The second floor had a small living room with large windows, offering a view of the street and the garden of the neighboring manor.
Counting the rooms, Yu Yu couldn't help but stroke her chin. "The Duchess is so generous."
Besides her master bedroom, there were five guest rooms. The house itself had a huge garden in the back, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies on both floors.
The first floor was vast and open. She could even use the second floor as private rooms. But decorating it was another big issue. Did Silver Moon have renovation companies?
After a burst of passion, Fuyu quickly grounded herself. "I'm reserving a bed in advance!"
"I'm scared I can't beat Zhong Ye QAQ," Fuyu said. "Save one for me to log off."
Yu Yu had no issue. "Plenty of space."
A house this big made logging off easy. She was smitten with the backyard garden. Speaking of which, Yu Yu pushed open the door, standing on the garden balcony, breathing fresh air.
Zi Shu opened the front door, gazing from the second-floor balcony. "Great view here, just no people."
North City sat higher than South City, close to the inner city. From here, you could even see the silver wolf statue in the city center.
Absolutely stunning.
Fuyu was green with envy. "Today's another day I want to switch classes."
She suddenly looked into the distance. "Someone's coming."
Zi Shu frowned, then spotted them too. "Yu Yu, looks like someone's here for you."
Black-robed spellcasters, unmistakable at a glance, with silver-armored guards behind them. Yu Yu was still mulling over planting potatoes in the backyard and nagging Shu Tu for food. The Grand Archon had swiped one of her meals, after all.
Hearing this, she tossed the keys to Shu Tu. "I just got back! Even a production team's donkey gets a break!"
She knew her task had come calling. Before getting close, Yu Yu saw a black-robed spellcaster hovering near the ground. Didn't they say flying was banned in Silver Moon?
You're breaking the law!!!
"I'm off to do the task. Rest here after your matches."
Zi Shu: "What task?"
Yu Yu turned, meeting her eyes. "Assist the magic circle in punishing outsiders."
Zi Shu instinctively frowned. "…You took it?"
"Why not?"
Zi Shu relaxed her brow. "Players won't care, but I'm worried…" NPCs might overthink.
Yu Yu shrugged. "Once they know us longer, NPCs will figure out what players are."
What else could she do?
The Grand Archon… scummy as she was, Yu Yu felt immense pressure from her. She seemed friendly and approachable but exuded the oppressive aura of a ruler. Even the Duchess seemed harmless next to her.
"Yu."
"That's me."
The newcomer's expression was icy, giving Yu Yu a dangerous vibe. Unlike Senior Meng or that jerk's coldness, hers was genuinely hostile. Yu Yu's mind raced, instantly guessing her origin. The investigation team, an enchantment-specialized Archon… could she be a high-tier enchantment spellcaster?
Maybe even related to the one who was killed. Players could respawn, but NPCs died for good. How much pain must their loved ones feel?
As an outsider, it wasn't surprising she'd be hated. She'd have to tread carefully, leaving no room for error. No chance for her to lash out. Yu Yu's demeanor grew more respectful.
The woman's expression didn't soften. "Follow."
"Yes, ma'am."
Yu Yu shot Zi Shu and the others a look, then followed. Perhaps due to the leader's aura, this spellcaster team felt chillingly aloof to Yu Yu. Cold, emotionless, with faint hostility. Yu Yu stayed docile, not daring to make a peep. They crossed the inner city, stopping under an unfamiliar plaque.
[Enforcement Office]
Only then did Yu Yu realize she still didn't know the magic circle's departments, their hierarchy, or roles…
Too late to ask Senior now—she had to wing it. A dim corridor stretched ahead. Once the black-robed spellcasters stepped in, they blended into the shadows. The silver-armored guards had stopped far back. Yu Yu steeled herself to follow.
The corridor was cold, seemingly endless. She stuck close, a chilling presence clinging like maggots. Resisting the urge to rub her arms, she covertly scanned her surroundings. The Enforcement Office… did the magic circle have a dedicated enforcement branch?
How were they different from regular spellcasters?
Damn, she didn't even know the magic circle's internal ranks. Just high-tier spellcasters, mid-tier spellcasters…
So slack, Yu Yu!
The long, cold corridor finally ended, and they entered a room.
Thankfully, it was fairly clean.
Yu Yu had feared a torture chamber with corpses and gore—she'd have been trembling.
