The red-clothed person took out his all-purpose spatial ring and produced a model of a treasure chest monster from it.
"Sir, this is a basic soul analysis of a treasure chest monster, which can help you create one."
Chén Yuān accepted it with a sweep of his hand and asked, "Aren't treasure chest monsters just for storing things?"
"Sir, you're mistaken. A treasure chest monster can refresh a mid-tier equipment item based on the dungeon's level for you within 24 hours, a high-tier equipment item within 48 hours, and a low-tier equipment item within 12 hours. All these events are calculated independently. There's also a chance it will refresh some treasures for you, which sometimes appear instead of equipment."
"That strong?"
【He's not wrong. I'll introduce the treasure chest monster to you objectively, even if my subjective understanding is limited.】
【Most Dungeon Lords dislike this thing. Although it can continuously bring you good items, the vast majority of dungeon monsters cannot change equipment. They'll use the same set of equipment until it's worn out, and can't switch even if they find better. However, their equipment can gradually repair itself within the dungeon. Also, dungeons with more treasure chest monsters are more likely to attract Adventurers, including powerful ones.】
"So, dungeons with treasure chests and more monsters are wealthier and attract more Adventurers, right?"
【Yes, but they are also more dangerous.】
Chén Yuān's blood-red eyes stared intently at the red-clothed person.
"Are you trying to harm me?"
The red-clothed person instantly recalled the pros and cons of the treasure chest monster and hastily knelt on the ground, begging for forgiveness.
"Get up, I forgive you."
"I have another question: what should I do with those 98 people?"
"Sir, you can either kill them to increase the dungeon's notoriety, or sacrifice them all to obtain stronger monsters and greater power."
Chén Yuān nodded thoughtfully. He would definitely sacrifice them all to the Dark God, as the most powerful deity should surely grant him good things.
"Alright, alright, you two have finished eating, so I won't see you out."
"Sir, I have a gift too."
The black-clothed person took out a blue gem from his spatial ring and respectfully presented it to Chén Yuān.
"Sir, this is an experience gem. Absorbing it will grant you a large amount of experience. I hope it helps you."
"Good, I'll give you two a return gift as well."
Dark energy swirled around Chén Yuān, and two giant claws formed from the dark energy lunged towards them. The two did not dodge; they simply closed their eyes slowly.
"This level shouldn't hurt them, right?"
【It definitely won't hurt them. Moreover, with one swipe of your claw, you can increase their darkness defense by 1%-2%.】
"Are these two freebies very useful?"
【Currently, they are quite useful to you.】
*Crack*
Chén Yuān bit into the experience gem. The blue gem shattered instantly, like broken glass beads. Waves of experience began to spread throughout his body like a warm current from his mouth.
"I'm level 20."
...
"You also failed in that dungeon?"
"Could it be that you are also...?"
The president of the Loop Guild and a junior from the Yang Family found common ground. They chattered for a long time and finally decided to dispatch a 20-person team to completely salvage their reputation.
"I can't believe that the esteemed Yang Family would fail in a level-zero dungeon?"
"Zhang, why hasn't Zhāng Tiānhé returned yet? Did he die in the dungeon with your sister?"
"You...!"
"Alright, alright, stop arguing."
The President of the Loop Guild began to comfort both sides, trying to calm their excitement. Otherwise, before they even fought the dungeon, they would fight amongst themselves, not to mention the potential loss of profits, the guild might cease to exist, possibly disappearing entirely.
...
【You have successfully sacrificed 98 people. Please choose your reward, select two out of three.】
Dungeon Monster: 【Harasser】
Dungeon Room: 【Trap Room】
Special Item: 【Mutated Demon Stone】
"Choose the latter two."
【Selection successful.】
【Please choose the trap for the Trap Room.】
【Crystal Skull】: Increases the stats of all Undead creatures in all rooms by 10%, and fallen Adventurers will transform into Skeletons with 100% stats for 30 minutes.
【Black Mist】: Reduces Adventurers' hit rate and speed by 20% each.
"Why are there only two this time?"
【Are you asking me? You only have these two traps, don't you? Did you think I would give you three to choose from? You already have traps, why would I give you more?】
"This... Fine, fine."
【Where shall it be placed?】
"Place the Crystal Skull in the back and the Black Mist in the front."
【Placement successful. Please choose the location for the Trap Room.】
"Place it in front of the first room."
【Placement successful.】
【Do you wish to promote the dungeon?】
"Of course..."
【An Adventurer has entered the dungeon. Promotion aborted.】
"Skeleton Knight!!! Go kill him for me!"
A familiar sound of hooves echoed, though it was heavier than before. The Skeleton Knight Captain on horseback, with fierce eyes, charged towards the first room.
Chén Yuān saw the opposing lineup on the screen: 7 warriors, 7 archers, 2 mages, 3 assassins, and one Hidden Profession: Berserker.
The Skeleton Knight Captain charged directly at the Berserker, already in a charge state. With triple damage, he might heavily wound the Berserker, possibly even killing him instantly.
"Forget it, take your time. I want to see what good stuff this treasure chest monster is."
【Consumed one gold coin. Successfully summoned Treasure Chest Monster.】
A giant chest appeared before Chén Yuān. The keyhole was a huge, blinking eye, somewhat terrifying. The chest also had a forked tongue inside.
【Treasure Chest Monster】 HP: 1000, Melee Physical Attack: 10-99, Defense: None, Speed: Extremely Fast.
【The Treasure Chest Monster has brought you 1 Level 1 Low-tier Equipment - Ironwood Greatsword】
【The Treasure Chest Monster has brought you 1 Level 1 Mid-tier Equipment - Poisoned Dagger】
【The Treasure Chest Monster has brought you 1 Level 1 High-tier Equipment - Decaying Battle Armor】
【Current Dungeon Treasure: 9 gold coins, 1 Level 1 Low-tier Equipment, 1 Level 1 Mid-tier Equipment, 1 Level 1 High-tier Equipment.】
【Reached Level 1 Dungeon promotion standard. Elite monsters have been selected, totaling two. The current Dungeon Lord is Level 19, meeting the promotion standard.】
"Abort promotion."
【Yes】
Inside the room, the Skeleton Knight Captain was fighting 1 vs. 20 and had the upper hand. Using its spike-based damage reflection, it prevented them from getting close.
The Berserker was almost finished with that single sword strike, with very little health left. Just as he was preparing to retreat past his teammates, a sword energy accurately hit him, killing him instantly.
"Information reconnaissance complete. The Boss should be a Skeleton Knight, with only two rooms."
"I have already sent his information, along with several other dungeons, to the Yang Family. The Bai Family and Zhang Family have also received it."
One person spoke, then was cleaved down by a sudden axe from behind.
"This Crystal Skull thing is pretty awesome."
At this moment, the Berserker had become a living dead. His once stout arms were now as thin as dog paws, but his strength had not diminished at all.
Seeing their recently deceased teammate instantly turn into an Undead, the others, though surprised, continued to unleash skills and normal attacks without restraint.