Chapter 174:

One hour later, the darkest moment before dawn had arrived. Murphy had finished inspecting the battlefield and returned to the Anderma Hills. Those Witch Hunter casualties and their families were also being escorted back to the Crimson Citadel by the veterans who had already been renamed the “Kadman People’s Army” and the Witch Hunters who were still able to fight. With their current condition and pace, it would take four to five days to reach there, leaving enough time for Baroness Miriam and her administrative team to prepare for the impending arrival of 1,000 people. Murphy was once again grateful for having gained Miriam’s loyalty. Having such a capable administrative major student to help, he rarely needed to handle matters of his territory personally. Tonight, although the little players had their fun, casualties were still inevitable, as a battle involving nearly a thousand combatants would always have some unlucky ones running into various issues. But the good news was that out of the 70 little players, only 18 had perished by the end of the battle. This fully demonstrated that his little players had adapted to this game’s overly realistic combat mode. They were becoming more and more Proficient, no longer afraid of large-scale battles with real weapons, and had even started to apply the devious nature of the Fourth Calamity to their fighting. The most outstanding example was Murphy’s “disciple” in the Summoning path, the rich guy Feel You Poor. This dude, relying on the shameless “playing dead” tactic and his silent ambush manticore cub, had racked up 9 kills by himself and his pet after the battle’s final tally! This achievement was enough to place him in the top three of this battle. However, Feel You Poor clearly had his own troubles. “Murphy, my lord, please come and take a look at my Stinky Treasure! Why did it suddenly grow so big? It’s like it was inflated, I only left it alone for half an hour, and it turned into this!” The panicked Feel You Poor dragged his meowing and unhappy-sounding manticore cub over to Murphy. He had already changed his profession to Summoner, but his skill level was still low, and his cub nicknamed “Stinky Treasure” was still in its infancy, unable to complete the contract marking with him. But after a night of battle, the situation seemed to have undergone a subtle change. The originally head-sized manticore cub had now grown to the size of a golden retriever, forcing the formerly able to carry it Feel You Poor to now only lead it. However, the manticore cub was somewhat resistant to Murphy. It probably sensed the immense threat from the vampire before it, which was the instinct of beasts avoiding danger. “What did you feed it?” Murphy was also startled by the rapid growth of the manticore. Although he was a Summoner, he was not an expert and currently only had a basic understanding of Astral Realm creatures based on the knowledge recorded in Tris’s handbook. “I didn’t feed it anything.” The rich guy averted his gaze as he responded. However, under Murphy’s slightly stern gaze, he lowered his head like a child who had done something wrong and said softly, “It seems to have taken a liking to the taste of hearts. I tried to stop it, but the Stinky Treasure almost clawed me. It even guarded its food.” “I told you before not to let it eat random things!” Murphy scolded, “The habits of Astral Realm creatures differ from those of physical world beasts. Messing around like this can cause trouble! You need to train it according to standard taming methods, otherwise, if its wildness awakens too early, it may abandon you at any moment.” “Ah, this...” The rich guy was startled. He looked at the meowing manticore cub lying at his feet like a large cat, wanting to ask more questions, but at that moment, a voice of astonishment came from the side: “How could there be a freshly hatched Astral Realm manticore here? And it has entered the growth period so prematurely? What did you guys feed it?” The old hunter Grandma Marianne, who had come with Natalie, looked at the manticore cub and said in a surprised tone, “It’s also an unmarked manticore. At this growth rate, it will fully mature in no more than seven days and will be summoned back to its realm in the Astral Realm. I don’t know what you’re planning, but if that happens, you’ll never be able to tame it again.” The rich guy didn’t understand what this NPC was saying. But Murphy understood. He didn’t get up, still sitting on the rock, looking at Grandma Marianne and asking, “You seem very familiar with Astral Realm manticores?” “I’m familiar with all Astral Realm creatures. I’m an Astral Realm creature hunting expert.” Grandma Marianne also studied the excessively handsome but young vampire before her. She neither showed too much enthusiasm nor coldness, merely explaining casually: “Massive beasts like the Astral Realm manticore have learned to control their growth rates in the Astral Realm’s barren environment to help them survive better. Once an Astral Realm manticore senses abundant food around it, it will rapidly grow and enter maturity in an extremely short time. After that, it will continuously hone its hunting skills until its strength has grown to the limit, at which point it will complete a challenge against a powerful foe, similar to the Black Iron Trial. If an Astral Realm manticore can survive such a challenge, it will become a true Astral Realm predator and gradually progress towards the ‘legendary creature’ realm. They are born massive beasts, their talents and strength far exceeding those of real-world creatures. Even for me, Astral Realm manticores are highly formidable opponents. If your Summoner