Chapter 197:

Normally always appearing cheerful and jovial, Murphy was rarely seen getting angry tonight. The reason behind it was because of the “misbehavior” of the little players. They were not afraid of death, but that was no excuse for actively seeking it. Taking advantage of having wings, they went and attempted to jump off cliffs, resulting in meaningless sacrifices. He knew that he had to make the players aware of the seriousness of this matter, lest there be those who couldn’t distinguish “reality” from “fiction” and leapt off some tall building in the real world. That, would certainly not be something that could be resolved with a three-day resurrection. Now it seemed that the 66-question entrance exam for selecting test players was too conservative. When he had some free time, he would have to adjust that questionnaire, ensuring that at the very least, players entering the game must possess a certain level of self-control and discernment. Miriam had already received the message that Murphy would be coming over. So when Murphy pushed open the door, she had already put on an outer garment over her nightgown and brewed herself a cup of tea. “I know you vampires are very energetic at night, but please forgive me, my lord. We normal people need to sleep at night,” Miriam said to Murphy while yawning continuously. “Is there some important matter that requires me to be woken up at this ungodly hour?” “Tomorrow, 70 warriors will be recruited from the Saxony region.” Murphy threw a miniature spirit lightning bolt, or rather “spirit static electricity”, at Miriam. The flickering crimson static electricity quickly dispelled Miriam’s sleepiness. The Crimson Regent grasped her hair that had stood on end and listened carefully, understanding the “code” Murphy was referring to. Her lord was going to recruit otherworld warriors again. And this time, he was recruiting 70 at once! This was already the total sum of the current otherworld warriors they had, meaning the advantage of a doubling in numbers. As the Crimson Regent, Miriam had fully recognized the outstanding effect a group of fearless otherworlders had in handling various special incidents. Murphy’s news made a glimmer appear in her eyes as well. “So, are you asking for my suggestion?” Miriam took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and said, “A suggestion regarding recruiting these ‘Saxony mountain folk’?” “Yes! Since you are currently in charge of the specific affairs of the territory, I want to hear your opinion. You know the various traits these mountain folk possess. Their outstanding talents can be put to good use.” Murphy stroked his chin and said, “For example, the four warriors you have already designated have taken a lot of pressure off you in administrative matters, have they not?” “Hmm, if we approach it from that angle, then I would suggest that you summon all 70 warriors this time as administrative talents!” Miriam immediately became energized. Of course, she also knew that was impossible, so after calming down, she drank her tea and said, “At least a quarter should be focused on administrative talents. They don’t necessarily have to be managerial types, outstanding scholars like Mr. Grayman are also very much needed by us. My lord, I plan to report to you tomorrow on my work accomplishments over this period. Not counting Bataxin City, which has already been granted as a fief to Lady Palen, we have currently gained the allegiance of 15 villages. But in order to effectively manage them, we cannot just stop at ‘proclamation’. My idea is to dispatch specific people to those villages to replace the village chiefs, or simply have them migrate to the vicinity of Crimson Citadel. After all, the baronies of Morland and Leim have plenty of abandoned villages for them to reside in. Or even more straightforwardly, incorporate them into the rebuilding work of Crimson Citadel. I think everyone would have a sense of belonging towards a city they built with their own hands.” Saying this, the Crimson Regent put down her teacup. She smoothed her hair that was still frizzed from the static electricity and said to Murphy, “I believe these villagers will be easier to manage than the blood servants we are about to receive. Those prisoners who will be sent back, no matter how loyal they are to vampires, are still soldiers and unsuitable to be placed in the currently dilapidated Crimson Citadel. What do you think?” “I have my own arrangements for that,” Murphy shook his head and said, “The villages of Transia were too scattered in the past, severely affecting the administrative efficiency of this region. I plan to take advantage of this opportunity to re-plan the distribution of all villages in the Transia area, gathering the people into more efficient collective farms instead of allowing them to work freely. The production efficiency of that method is too low. We now have Witch Hunters, whose mastery of natural spirit energy can make the cleared farmlands more fertile and allow better growth for the barley next spring. Of course, this is a long-term plan that needs to be discussed slowly by your administrative team. For now, let’s just talk about tomorrow’s warrior recruitment. Are you sure a quarter of them as administrators is enough?” “For now, it is enough.” Miriam nodded and said, “I need to set up the framework for the territorial governance system first. The initial step is to establish important governing nodes. According to Professor Malcolm’s suggestion, having too many officials at this stage is actually counterproductive. 15-20 administrative warriors as a trial of the new governing model for Crimson Citadel and the nearby villages will be more than enough. Because soon after, we will be receiving a large number of prisoners sent back from two countries. I originally planned to build a few more villages near the Morland Village quarry and the logging site near Leim Village to accommodate them. Since you have proposed the idea of ‘collective farms’, perhaps starting with these armed blood servants to establish our new grassroots might also be a good choice. You trust your warriors, and their work capabilities have been recognized. So I plan to hand over the management rights of these new villages to them. But first, your warriors need to get accustomed to our administrative model here. Although their knowledge is solid, like my former self, they severely lack experience in grassroots management. As for the remaining warriors, they will naturally still lean towards combat roles! Come out and report so your big brother can see who’s in the same batch! That way we can look out for each other once we’re in the game.】 