Chapter 21 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
When Priest Silent Summer Night made his comment to Ezio, Ezio didn't argue. He simply bowed his head, turned away, and followed Eric.
Ranger Skyweaver narrowed his eyes, pondering Eric with all that junk equipment. He couldn't fathom how Eric managed to sway Ezio into following him, seemingly unconcerned about clearing Silent Grove Dungeon.
"Forget about Ezio, Skyweaver. We can easily recruit more players. There are plenty of level 2s around now," Shield Warrior Last Stand Warrior said disdainfully as he watched Ezio depart.
Ranger Skyweaver nodded. Ezio's departure meant nothing to their team. As for Eric, a level 1 wanting to team up for Silent Grove Dungeon? No one would join him, let alone clear the dungeon.
At the entrance of Silent Grove Dungeon, Eric and Tonny continued to call out for more teammates.
"Forming a team for Silent Grove Dungeon! Experienced players welcome, no strict requirements, level 2 and up!" Eric shouted.
Many level 2 players hurried over. Eric's requirements were modest compared to other teams demanding multiple pieces of Common Level equipment, which were scarce early on.
"Pick me! I'm a level 2 priest."
"Choose me! I'm a level 2 Shield Warrior with a level 1 common plate armor gauntlet."
In no time, Eric had assembled a team of four.
Initially thrilled to be selected, the four players were livid upon discovering Eric's low level. They all angrily abandoned the team.
"Just a newbie trying to tackle Silent Grove Dungeon at level 1. You're on your own; count me out."
"No wonder you didn't have gear requirements. Dream on if you think we'll carry you."
The players vented their frustrations loudly, echoing through Silent Grove Dungeon.
"How dare a level 1 player boast about running Silent Grove Dungeon? You're just here for the loot and experience. Good thing I didn't join you."
"Unbelievable. Who teams up with a level 1 newbie for a dungeon run? Are you asking for trouble?"
Other level 2 players mocked Eric's overconfidence and ignorance.
"If you don't want to join, then leave. We didn't beg you to come," Tonny said angrily, impressed by Eric's skills.
"A level 1 newbie this strong? I'd like to see how you gather a full team," the priest who had left sneered.
At that moment, Ezio rushed over to Eric. "Experienced player, team up with me. I want to run Silent Grove Dungeon with you. I've got two pieces of common plate armor, defense 24."
"Sure," Eric immediately sent a team invitation.
Tonny was surprised Ezio had left his original team to join them. Feeling goodwill toward Ezio, Tonny patted him on the shoulder and said, "You made the right call. Stick with Eric; you'll be fine."
Ezio still harbored concerns, unable to fathom how Eric, with such poor gear, had helped him reach level 2 quickly while not progressing himself.
Onlookers were stunned to see someone teaming up with a level 1 newbie for a dungeon run, especially someone with decent gear like new plate armor and shoes—not at all junk.
Although Ezio joined the team, Eric struggled for over ten minutes to recruit more players. None came. It was impossible to run the dungeon with just three people.
Then Ranger Skyweaver arrived with a group.
"Looks like the 'expert' hasn't found anyone yet. We've recruited three strong teammates, each with two or three pieces of Common Level equipment," taunted Priest Silent Summer Night.
Ranger Skyweaver glanced briefly at Eric before turning to Ezio. "Following him won't get you anywhere. Join us when we run the dungeon. I guarantee you won't lose out."
Skyweaver then eyed Tonny, noting his new armor and black wooden staff. His gear seemed decent, and at level 2, his skills should be solid.
"You're not bad either. Why not join our team? We're elite, not like the others. Leveling up, fighting monsters, and dungeon runs are all easier with us," Skyweaver smiled at Tonny.
"Get lost! Your team isn't worth recruiting me," Tonny pointed his black wooden staff at Skyweaver, activating the aura effect of his Bronze Equipment. "I've got three pieces of Bronze Equipment and two pieces of Common Level equipment."
Skyweaver and his group were stunned. They hadn't expected Tonny to be so powerful. While possessing two or three pieces of Common Level equipment was considered advanced, having three pieces of Bronze Equipment was truly impressive. In the gaming world, guilds would vie for such players. Tonny's gear left Skyweaver and his team in awe.
Beside Tonny, Ezio was speechless, staring at Tonny in disbelief. He had thought Eric was the rare expert, but now he realized Tonny was the true master.
"Teaming up with a newbie like this will only hold you back. You might not even clear the dungeon and could end up dead. Join us instead, and you can have any magic equipment that drops," Skyweaver tried to sway Tonny, eager to increase their chances of clearing the dungeon.
"I agree. Teaming up with a bunch of newbies like you for a dungeon run would indeed be a burden for me. You guys might not even make it through the dungeon. I'll go with them," Tonny said with a grin.
"You..." Skyweaver's face flushed with anger. "Let's see who clears Silent Grove Dungeon first."
With that, Skyweaver turned and departed, visibly skeptical that a team including a newbie player could successfully clear the dungeon.
"Having a strong DPS player doesn't guarantee a clear," Priest Silent Summer Night murmured sarcastically.
"Yeah, we're all seasoned players. We'll surely outperform them in the dungeon," added Shield Warrior, rolling his eyes.
After Skyweaver's team left, more players signed up to join Eric's team.
This sudden surge in interest was all thanks to Tonny's equipment.
At this stage, Bronze Equipment symbolized expertise. Even with a newbie player as the leader, having a skilled player equipped with three pieces of Bronze Equipment was akin to having two players in one, giving them a significant advantage over ordinary teams.
However, this time, Eric was more discerning in recruiting members, reflecting on the impulsive decisions of those who had left earlier. Now that they wanted to join, Eric didn't grant them the opportunity.
While Eric was occupied with assembling his team, there was a sudden stir in the southwest corner of the Silent Grove Dungeon entrance. Many players rushed over, visibly excited.
"I can't believe this. It's unexpected," Tonny remarked, wide-eyed.
Even Eric was taken aback. Encountering such a notable figure in a small town like Willowbrook was beyond expectation. Could it be that Willowbrook Town truly harbored hidden talents, unnoticed until now?
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