TSA Chapter 38

Bonus Chapter for New Year’s Eve

After splitting up at the roller coaster, Soul Chaser and his group originally planned to try the pirate ship ride. However, they decided to check the forum reviews from other players who had already tried it before proceeding.

The reviews unanimously described the pirate ship as terrifying. Players recounted being placed on a ship to play the role of sailors, enduring tsunamis, violent storms, and even sea monster attacks. Some players were so shaken that they vomited after disembarking.

Upon seeing these reviews, Soul Chaser and his group chickened out and considered the spinning saucer ride instead. Unfortunately, it also had overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players likening it to being trapped in a can and shaken violently for five minutes. Many reported being unable to walk straight afterward.

However, there was one ride called Tornado that received relatively milder reviews. It was noted to be shorter and less intense compared to the other options. Encouraged by the promise of two treasure chest keys as a reward, the group mustered their courage and gave it a try.

But they were too naive. The system transported them to a pristine white space and instructed them to sit in transparent spheres. When the restraint mechanisms were activated, an ominous feeling washed over them.

The next moment, they were whisked into a tornado, spinning rapidly up and down while witnessing firsthand the tornado’s destructive power. It felt like being part of a disaster blockbuster movie.

After surviving the Tornado ride, the group decided to abandon any rides that rewarded two keys and opted for less intense one-key games. They had just finished bumper cars and were about to try the carousel.

Ran Qi couldn’t help but twitch his lips at their reasoning.

You guys really had it rough ah!

“It’s not like we don’t want to play,” Gu Le complained pitifully. “It’s just that these games are way too scary! They’re not meant for humans!”

“Exactly! I think the developers made this event not for us to play, but to play with us!” Plume Ink grumbled indignantly.

Night Owl asked coldly, “So you plan to take this pitiful amount of keys into the treasure cave and then just sit back while Ran Qi and I open all the chests?”

The event’s keys were bound to the player and could not be traded. After clearing nine scenes, including the haunted house and the roller coaster, Night Owl and Ran Qi had accumulated 30 keys, including the bonus from staying in a team.

In contrast, Plume Ink’s group had only earned six keys from their initial two scenes and three more from the Tornado and bumper cars, totaling nine keys…

Soul Chaser, who had been kicked out of the haunted house once, had the fewest keys at just six.

“Well, we’re not that lucky anyway,” Soul Chaser tried to console himself. “Even if we open chests, we might not get anything good. Watching you two open them could be entertaining, too…”

“Yeah, yeah! You don’t need a ton of keys. Having a dozen is already great,” Gu Le added optimistically.

Night Owl shot a deep look at Soul Chaser, making him shiver.

Soul Chaser immediately changed his tune. “Actually, we could give the two-key rides another shot…”

Satisfied, Night Owl said, “Good. After the carousel, we’ll do the pirate ship.”

“…Alright…”

Ran Qi looked toward the carousel entrance, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Although he enjoyed thrilling attractions like haunted houses, he was also curious about the carousel, a ride he had never tried before. Whenever he visited amusement parks in the past, the carousel was always incredibly popular, with long lines and beautiful lights and music at night. However, it was mostly girls riding it, so he’d always been too embarrassed to line up. Now, with everyone joining in, he didn’t need to worry about that.

It wasn’t long before it was their turn. At first, the carousel was exactly as Ran Qi remembered—a rotating platform adorned with colorful, adorable wooden horses patiently waiting for players to mount.

But once they boarded, and the carousel began to spin, the wooden horses transformed into lively, rainbow-colored ponies with round, chubby heads that looked irresistibly cute.

The ponies trotted in a slow circle, occasionally bouncing playfully. By the end, they even nuzzled the players affectionately with their heads—a stark contrast to the terrifying rides they’d endured earlier.

Soul Chaser complained, “Ugh, why can we only ride this once? This is the most fun ride, and they should let us do it more!”

Night Owl glanced at him coolly. “And let you leisurely ride it three times to earn the same number of keys as we got from the haunted house?”

Soul Chaser choked on his words and fell silent.

Night Owl said, “Let’s go. Time for the pirate ship.”

After completing all the rides in the amusement park, more than ten hours had passed.

Night Owl and Bai Ran managed to collect every key available, while Soul Chaser’s group, spurred on by Night Owl, finally gathered over 40 keys.

The group headed to the treasure cave to open chests.

At the cave’s entrance, a crowd of players had already gathered, all eager to try their luck and score big.

