Before the almighty players, no challenge is too great. Offer rewards, and they'll pierce the heavens.
The thrilling first-ring task was completed almost right after lunch, with players delivering results to Lynn. As players turned in tasks, Yu Yu spotted her oversight. Task completion was fine, but if players just got answers from forums, did that count?
If Eternal Darkness weren't so strict, she'd be in trouble. Luckily, even if players knew the bandit camp's location, they had to visit in person. Players mostly traveled on foot, stretching their timelines and giving Lynn ample breathing room. Now, the issue: how to distribute the purchased supplies to players?
Yu Yu wasn't a real GM, incapable of instantly sending items to player inventories. Distributing supplies required manpower. They couldn't personally hand out goods. Hiring temporary employee was an option, but…
Yu Yu locked the time of the points store and changed it to start redemption after completing the task. Then immediately open the second page of the store and give enough bait. Seeing senior Chang return, Yu Yu asked, "I lack manpower. If I partner with others to provide hands, that's not cheating, right?"
Chang pondered briefly. "No magic circle or Duchess."
Yu Yu slapped her thigh. "Got it."
Only then did Yu Yu realize her shortfall.
She had no suitable spellcaster friends, player or Silver Moon native.
Nor could she enlist high-tier spellcasters.
And Chang would never agree.
Yu Yu pinched her chin, calculating. "Yun Lun's probably on break? She knows more spells than me, right?"
The screen was no big deal—just a new Silver Moon trick, magic sleight. Yu Yu bought an expanded list version.
Chang thought. "Her? You've known her a while, mid-tier spellcaster… doesn't count."
Yu Yu couldn't help but gripe, "I've known Senior Felix forever too. Why does she count?"
Chang had a blank expression on her face and made no reply. Don't you know Felix's status?
Even without acting, her marquess title, with your cunning, could leverage who-knows-what power.
Pfft, Felix? Don't even dream!
Yu Yu released her night crow. Banning Senior first, huh? No martial virtue.
Soon, night crows swooped in. Yu Yu had swapped IDs with Yun Lun, now hearing her voice through the crow.
"No break, but I got leave from Lady Mama. Gimme twenty minutes!"
This is Yun Lun's reply.
Ever since she experienced the joy of taking leave to go into the city for fun last time, Yun Lun's guilt about taking leave has been decreasing day by day. Of course, the arrival of outsiders has made the entire Silver Moon novel and interesting, which is also an important reason.
Yu Yu didn't wait long before her friend arrived. Comparing spell lists, Yu Yu quickly conceded.
"I've worked so hard—how am I this far behind?" Staring at Yun Lun's dozen-page spell list, Yu Yu was crushed.
Yun Lun looked at her innocently, "Maybe you haven't worked long enough?"
Chang vanished into invisibility before Yun Lun appeared. Yu Yu outlined her situation and plan. After a half-hour lecture, Yun Lun threw in the towel.
"Fine, I'll follow the warrior's lead," Yun Lun said, eyes spinning. "I'll just cast spells."
Zi Shu immediately stepped forward to make her presence known, "Miss Yun Lun, happy to collaborate." Standing with spellcaster teammates, they easily became background props—NPCs barely glanced at them, a real gut punch.
Good thing Yu Yu didn't pick up that bad habit.
Yu Yu waved cheerfully. "Then I'll leave it to you, then. I'm off with Shu Tu and Fuyu to pull investment."
Lynn was comfy now. An enchanted cup spoke for her; she just leaned against the statue, strumming her lyre, half-lidded.
Cozy.
She'd always wanted this.
Before, the magic circle would've shooed her off. This time, no reaction.
Hmph, Yu's nice, but the magic circle's still annoying.
Arrogant jerks.
Players witnessed an NPC's slacking.
Buddy, you at least mouthed words this morning. Now it's ventriloquism?
If not for that shop list overhead, we'd riot!
Hmph! Dumb NPC!
After the first player turned in, the first shop page unlocked. Though lackluster, players eyed the second page.
Stingy Eternal Darkness, skimpy and overpriced.
A day's brick-moving barely earned 20 silver, while prices soared.
Finally, an event—or they'd herniate from brick hauling.
