Chapter 288 Chapter287-The Return, Quest Rewards
Half an hour later.
The team members, with their eyes tightly shut, slowly opened them. First, there was a flicker of confusion in their gaze, which was swiftly replaced by awakening clarity. They gathered around John, all talking at once.
"Captain, what just happened to us?"
"I recall we repelled the Soul-Devouring Devil, didn't we? How did we lose consciousness all of a sudden?"
"Goodness, the images of that battle are still fresh in my mind; even thinking about it now leaves me wanting more."
"That Devil's strength truly surpassed my expectations. I wonder if the other Devils we'll encounter will be even more formidable than the one today?"
...
John stood with a faint smile on his face, quietly listening to the team's discussions.
The wariness and sense of impending danger that once filled their eyes had vanished, replaced by admiration when they looked at him.
It seemed that Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana's words weren't empty; it had indeed altered their memories.
"Thank you all for your cooperation. It was through our collective efforts that we managed to drive away that dreadful Devil..."
John's calm voice resonated, further igniting the excitement and joy in the team members' expressions.
In their recollections, they had waged a relentless battle against the Devil.
Through trials and tribulations, they finally succeeded in banishing the Devil from the Godslayer Continent.
It was a victory like no other.
Even across the annals of history, few had achieved such a glorious feat. How could they not be elated?
"Let's go; it's time to leave this place..."
Leading the way to the entrance of the Soulstone Temple, John began to depart, with the others following close behind.
After this battle, any doubts about John's abilities had evaporated.
They wholeheartedly acknowledged him, seeing him as the only suitable leader for the Devil Elite Hunting Team.
Exiting the Soulstone Temple and traversing the shadowy Mystic Forest, they made their way back to the capital of the Northern Myst Empire via the nearest town.
The group found themselves once again in the grandeur of the imperial palace.
Standing at the palace entrance, after notifying the guards, and gazing at the imposing and fierce dragon sculptures before them, the group felt an inexplicable sense of having been away for ages.
They had departed early in the morning, seeking battle with the Devil, and returned under a starlit sky.
A full day of intense combat had left everyone mentally and physically drained.
Duke Dinan, ever the jovial figure, stood in his grand hall, welcoming the triumphant return of the team.
"Ha-ha! I knew you wouldn't let the empire down! Well done! Among all the Devil Hunting Elite Teams, you are the only one to complete the expulsion quest. You've truly brought honor to our empire!" Duke Dinan's hearty laughter echoed throughout the hall.
Members of John's team bowed in succession.
Noticing John's puzzled expression, Duke Dinan hurriedly explained, "Mr. Galewind, you might not be aware, but ever since it was known that several Devils descended upon the Godslayer Continent, it wasn't just our Northern Myst Empire that took action. The neighboring Easternwood Empire, along with other realms like the elves and dwarves, have all formed their own Devil Hunting Elite Teams. However, up to this moment, only we have truly succeeded in the Devil expulsion quest. The others returned empty-handed..."
At this point, the team's vice-captain, Dragonfang, interjected, "Wasn't there word that the elves had also traced a Devil? Didn't they engage it in battle?"
Duke Dinan's joyful expression shifted to one of bitterness, "You're right, Dragonfang. The Elven Empire did indeed confront a Devil, but their outcome was a total annihilation. Even with a Demigod Level elven elder leading the charge, they couldn't withstand the Devil for more than half an hour. Six powerful beings, all between level 200 and 300, were all massacred by that Devil. Years of their painstaking cultivation served only as nourishment for that Devil's recovery."
"So, after you departed, I was deeply concerned for your safety. Fortunately, you completed the quest successfully and protected the security of the empire."
Upon hearing Duke Dinan's explanation, the team's earlier excitement waned, and a somber mood settled among them.
They had never anticipated that hunting the Devil would be fraught with such peril.
In terms of strength, the Elven Empire was by no means inferior to the two great human empires.
In fact, when it came to the number of top-tier warriors, they even surpassed them.
After all, elves, as a species, naturally possessed longer lifespans.
These extended lives gave birth to even more powerful beings among them.
Yet, such a formidable empire had no power to resist when faced with the Devil.
The painstakingly formed Devil Hunting Elite Team had tragically become fodder for the Devil.
Detecting the team's disheartened mood, Duke Dylan clapped his hands to shift the topic.
