Chapter 4Widowed Innkeeper NPC

Jimmy was the rank-two player on the leaderboard.

He and Tony were the only two players in the history of the game to clear every single five-star trial. They were legends, untouchable gods to ordinary players.

While Tony occasionally posted guides, Jimmy was a complete mystery. He never participated in community discussions, focusing entirely on grinding points and uncovering hidden game mechanics.

The community was in shambles. No one could understand why these gods were suddenly begging for a low-tier slot.

The comment section of Jimmy's post was already thousands of pages long.

"Just got out of a trial. What did I miss? Why are the top dogs begging for a Rosewood Inn slot?"

"Check the announcement. The dungeon is closing."

"What kind of riddle is this?"

"Didn't Tony tell us to stay away?"

Jimmy had replied to that last comment just a minute ago:

"That absolute bastard."

"Is Jimmy always this aggressive?"

"Wait, did they lie to us? Is there some legendary loot in there?"

"Oh my god, I knew it! They wanted to keep the treasure for themselves!"

Justin checked his lobby team list. The other six players assigned to his round were all in the top ten. Some of them were the very ones who had left the worst reviews.

"Wow," Justin muttered, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Completionists really do win in the end. These pros have been playing 4D chess for years, coordinate-bombing the reviews to keep people away. Absolute geniuses!"

Even if he couldn't get his hands on the secret treasure, watching the top players fight would be worth it.

His game bracelet suddenly vibrated.

"Player, where is Holly's husband? The trial is starting. Transferring in ten seconds. Please prepare."

Justin took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

"Ten."

"Nine."

"Eight."

A cold, smooth sensation suddenly wrapped around his wrist.

"Take me with you," a voice whispered.

Justin opened his eyes in shock. A small, snow-white snake was wrapped tightly around his wrist like a bracelet.

"Six."

A notification popped up. A massive sum of points had been transferred to his account.

"I'm Jimmy. This is your payment."

"Three."

The snake spoke, and a co-op entry request popped up on his screen. Only those who had cleared the game had the authority to force an entry like this.

"Accept it. Quickly."

"Two."

Justin felt a sharp pinch on his wrist. He quickly tapped accept.

"Transferring!"