I deeply believe this!
With your strength and my wisdom combined, we can create a world where tragedies like this will no longer occur."
Murphy stood before the burning flames, his back turned to the three young players like one of those stoic main character NPCs. After several seconds of silence, he turned to face them and said:
"Walking towards the light shouldn't be the job of a vampire, but no one else is willing to stand up! This world has always lacked true heroes, so they'll have to make do with me, a member of the Blood race.
Warriors...
Will you help me?
After witnessing all this cruelty, ignorance, and darkness, are you willing to join me in this grand plan?"
"Now would be the perfect time for a quest box to pop up."
Lead Dove turned to his two buddies and commented sarcastically. The two agreed, but the next moment, Gebao stood up, firmly holding Murphy's extended hand.
He spoke earnestly:
"Of course, we champions of justice can't overlook such vile darkness. Sir Murphy, we remnants from the Different World, will embark on your ship to a better new world today!"
"Chao! Stop being so dramatic! You're even better at acting than me! Perhaps you should become the NPC instead!"
While Murphy bore an moved expression on his face, he was profoundly annoyed within.
Isn't this guy still just a teenage chuunibyou?
Don't think I don't recognize the White Beard card-playing trope you're employing just because you're wearing a mask of justice! Don't forget I used to be a seasoned nerd before I was transported to this world.
"Very well."
Suppressing his overwhelming urge to retort, Murphy withdrew his hand and addressed the three young players:
"Then let our enterprise begin now! I am currently very weak, and my servants also need rest. Please search the village for survivors who could potentially join our cause.
We need funds to purchase suitable armor and weapons for you warriors - therefore, I hope you can collect some unclaimed currency to use as operating funds for our organization.
I know this might seem a bit tacky.
But the cause of justice always requires practical support – after all, we can't feed ourselves with mere ideals."
"Man, this NPC is something else."
Akuen squinted at Gebao and Coo Coo Chicken, commenting:
"Making looting sound so noble, this guy is really down-to-earth practical, hey, not like some of those unrealistic idealistic NPCs.
I quite like it."
"Let's go, let's go loot."
Lead Dove shrugged his shoulders. He and Akuen, one left and one right, helped Coo Coo Chicken, who was still recovering from his concussion, towards the village, leaving only Murphy and Maxim behind.
"Leave the search to my warriors. You should rest a bit."
As Murphy sat on fallen door panel, he said to Maxim who had just finished his prayer:
"You should learn to communicate with my warriors. They're all good people, generous and tireless. You can tell them if you need anything, and they will do their best to fulfill your needs.
Of course, dealing with them requires rewards.
It's a tradition in their world of warriors. Not repaying them would make them see you as an enemy."
"But I don't have any money..."
Maxim responded awkwardly.
As lowly as he is, being a stuttering Blood Servant is already an achievement. They're all personal assets of Lord Jed. What does he need money for? Is he planning to raise an army and rebel?
But Murphy just shook his head, explaining:
"It's not just money. They're interested in everything here. Apparently, they have severe collecting habits. You could pay them with physical objects - anything. Of course, they love money, weapons, and armor the most.
If you can provide a cool warhorse or something rare and precious as a reward, they would be overjoyed and see you as an even closer and trustworthy person."
"Sounds a lot like mercenaries - equally disdainful of death, equally heartless. Neither moved nor sorrowful, their actions only driven by their gains."
Maxim concluded, a comparison Murphy found satisfying, he said:
"They are mercenaries from another world! Pure, profit-oriented but just. When they're kind, they're like selfless angels. When they're evil, even demons from hell shudder in their presence. I'm glad they're on our side now.
Enough about them.
I'll rest a bit, and then we can discuss how we should proceed to the camp of the Midnight Hunters."
With that, he closed his eyes. It seemed like he was dozing, but he was actually checking the rewards from the newbie guidance task:
[Newbie Guidance Task (3/6): Basic Combat Test (Completed).
Reward: +5 trial invite codes, game forum feature unlocked.
Developer's note: The forum is not just a place for players to share gossip in their spare time. It's also a gathering place for them to share their moods. Adventurers need a tavern just like they need a forum. Now, you have your own tavern. Use it wisely.]
[Newbie Guidance Task (4/6): Advanced Combat Test, guide the testers in a successful battle. The requirement is to defeat or repel opponents, the casualty should not exceed one fifth of the current manpower.
Victory condition: Current manpower is 15, casualties exceeding 3 will be considered a failed mission.]