Murphy held the object before his eyes and saw the inscription on the small iron piece:
Shaldo University of Craftsman, Class 1109, Administration Department, Class 4. Enrolled in the Autumn of Year 1109.
"Yo, it's a third-year college student. Elite, no wonder even the brutish witch hunters lose their composure."
The unfortunate vampire crossed the dates in his mind, wore a grin, and returned the small iron piece back to the young lady's collar. Looking at the lass in front of him who was a blend of fear, rage, and sadness, he said:
"I'm guessing this isn't where you should be?"
"This is my home! You damn vampire!"
The girl shouted:
"It was you! You destroyed my home, my father, my people... All the townsfolk, gone, we never wronged anyone! It is all your fault!"
"First, it was the witch hunters who burned your village and killed everyone here while performing their wicked deeds before I even arrived."
Murphy shook his head and said:
"Morlan village and even the surrounding area of Cardman City are traditional territories of the Blood Vulture Clan. We've lived here since the second Black Disaster in 720.
This is also our home. Who would want to mess around in their own home?
Believe it or not, we even have 'Civilian Protection Officers' under the Blood Vulture Clan, so kindly direct your hatred and fury towards the right parties.
Second, I don't have enough time to console you, Missy.
You heard what was yelled before.
The dangerous witch hunters are hunting me. They won't forgive someone who killed their comrades, like you. So, whether you like it or not, you will need to follow my instructions if you want to survive.
Now, tell me, what's your name?"
In response to Murphy's inquiry, the lass was somewhat reluctant. Still, after a few seconds of hesitation, she obediently lowered her head, sighed, and said:
"Milian."
"Hmm? No last name?"
Murphy frowned, surprised, and said:
"A young girl with the aspiration of studying on Ligurian Peninsula, a distance of a thousand miles away, not even having a last name? It can't be, right?"
"I am the illegitimate child of the village elder."
Milian said embarrassedly:
"This trip back home was to get engaged to the son of a wealthy businessman in Cardman City under my father's arrangements. I could attend university only due to the legacy that my mother left me when she was on her deathbed.
But my father's hands have been tied recently..."
"Oh, I see."
Murphy's gaze turned subtle as he said:
"So, the rage you showed earlier was all an act, right? You have no feelings for this place, and don't worry, you don't need to explain these things. I have no interest in family dramas.
What I know is that you are smart, and right now, I need intelligent people."
He stood up, pulled out his overlord tribe sword, flicked his wrist, and swiftly cut the rope binding Milian, as informed by his muscle memory. He then motioned towards the outside and said:
"Find weapons and armor from those corpses and protect yourself. Gather enough weapons and equipment for ten people. I need to think about what we should do next."
Without saying a word, Milian lowered her head and headed for the door.
Her legs were somewhat shaking and her fists clenched tightly. As she neared the door, Murphy suddenly spoke faintly from behind:
"Your heartbeat... it 's so fast, are you planning something dangerous, Milian? As a local from Transylvania, you should know a vampire like me can track life from three kilometers away based on smell, right?
Do you need me to explain to you the principle of a spiritual energy mark that forms on the killer when a witch hunter dies?
I've heard this mark lasts at least seven days. Any witch hunter who has passed the hunting trial can see this mark and will do everything they can to avenge their fellows.
That's their tradition!
Since the Ten-Year War began, the number of 'vampire worshippers' killed by the witch hunters was astronomical. Unfortunately, no matter how you look at it, you've already become one of them.
So, do you really understand the predicament you're in?"
"I... I can!"
Milian yelled out, her back towards Murphy with her fists clenched.
She walked out of the broken house in large strides but did not attempt to run away on her own two feet. Instead, she dutifully began gathering the items Murphy needed.
In the house, Murphy's hand also moved away from the hilt of his sword.
He wouldn't be deceived by Milian's weak appearance!
A young woman who could use her charm and the element of surprise to kill a lust-bewitched witch hunter in a one-on-one would never be easy to deal with. Moreover, this chap was a third-year student at Shaldo University of Craftsman.
One of the top three universities on the mainland!
Who knows what ideas and self-defense techniques those cunning and mysterious half-body men instilled in their students?
Perhaps the witch hunter's death had something fishy going on, but right now, he needed Milian's help. This was not the right time to question her in detail.
Murphy glanced at the dawn outside the window. The annoying sunlight appeared again signaling another day that he as a vampire had to hibernate.
Having stayed up all night, he felt a bit fatigued. The weakness from the witch hunter's poisoned blood made him sleepy. Nevertheless, the excitement of battle and his first hunt seemed to awaken some of Murphy's nocturnal vampire traits. He found himself exhibiting a level of indifference to death that went beyond his imagination.
Especially the death of others.
He didn't know if such a feeling was normal, but the witch hunters who could come to get him at any moment were his biggest concern right now, and Murphy believed he should prepare himself in advance.
Most importantly, he had confirmed his goal again:
Before he completed this troublesome journey and returned to Cardman City to meet Cui Si, he must complete his newbie guide task, unlock all functional abilities, and unleash the maximum potential of the novice players.
Only by growing stronger can he and Cui Si stay far away from danger.
The young vampire looked at the sunlight outside the window and squinted his eyes. At this moment, Murphy seemed to be somewhat looking forward to a possible witch hunt.
Gradually realizing the real use of the test administrator system, he wasn't afraid anymore. Now, he just hoped that the storms of life would come fiercer so that it could nourish his little leeks and let them grow robustly.
Although the upgrade function is still locked, without fighting monsters, where would the experience to level up come from?