The Shelter Game: Me, Starting with a Tenfold Drop Rate

Irving was unaware of the situation his companions were facing. At that moment, he had arrived in front of a brightly lit building. After observing the interior for a moment, he pushed the door open and walked inside.

The instant he stepped into the building, Irving suddenly felt a familiar sensation. After contemplating for a moment, he realized that this familiar feeling was reminiscent of his experience entering the Abyss of Death. He quickly concluded that the Smith family estate was now under the influence of Shadow Celestial.

Once inside the building, Irving looked at the two figures within and smiled as he spoke. "You should be able to hear me, right? If you are minions of Shadow Celestial, just summon him directly. I have previously collaborated with him, and I believe there is still a possibility for cooperation."

Although Irving's tone was casual, he was prepared for battle. No sooner had he finished speaking than the two figures nearby swiftly vanished from sight.

Before long, the figure of Shadow Celestial appeared within Irving's line of sight. Shadow Celestial smiled as he gazed at Irving, who also returned the smile.

"Why are you here? What is your connection to the chaotic artifact? What exactly are your intentions?" Irving asked Shadow Celestial three questions in quick succession.

Shadow Celestial sighed. "You're still as impatient as ever. We have worked together in the past, and I believe that before we discuss other matters, we should have a conversation now that we've met again."

Irving found himself at a loss for words at Shadow Celestial's response. "Don't you realize that my companions and I are facing a tremendous danger? Do you have control over the chaotic power within the Smith family estate? Are the transparent monsters we encountered earlier your doing? Why are you doing this?"

Irving shot off several more questions. Shadow Celestial finally understood that Irving was not interested in idle chatter, so he decided to stop beating around the bush.

"Those transparent monsters were indeed left by me. However, I cannot control them, as they gained self-awareness when I entered the Abyss of Death. The chaotic power within the Smith family estate is not under my control either. It seems to have been seized by someone else. I am currently attempting to regain control over that chaotic power," Shadow Celestial explained.

Shadow Celestial's response did not exceed Irving's expectations.

Irving actually believed that Shadow Celestial was unable to exert complete control over the Smith family estate. He nodded in acknowledgment.

"Since you've answered my previous questions, shouldn't you also respond to the initial ones I posed? When I was in the Abyss of Death, I sensed that you possessed the powers of chaos. You also mentioned that you entered the Abyss of Death in pursuit of greater chaotic power. Now that you're here, does it mean you have found a way to access the chaotic power within the Smith family estate?

And can you obtain chaotic power through the chaotic artifact as well?"

Irving's words surprised Shadow Celestial. He hadn't anticipated that Irving would have such a deep understanding of him. The expression on Shadow Celestial's face quickly turned serious. He realized that he knew too little about Irving. It finally clicked for him why the Night Blades had always considered Irving their primary enemy.

"Your assumptions are correct. I do need more powerful chaotic energy, and I do require the chaotic artifact to enhance my powers. However, I believe that you and I are not enemies. The power you possess is of the light; it is the power given by the Taikoo Divine Clan. These powers are inherently in conflict with chaotic energy.

Even if you were to master immense chaotic power, your overall strength would not see a significant increase. Therefore, I think we can still pursue collaboration."

In response to Shadow Celestial's statement, Irving showed no immediate reaction. He simply waited for him to continue.

"As long as you can provide me with the clues to the chaotic artifact, I can continue collaborating with you. I have complete control over the Night Blades now. I can offer you substantial assistance. Whether in the real world or in the Shelter Game, my strength is greater than you imagine."

After Shadow Celestial finished speaking, he awaited Irving's response. Irving pondered for a moment before answering.

"I refuse! If you genuinely want to collaborate with me, you must disband the Night Blades. To me, the Night Blades are the most evil organization."

Shadow Celestial was taken aback by Irving's firm refusal. He hadn't expected such a straightforward denial. With a hint of surprise, he asked, "Just how much harm did the Night Blades cause you? Who among the Night Blades is a thorn in your side? If you truly wish to eliminate someone from the Night Blades, I can help you with that."