Kind-Face Giant Shark Uncle: 【What’s there to be proud of? Big brother also got in! Ha, let me see with my own eyes what kind of game this is that my cute little junior claims is 100% real! Tremble, Transia, the martial arts genius Mighty Shark is here!】 Bursting Belly: 【I’m going too, brother.】 Onboard Joy Stick: 【Kadman Army Recruiting! Brothers, want to experience the thrilling life of vendettas? Want to witness true masculine heroism? Want to find life’s true meaning in battle? Want to open a treasure and get rich overnight? The Kadman Army is your best choice! Join now and get a free recruit outfit set! First batch of closed beta veterans and Professional brothers will lead, rich game experience, participated in all big and small battles so far with outstanding records! You’re just one step away from reaching the pinnacle of life by joining us!】 Alpha: 【@Onboard Joy Stick, the guild system isn’t open yet, don’t mislead new players. And your name doesn’t follow the game rules. To use the ‘Kadman’ region’s official capacity to create an army, you need Count Murphy’s formal authorization. Be careful of Maxim sending troops to arrest you for randomly calling out like this in-game.】 Onboard Joy Stick: 【Hehe, brother Alpha, don’t be so serious, I can change it, can’t I?】 Meow King: 【Hahaha, caught red-handed trying to deceive! You’re something else, brother. Oh right, our ‘Big Bird Spinning’ squad also plans to recruit newbies. Any interested buddies can private message me once in the game.】 Leading Pigeon: 【Damn! Brother Meow King, what kind of shady name is that? Sounds so vulgar. Our ‘Crimson Beast Squad’ is also recruiting, but only midnight fine men determined to walk the vampire path.】 Corki the Pilot: 【????Did everyone receive the test invitation? Why didn’t I get one? Is it because my computer is broken so I can’t receive emails?】 Border Town Wanderer: 【This is such a let down! I’ve been waiting for 10 days, and I’m still not allowed in this time? Isn’t it my turn yet? I’ve posted so much in the feedback area!】 Mountain Demon Ganpu: 【Yeah, yeah, our ‘Demon Eight’ group always checks in on the forum on schedule every day. Brother Alpha, give us a chance to make a small insignificant contribution to the test work.】 Heaven’s Chosen Grayman: 【Uh, brother, is there a possibility that, well, the more posts you make, the more work the admins have to process, and the more extreme their view of you becomes, and then...】 Border Town Wanderer: 【What the f**k? No way! Isn’t this a test? Isn’t game testing all about providing feedback? This is clearly proof that I’m diligently working! My sincerity is as clear as day and night, admins, please don’t misunderstand!】 Mustard Madman: 【Hahaha, brother you’re too much!】 Master Ziwei: 【Why don’t you let this brother divine his fate? Let me teach you, toss three coins and tell me the yin and yang, I’ll help you calculate. Tarot cards or crystal balls are fine too, I’m a Master at all of them. Look, I’ve already divined for myself. I will successfully get a helmet and enter the game after at most 10,000 and at least 1 cycle of being left out, how about that? Impressive, right?】 Border Town Wanderer: 【???? Why is this psychic also barging in? Get lost, all of you!】 Bricklayer: 【Brother, I got in just by casually filling it out the other day, so I’m the heaven-chosen one, right?】 Multi-Turret Chief Disciple: 【Brother Alpha, give me a helmet! Brother Alpha, I want to be your dog! Give me a chance, Brother Alpha, @Alpha】 Alpha: 【Don’t rush, everyone being able to enter the forum means you’ve passed the test group’s selection. The only thing limiting you from entering the game besides server capacity is the production output of the hardware team making the game hardware. I heard they’re adjusting the production line to prepare for mass production. Just wait a bit longer, it won’t be too long. Once the output is up, everyone on the forum can enter the game and play together.】 Multi-Turret Chief Disciple: 【I can go to the factory and help tighten screws! I’m not bragging, but I’m really slick at tightening screws, @Alpha, Brother Alpha, is there any way to pull some strings and get me in through the back door? I really really want to play, give me a chance! I want to be a good person!】 Alpha: 【Well, there’s a way that’s not really a back door. It’s because the test group is preparing for a large-scale manufacturing industry classification test recently. But in pursuit of realism, it’s very difficult for us to find artisan workers from various industries. So, if you have relevant specialties, you can supplement them in your applications. This may increase your chances of success, but I can’t guarantee 100% success. This depends on the test progress. Also, don’t falsify information. Artisan test participants who enter the game will have a skills assessment. If you can’t pass, then... In short, don’t falsify information! I can assure you that as long as you wait patiently, everyone can enter the game. This is the development team’s promise to you all! There’s no need to forfeit your eligibility for a momentary impulse. Honestly, it’s not worth it.】 Ah Yuen: 【Oh, artisans? Does cooking count? I also have a brother who specializes in making sugar figurines, it’s our local intangible cultural heritage.】 Alpha: 【Those all count, the development team welcomes test participants with specialties. They urgently need feedback right now, and to be honest, the testing for the manufacturing system has already fallen far behind schedule.】 Ah Yuen: 【Got it~ Leave it to me, Brother Alpha!】 Master Broken Blade: 【@Alpha, Brother Alpha, my brother and I also count as artisans, right? But can we forge iron in the game?】 Hundred Forging Great Horse: 【Obviously, if we can’t forge iron, what are we here for? @Meow King, Meow King brother, it was you who said there were divine weapons so we filled out the application. If we don’t qualify, watch out, we might come beat you up in person. Hey, look out, the professionals are here!】