The Shelter Game: Me, Starting with a Tenfold Drop Rate

Elder Howard was naturally shocked by Elder Lawrence's sudden disappearance. However, after carefully questioning the ordinary members of the Night Blades regarding what they knew, he suddenly felt that there might be a larger conspiracy behind Lawrence's unexpected vanishing.

"When did Elder Lawrence wake up? I remember that when we first encountered him, he was already in a coma," Howard inquired.

He summoned all the Night Blades members who had been acting alongside Lawrence for detailed questioning about any information related to him.

"When you and Elder Kent launched an attack on our enemies, Elder Lawrence woke up. As soon as he regained consciousness, he asked us to bring him to Shadow City," one of the members reported.

Howard nodded. "And then what happened?"

"After we returned to Shadow City, Elder Lawrence instructed us to search for the presence of enemies within the city. He told us that in addition to the two enemies you fought, there were still other foes lurking within Shadow City," another member, the captain of one of the Night Blades teams, quickly added.

He was the captain who had initially followed Elder Lawrence's orders, and he felt it was essential to clarify everything. He certainly didn't want to lose the trust of the other Night Blades elders due to Lawrence's potential conspiracy.

Elder Howard did not question the information they provided.

He felt that under such circumstances, an ordinary Night Blades team leader wouldn't dare to lie to him. Although he had sensed the presence of a conspiracy, it was improbable that these ordinary team leaders were involved in it. They must have been deceived by Elder Lawrence.

"And then you all proceeded to search for the enemies?" Elder Howard asked.

"Yes! We immediately acted according to Elder Lawrence's orders! We did find some traces of the enemies. However, the foes were just too cunning, and we were never able to pinpoint their exact location," another Night Blades member replied.

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"When did you realize that Elder Lawrence was missing?" Elder Howard felt that the information he had received earlier was of no use. His primary concern now was to determine when Lawrence had disappeared.

"We only just discovered that Elder Lawrence was gone. After all, before your arrival, Elder Lawrence hadn't been in very good condition, so we didn't dare to disturb him," one of the Night Blades team leaders explained, forcing himself to speak.

Elder Howard was very dissatisfied with their explanation. "Do you think that statement can just brush everything aside? During such a long period, not a single one of you checked on Elder Lawrence? Don't you think that while searching for the enemies, you should keep Elder Lawrence updated on your progress? Or are you just trying to deceive me with what you just said?"

Elder Howard's questioning plunged all the Night Blades members present into a state of extreme panic.

They all understood very well that once they lost the trust of the Night Blades leadership, they could face unimaginable punishments.

"We're telling the truth; we didn't think too much about it at the time."

"You have to believe us! The situation was quite urgent back then."

"Elder Lawrence always appeared very composed, so we didn't dare to doubt his orders."

Faced with their justifications, Elder Howard angrily waved his hand.

"Enough! Stop wasting time with excuses. Quickly carry out my new orders: you are to search not only for the enemies in Shadow City but also for the missing Elder Lawrence. Whatever clues you find, you must notify me immediately. Do not attempt to conceal even the slightest hint. If I find out you've hidden any relevant information, you will pay a heavy price."

After delivering this stern warning, Elder Howard dismissed all the Night Blades members.

"It seems that the situation in Shadow City is far more complex than we imagined. Lawrence is not entirely loyal to us in the Night Blades," Elder Kent, who had been patiently listening to Howard's questioning from the adjoining room, stepped out.

Although he was severely injured, he was still able to think clearly. Moreover, with the help of the healing potions available to the Night Blades, Elder Kent's injuries could be swiftly mended.

"I don't understand why he would do this. Could it be that he already knows the secret of the power that we possess in the Night Blades?" Elder Howard turned to Elder Kent, his tone tinged with confusion.

Elder Kent silently shook his head. He refrained from speaking because every high-ranking member of the Night Blades knew that the secret of their power was deeply concealed. Unless someone was extremely trusted by the leadership, it was impossible for them to be aware of this secret.

Although both Elder Howard and Elder Kent had keenly sensed the presence of a conspiracy, they were unable to determine the specifics of it at that moment.

