The success of **Eternal Bite Plus** rippled across the second floor like a shockwave, but it wasn’t long before CODE’s influence attracted the attention of more than just rival guilds and vendors. The **Dwarven Nobles**—those who held the keys to true power on the second floor—began to take notice. Their interest, however, wasn’t just in CODE’s products but in the **economic power** they were accumulating.
One afternoon, a messenger arrived at the **CODE Marketplace**, bearing the insignia of the **Dwarven King** himself.
“Alex,” Betsy said, approaching him as he stood in their bustling headquarters, overseeing the new shipments of Eternal Bite Plus being prepared for distribution. “You’ve got to see this.”
The messenger, a stout dwarf with a formal demeanor, bowed deeply before presenting a sealed scroll. “By order of His Majesty, the Dwarven King, you are summoned to the royal chambers to discuss a potential partnership.”
Alex took the scroll, his brow furrowed. This was the first time he had been formally contacted by the **Dwarven Court**, and it was both an opportunity and a potential danger.
“They’re inviting us into their inner circle,” Betsy said quietly. “That’s huge.”
“Or it’s a trap,” Drax muttered from behind them. “Those dwarves are crafty. They don’t just invite outsiders into their business unless they want something.”
Alex opened the scroll and read the formal invitation. The Dwarven King wanted to discuss a **trade alliance**—a partnership that could make CODE the official supplier of Eternal Bite and other goods to the entire kingdom. It was an opportunity that could push them into a level of power they had only dreamed of, but it also meant stepping into a realm of politics that Alex had been avoiding until now.
“We can’t pass this up,” Alex said finally. “If we can secure a deal with the Dwarven King, we’ll have access to **resources and protection** that will make it almost impossible for any guild to challenge us.”
Betsy nodded. “But we have to tread carefully. This could just as easily turn into a **political game** where we’re used as pawns.”
Alex’s mind was already racing with possibilities. “We’ll go, but we won’t go unprepared.”
---
### **The Dwarven Court**
The next day, Alex, Betsy, and Drax made their way to the **Dwarven Kingdom’s royal palace**. The grand halls were carved into the mountains themselves, with towering stone statues of ancient dwarven kings lining the passageways. **Torches flickered** along the walls, casting shadows that danced like ghosts of the past.
As they approached the throne room, Alex couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. This was more than just a meeting—it was a pivotal moment in CODE’s rise to power. If they could secure a **formal alliance** with the Dwarven King, they would solidify their hold on the second floor’s economy.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
The doors to the throne room opened with a creak, and they were greeted by the sight of the Dwarven King sitting upon a massive stone throne. His beard was long and silver, braided with gems, and his eyes gleamed with the wisdom of centuries.
“Alex of CODE,” the king’s deep voice echoed through the hall. “I’ve heard much about your guild’s success. Eternal Bite has become the most sought-after item in my kingdom.”
Alex stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to be here.”
The king’s lips curled into a smile. “The honor is mine, young man. I have a **proposition** for you.”
Alex listened intently as the king laid out his offer. The Dwarven Kingdom wanted to make CODE the **exclusive supplier** of Eternal Bite and its variants to all of the Dwarven cities on the second floor. In exchange, the dwarves would provide **protection**, access to their **trade routes**, and most importantly, **unrestricted access to their legendary forges**, where the finest weapons and armor in the game were crafted.
“We can offer you something no other guild can,” the king said, his eyes gleaming. “The ability to craft **legendary equipment** that even the highest-level players would kill for.”
Alex’s mind raced. This was it—the opportunity to take CODE from a powerful trading guild to the dominant force on the second floor. But with such an offer came risks. The Dwarven Court was not known for their loyalty to outsiders, and there was always the possibility that this alliance would be used to control or manipulate them.
Betsy, ever the strategist, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, your offer is generous. But alliances between guilds and kingdoms can be fragile. We would need certain **guarantees** to ensure the safety and independence of our operations.”
The king’s smile widened. “Of course, Lady Betsy. You are wise to be cautious. We will offer **written assurances** that CODE will maintain complete control over its operations. However, we will expect a **share of the profits**—10% of all sales made within the kingdom.”
Alex exchanged a glance with Betsy and Drax. The offer was steep, but the benefits far outweighed the risks. If they could lock down this deal, they would have access to resources that would make them untouchable.
“We accept,” Alex said finally.
---
### **The Deal with the Dwarves**
Over the next week, the details of the deal were hammered out. CODE would supply Eternal Bite and its enhanced versions to the entire **Dwarven Kingdom**, and in exchange, they would receive access to the **legendary forges**, allowing them to craft high-tier weapons and armor that no other guild could match.
The first shipments of **Eternal Bite** to the Dwarven cities were a massive success. Players flocked to the markets, eager to get their hands on the stat-boosting food that had made CODE famous. But the real game-changer was the introduction of **legendary equipment**, which quickly became the most sought-after commodity on the second floor.
Torik, their trusted blacksmith, worked tirelessly in the **forges of the Dwarven Kingdom**, crafting weapons and armor that were unmatched in power. The marketplace in Ironclad City became a hub for the most **elite players and guilds**, all of whom were willing to pay a premium for the legendary items CODE now had exclusive access to.
But with success came **increased danger**.
Valen and the **Silver Serpent** guild weren’t the only ones watching. As CODE’s power grew, so did the **whispers of K**—the mysterious figure who had been influencing events from the shadows since the beginning. Players started reporting strange glitches in the game, symbols that seemed to appear and disappear without explanation. Some claimed to have heard K’s voice in the dungeons, while others spoke of **visions** that hinted at something much larger happening behind the scenes.
Alex couldn’t ignore it any longer. K was watching them, and his influence was growing stronger with every step CODE took.
---
### **The Unseen Threat**
As CODE continued to rise, Alex found himself thinking more and more about K. He had always suspected that there was more to this world than what they saw on the surface, but now he was certain. K wasn’t just an NPC or a random event in the game—he was something else, something much more dangerous.
“We need to start **digging**,” Alex said to Betsy one evening as they stood on the balcony of their newly expanded headquarters. “K is watching us, and I don’t think he’s going to stay quiet much longer.”
Betsy crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the horizon. “I’ve been hearing the rumors too. Players are starting to see his symbols everywhere. But what do you think he wants?”
Alex shook his head. “I don’t know. But I think it has something to do with the **higher floors**. We’re still on the second floor, but the third floor… that’s where the real power lies. And I think K is waiting for us to get there.”
“Then we need to be ready,” Betsy said firmly. “We’re not just dealing with rival guilds anymore. If K is involved, this could be bigger than we realize.”
Alex nodded. “We’ve built our power through trade and alliances, but now it’s time to start thinking about the bigger picture. We need to prepare for whatever K has planned.”
As the shadows deepened around them, Alex knew that the next phase of their journey was just beginning. The second floor had been about **building power**, but the real battle lay ahead—and it would be unlike anything they had faced before.