Chapter 198:

Time flew by in a flash. As midnight dispersed and the sun shone brightly overhead, a large group of players rushed to the Midnight Chamber of the Blood Vulture Halls at high noon. They had learned from the forums that new players would be joining the game at this time, and due to the unique invitation system of the game 《Reality Realm》, they had all come to “welcome the bride.” As usual, Murphy was calculating the time in the Midnight Chamber. When the countdown hit zero, he cast “Otherworld Summoning Spell” at the Proficient level. With his Black Iron Elite Template rank and his ever-expanding spirit pool from continuous potential development, he was able to complete the resonance of entity weaving and spirit projection for 70 new players in one go. Seventy little players of varying heights and body types had already prepared themselves in the most comfortable positions in another world. The correct method for adjusting the game helmets, compiled by Meow King, had also been kept at the top of the forum, giving the little players enough time for personalized settings after receiving their helmets. As a flash of light appeared in the VR-like interface, the players witnessed a scattering of stars and streams of light. Then, with a slight sense of weightlessness, they opened their eyes wide. After a fairly decent “seamless transition,” the world before them gradually came into focus. With their first breath, they caught sight of the dimly lit yet unobstructed atmosphere of the Midnight Chamber, exuding the mysterious aura unique to the midnight nobility through its intricate drawings and carvings. The torches and lamps lit on the walls guided their gaze, and they began their gaming journey by experiencing the perfect integration of their spirit and new bodies. The new players let out exclamations of surprise. Some immediately got up and jumped around, while others cautiously observed their surroundings. Although everyone who made it here had been on the forum for at least a week, seeing the information posted by veteran players every day and knowing that this game was very realistic, it wasn’t until this moment that they truly understood the meaning of “100% realism.” Especially the simulation of the five senses to an incredibly lifelike degree. It was simply... simply indistinguishable from a real otherworld. However, this time, there was no appearance of the infamous Pants-Remover among the little players, and everyone’s behavior was quite normal, even overly “gentlemanly.” The reason for this was likely the presence of a “special person” among them. Yes, this batch of 70 players also included only one female, and she was similarly from an extraordinary background. “Damn, that’s at least a D+, right?” whispered “Bursting Belly” as he looked at the tall, gentle-faced woman with long hair draped over her shoulders, who was rubbing her cheeks. “Not just that, with my professional eye, I’d say it’s an E, perfectly balanced between ‘curvaceous’ and uncomfortably ‘large’, what we generally call top-notch,” a young man beside Belly laughed and corrected him in a low voice. “Hey, hey, snap out of it. Don’t stare, you guys. She’ll notice, and let’s not act like we’ve never seen a woman before. Be classy, alright?” “Ah, this...” The circle of men around them immediately coughed and averted their gaze. However, the lady, formidable in every sense, seemed accustomed to such attention. She smiled and greeted the players around her, then stepped forward, immediately drawn to the smiling Murphy before her. Don’t get the wrong idea! Murphy was undoubtedly handsome and capable of attracting a lady’s gaze. But this lady’s attention was not on Murphy’s handsome face but rather on the Blood Vulture Clan ceremonial outfit he was wearing. “A classical Gothic style variant, leaning towards the Central European Highlands embroidery style. Hmm... an unfamiliar knitting technique but undoubtedly an ancient tradition. Additionally, the ever-timeless use of black as the base, complemented by well-placed red accents to enhance the visual impact and shock factor. The most classic element is this unique hooded cape collar, giving the wearer an ‘upright and noble’ first impression, truly excellent design, although a bit too extreme. Ordinary models would never be able to pull off this gloomy style, they’d just look like lunatics. But despite lacking universality, it doesn’t detract from the innate perfection of this style and the need for a flawless frame to hold it up. Vampires. Marvelous creatures, marvelous aesthetic style.” She muttered to herself, reaching out to touch the bat embroidery made of spirit thread on Murphy’s clothing. But before her fingers could make contact with her chest, the Lord politely raised his hand to stop the lady’s touch. He cleared his throat lightly, causing the lady before him to snap out of her trance. “You must be ‘Lady Aqua,’ correct?” Murphy looked the unique lady up and down as he courteously said, “I’ve been hearing my brave little Ashina sing your praises. She claims you’re the most outstanding clothing and fashion concept designer in the otherworld, and at first glance, you’re indeed extraordinary. There’s a lot of research on the vampire style in this world, but few can analyze us from the perspective of our clothing style the moment they lay eyes on us. You’re truly a lady with a unique eye, as exceptional as your graceful bearing.” “Oh my, the young master flatters me too much. I’m just an ordinary housewife now, having been away from work for so long that I’ve forgotten the etiquette of a first meeting. Please excuse my rudeness.” Being complimented by such a handsome NPC made Lady Aqua cover her mouth and laugh lightly. Her demeanor was truly excellent. Her exquisite features and easy grace exuded a kind of “nobility” that wasn’t off-putting. It was the kind where you knew this lady belonged to the upper echelon, yet she still made an effort to bridge the distance with you. This visible effort alone could dispel most people’s hostility. Just as true leaders are always amiable, only those unrefined folks would strive for the self-satisfaction derived from instilling fear in others. Meanwhile, as Murphy observed the little players, the ferocious animal expert “Bursting Belly” had been led by Feel You Poor to face his “Stinky Treasure.” Last night, Feel You Poor had sent his Manticore back to the Astral Realm. What was before them now was a second summon from the Astral Realm, a spirit projection but also a physical entity. If