Chapter 257: The First Boss, Mrs. Leah

Chapter 257 The First Boss: Mrs. Leah

Jiang Yuhua walked alongside Wu Yue, explaining the rules to be observed upon entering the ancient castle:

"1. To ensure the stability of the restraints, the use of heavy weaponry or high-caliber firearms is strictly prohibited inside the castle.

2. Due to the restraints' blanket suppression effect, personal interfaces/systems are disabled within the castle. The use of items, summoning creatures, and other related abilities are all severely restricted, with only personal storage remaining accessible.

3. Once night falls after entering the castle, the castle becomes engulfed in white mist, and the only exit—the drawbridge—will disappear.

The undead infest the black waters and grounds, isolating the castle completely, making escape impossible."

Jiang Yuhua added, "Once night descends, no matter what dangers arise within the castle, you're on your own to survive.

From the outside, the only assistance possible is a one-minute magnetic field disruption to break target locks. The sole rescue option is to lift the restraints sealing the entire castle.

But if that happens, supernatural entities would run rampant, triggering another apocalyptic event for humanity."

Wu Yue asked, "If the castle poses such a threat, why not just bomb it to oblivion?"

Jiang Yuhua turned to her,

"After the Peak War, five gates appeared across the world. Beyond these gates lies impenetrable darkness—their destinations unknown.

Those who enter never return, like being consumed by a void.

Years of research suggest these gates may function as portals, returning invading ghosts to a specific dimension—what we've termed the Order Realm.

The Order Realm—instance worlds—and the human world form a one-way passage usable only by ghosts.

This is a lockdown imposed on supernatural incursions after humanity's relentless battles.

But could there also be a one-way passage for humans to the Order Realm?

Perhaps access might be granted through these scattered gates.

Since the Peak War, five sites worldwide remain magically sealed, none yet unsealed.

What stands before us now is the location of one such gate.

The Jiang clan has compelling reasons—we must reach the Order Realm."

Wu Yue mused, "So what you seek is the gate itself."

Jiang Yuhua nodded, "Exactly."

Wu Yue pressed, "Then the ultimate victor should also gain the right to use the gate, correct?"

Jiang Yuhua looked at her in surprise. "Yes, if needed."

Wu Yue nodded. "Understood."

She stepped forward into the castle. The moment her foot touched the drawbridge, the twin colossal angel statues flanking the entrance slowly turned their heads. Their marble-white forms took on an unnatural glow at dusk.

Under the angels' gaze, the castle's oppressive darkness suddenly erupted as candlelight flared to life. In an instant, the interior was illuminated as if by noon sun, filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and lively conversation.

The group's combat uniforms transformed into ornate Renaissance-era noblewear. The castle gates creaked open, revealing soaring Gothic arches and kaleidoscopic stained glass that seemed to transport them back in time.

Crossing deeper via the drawbridge, they passed through two towering arches before an elaborate Baroque fountain dominated the courtyard.

The glass ball rolling continuously on the fountain was crystal clear.

Charles exclaimed, "Whoa, this place is crazy well-preserved—like time just forgot about it!"

Jiang Yuhua said, "If you saw the fountain's true form, filled with severed limbs, the rolling ball keeps churning up blood tinged with murky, grayish-white fluid, perhaps you wouldn’t be fooled by this splendid facade."

Charles imagined it and remarked, "Honestly, even if it were as you described, I’d still find it stunning—in a messed-up way."

Two guards stood at the palace gate, gripping long spears. Even when people walked right past them, they stayed stone-faced, staring straight ahead.

Shen Que observed, "These guards are no pushovers—they're all S-rank at minimum in combat power."

Jiang Yuhua nodded, "Exactly."

Jiang Yuhua whispered a warning to Wu Yue, "Yue Yue, be careful. This dungeon has strong Mental Pollution, and it'll really tax your mind."

Wu Yue replied, "Understood."

As they spoke, the group finally entered the castle.

The sky had darkened completely, and none of the lively scene we saw from a distance remained. The participants already inside the castle huddled fearfully in a corner of the hall, silent—nobody spoke a word, barely even breathing.

Yet, the air still carried the vibe of clinking glasses and party chatter, as if it had always been this way.

Compared to dungeon raiders, they seemed more like travelers who had stumbled into a grand banquet on a stormy night.

Upon seeing Jiang Yuhua, the participants blew up in anger:

"The Jiang family has gone too far! You said this was an SS-rank story dungeon, but even the guards at the gate are at least S-rank in strength!"

"This can’t possibly be an SS-rank story dungeon!! It should at least be rated SSS-level!!"

"I'm outta here—right now!"

Jiang Yuhua sneered,

"We told you up front—the estimated rating was SS-rank, and you were told to prepare yourselves.

If you want to leave, go ahead. Nobody's holding you back."

"I already tried! The guards at the gate won’t let anyone leave!"

"Hmm? Who wishes to leave? It must be that my castle has failed to entertain you properly~"

A silky, hypnotic voice rang out, and the would-be leavers froze in place.

Wu Yue glanced at the massive grandfather clock in the castle hall. It was seven in the evening, and the clock struck seven times—"Dong—Dong—Dong."

As everyone turned their gaze toward the woman standing on the staircase, she was dressed in a lavish black-and-red gown, her golden hair peeking out from behind a fancy half-mask, radiating stunning charm.

Jiang Yuhua leaned closer to Wu Yue and whispered, "That’s the mistress of the castle, Mrs. Leah—this place's first boss."

Charles finally managed to look away from Mrs. Leah and muttered under his breath,

"The first Boss? And she’s already this human-like and aware! How the hell do we take her down?!"

Jiang Yuhua nodded, "An SSS-level Boss."

Charles sucked in a breath through clenched teeth, "What kind of goddamn 'social gathering' is this, Jiang family? This is basically suicide!"

Mrs. Leah slowly descended the stairs and extended a warm invitation,

"Everyone, please follow me to the dining hall and enjoy the feast prepared for you."

Charles's heart sank. "She’s definitely going to make me eat rotten fish and shrimp. The Jiang family must have a cheat code for this first Boss, right?"

Jiang Yuhua said bluntly, "Nope. Last time the Jiang family came, we lost five people at this dining stage."

Charles was left speechless. What could he say?

What else could he say?!

His anxious heart finally gave out.

Wu Yue smiled,

"Don’t be nervous. It’s just a meal—just dig in."

Charles flared up, "You make it sound so easy!"

Wu Yue glanced at him, "Watch my cues later."

Charles nodded, "Got it."

Then it suddenly hit him—wait, why should he, the damn captain of the Alliance’s second-ranked team, take orders from someone in Blaze?!

Charles whispered to Shen Que, complaining, "Why aren’t you stepping in? What happened to your captain’s authority?"

Shen Que looked puzzled, "Didn’t I already say it? Follow her lead. If you can’t even take a hint, you’re dead weight."

Charles, "...."

Dammit!