"Don't worry, I got some Blood Servants from the guys who sent me on this suicide mission. I'll leave a few of them behind to look after you when I leave, so don't fret about me.
Although this mission is quite dangerous, I feel I can make it back alive.
Once you're feeling a bit better, we can discuss where to go next."
"Pfft!"
Lady Cui Si's eyes widened at Murphy's answer, then she covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.
She had intended for Murphy to leave by himself, but this young man actually wanted to take her, a significant drag, with him. What a naive and adorable young man.
"What are you laughing at?"
Murphy asked grumpily. Cui Si waved it off:
"Nothing, I just thought of something amusing. Hmm, this outfit of mine suits you rather well, you do have a handsome face. Hmm? Why is it so noisy downstairs?
Are we being robbed?
Perfect!
Now dinner is settled!
Ah, I give thanks for the generosity of the Mother of the Night! Today shall be like an early Blood Festival."
The sounds from the basement excited Cui Si, and her smile revealed her vampire fangs, but Murphy instantly stopped her and said:
"It's nothing, those are just the Blood Servants I called for, cleaning up. Don't worry about them. Take some rest, and get back up by evening, I will prepare dinner for you before I leave.
I promise to be back within a week, at most.
And don't drink too much."
He helped Cui Si to the second floor bedroom, and after ensuring the windows were tightly covered, he left to pack his own luggage.
Thirty minutes later, Murphy stood at the entrance to the basement, looking at the objects handed over by two smug-looking players.
Two unopened bottles of Dwarf brew.
According to the tags, they had a history of 250 years. It was the perfect choice to offer Cui Si.
A set of exquisite drinkware packed in a decayed box, it was unclear where they came from, but they had an Elvish artistic style, possibly left behind by the previous owner of this mansion.
Finally, a worn pocket watch with a dented shell.
Murphy recognized it.
It was the thing he had dropped in the basement the night he was blasted away by Spiritual Energy, still stained with blood.
But these three items were not the most extravagant part.
He glanced at the pile of coins under his feet, which, aside from some rusted copper coins and dull silver coins, included several dazzling Bosia gold coins.
This made Murphy suspiciously glance at the panting young players. Where on earth did they find these things?
In the month he had been living here, he hadn't found as much in the mansion as these two had found in thirty minutes.
So, was this the terrifying Talent of the players?
"Not bad, you've done very well! I admire you, warriors of Another World."
Murphy pulled back his hood, revealing his handsome face. He respectfully addressed the two players saying:
"I have seen your sharp potential. You are exactly the helpers I need! Now, return to your world, and prepare well!
Once I've prepared everything, I will summon you again, along with those exceptional souls from other worlds that I have chosen. At that time, you will have the great honor to participate in my grand plan!
Hehe, I look forward to our next meeting.
By the way, what are your names?
Please understand, but it is essential for me to record this moment, so that a hundred years from now, bards can sing of the legend that began with us."
In the face of Murphy's inquiry, the two players exchanged a look, puffed out their chests, and shouted almost in unison:
"I am called 'Meow King'!"
"I am 'Lead Dove'!"
"Fitting for players chosen by me, such ridiculous names! They certainly have an abstract beauty to them."
Murphy internally shook his head and gave them a thumbs up, but outwardly, he nodded in satisfaction, smiling as befitting an NPC:
"Great names indeed, perfectly matching your sharpness and bravery. Anyway, my warriors, until next time."
He raised his hand and dismissed the summons.
The two players turned into dots of light and vanished before his very eyes, just like when they had appeared, until all that was left was a cluster of light spinning around Murphy and falling to the ground.
[Beginner's Guide Mission (2/6): Basic Operations Test (Completed)
Reward: Unlock Perception Scouting Feature
Hint: You can now scout targets and obtain certain information. However, this action carries risks as it can be perceived by others.
Developer's Note: To use this feature effectively, two things are a must. First, you can't be a holy warrior! Second, you shouldn't have the habit of kicking tavern doors.
Of course, if you are awesome and don't mind rerolling your character, ignore everything I just said.]
[A Beginner's Guide Mission (3/6): First Battle, Conduct a basic combat test with the test players (including but not limited to attacking, dodging, charging, death, and release of spirit etc.)
Reward: +5 Test Invitation Codes, unlock new features.
Developer's Note: Now that you've learned to walk and jump, why not try slaying a dragon?]
"?!! This mission's difficulty level just skyrocketed, and what's with that ridiculous note? Huh, I won't bother arguing with you right now since I'm in a good mood."
Murphy rolled his eyes and took a look around, then bent down to pick up pile of coins from the ground, humming a song as he left the mansion to purchase some food and drinks to prevent "Invalid Queen" Cui Si from starving to death while he was gone.
The unfortunate vampire was taking a stroll under the shadows of the walls to avoid the sunlight. His steps were light, and he had a genuine smile on his face, nodding in acknowledgement to every passerby he encountered.
His main demeanor was one of elegance.
However, in his heart, Murphy laughed uproariously:
"These players are so useful! They are indeed necessary for home trouble-making and settling scores. While you still don't know what my big plan is, with you here, why should I worry about not reaching my goals? Nie hahaha!
Shiver in anticipation, world!
A legend begins to rise this very night!"