[Second Ring: Pre-Battle Recon (Earn points by completing entries)]
[1. Enemy numbers
2. Enemy strength
3. Enemy equipment
4. Terrain
5. … (Scroll down)]
Zi Shu methodically followed the plan, adapting with Lynn.
Meanwhile, Yu Yu was at the hunter camp.
Shu Tu took her straight to her mentor.
Not a true master, more like a city guard instructor.
Still, Shu Tu had some fame here, greeted by many along the way.
Not just Yu Yu grinding in the magic circle—Shu Tu was hustling too.
Thanks to their prior deal, Yu Yu easily met the Silver Moon hunter camp folks.
The camp's Moon Bay outpost was tiny, barely staffed.
But in Silver Moon, the hunter camp was a heavyweight.
Shu Tu briefed Yu Yu on the camp's structure.
"They say there are priests and elders, but I haven't met them. Below elders are hunt leaders, then hunters and apprentice hunters."
Shu Tu whispered, "I was an apprentice hunter. Just days ago, I passed the test mission with others, becoming a full hunter."
"Since joining, everyone's been kind."
She figured it was a way to earn NPC approval.
Yu Yu nodded. "Same here—joining the magic circle got me to know seniors."
No sign of Chang—had she followed?
"Mentor, may I enter?"
"Shu Tu, come in."
A burly middle-aged man was hunched over something, the tent thick with herbal scents.
Yu Yu noticed nurseries along the way, growing unfamiliar herbs.
Rangers in leather armor roamed with animal companions.
Here, Yu Yu and Fuyu saw creatures they'd never encountered, nearly glued to the spot until Shu Tu dragged them.
The hunter camp wasn't in the city but in the western Silver Moon woods.
Without Shu Tu, they'd never have found it.
Fuyu stayed unstealthed the whole way.
She'd learned NPCs' style.
They hated rogues sneaking—spot one, they'd scold or attack.
Fuyu felt cursed. What did rogues do to deserve this?
Compared to spellcasters' god-tier start, rogues got a cataclysmic one.
Yu Yu, very polite, said, "Greetings, Senior. Sorry to intrude—am I disturbing you?"
Using textbook courtesies, Yu Yu slowly chatted with the mid-tier ranger.
"Are the potions I ordered ready?"
"Of course, take them anytime."
Rangers weren't big on etiquette but didn't mind it. Starting polite was safe.
Fuyu curiously scanned the tent.
Spacious yet oddly bright, it reeked of herbs and earth. A table held unprocessed plants.
Several battle-worn bows hung nearby.
This hunter looked sturdy, almost warrior-like, unlike Fuyu's image of graceful, nimble archers.
Were NPCs different?
Or did they secretly pump Strength and Constitution?
Building on their last deal, Yu Yu gradually showed her hand.
She explained her task, her method, and delicately said, "Lady Wind Singer, a high-tier warrior, can't handle too many outsiders. Could the hunter camp spare some low-tier rangers to help distribute potions?"
Keywords extracted, the hunt leader mused silently.
First, this was Silver Moon's famed spellcaster, magic circle darling, she was directly caught by the top leaders of the Magic Circle and brought to the stage, knighted by the Duchess herself.
Among outsiders, only she was titled. This was a signal.
Second, she roped in Wind Singer?
And after hearing her crazy plan, the hunt leader's head buzzing with question marks.
What even is this?
Why would Lady Wind Singer agree to such absurdity?
But eyeing her robe and recalling their recent elemental powder deal, he held back criticism.
Just lending a few people…
Yu Yu wrapped up, "…It's a slight to ranger outsiders, but I hope they'll understand."
Shu Tu glanced at her.
The hunt leader cut in, "What? Slighting ranger outsiders?"
Hearing his domain, he perked up. "You mean you prepped all those rewards for warriors? What about rangers?"
"No ranger outsiders took the task?"
Yu Yu, guilty-faced, said, "Lots, but my means are limited. I can't offer ranger rewards."
The hunt leader grew wary. "Elemental arrows—low and mid-tier rangers crave those. The magic circle's short on them?"
Yu Yu, aggrieved, said, "It's my task. The magic circle offers no help."
The hunt leader hesitated, grimacing, "I see…"
"You're Shu Tu's friend, so a friend of the forest," he said, dodging Wind Singer's name, unsure of their tie. "Lending a few is no issue."
