"Ah—"
In an ancient tomb deep in the mountains, an undead creature let out a wail and vanished, leaving behind a pitch-black key.
Imhotep lowered his staff and gasped for breath.
Ever since entering the Undead Kingdom, his journey had been anything but smooth. There were too many competitors, and every key had cost him a tremendous effort to obtain.
After successfully passing through two areas, he had already expended much of his strength. With no time to rest, even fighting an undead creature around level 80 was beginning to wear him down.
If things continued like this, he would probably have to withdraw from the competition early.
Imhotep sighed, feeling utterly helpless, and started toward the key.
Suddenly, the ground ahead bulged and split open. A bald, middle-aged man emerged from beneath it.
It was none other than the Ghoul King, Aziz.
The two stared at each other in surprise, then both looked down at the key lying on the ground, right between them.
They both immediately thought of snatching it. Imhotep especially couldn't bear the thought of someone stealing his prize after he'd worked so hard to kill the undead carrying it.
Besides, he had already used up all his keys. This was his last one.
Aziz was in the same position. He had used up all his keys, too, and had gone through great pains to reach this place. He couldn't let anyone else take his final chance.
Their thoughts had barely formed, and before either could move, a thunderous crash rang out from the tomb ceiling. A gigantic skull came plummeting down with a shower of rubble and dirt, landing right on top of the key.
Imhotep and Aziz had no choice but to retreat. Then they heard a hoarse voice, unmistakably surprised. "You?"
They both