Newbie's Quest: Awaiting Challenge
Chapter 53: Bright and Cheerful as the Sun

Ethan Walker, known for his remarkable memory, never forgets a face or a clue he comes across in the game's dungeons, memorizing every NPC's visage with just a glance. Though he may seem indifferent to many things and people in the world outside the game, it doesn't mean he's face-blind. In fact, claiming face-blindness would be nothing short of a blatant lie for him. The impression of his first dungeon in this world of the White Tower was too profound to forget, for it was his inaugural connection to this fantastical realm. The faces of the players who delved into the dungeon with him were etched in his memory.

Thus, when Oliver Wright appeared at the doorway, Ethan instantly recognized him.

Despite the passage of time, Oliver's character hadn't changed much. He was still the same straightforward and overly enthusiastic person. Approaching Ethan, he greeted him with familiar ease.

"Hey, Ethan! Long time no see! I can't believe we bumped into each other here." Ethan nodded in acknowledgment.

"What brings you here?" Oliver asked, his words devoid of any pretense. "Aren't you the one who loves challenging high-level starter dungeons? This dungeon is just A-ranked and has been thoroughly dissected in online guides. It's hardly a challenge for you."

Oliver's remarks, though unintentional, seemed to belittle Felix Rayburn who was standing nearby. The lack of difficulty. Not a starter dungeon. The controversy surrounding Felix hinged precisely on these points. Felix's face was a study in changing hues.

Ethan, with a sly smile, was about to shrug off Oliver's hand from his shoulder, but decided to let it be. "When the dungeon poses no challenge, it's the teammates that become the biggest hurdle."

The live chat erupted with laughter and teasing comments.

"Classic Ethan, always so sardonically hilarious!"

"Ethan, hold back a bit! You're going to make poor Felix cry!"

"That's our Ethan, rather than battling himself, he prefers to torment others."

"I'm dying of laughter here. The bottom of a pot and Felix's face, now the same color."

Oliver, who was not one for subtleties, slapped his chest and assured, "Don't worry, bro! I might not be good at much, but I won't be a burden!"

"... And yet, I suddenly feel inexplicably suffocated," Ethan retorted.

As Ethan and Oliver bantered, Felix, left hanging, felt awkward. He tried to join the conversation.

"Mr. Walker, rest assured, once we're in the dungeon, we'll each do our best according to our abilities."

Ethan's dark eyes quietly observed Felix for a moment, then, with a smile, he turned his attention back to the teleportation key.

"We have three people now. That's enough. Let's go."

With a slap on the teleportation key, he initiated the process, uncaring of the others.

Just then, another figure rushed in, as if they had traveled a great distance just to catch up. Breathing a sigh of relief, they were startled to replace Ethan initiating teleportation without a word. "Wait for me, wait for me" They called out in haste, stepping into the teleportation light just in time.

The viewers in the live stream expressed their curiosity.

"Who is that? So mysterious."

"Couldn't see clearly, just saw something really dark flash by."

"What about the cameras outside the White Tower?"

"They didn't catch it. Seems like someone's hiding their identity."

"Could it be a pro player from a team sneaking out for some fun?"

"Definitely not a top-tier player. They have strict rules. If caught, they'd be in serious trouble."

"Perhaps, I think there are a few brave enough to dare."

"What for? For the obscurity of these eight hundred plus districts? Or for the worthless rewards of a ravaged Grade-A file?"

"Without valuable rewards, then Ethan Walker himself becomes the most valuable asset."

"I agree, I agree. Imagine how much one could learn from a venture with Ethan! If it were me, I'd be willing, even if it meant death." "Pass it on, the guy upstairs is willing to die for Ethan."

"Hahaha..."

Ethan Walker, Felix Rayburn, and Oliver Wright are about to confront a Grade-A file set in a movie theater scene.

They replace themselves in the back row of a cinema auditorium, with the big screen yet to light up and the theater empty.

The lottery machine is right at the entrance. Though the difficulty of the file is known, the lottery is an essential part, without which the file cannot officially begin.

Ethan Walker is always the first in any undertaking, never hiding behind others.

This time is no different. After all, there's no suspense.

He steps forward, his foot yet to touch the ground, when he steps on something soft.

Accompanied by a yelp.

The trio look down to replace a man lying at Ethan's feet, half-dead.

Usually, the moment to start a file is when all players are ready, as the teleportation times of different white towers vary. If one forcibly enters a file unprepared, symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and tinnitus may occur. This condition varies by individual, some more affected than others.

Like the man lying before them, likely among those who react strongly.

Ethan's accidental step, though not firm, still significantly harms the man in his current state.

After coughing for a while, the man scrambles to his feet.

Only then does Ethan realize that the man's attire resembles his own from the blue tower visit. He wears a black cap, a black face mask, and exaggerated sunglasses on his nose.

His clothes are a flamboyant black, from head to toe.

Ethan frowns.

"Next time, maybe opt for a green top, this looks odd."

The man in black thinks to himself about Ethan's questionable taste in fashion.

He's disguised from head to toe, probably a core member of a strong team coming to play or... to gauge Ethan's strength.

The other two are merely surprised by this unexpected fourth player but have no further opinions.

Felix Rayburn is relieved to finally see a "normal person," his definition of normal being not aligned with Ethan, hence normal.

Oliver Wright, however, furrows his brow, sensing something amiss.

It's not until he sees the edge of a bird-wing tattoo peeking out from the inner wrist of the man in black, as he bends to tie his shoelaces, that he can't help but exclaim

"Na..."

Natalie Clark, nearly called out by name, shudders, and without finishing tying his shoes, steps on Oliver Wright's foot.

Oliver cries out in pain, and the latter part of the name goes unsaid.

Ethan glances at them but doesn't intervene, continuing towards the lottery machine.

Natalie Clark, standing in the shadows, grabs Oliver by the neck, hissing, "Don't blabber, kid. I'm here on a mission." Oliver pricks up his ears.

"What mission?"

Natalie's eyes flicker towards Ethan's retreating figure.

"You're here to fangirl? You like Ethan too?"

"..." Natalie gives him another kick, "I'm here to spy on the enemy!"

Oliver shakes his head in disagreement.

"Liking Ethan is like loving something taboo; every man does, but can't openly admit."

"...How do you manage to insult him and step on me at the same time?"

"It's a talent, a talent. Stop flattering me."

Today is indeed eventful. A small Grade-A file gathers the likes of Natalie Clark from Eternal Dynasty, the rising star Ethan Walker, the controversial Felix Rayburn, and the sunny and cheerful Oliver Wright. By this time, Ethan has completed the lottery.

The sound of an old projector buzzes to life, and a countdown of three, two, one, appears on the big screen.

With a snap, everything dims except the screen, which lights up with a black-and-white image.

They squint to see what content the movie is showing.

And the characters on the screen also squint, poking their heads out, scrutinizing them from beyond the lens. -They and the movie are synchronized!