"So many outsiders gathered for this," he justified, "for Silver Moon's security, we can't sit idle. But sending people to the city, to sensitive Silver Wolf Plaza, with the magic circle and Duchess…"
Yu Yu smiled. "If there's backlash, I'll take it. You're all my invited friends."
Friends +n!
The hunt leader relaxed. "Wait here. I'll gather people."
He planned to go see for himself.
Originally, Wind Singer's self-amusement, though odd, didn't warrant involvement.
But listen!
This spellcaster kept mentioning rangers and warriors, hinting her next stop was rogues.
He had no clue what'd happen—best to check personally.
But first, he had to report to the elders and inquire about Lady Wind Singer.
A half-elf, sure, but from the Heart of Nature…
He rushed off, soon assembling a team.
Yu Yu turned to him. "Sorry, I'm heading to the rogue camp next. Meet at Silver Wolf Plaza with Shu Tu."
To Shu Tu, the hunt leader softened. "Alright, we'll wait there."
He genuinely liked this sharp, diligent disciple, even considering taking her as an apprentice, pending further tests.
Shu Tu and a ranger NPC team left.
The leader was a mid-tier ranger.
Yu Yu and Fuyu exited the camp. Yu Yu grinned, "Saved a chunk of gold."
Hiring NPCs to handle players cost dozens of gold, minimum.
Turning, she noticed Fuyu's gloom.
Yu Yu slung an arm around her. "What's up?"
Fuyu met her eyes, hesitant. "Do rogues really have a future?"
Seeing her expression, Yu Yu got serious. "As a class, its long existence proves its necessity."
"They say the magic circle's overbearing, but even so, rogues thrive," Yu Yu said. "They've got their own survival path—we're just too low-tier to see or imagine it."
Yu Yu tapped her chin. "Wind Singer mentioned a high-tier rogue alliance, Black Claw. Maybe their true legacy's there."
"There's a Black Claw guest in Silver Moon."
Seeing Fuyu's eyes brighten, Yu Yu encouraged, "Silver Moon's the magic circle's stronghold—none sleep soundly beside their bed. But once players roam beyond, it's a vast sea for fish to leap, a wide sky for birds to soar."
Fuyu clenched her fist. "Alright, I'm joining Black Claw!"
Yu Yu laughed. "When I deal with high-tier rogues, I might need your intro."
Fuyu smirked, "No, you need me now to guide you!"
"I'm not kidding—normal folks can't find our camp!"
They left, giggling, but the hunter camp erupted with a high-tier ranger's curses.
"…You rude spellcaster, you sneaked into the camp directly, are you planning to start a war with us?!"
"Where's your grace?! Manners?!"
"Damn bully!"
Sadly, the target was gone, unheard.
In other words, he deliberately waited until the person left before cursing.
After having a great meal, he turned back to report with satisfaction.
"Priest, it's that rising little spellcaster, Yu."
"Her purpose…" After briefing, he said, "We need to raise Yu's priority. The magic circle sent arrogant high-tier spellcasters to guard her invisibly. It's…"
Incomprehensible.
Utterly baffling.
Is Yu some legend's heir?
Impossible—even a legend's kin wouldn't get such condescending protection from those spellcasters.
Who is she?
An aged female voice replied, "Monitor lightly. The magic circle hates eyes on their favorites."
Their tyranny is utterly unreasonable.
They can sneak in invisible, but try strolling their headquarters twice?
You'd be toast.
Yu Yu was dumbfounded.
"…Who could find this?"
"Can't you rogues tweak your style?"
"Living in sewers! No wonder you can't recruit!"
Yu Yu ranted, "Even without high pay, you need a decent place to live!"
"At least cover food and lodging!"
"Sewers are too hardcore!"
Fuyu, pinching her nose, said, "I can't help it. You think I want this?"
She was suffering too. "I thought it was game design at first, but now, clearly, NPCs have warped aesthetics."
Why else do NPCs call her 'gutter rat'?
Because they actually set up in sewers!
Yu Yu paused, musing, "How's the rogue-magic circle relationship?"
Did they offend the magic circle and get forced here?
Fuyu innocently said, "Dunno, but in other games, aren't rogues mage counters?"
She snickered, "If so, that'd explain the magic circle hating rogues."
Yu Yu considered, finding it plausible.
