"You humans really have an extraordinary amount of courage."
The gatekeeper continued coldly, "Could it be that the refining plants that man brought back made you feel so good about yourselves that you think you're capable of stepping onto this land again?!"
He snorted, "Unrealistic fantasy."
"We understand." The elegant man continued to smile, "But dreams are worth having, what if they come true?"
"Oh?" The gatekeeper chuckled lightly, "Foolish."
"Slow and steady wins the race." The elegant man bowed to the gatekeeper, "Could you please grant us some leniency?"
"If you're looking for [Treasure], there isn't any, but if you're looking for [Disaster], that's no problem at all."
"[Disasters] are abundant on our land!!"
"Ha, I didn't expect they'd actually want [Disaster]. I can't decide whether to praise them for their courage or criticize them for overestimating themselves!!"
"You want [Disaster]? By all means, take it. I hope next time you still have the life to contact us."
"No, maybe after they get the [Disaster], we'll be liberated and won't have to find guides for them anymore!"
"Hahaha, true!"
After listening to the elegant man's words, the other gatekeepers also reacted.
Immediately, sharp and mocking words were casually thrown at the elegant man. After all, they weren't the ones begging now.
"Have you really thought this through?"
The gatekeeper asked indifferently.
"Yes!!"
The elegant man remained unmoved by the harsh mockery, as if he hadn't heard it.
"Very well, since you've made your decision..."
The gatekeeper didn't say anything more, "Then regardless of the final result, you'll have to bear it yourselves." He had no intention of stopping this request.
In fact, he was eager to see it happen.
Whether these humans were truly confident and prepared, or if the success of that previous man had blinded them with greed, it didn't matter.
Since they chose to request [Disaster], he had no reason to deny it.
After all, it's not like it's [Treasure]; it holds little value for their tribe.
On the other hand, although they aren't affected by disasters due to their racial traits, they still find them unpleasant.
If humans want these hot potatoes, they can have them.
If they manage to survive the [Disaster], then they have skills worth noting, and he would just click his tongue in admiration.
But if they barely manage, their world would be left in chaos and ruin.
Then, forget about stepping onto this land again; rebuilding their home would be a challenge.
At that point, humans' ambitions to tread the Dark Continent would be indefinitely postponed, granting them long-term peace.
And if humans are wiped out by [Disaster], losing even the last safe haven of Mobius Lake...
That would be perfect.
For the gatekeepers, it's the best outcome!!
They wouldn't have to entertain wave after wave of human explorers.
Nor would they have to fulfill the ancestral agreements made with humans.
If not for those agreements, they wouldn't bother with these humans, much less find them guides.
There's no benefit for them; it's a thankless task.
That's why they feel annoyed with humans and wish they'd disappear from this world.
Once all humans are gone, they would finally be free.
Their ancestors' agreements with humans did include not providing any [Hope], but they didn't say anything about [Disaster].
So providing [Disaster] doesn't break the agreement, right?
"We are prepared for this."
Seeing the gatekeeper relent, a slight smile appeared on the elegant man's face.
The people behind him also breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite the mockery, their goal was achieved.
"If that's the case..."
The gatekeeper asked, "I will soon have the guide deliver the [Disaster] to your Sixth Continent."
The guide can not only help adventurers reach the Dark Continent but also bring things from the Dark Continent back to the Sixth Continent.
"Please wait!!"
Seeing that the connection was about to be cut off to select a [Disaster] for them, the elegant man hurriedly said:
"We already have some ideas about the choice of [Disaster]!!"
---
If they were really to let the other side choose a [Disaster] for them, and if it were rated A+ or S-level, then the Sixth Continent would basically be on the brink of destruction—it would just be a matter of time.
He didn't care about becoming a sinner in the eyes of humanity; he only cared about his own life and the power and interests he held. If the Sixth Continent were to collapse under a new [Disaster], the ones who would suffer the most losses would be the high-ranking officials with real power like them. Destroying the Sixth Continent would be destroying their own interests!!
"The [Disaster] we want is the Chimera Ants from the Dark Continent!!" the elegant man hurriedly revealed their set target.
"Chimera Ants?!" The gatekeeper pondered, while the gatekeepers outside whispered among themselves.
"Chimera Ants, indeed a species from that land, and they seem to be similar in size to humans."
"They are insatiable and have the ability to consume and reproduce: the Queen Chimera Ant can exhibit the traits of consumed creatures in her offspring."
"That's right, I've heard that to acquire stronger genetic traits, the Queen Ant often consumes her favorite species to extinction."
"It's said that each meal can result in laying 1-5 eggs, though the worker ants of the next generation are infertile."
"These creatures have an enormous appetite, consuming several times their body weight in food daily. Due to their varied tastes, they're also known as Gourmet Ants."
"In short, they're a very annoying bunch of ants."
"Though they live on that land, aren't they considered a lower form of life?"
"Humans targeting them is both surprising and somehow expected, haha."
"Indeed, it seems humans can only handle this kind of trash."
As their discussion reached its end, it turned into a new wave of mockery against humans. It seemed no matter the topic, it always ended up highlighting "human incompetence." Mocking and humiliating humans seemed to have become a trend among this tribe. (TN: of course the gate keepers are chinese young masters o.O)
"You want those creatures?" The connecting gatekeeper, although more courteous, showed a hint of disdain in his furrowed brows and casual words. It was clear he looked down on the humans' choice. After all, in the Dark Continent, Chimera Ants are, bluntly speaking, among the lowest life forms.
In the Sixth Continent, Chimera Ants are only rated as a B-level threat, far below the other five major disasters from the Dark Continent, and classified by the V5 as a first-level quarantine species. Considering this, it's quite underwhelming, and for humans to use Chimera Ants as practice is even more so.
If humans are genuinely using this species as a warm-up for preparation, they'd better stay as far away as possible. The connecting gatekeeper was almost disinclined to deal with these humans.
But knowing that if he refused, the humans might find other ways to persuade him, he decided it was better to agree to their request. Humans are quite persistent, and to avoid future harassment and complications, it was simpler to comply.
Besides, while Chimera Ants may not be impressive to them, they could be quite troublesome for humans. The Chimera Ants' ability to consume and incorporate genetic traits into their offspring is formidable. Humans will undoubtedly suffer in this regard!!
With this in mind, the connecting gatekeeper remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "No problem." After all, Chimera Ants posed no real threat to them and could be captured easily.
"I'll have the guide capture one and deliver it to you. Do you want a soldier ant or a queen ant?"
"Queen ant!" the elegant man replied firmly.
"Alright." The connecting gatekeeper nodded. Delivering a queen ant would maximize the damage, aligning perfectly with his intentions.
"Then it's settled," the connecting gatekeeper said blandly. "If you can't handle the Chimera Ants, don't bother us again. Otherwise..." His voice turned cold, clearly hinting at an unpleasant outcome.
"We understand," the elegant man replied promptly. Since their goal was achieved, nothing else mattered.
With both sides having reached an agreement, this conversation should have ended here. However—
Suddenly, behind the connecting gatekeeper, a shadowy figure appeared out of nowhere.
"Hmm?" The connecting gatekeeper, noticing the commotion, turned to see the unexpected visitor, momentarily taken aback.
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