warrior wishes to sign a summoning contract with it, he has only seven days left. Failure means he will bid farewell to this overly well-nourished manticore forever.” “Thank you for the information. It is of great significance to my warrior.” Murphy turned his head and relayed Grandma Marianne’s information to the rich guy Feel You Poor, putting a different spin on it. Upon hearing this bad news, Feel You Poor’s face immediately turned pale. “You must complete the Black Iron Trial within seven days, my warrior. The manticore will not acknowledge the weak.” Harmless to humans and beasts, and clearly indicating the mission you’ll undertake next. I need you to utilize your remaining vigor. Even if you no longer fight, please use your superior combat skills to train my warriors and all the young people in my territory who aspire to adventure. You’ll be the best instructors, especially in the realm of natural spirit abilities. The first guild master will be you, Lady Natalie. You can assign the other positions yourself, and I will also instruct my regent to grant you three ‘Administrative Knight’ titles to facilitate management. If you can establish your own territory in the future, I wouldn’t mind giving you the title of baroness or even countess. Do you accept this?” This time, Natalie turned and discussed it with the old captains behind her. No one had major objections to this request, as the lord seemed to have no intention of involving the Witch Hunters in the daily defense or military rebuilding of his territory. This alone relieved Grandma Marianne. She had truly had enough of war. “We have no problem.” Natalie turned and replied to Murphy, “But can we freely choose the location of the Avalon Cathedral and the Adventurer’s Guild?” “Of course, that is your right.” Murphy nodded, then raised a third finger and said, “The third request is that tonight I dispatched my warriors to rescue you, so their rewards must be paid by you. You must ensure that each of my warriors receives a Masterwork Veteran-level or higher weapon or armor from you. Weapons with commemorative significance are best. Additionally, I need you to provide me with 200 demon-hunting warhorses tamed by your secret methods, and send specialists to train my warriors in riding. They will pay a fee for this training. Finally, I need the uniforms of the White Oak Battalion’s hunters, new ones will do, but used ones are better. 70 sets will be enough.” “Ah?” This strange request made Natalie, the battalion commander, widen her eyes as she asked in return, “Just that? You’re not going to demand that we disarm?” “If I disarm you, who will I turn to when the Crimson Citadel and your villages face trouble?” Murphy rolled his eyes and said, “The Adventurer’s Guild will undertake part of the reconnaissance duties for crises or potential crises, which requires you to have your own weapons. Besides, you should also know about the Black Disaster. When the Black Disaster arrives, I believe you’ll have to take up arms and join the battle, whether you want to or not!” “This is our duty, and it was once the duty of the Avalon Church. No need to say more on this.” Natalie nodded in acknowledgment. She waited on the spot for Murphy to state the next conditions and constraints, but after several seconds, no conditions came. Instead, Murphy impatiently dismissed them: “Why are you still standing there? Don’t you need to get to work, ladies and gentlemen?” “But...” Old Eugene behind Natalie couldn’t help but speak up, “Are those the only so-called demands? Shouldn’t there be more stringent conditions, and then we bargain with each other and ultimately negotiate terms that both sides can accept? Your generosity only makes us uneasy.” “Oh, you mean you want to bargain with me?” Murphy revealed a strange smile and said, “But I have no other constraints to give you. I said that Transia is a land of freedom. As long as you abide by the laws here, pay taxes on time, and fulfill your obligations, how you live is your business, which I can’t and don’t want to control.” The group of Witch Hunter leaders looked at each other in bewilderment. They discussed in hushed tones before turning to leave. Natalie gave Murphy a deep bow at the end, saying in a hoarse voice, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Murphy. I apologize for my previous rashness and rudeness.” “There’s no need. I know you still resent me since the deaths of your four squad members are related to me. I don’t mind accepting this grudge. Of course, if it’s settled through a future 1v1, fair and square challenge, I’d be more satisfied.” Murphy waved his hand again, not wanting to say more. After Natalie left, the shadows beside him shifted, and Lady Tris stepped out. The fire in her heart had also subsided. After all, little Murphy had behaved well tonight and hadn’t exchanged glances with that vixen Shani. “Let’s go, let’s go home.” Tris called out, toying with her Nocturne staff to open a portal to the Blood Vulture Halls. She said, “Though blood is good, it seems no longer suitable for me. I suddenly want a midnight snack. Murphy, make me one with an egg pancake and some side dishes.” “Of course, my lady.” Murphy rose with a smile, taking Tris’s slender waist as he stepped forward. This overly intimate gesture made Tris glare at him, but she ultimately didn’t push his hand away. As they entered the portal, Murphy softly said to Tris, “You were jealous just now, weren’t you? About me and Shani?” “Who’s jealous? You can go with whoever you want. The further from me, the happier I’ll be... Hey! Someone’s watching! Don’t! Ugh... the bloody taste in your mouth is so foul! Go brush your teeth!”