"Let's not be too disheartened," he said. "Didn't you all successfully complete the quest? That in itself is a beacon of victory!"
He gestured toward the door, and a procession of attendants emerged, each bearing a gleaming tray.
They approached the team members.
Atop each tray was a card with a black background framed in gold.
"After seeking the emperor's permission, I've secured these rewards for your successful quest completion," Duke Dylan announced. "Each card can be exchanged at the capital's bank for one million gold coins."
The sight of the cards on the tray brought radiant smiles to the team members' faces.
This was the primary reason they had agreed to engage in such perilous combat.
High risks often brought high rewards.
Serving the empire in battle would naturally bestow the richest of rewards.
With a sly grin, Duke Dylan continued, "Of course, I believe that for many of you, money might seem rather trivial. Given your current levels and capabilities, acquiring wealth would be a breeze. Therefore, I've also secured each of you an opportunity to enter the Imperial Treasury once, where you can choose a single item for yourselves."
Hearing Duke Dylan's words filled with mirth, the smiles on the team members' faces blossomed even more.
The Imperial Treasury!
That was the culmination of countless years of the Northern Myst Empire's acquisitions.
No one truly knew the extent of the treasures it held.
But there was a shared belief among them all: anything that emerged from the Imperial Treasury was indisputably priceless.
Duke Dinan led the way out of the grand hall, guiding the team deeper into the palace.
Through intricately carved corridors they weaved, making several turns, until they finally arrived before an imposing, ancient bronze door.
Silently guarding the entrance stood two figures, shrouded entirely in black robes.
Their faces, concealed beneath their cloaks, remained unseen, yet their withered hands hinted at their advanced age.
Standing behind Duke Dinan, John's eyebrows subtly raised the moment he laid eyes on the pair.
From these two cloaked guardians, he detected a faint but undeniable aura of danger.
Clearly, these two had a higher rank than anyone else present, excluding himself.
The Eye of Artemis activated discreetly, revealing the attributes of the two cloaked figures to John:
[Imperial Guardian: A top-tier warrior dedicated to the service of the Northern Myst Empire's royal family, specifically responsible for guarding the Imperial Treasury. They rarely take action, but no one has ever dared to underestimate their power!]
[Level: 498]
[Attributes: …]
...
[Imperial Guardian: A top-tier warrior dedicated to the service of the Northern Myst Empire's royal family, specifically responsible for guarding the Imperial Treasury. They rarely take action, but no one has ever dared to underestimate their power!]
[Level: 499]
[Attributes: …]
A profound astonishment flashed in John's eyes.
No wonder he sensed danger from them – they were merely a step away from the Demigod realm.
John marveled inwardly, realizing that these long-standing native powers indeed possessed profound depths of strength.
Such guardians of the treasury, wielding such formidable strength.
"Halt! No outsiders beyond this point," one of the cloaked guardians stepped forward, blocking the path with an aura of unyielding authority.
From beneath the robe, a raspy and emotionless voice echoed.
Without taking offense at the brusque words of the guardian, Duke Dinan solemnly presented a golden badge, "By the Emperor's decree, I lead these heroes, who have upheld the honor and safety of the Empire, to claim their well-deserved spoils."
The guardian took the badge and examined it closely.
After a moment of scrutiny, the two shared a brief nod of understanding.
"Ah, the heroes who successfully repelled the Devils. It's remarkable that the younger generation possesses such power these days," the guardian who had spoken earlier commented, a rare note of admiration in his voice.
Clearly, they had been informed beforehand by the Northern Myst Empire's Emperor.
The guardians then approached the bronze doors, placing their hands upon its surface.
A cryptic surge of energy emanated from them, and the doors began to glow faintly before gradually opening.
Taking back his badge, Duke Dinan carefully tucked it into his chest.
Turning to the team with a gentle smile, he said, "Proceed inside on your own. Feel free to choose any item you fancy from the second floor. However, you're limited to one item each. Beware of the powerful barriers on the higher floors and refrain from wandering recklessly."
John, a touch surprised, asked, "Won't you accompany us, Lord Chancellor?"
With a light chuckle, Duke Dinan shook his head, "I'm not privileged to enter here. The Emperor's decree only allows the Empire's heroes, such as yourselves, to step inside."
John nodded in understanding, then led his team slowly into the heart of the treasury.
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