The trio entered a European-style living room with a crystal chandelier. Landis enthusiastically moved Moss to the most distinguished guest seat and looked at him smilingly. He said, “I didn’t mean to deceive you, Moss.”
Landis entirely differed from his usual lazy beggar demeanor. He wore a Chinese tunic suit and looked energetic with two bright eyes. It was evident Landis was not an ordinary citizen. He deliberately dressed that way to show he valued Moss.
“We invited you here to explain something to you in person. My name is Landis. Although I’m Buried City’s Vice City Lord, I don’t like staying idle in this mansion. I prefer to be lively and make new friends.”
As soon as Landis finished speaking, Mundus stood up and walked straight toward Moss. Behind him was a tall, beautiful woman with wine-red hair wearing a black leather coat. She was carrying a tray with an exquisite crystal box on it.
Moss stood up when he saw this.
Mundus solemnly handed the crystal box to Moss and said joyfully, “Congratulations on becoming Buried City’s 588th diamond member, Moss!”
Simultaneously, the women on both sides bowed in unison and said, “Congratulations on becoming a diamond member.”
Moss took the crystal box and replied politely, “Thank you, City Lord.”
Then he opened it and saw a membership card inside. Moss was shocked. ‘What an exquisite membership card!’
He first saw his number and codename inlaid with diamonds on the black card—No. 588, Name Stolen. Moss knew Buried City had put much effort into inlaying the diamond numbers.
Mundus noticed Moss liked the card very much and excitedly continued, “That’s the second reason why we invited you here today. We wanted to present the diamond membership card to you personally!
“It’s thanks for contributing to our beloved city. Also, I want to remind you that you are Buried City’s 588th diamond member. At the same time, you’re also the youngest among the 588.”
A round of applause sounded as soon as Mundus finished speaking. A moment later, the living room quieted as he waved to the others, saying, “You may take your leave.”
Landis approached Moss and sat down when the women left the room. He said smilingly, “We have something to discuss with you, Moss.”
“Sir, can I call you sir? Please, speak your mind.” Moss appeared calm.
Moss could tell the duo wanted to talk to him about something meaningful based on how the others behaved. Although he did not know what it was, he knew it was significant to the brothers.
“I only have one brother, Moss. My only intention now is to help him develop Buried City. I think of you as a friend, so I don’t want to hide anything from you. We’ve been building a team of elites for Buried City. Our initial plans were to maintain order here.
“However, there have been spatial anomalies happening frequently. We’re actively strengthening the elite team now to better cope with the dangers that may come. Hence, the most important reason for inviting you here today is to ask if you would join Buried City’s elite team.”
Mundus earnestly added, “We sincerely hope you will accept our request, Moss.”
After some thought, Moss answered with certainty, “I’m sorry, sirs. I cannot agree with your request.”
He heard the sincerity in the City Lord and Vice City Lord’s voices and was delighted. It meant that they had affirmed his performance.
Moreover, Moss could tell the City Lord valued talents and that he was an influential person from recent events.
Still, he had only been in Buried City for less than two months, so he knew very little about the City Lord and the elite team Landis mentioned. Moreover, he did not want to be bound by Buried City.
Landis and Mundus were shocked to hear Moss’s reply. They did not expect the young man to reject them so firmly. Mundus frowned slightly and asked attentively, “Would you reconsider?”
“N-No. Thank you for your sincere invitation and love, sirs,” Moss smiled at the two and continued, “B-But…”
Landis and Mundus’s eyes were full of anticipation as they looked at Moss.
“But, I promise to abide by Buried City’s rules as a diamond member. I will also enjoy a diamond member’s rights and fulfill my obligations to Buried City. If the City Lord and Vice City Lord need me, I will do everything I can to help.”
The two brothers stopped trying to persuade Moss when they heard his promise. After a moment, Mundus removed a black wooden box from the cabinet beside him and handed it to Moss.
The wood used to make the box was rare. Moreover, there was a massive dark red crystal embedded in the box.
“Moss, this is Buried City’s permanent VIP card,” Mundus solemnly said to Moss. From his expression, Moss could tell how extraordinary the VIP card was.
Mundus noticed Moss’s hesitance and continued, “This VIP card is Buried City’s most honorable item. With it, you can enjoy great treatment and use all of Buried City’s resources without restrictions.”
He paused and emphasized, “To this day, you are only the tenth member to receive this honor.”
However, Moss could not accept the VIP card when he heard how exclusive it was. He quickly waved his hand, saying, “Thank you very much, City Lord, but I cannot accept such a valuable gift without any merit.”
“Please, you deserve it, Moss,” Landis said sincerely.
He knew Moss would have questions, so he told him about the vital role of completing the King of the Land mission.
After listening, Moss learned that the mission was related to the mining rights to the Fire Region’s mysterious mining area. He also understood why the City Lord gave him the VIP card.
Mundus wanted Moss to complete the mission to ensure they could continue mining. Although he did not say it explicitly, getting his brother’s thoughts was effortless.
After figuring out the whole story, Moss finally accepted the box from the City Lord. “Thank you for the gift, sirs. I will cherish it!” Moss was grateful to the two brothers.
Mundus patted Moss’s shoulder and said earnestly, “You’re welcome. Buried City is honored to have you, so I hope you treat this city as your home and visit us often.”
Moss nodded and smiled brilliantly. Then Landis and Mundus’s laugh echoed throughout the living room.
…
After bidding farewell to the City Lord and the older man, Moss returned to his room. He was about to lie down and rest when the system sounded in his mind, “Congratulations, you have obtained the Buried City VIP card and once again unlocked a high-level achievement. You have received 80 Holy Belief points!”
“Congratulations, you have completed the King of the Land mission and received 50 experience! Current experience: 521/500. You have obtained enough experience.”