killed in the material world, it would simply be reborn in the Astral Realm. This was a shared trait of Astral Realm creatures. With a summoning contract made with Feel You Poor, Stinky Treasure was very obedient, squatting calmly beside its Summoner, observing the two strangers with lion-like eyes. It could sense the fear in their hearts. This greatly satisfied the young Manticore, prompting a comfortable snort as it draped its venomous tail hook, capable of easily piercing a human body, over its Summoner’s shoulder. A display of affection and trust. But Belly, a professional zookeeper who had graduated and worked in the field for years, had his worldview shaken to the core. He looked at the peculiar creature before him, a fusion of a male lion, scorpion, and bat, and clutched his head in distress, wailing: “I knew that salary of several tens of thousands a month wouldn’t come easy. How am I supposed to help you raise this thing, boss? I know how to feed lions and understand the habits of bats. I also know scorpions like cool, dark places. But you’ve combined the three... Sigh Is it too late for me to quit?” “Quit? Who hasn’t done this for the first time?” Feel You Poor remained optimistic as he patted Belly’s shoulder and said, “We’re all newbies at this sort of thing. Just do your best. My Stinky Treasure isn’t as fragile as you think. I heard from Lady Tris that you can directly feed it poison and it’ll be fine. Poison is actually a supplement for it.” “Oh, headache...” Belly looked pained. Thinking to himself, ‘The spoiled rich really are different, raising monsters in the game and even hiring a caretaker for his pet. What a waste of money.’ But he couldn’t bear to give up the generous salary, and he was also interested in the “fantasy creature” before him. So he pondered and said, “I gathered some information from the forums earlier. I heard from Meow King that the Adventurer’s Guild has a ‘Beast Tongue’ skill book? Perhaps I should buy one to better communicate with animals and understand their preferences.” “Then go find them,” Feel You Poor waved his hand dismissively. “Those lunatics have been preaching at the camp these past few days, recruiting people everywhere for their Avalon Church. Just ask anyone where they are. Oh, right, the new hire process has changed. Go register at the Adventurer’s Guild first and do a few small quests to receive your Computation Bead and spirit dog tags.” “You’re playing at a much higher level this time. It’s the first time from childhood till now that I’ve gained some respect for you,” Life Is Pretty Good finally tore his gaze away from the Manticore and punched his lifelong friend’s chest playfully, laughing, “But I heard not only did your company go bankrupt, but you were also bullied? We brothers can’t take that, can we? Why didn’t you contact the bros to get some payback?” “I have seventeen ways to make them kneel and sing praises to you. If you insist on being law-abiding, then it’s nine ways.” “Tch, that’s in the past, why bring it up?” Feel You Poor shrugged and pulled his buddy toward the Adventurer’s Guild, saying as they walked, “There are administrative professions in this game, I think they’d suit you.” “No way, I’m not doing that.” Life Is Pretty Good stretched his body and scoffed, “I already manage a few hundred people in reality. Coming to the game, I still have to manage a few hundred more? Then what’s the point of playing?” “No need to rush that. Your mom called me a few days ago, asking you to go home for a visit.” “Not going! Mind your own business about my family and Old Zhang!” Feel You Poor snorted. Seeing his buddy about to nag again, he promptly mounted his Manticore and swiftly flew off, leaving Life Is Pretty Good no chance to persuade him, shaking his head in helplessness. This childhood friend of his still hadn’t been beaten down enough by reality. In another room in the outer city district, Lady Aqua gazed at the exquisite evening gown before her, her beautiful eyes shining brilliantly. Caressing the unique ornaments and intricate details, she marveled, “The artistic style of this game is astonishing. I’ve never seen a work that blends natural elements with a gloomy style so perfectly. No, this is a work of art. Just the waist is a bit tight. I can’t imagine having this bust size while also having this waistline, it’s simply unscientific! But since the previous owner was a vampire, it makes sense.” “But no matter, I can modify it myself.” “Busty monster!” Ashina growled in dissatisfaction, chewing on candy. This time, the other three girls sided with Ashina in berating Lady Aqua. She was not only beautiful but also skilled at making clothes and designing. She married into a wealthy family, had children, yet still maintained such a great figure. How were other women supposed to live? “You came here to play games, aren’t you going to ask about your husband? He dotes on you so much,” Orchid joked. It was fine if she didn’t ask, but once she did, Lady Aqua’s eyes immediately narrowed as she said sternly to the few before her, “Have you looked into the background of this game company? Do you know how terrified I was when that express delivery arrived at my doorstep this morning? I reviewed the surveillance footage, but it was disrupted for a few seconds. If I didn’t truly trust you and Ashina, I would never have worn this thing of unknown origin. I haven’t even told my husband about all this, lest he overreact again.” Pomegranate Sister blinked and joked, “Orchid said she received the helmet in Antarctica, which was already unbelievable. Where did you receive yours, Lady Aqua?” “I don’t know the specific location,” Lady Aqua shrugged and casually said, “But last night, I was having dinner with my husband in Morocco. Calculating the ship’s speed, it should be in international waters by now. I’ll be back in the country in a few days. Ashina, do you need me to bring you any gifts?” “Hmph, I’ll buy whatever I want myself. I don’t need you to bring me anything!” Ashina patted her head and flapped her wings, fluttering about like a giant baby bat. “That really is a huge yacht!” Pomegranate Sister looked defeated. She turned to the dejected Lumina and said, “So, what sort of supernatural beings are in your group? And how did you, of your caliber, get mixed in with them?” “I’ve already said, I have a good brain. I’m smart, okay?” Lumina covered her eyes and wailed, “Besides, can we not talk about reality in the game? Hanging around with this bunch of monsters is stressful enough for me!”