Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 120: Smooth Escape - The Unforeseen Truce

Zephyr laid sprawled out motionlessly in a steel cage, like a rug made of monster hide, a small pink tongue sticking out of his mouth. Dreary blue eyes shifted to the simple hook latch that secured the gate of his tiny metal prison.

The average monster wouldn't know where to begin unraveling such a mechanism, but the canine wasn't your typical monster—he was a majestic Divine Beast. But unlocking his cage wasn't the challenge. His true crisis dwelled in the fact that he couldn't move a single muscle.

After squaring off against the cephalopod monster, all of his energy was drained. The pup was so weak that even the simple task of using his nose to hoist the hook from the latch was an impossible mission.

All of a sudden, from atop the enclosure that resembled a birdcage, a familiar purr could be heard. A dark creature could be seen comfortably perched atop the cage, a dark aura radiating from its body like smoke from burning charcoal.

Zephyr's expression settled into a poker face as piercing olive-green eyes and an obviously smog grin stood out amongst the black canvas of its mysterious form. Its long tail was coiled around a vial containing a blue liquid, putting it teasingly on display.

The pup's eyes popped open at the sight of the much-needed mana potion, then narrowed in annoyance when he considered the reality of not only showcasing weakness in front of the newcomer, but also being in his debt.

Zephyr struggled with this inner conflict, but only for a moment. Appeasing his ego wasn't his top priority at this moment in time, but living up to his master's expectations and adequately playing his role in the current predicament.

Following a sigh, the canine softened his gaze—a signal of appreciation and perhaps a truce. Midnight's grin widened in response, his pearly white teeth in stark contrast to his jet-black form. With undisguised delight, the Djinn inched closer and maneuvered his tail between the bars of the cage.

Conjuring the dregs of his strength, Zephyr locked his jaws around the cork of the vial. While Midnight held the container in place, he yanked the cork free and proceeded to lap up the bright blue liquid that spilled out onto the floor.

Within moments, the pup could feel a surge of rejuvenating energy flooding his body. His once empty mana core was quickly replenished, which rekindled the strength in his limbs. When he pushed to all fours, his tiny body firm and energized, oceanic eyes narrowed in commitment, he belatedly noted Midnight perched arrogantly on his back.

Then his expression became sour.

***

A small bonfire suffused the subterranean chamber with a soothing warmth. The hired mercenaries sat around it, their carefully placed kebabs stuffed with monstron and vegetables. While their hearty meal was being roasted, they laughed merrily while sharing wild tales and delicious wine.

For them, however, the most enticing recreational activity was undoubtedly centered around a metal device resembling a smoking pipe. Inside, a familiar crystal sat nestled, releasing silvery blue smoke that curled into the air.

One man's eyes rolled back as he took a deep puff, an ecstatic expression slowly twisting his face as he held the smoke inside his lungs.

For mercenaries like him, a slice of this euphoria was all the payment he needed to take on assignments. No job was too simple, dangerous, or ridiculous once he could acquire his share of pixie crystals.

As a delicious wave of mana surged through his brain, stimulating his neurotransmitters to flood his mind with relentless pleasure, reward, and an overwhelming sense of contentment, the man leaned against the cave wall. To him, it felt as soft and inviting as a plush mattress beneath his back.