High-tier spellcasters, maybe not, but low and mid-tier ones fear rogues.
Long cast times and fragile Constitution—rogues in skirmishes are one-stab killers.
Is the magic circle less dominant outside?
With such doubts, Yu Yu pinches her nose, followed Fuyu into the rogue camp.
Past a gate, the invisible stench vanished. Yu Yu exhaled heavily.
So dark.
Her first impression.
Just a sewer moments ago, now inside, a web of rope bridges crisscrossed a towering structure.
Shadowy figures moved on narrow, swaying bridges.
Some bridges were single ropes, yet they walked unfazed.
Fuyu looked around vigilantly, with her senses fully open, and even took out the dagger.
Yu Yu gaped, "What're you doing?"
Fuyu: "Rogues have no order. Mid-tier rogues are up high. Without anyone to introduce them, whether you can see them or not depends entirely on luck."
"No other class visits. I'm worried they'll target you." Fuyu muttered, "Rogues have the lowest morals. I lose money here for no reason, and I've fought tons."
Yu Yu pictured a new image.
Compared to the orderly, wild hunter camp, the rogue camp was chaos.
No organization, every rogue for themselves.
Getting robbed or beaten in camp—was that real?
Yu Yu was stunned. She immediately stuffed all the things on her body into her belt and held the belt tightly.
Warriors had no camp—their home was the city guard. Yu Yu guessed their future was military.
But…
The rogue state shocked her.
Fuyu's tone was complex. "Stealth can't save rogues. Hopeless, just die."
Eyeing the rickety ropes, Yu Yu lost faith in her goal.
In this lawless, feral place, did anyone care about rogues' future?
They'd probably demand a fortune, maybe even extort her…
But she was here. Leaving now would crush Fuyu.
She likely thought of this, explaining her gloom at the hunter camp.
Yu Yu cast feather fall on herself. "It's up to you."
The spell's ripple alerted some. Moving shadows above paused, looking down.
"Spellcaster?" A surprised voice rang out.
Fuyu hoisted Yu Yu onto her back, nimbly leaping to dodge lurking figures.
Yes, the spell's pulse drew shadow-jumping rogues, with countless more stealthed.
Yu Yu chanted.
[Lighten Body]
Fuyu's speed spiked, outpacing fellow low-tier rogues.
Curious NPCs and players joined the chase.
"Daring to hit the rogue stronghold, you ready for this?"
Fuyu was floored.
How did Yu Yu's visit spark such a manhunt?
What's your beef with spellcasters?
Yu Yu added dark vision, pondering, "Keep running, don't stop. I'm prepping a spell."
Fuyu gritted her teeth. "I'm getting you out today!"
Unlike Shu Tu's easy trip, she hadn't even seen her mentor!
So mad!
Fuyu pushed hard, and Yu Yu didn't slack.
At one point, Yu Yu's spell landed—
[Mass Sleep]
Note: Mass Sleep is an area spell.
Also, the rogue camp was built vertically, not horizontally.
They prioritized height over breadth.
So…
A cascade of "thud thud" echoed.
Yu Yu, gauging the area, stretched Mass Sleep to cover the rope bridges.
She knew its flat range but not its vertical data…
Perfect chance to test.
Rogues' balance was commendable.
So when Mass Sleep hit…
Yu Yu didn't know how many she knocked out, only hearing unlucky ones hit the ground, jolted awake.
Some crashed onto bridges, snapping aged ropes.
…Why show off acrobatics?
Serves them right.
Seizing the chance, Fuyu zipped upward.
Running was futile—NPCs knew the sewers better.
Yu Yu, a spellcaster, wasn't here to provoke. Fleeing would worsen their position.
Her teammates had their roles—she wouldn't be the weak link!
Fuyu went all out, feeling sharper than ever.
Every scent on the breeze, every rope's quiver, she faintly heard blood pulsing…
"Enough!"
A cold snort snapped Fuyu awake. She realized she'd carried Yu Yu to the top.
This place was usually empty.
Facing the unfamiliar woman, Fuyu frowned, "Where's my mentor?"
"Mentor, what mentor?" The woman's expression was icy. "Spellcaster, didn't your elders warn you to steer clear of rogues?"
"Tell me, how should I deal with you?"
Yu Yu, seeing her face, grew odd.
This big sucker—I've met her before…