System:"Talent [Genius Negotiator](acquired from the prologue chapter) has been activated. You have successfully persuaded Captain Steven, Steven's affection +3, John's affection +5."

This can actually increase affection?!

And lucky enough, I directly triggered the Genius Negotiator's activation rate. Although I'm not sure what the default success rate for communication is, the frequency of triggering is certainly high!

"Hmm—!" Steven's voice rose from low to high, seemingly pleased with Kenley's flattery.

"Hahaha, buddy, come, tell me more about that noble tomb. By the way, no one has already beaten us to it, right?" Steven and John immediately made a complete 180-degree turn in their attitude toward Kenley.

Kenley grinned:"Heh heh, Captain, that tomb was discovered just by me, and I haven't told anyone except for you."

"Good, good," Steven nodded in satisfaction, then turned to John and said,"John, get everyone ready. We're going to investigate that noble tomb."

"Yes, Captain!" As soon as John heard there was treasure to be dug up, his eyes immediately lit up. He went to discuss it with the caravan leader and gathered several helpers, though he left a few behind to guard the caravan.

Kenley rubbed his hands together and cautiously probed,"Captain, about the money..."

Hearing Kenley ask for money, Steven gave him a glance and his tone became slightly colder,"Buddy, don't rush. The treasure isn't in hand yet. Once we get the treasure, we'll split it and give you your share. By the way, you have to follow us the whole way. You understand, right?"

After all, he was the captain of the guards, and caution was part of his duty. However, Kenley could already foresee the fate of this group.

Kenley clearly remembered that during the first DLC, the noble tomb in Lopa Town was notorious for being a killer of first-tier players. Despite these guards being many in number, the tomb had a level 20 (second-tier) elite monster. Wouldn't they be scared out of their wits if they went in?

Kenley's original plan was to lure all these guards in, use the monster to eliminate them, and then rescue the princess from the clutches of the slave traders.

Since these merchants were ordinary people without combat professions, and although Kenley was just a farmer, with the right equipment and his skills, taking out a few merchants shouldn't be a problem.

The real problem now was that Steven hadn't sent all his men. Instead, he'd only sent half of them, which made Kenley somewhat dissatisfied. He needed to find a way to lure a few more away. What should he do?

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Got it! Kenley had a sudden idea:"Captain!"

"Hmm? What's the matter?" Steven, who was organizing his equipment, turned around.

Kenley forced a smile, acting embarrassed:"Captain, I think I remember vaguely… there might be skeleton archers inside."

As soon as those words were out, Steven's expression changed immediately.

"How many?"

"Can't remember exactly, maybe two or three, or four or five… Heh heh…"

"Damn!" Steven cursed, but his eyes flickered before he turned to John and said,"Skeletons are tough to deal with, go call a couple more people."

"Yes, Captain!" John, ever obedient, immediately went off to carry out the order without questioning it.

Kenley glanced around. Only two guards were left behind. He felt a little relieved; with only two level 12 guards, using some skill, they should be manageable.

Kenley calculated it out. The team heading out to search for treasure had a total of fourteen level 12 warriors, with no clerics, no priests, and no archers.

Kenley really wanted to complain—how on earth did such a team manage to protect the slave caravan heading to the imperial city? Could it be that the caravan wanted to keep a low profile, which is why they chose such a shoddy escort team?

Kenley complained, but he still glanced at the slave merchant leader. He was immediately taken aback. The accessory hanging around the leader's neck was impressive. It had to be at least a finely crafted (blue-quality) accessory.

Finely crafted equipment, before reaching the third tier (level 30), was considered top-tier gear. Back in the first expansion, having a finely crafted item could make a whole group of people envious.

The group was ready to go, and Kenley had no reason to avoid it, so he followed the team out.

About twenty minutes later...

"It's just ahead, Captain." Kenley led the way, clearly acting like a local, which made Stephen trust him more and lowered his suspicions.

"It seems like you really know this place well," Stephen complimented.

Kenley thought to himself,"How long have I been playing this game? I might not remember all of Odran's continent, but if I've forgotten the map of the newbie village, I might as well smash my head into a rock."

"Be careful! The plants here are poisonous, if they sting you, you'll be paralyzed!" Kenley suddenly pulled a guard aside. The guard thanked him gratefully.

Seeing Kenley so proactive, both John and Stephen exchanged glances. Their trust in Kenley grew a little more.

"We're here, this is it!"

Finally, a dark tomb emerged abruptly in the middle of the farmland, a pungent smell wafting from within. Looking down from the edge, there was only a square spiral staircase leading down.

"It's definitely the aura of the undead," Stephen's eyes brightened.

John coughed, waving his hand in front of his nose."Damn, the smell of these boneheads is intense." After a pause, his desire for treasure took over again."Heh, Captain, let me go down first, I'll scout ahead."

Stephen didn't stop him. He nodded."Hmm, be cautious." He then waved to the two guards behind him."You two, go with John and follow him down. If you encounter any undead, don't engage, just run back up without looking. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain!"

The two guards immediately joined John, forming a small reconnaissance team of three, and began making their way down the staircase.

They lit a torch, which instantly illuminated the entire entrance of the tomb.

The interior of the tomb was simple and straightforward. Aside from the spiral staircase leading down, there was a large circular stone pillar in the center, adorned with many ancient creatures as decorations.

At the bottom of the entrance, there was a stone door, tightly sealed, and no matter how hard John pushed, it wouldn't budge.

"Captain! There's nothing here except a door that won't open!"

Hearing John's words, Stephen frowned and turned to Kenley."Didn't you say there were skeleton soldiers? Why is there nothing here?"