"Perhaps we will have to take things one step at a time," Elder Kent said helplessly.

Elder Howard nodded, "That works too. This way, we remain in the shadows while the enemy is in the light. No matter what our adversaries intend to do, they will inevitably make a significant commotion."

Elder Howard and Elder Kent quickly reached a consensus. They felt there was no need to rush, deciding instead to wait in the fortress area of Shadow City for others to reveal their information first.

Meanwhile, as the Night Blades members anxiously searched for the whereabouts of Irving and Elder Lawrence, Elder Lawrence, along with Benjamin and Aron, finally arrived at the entrance of the underground tomb in Shadow City. The entrance was hidden within an inconspicuous building in Shadow City.

If Elder Lawrence had not brought them here, they would have never suspected that this building contained any secrets.

"You actually placed the entrance to the underground tomb beneath this building? Do you Night Blades really think this is a very safe place?" Benjamin asked, his tone filled with confusion as he examined the structure more closely.

"The most dangerous place is often the safest. While I don't want anyone discovering the entrance to the underground tomb, I can't place it outside of Shadow City. If I did that, forces outside the Night Blades would easily find the entrance. That would be bad news for me as well," Elder Lawrence explained.

His words actually revealed that he had long since betrayed the Night Blades. Moreover, the entrance to the underground tomb in Shadow City was known only to him; the other members of the Night Blades had no idea.

Benjamin and Aron finally understood why Elder Lawrence had chosen to collaborate with them.

"You must keep your actions hidden from the other Night Blades members, which is why you need to work with us frequently. To ensure that we don't betray you at a critical moment, you deliberately created an Abyssal Monster within Anna's body using Blood of the Abyss. Your plan is indeed very clever. If you were my ally, I would be very pleased," Benjamin said, his tone filled with admiration.

Benjamin's words caused Elder Lawrence to pause. At that moment, he had arrived at a very ancient door. On this old door, there was a lock that looked extremely worn and appeared to be easily smashed with brute force.

"Aren't we allies now? Since you appreciate my plan so much, you should be happy for me at this moment," Elder Lawrence said, his voice becoming more hoarse than before. The influence of the Blood of the Abyss seemed to be taking a greater toll on him.

Benjamin calmly shook his head. "Your plan is indeed clever, but there is a significant flaw in it. Aren't you worried that Irving might collaborate with the other members of the Night Blades? If Irving joins forces with the others, your actions will have no chance of success.

You don't seriously believe that your power could surpass the combined strength of Irving and the other two Night Blades elders, do you?"

Benjamin finally pointed out what he considered to be the weakest aspect of Elder Lawrence's plan.

Elder Lawrence nodded, seemingly acknowledging Benjamin's words. "You are right; this is the biggest flaw in my plan."

After saying this, Elder Lawrence approached the ancient door. He took a key from his pocket and used it to unlock the worn lock on the door.

The moment the door swung open, Benjamin and the others felt the temperature in the surrounding environment drop rapidly.

"I certainly can't defeat three powerful individuals at once. However, they will not be able to cooperate either; their battles may not even have a clear end," Elder Lawrence said, pulling the ancient door wide open.

As the door was kicked open, the temperature inside plummeted below freezing. A bone-chilling wind rushed out from the doorway, causing everyone to shiver uncontrollably. Only Elder Lawrence seemed unaffected, clearly accustomed to such conditions.

"Even if their fights come to an end, they won't be able to find this place. This location is extremely hidden; neither the Night Blades nor the Angel Guild are aware of its existence," Elder Lawrence continued as he slowly stepped inside.

Benjamin and Aron exchanged glances filled with doubt. They hesitated, unsure whether they should follow him. The temperature inside would certainly be colder than outside the door. What if they entered the underground tomb and ended up freezing to death? Moreover, the ancient door seemed to effectively block any connection between the inside and the outside.

If they went in, it was very likely that Irving outside would lose track of them.

After Lawrence stepped into the underground tomb, he slowly turned around. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and come inside!"

As soon as Elder Lawrence's words fell, the group suddenly found themselves inside the ancient door.