Yeah, so, how do we get out then?

I am unsure. If they are guarding all the entrances to the Undercity, they are likely guarding the lift back up to the Administrative Center as well. Also, I doubt we could even get back in time. At least, not alive.

Wait, what do you mean?

Right now, if we want to have a high probability of joining the Black Rose guild, completing this quest, which is clearly not a simple task but a major test to get into the guild, is of the utmost importance, correct?

Um, yeah.

Well, I noticed there was an Administrator outpost within the Undercity. It will, for a price, teleport a player’s items into their secure vault, which we will then be able to access. After we die and respawn inside the Administrative Center, our last respawn point, that is. Due to its proximity our respawn time should be negligible. The only difficulty is that the item must not belong to another player for us to teleport it in our name, and I am uncertain whether or not the black box is registered to someone else. As it is unmarked, I highly doubt it, especially if it contains some illegal substance, as the Administrators would confiscate and scan the item.

Dying, really? Is there any other way, like shooting or teleporting ourselves out?

No, this is our best option for completing the task. Player teleportation is unimaginably expensive, even short distances. Additionally, in any other scenario, if we die, we would undoubtedly drop this item.

Alright…

However, since we are planning on dying…

Yes?

I think we should take risks I’d otherwise advise against. As making it out is unlikely, with little chance of gain, I suggest we explore the Abyss Labyrinth Dungeon, and maybe try to get lucky in a dungeon far above our level, trying to steal or ambush unsuspecting, chaotic players. Don’t attack any normal, non-chaotic players as you will lose more if you die with chaotic status for attacking other players.

I know. PvP and who it’s okay to attack and when was one of your first lessons. Let’s go.

Alan made his way over to the Administrator outpost. It didn’t look like any spotters were watching it. At least, none that Eve detected. Shortly thereafter, the Administrator teleported the box for three diamond marks, which seemed like an absurd amount as it was only moved up a few floors. As he was expecting to die, Alan then exchanged the rest of his credits for five diamond, one gold and eight silver marks, which were one level below gold, worth around two hundred credits each at street value.

Alright, we have about 30 minutes, maybe a few more if we hurry once we respawn at the Administrative Center, let’s see what we can find in the Abyss Labyrinth.

Chapter 16

Alan managed to make his way into the labyrinth with an unsuspecting group of explorers. The guards seemed to be more interested about who and what was potentially coming out of the labyrinth than who was going in. Inside the ruins of the building, there was a set of stone stairs leading into pitch-black darkness. The stairs were perfectly symmetrical, and Eve was able to outline in the darkness where the stairs should be, allowing Alan to roughly see in the dark. The explorers were making preparations and going over plans, so Alan decided to proceed down without them.