He comes from an archaeology background. In this field, most newcomers are different from real tomb raiders; they just pick up some knowledge from books, then grab a shovel to practice digging holes, and sweeping off some broken porcelain is called “cultural heritage rescue,” which becomes their go-to story for casual conversation.

In reality, after centuries of relentless “rescue” by both tomb raiders and archaeologists, most of the heritage is already on the verge of extinction. Think about it: those things were resting peacefully in tombs, but you insist on bringing them out to air-dry— even the Terracotta Warriors couldn’t withstand that kind of torment. These days, finding a tomb with even a few broken porcelain pieces is enough to make an ordinary archaeologist from that era rejoice.

But he’s not an ordinary person. Not only does he have a thorough understanding of antiques and the structure of tombs from various dynasties, he’s also knowledgeable about above-ground architecture.

The ancients had the custom of treating the dead as if they were alive, so tomb chambers, aside from their dynastic features, are also closely related to the architectural styles of the same era.

Eric Bennett knows this well and has studied ancient architecture extensively. The first time he saw this pavilion, he just felt it was a bit out of place. After glancing at the height of the surrounding buildings, he immediately understood: judging by the height, this pavilion should have three floors, so why are there only two sets of windows?

Is the middle floor sealed off and suspended? A duplex? Eric Bennett found the thought amusing. Before he could think further, footsteps approached. A maid came up to Eric Bennett, looked him over curiously, and then said, “The young lady wants you to go in.”

The young man before her looked a bit thin, but his expression was world-weary. She wondered where he came from. Eric Bennett was new here and unfamiliar with the rules, but the maid knew well that this place was originally a forbidden area of the The Clark Residence—where Mr. William Clark resided. Even if William Clark himself came, he’d have to announce his arrival. Why was this servant allowed in?

Eric Bennett walked slowly into the pavilion and saw the maid go up to the second floor. He frowned and followed. When the maid lifted the curtain at the top of the stairs, Eric Bennett suddenly felt a wave of darkness before his eyes.

If he hadn’t been prepared, he might have tumbled down the stairs. Fortunately, he had anticipated something like this, so he just squinted slightly. Then, suddenly, his vision brightened—it was an oil lamp being lit.

The maid shoved the oil lamp into Eric Bennett’s hand and whispered, “Walk forward three steps.”

The lamp was dim, illuminating only about a yard around him, but not enough to light up the room, which felt as dark as a tomb. Eric Bennett followed instructions and took three steps forward, saw a stone table ahead, and set the lamp down on it, feeling a bit uneasy.

This situation made him feel a chill.

Once the lamp was lit, he saw the young lady standing nearby, her figure hazy in the dim light. At the far end, it seemed someone was sitting—was that Mr. William Clark?

What’s going on? What’s wrong with this Mr. William Clark? I started from the bottom, with nothing to my name, and even after entering this game, I’m not some VIP with a top-up. I was just planning to make a little money and be content. Are you really going to throw me straight into “Middle East mode” and make me Game Over right from the start?

Eric Bennett was on guard, but after having been in so many tombs, he could still keep calm in this eerie place. He just stood there silently, knowing that this was much like a police interrogation scene: he was in the light, they were in the dark. He couldn’t see them, but every expression of his was clearly visible to them.

He had planned to stay calm and adapt to whatever came, but Mr. William Clark’s first words nearly made him jump: “I know you sold yourself to the The Clark Residence to seek revenge.”

Eric Bennett didn’t jump, but his heart gave a violent jolt.

Miss Clark’s delicate face also changed. She was in a foul mood today, because the moment she received her third uncle, she knew he hadn’t fulfilled his wish.

Her third uncle was, of course, a tomb raider. If not for him, the The Clark Family wouldn’t be as prosperous as it is today. Since childhood, her father had followed Mr. Clark on campaigns for years, and though her third uncle seemed strange to outsiders, to her, he was the closest person. Today, after he returned, for some reason, he suddenly asked her to bring Eric Bennett over.

She trusted her third uncle’s judgment and knew he must have called for Eric Bennett because he was different from the other servants. In fact, she felt the same way.

Although she had entered this sealed pavilion many times, she always felt uncomfortable inside. Yet this was Eric Bennett’s first time here—how could he be so calm?

This young man seemed to possess a maturity and composure far beyond his years.

But what’s this about him seeking revenge? Miss Clark didn’t understand her third uncle’s meaning, but still stepped forward to shield him.

At that moment, Eric Bennett was full of bitterness inside. He thought to himself, Why did I end up possessing a servant, doing a servant’s work, but worrying like the Count of Monte Cristo? What kind of grudge does this servant have? Is it related to the The Clark Family?

“With your skills and abilities, seeking revenge is harder than reaching the sky,” Mr. William Clark said coolly. “You’re not a fool, so of course you wouldn’t expect the The Clark Family to help you.”

Eric Bennett actually breathed a sigh of relief—Old man, can’t you finish a sentence in one go? As long as you’re not the one I’m supposed to take revenge on, it looks like I can leave here alive.

“But I still have to give you a chance,” Mr. William Clark murmured. “After all, you found me.”