherry turned towards Ethan, her eyes filled with puzzled inquiry.

Ethan explained with a smile, "According to Dark Lord Rock, only those with a special bloodline can enter the Hot Spring Ruins. While it is common for Dark Lords to possess special bloodlines, not all individuals with special bloodlines are Dark Lords. Have you forgotten the barrier at the entrance of Red Jade Valley?"

Sherry immediately remembered upon his reminder.

"Even though there might be some issues with your bloodline, it has been enhanced by the red jade, making it considerably stronger than a normal special bloodline. So, entering won't be a problem for you," he continued. "Besides, this is also an opportunity — a chance to understand the issues with your bloodline better."

Ethan detailed the true purpose of his agreement to venture into the Hot Spring Ruins.

Touched after listening to Ethan, Sherry softly asked, "Did you agree to go so readily because of me?"

In moments like this, there was typically only one answer.

Ethan wrapped his arms around Sherry and whispered in her ear, "While advancing my abilities is important, you matter even more to me."

Hearing this, Sherry became even more moved. 

She nestled her head on Ethan's chest before her rosy lips sought his in a tender kiss.

Moments later, the room echoed with the harmonious melody of passionate moans, only ceasing in the late hours of the night, replaced by the tranquil rhythm of breaths deep in sleep.

The next day.

A languid Sherry, clearly worn from the previous night's activities, threw off the covers to find Ethan's admiring gaze. 

Unbashful, she presented herself wholly before him, unabashed and confident in her own skin.

"Have they arrived yet?" Sherry yawned and asked Ethan after dressing up.

"Not yet, but they should be here soon," Ethan replied, exiting the inn with Sherry.

At the inn's entrance, they were met by the coming and going of numerous individuals, with Dark Lord Rock standing in a corner, evidently having arrived not too long ago.

Upon spotting Ethan and Sherry, Dark Lord Rock greeted them warmly.

Not long after, the remaining three — Dark Lord Blood, Dark Lord Ice, and Dark Lord Vulture arrived. 

Without further delay, the group set off towards the snowy mountains east of Frosty City.

During their forced march, Ethan encountered other teams.

Most of these teams carried the aura of Dark Lords, although there were also teams formed by Heroes. 

However, no conflicts erupted when these Hero teams met with the Dark Lord teams. 

Before the benefits that the Hot Spring Ruins promised, hatred could be set aside.

When they reached the area where the Hot Spring Ruins were located, there was already a large gathering of various creed and races, some even setting up tents nearby.

At that moment, Dark Lord Rock explained, "The Hot Spring Ruins only open at noon on clear days. However, the weather in Snowy Plains is unpredictable; discerning when it will be sunny is quite a challenge. Fortunately, we've been having good luck — it's been sunny these past few days."

"This is quite fascinating," Ethan couldn't help but marvel, growing increasingly curious about the Hot Spring Ruins.

Before Ethan could ask further, a shout suddenly erupted from the crowd's center, "The ruins are open!"

Instantly, everyone surged towards the ruins' entrance.

Seeing this, Dark Lord Rock scoffed, "Such ignorance. Only those who meet the criteria can enter the ruins; no amount of pushing and shoving will help if they don't qualify."

After saying this, he turned to Ethan and the others, "Let's move."

Following behind Dark Lord Rock, Ethan and his group approached the entrance to the Hot Spring Ruins. 

After walking a dozen steps, Ethan saw the entrance.

It wasn't a traditional doorway but a Magic Circle, engraved at the bottom of a hot spring pool. 

The flowing magical runes on it emitted a powerful aura. 

The intricate designs moved with a life of their own, telling stories older than time itself, inviting them into a world of mystery and ancient power.