Ran Qi and the others, who had been too focused on playing the games earlier, finally checked the world chat. They were shocked to discover that nearly everyone who entered the treasure cave had made significant gains. Players had reported finding epic gear, skill books, and even physical exchange coupons. Even those with poor luck walked away with at least a piece of rare equipment.

As more players flocked in, some could only regret not having played more of the game attractions and earned additional keys.

Seeing these people, Soul Chaser and his group felt that being forced by Night Owl to play all those ‘dangerous’ games wasn’t so bad after all.

“It’s open,” Night Owl announced, activating the dungeon.

The treasure cave resembled a limestone cave, with narrow passages and dim lighting. Although the six of them entered together, they were transported to different parts of the instance.

Having developed a significant fear of darkness and isolation, Soul Chaser couldn’t help but call out, “Where are you guys?!”

Plume Ink anxiously responded. “I can’t see anyone either!”

“Check the map,” Sword at Fleeting Time said calmly, now much more composed. “We’ve been split up, which actually makes it easier to search for treasure chests. All our equipment is intact, and our skills aren’t disabled. Even if there are monsters, we can fight them. No need to panic.”

Ran Qi examined the map and found the cave’s layout was highly intricate, with numerous branching paths, making it difficult to regroup. He decided to explore on his own.

“Sword’s right! I already found a treasure chest!” Gu Le’s excited voice came through. “Let me open it!”

“What did you get?” Soul Chaser asked.

“Nothing good! A skeleton warrior jumped out of the chest! I barely managed to kill it!” Gu Le replied, breathless. “Ranran, be careful!”

Since Ran Qi had the weakest combat ability in the group, they were naturally worried. While his safety was assured, he might struggle against monsters.

“Of all people, you don’t need to worry about Brother Ran,” Soul Chaser said dismissively. “His luck is so good he’ll probably only get great items.”

“You might have a point…”

Ran Qi chimed in, “Have you guys found any chests yet? I can’t find a single one.”

He had walked quite a distance without spotting any sign of a treasure chest. Wasn’t the treasure cave supposed to be full of them?

Gu Le advised, “Ranran, check the ground and walls for any bumps. The system deliberately hides the chests. You need to look carefully. I only found mine because I tripped over it!”

“Got it.”

Ran Qi assumed the chests would be obvious, like those in regular dungeons, but it seemed he needed to pay close attention.

Following Gu Le’s advice, he scanned the ground and walls and soon spotted something reflective not far away. Approaching it, he uncovered a treasure chest partially buried in the ground, with only one corner visible.

Fortunately, the ground in the treasure cave was soft, making it easy to dig out the chest. Unlike the usual gold or silver chests in dungeons, this one was entirely black and had a mysterious aura. Several large gemstones embedded in its lid made it stand out, and their glint had given its location away.

Ran Qi retrieved a key from his inventory and inserted it into the lock, successfully opening the chest. Inside was a [Firewall – Skill Book]

[Firewall – Skill Book]

Can Learn Level: 30

Limited Profession: Elemental Mage

Description: Learn the skill [Firewall]. Cast time: 3 seconds. Cooldown: 1 minute. Summons four pillars of fire to form a wall that blocks enemies. Enemies touching the firewall will be inflicted with a burning effect.

Satisfied, Ran Qi stored the skill book to give it to Night Owl later.

After walking a bit further, he noticed a bump on the cave wall. Digging it out revealed another treasure chest.

This time, he got the formula for a magic scroll. He set it aside to sell in the Trading Hall later.

The treasure cave lived up to its name. Treasure chests were scattered everywhere, and with a little observation, they were easy to find.

[System Announcement] Player [Bai Ran] has defeated the Treasure Guardian and obtained [Guild Summoning Order].

Gu Le, seeing the announcement, couldn’t hold back. “What the heck!!!!”

The first Guild Summoning Order in the entire game had appeared. Not only were players in the World Channel shocked, but Soul Chaser and the others were so excited they nearly jumped out of their seats.

“A Guild Order! We can finally start a guild!”

“Brother Ran, you’re the best!”

“Truly a lucky charm!”

As everyone enthusiastically showered Ran Qi with praise, Plume Ink suddenly realized something was off. “Wait a second… Why hasn’t the boss said anything?”

In a small voice, Soul Chaser murmured, “Kind of curious what the boss opened…”

“If you value your life, shut up right now!”