After all, Shadow Celestial was the founder of the Night Blades. He certainly did not want the organization he had established to be easily destroyed. Moreover, Shadow Celestial felt that Irving was being rather irrational at the moment.

When Irving heard Shadow Celestial's words, he chuckled. "You really don't understand me at all. The Night Blades did cause me a great deal of trouble in the past, but those who inflicted significant losses on me have already been eliminated. My opposition to the Night Blades is not based on personal grudges.

My objective is to ensure the stability of the human world before the arrival of the Dark Overlord and prepare for the impending apocalypse. The existence of the Night Blades poses a major obstacle to my ultimate goal, so I naturally need to eradicate them completely. Furthermore, I believe you should stop collecting the other chaotic artifacts.

When all the chaotic artifacts are gathered together, it could potentially trigger unforeseen consequences. The powers of chaos are already prone to causing disasters, and overwhelming chaotic power could very well turn you into a monster."

Irving's words reflected his true thoughts. However, to Shadow Celestial, it was evident that Irving's remarks were laced with sarcasm.

"Do you even know what you're saying?! The power I possess is the powers of chaos. How could the powers of chaos possibly turn me into a monster?!" Shadow Celestial's tone had become significantly more serious than before.

"I'll ask you one last time: are you willing to cooperate with me? If you refuse again, don't blame me for being impolite! I can make you pay a very heavy price!"

In response to Shadow Celestial's threat, Irving's answer was unequivocal. "Since you asked me again, I will gladly respond once more. If you want to cooperate with me, you must do as I say."

At this point in their conversation, both sides realized that their negotiations had completely fallen apart.

Shadow Celestial let out a cold laugh. "You don't actually believe that your current strength is enough to defeat me, do you? Your current power doesn't even ensure the safety of your companions. Neither you nor your allies can safely leave the Smith family estate!"

After saying this, Shadow Celestial's figure quickly faded away. Almost simultaneously, Vicky's scream reached Irving's ears.

In that instant, Irving sprang into action, hastily making his way out of the building.

When Irving returned outside, he found Vicky, Benjamin, and members of the Angel Guild surrounded by a horde of monsters. These creatures were all twisted humanoid forms, clearly the result of chaotic power.

"What Shadow Celestial just said was indeed a lie! He claimed he couldn't control the monsters in the Smith family estate, but clearly, he can," Irving realized immediately that his previous assessment had been correct. Shadow Celestial had been dishonest, which meant he had never truly intended to cooperate with Irving.

Without hesitation, Irving drew his staff and unleashed the power of the Taikoo Flame Pearl against the chaotic monsters. Under his assault, the creatures were swiftly driven away, ensuring Vicky and the others were safe.

"Are you okay? You weren't hurt in the attack, were you?" Irving asked, genuinely concerned for Vicky.

Vicky shook her head. "What's going on? Why did those monsters suddenly attack us? They didn't seem hostile at all just moments ago."

Aron, slightly surprised, turned to Irving. Irving recounted everything he had experienced in the building. After hearing his account, the group fell silent, knowing that the enemies they faced had just become significantly more formidable.

"The Night Blades are already very strong, and now their leader is Shadow Celestial. Our future actions will undoubtedly become increasingly difficult," Anna said, her tone filled with discouragement.

However, Aron felt there was no need for such worry. "While the Night Blades are indeed stronger now, we will not be defeated! Our own strength is also growing! Moreover, the clues we have related to the chaotic artifacts are clearly more abundant than theirs. Otherwise, Shadow Celestial wouldn't need to approach Irving to discuss cooperation."

Aron's words suddenly made Irving realize that he had overlooked some crucial information. He nodded emphatically. "I think Aron is absolutely right. We have a significant lead in our search for the chaotic artifacts. Otherwise, Shadow Celestial wouldn't be so eager to negotiate with me."

What Irving and Aron said helped calm the others down. In stark contrast, Shadow Celestial's mood was extremely furious. He had completely severed ties with Irving, and they had become mortal enemies.