Ch. 401The Third Time—This Is the Current [Scholar] Advancement Quest (Continued)
Key plot points and events
- After two failed attempts against the dungeon’s version of Adrian, Nan Riri’s team concludes that his speed, one-hit attacks, and phasing make him effectively unbeatable. They switch sides and enter as bounty hunters tasked with helping White Ghost defeat the Capone Gang.
- The new mission offers modest experience for surviving, but large rewards for killing Capone leaders Bege and Bell. The team chooses to test the bosses, quickly defeating ordinary gang members before confronting them. Bege transforms into a heavily armored, treaded “human tank” and charges Nan Riri and Xu Yizhen.
- Adrian watches players repeatedly enter and lose in the dungeon. He designed it to exploit their mistaken belief that his level-30 past self would be beatable: his Ghost Body is already strong enough to repel them unless they have Haki.
- The dungeon becomes unexpectedly popular, and crystal sales soar. Players eventually record a low-rated White Ghost faction completion, but the powerful Capone bosses and their underlings make the optional objectives—and profitable rewards—difficult to achieve. Many players spend more on attempts than they earn.
- With the dungeon business established, Adrian leaves Birmingham Island aboard the Nether Abyss with Louf, Robin, and others to pursue information about an Ancient Poneglyph once held by the Rocks Pirates.
Character developments and interactions
- Nan Riri’s team moves from frustration at being repeatedly wiped out to a more strategic approach: rather than challenge Adrian again, they target the Capone Gang. Xu Yizhen remains eager for a fight, while Phantasm Mist draws attention to the unexplained fifth objective.
- Adrian shows himself to be calculating and commercially minded. He deliberately makes the dungeon difficult to keep players returning, while enjoying their struggles and profiting from their purchases.
- Louf questions whether leaving Birmingham Island is wise, sensing the importance Adrian places on the players. He reassures her that he can return whenever necessary.
Significant themes
- Risk, reward, and persistence: Players keep attempting a costly dungeon for the chance at major rewards, even when repeated failure is likely.
- Misjudgment and power gaps: Adrian’s former level misleads players into underestimating him; without Haki, they cannot overcome his defenses.
- Game-like exploitation: Adrian turns the players’ enthusiasm and willingness to take risks into a profitable business.
- Strategy over brute force: Nan Riri’s team changes factions and objectives after learning that direct confrontation with Adrian is futile.