Then she realized she'd been too optimistic. They passed another door, finally stopping. A thick stench of blood hit, making Yu Yu's head spin. In a flash, she covered her eyes.
Aaaah! Aaaah!
Raised in a lawful society, her worst setbacks never prepared her for this!
Help, aaaaah!
Intestines spilling out, ugh.
Covering her eyes, choking on the blood stench, Yu Yu nearly vomited. No debuff, but she knew she couldn't fight in this state.
So gross! Ugh!
Disgusting!
Ugh.
This Enforcement Office was no saintly place. Her heightened Perception caught gazes landing on her. Peeking through her fingers, ignoring the floor's horrors, she looked at the others. They were indeed watching.
No mockery or scorn—just cold, like moss in a dark corner, silently standing. In that moment, the most vivid, human emotion came from the lead enchantment high-tier spellcaster. She openly showed disgust and disdain.
Yu Yu quickly dropped her hands, acting unfazed, awaiting their words. She was sent by the Grand Archon to help, not a prisoner on trial. If they attacked her…
Yu Yu would just crawl out of the spawn point three days later, crying to Senior for justice, then snitching to the Grand Archon.
With that thought, her courage grew.
She could respawn!
The leader showed a flicker of disappointment—Yu Yu recovered faster than expected.
"We've identified the mastermind," she said icily. "The only question is, how many accomplices are there?"
"Since the Grand Archon sent you," her eyes were frigid, chin raised, "you must have a solution."
She said "must," leaving no wiggle room!
The tenser Yu Yu got, the faster her mind worked, even adapting to the blood stench.
"Naturally, please allow me to gather my thoughts," she said evenly. "I'll explain in detail."
The high-tier Archon snorted coldly, silent. The others gave Yu Yu a bone-chilling feeling. She had a bizarre illusion that only two living people were in the room. Her and the enchantment high-tier spellcaster. The rest were corpses.
Terrifying.
What kind of people were so emotionless, numb, and cold, like bodies? Yu Yu didn't dare probe with her senses, instincts taut.
Her mind raced.
Mastermind found, how many accomplices?
No need to guess—she wanted to kill lots. And not a small number, or she wouldn't have delayed. That guild, riding the assassination's fame, was thriving, constantly recruiting new players. To spellcasters, it was a slap to their dignity and emotions.
A dead loved one used as a tool for advancement, with the culprits gloating. No one could stomach that. So no question—her emotions were pure rage. Though sent by the Grand Archon, Yu Yu couldn't oppose her mood. She had to comply. Or she might really crawl out of spawn three days later.
"Assassinating an Archon is high treason," Yu Yu said firmly. "We must exterminate them all to set an example!"
"Oh?" The high-tier spellcaster's gaze remained cold. "How to exterminate?"
Yu Yu had thought it through, speaking calmly. "You likely know the outsider group behind this assassination calls itself the 'Blood Clan,' styling as a guild."
"You've probably investigated thoroughly, but let me, from an outsider's perspective, explain the 'guild' organization."
The high-tier spellcaster stared. "Speak."
Yu Yu exhaled slightly, but only a little.
"A guild is an outsider organization, led by a guild leader and managers, recruiting other outsiders."
"It's a loose structure. Unless it's a large guild, most lack strong cohesion," Yu Yu said steadily. "Guilds form and establish casually. Faced with an overwhelming crisis, outsiders will disband instantly, scattering."
The high-tier spellcaster's brow furrowed, her face twisting. "You think they can escape?"
Yu Yu: "They can't. Allow me to elaborate."
She seemed to rein in her emotions, saying coldly after a pause, "My patience is limited. Talk fast."
"Ambitious small guild leaders showcase strength to attract lone outsiders."
At "showcase strength," the air grew thick.
Suppressing discomfort, Yu Yu continued, "And the Archon was targeted under such a mindset…"
"I'll kill you!"
The spellcaster's eyes were bloodshot, erupting in fury.
Yu Yu's neck was grabbed, her life hanging by a thread. "…The 'Blood Clan' gained fame from it."
"If we don't crush this trend, it'll only grow worse."
"And that," Yu Yu coughed, "is why the Grand Archon sent me."
The high-tier spellcaster's grip loosened slightly. Clearly, "Grand Archon" carried weight. Yu Yu saw her bloodshot eyes, brimming with murderous intent. She truly wanted to kill her. The slain Archon must have been very close to her.
"The Grand Archon's intent must be," Yu Yu coughed twice per sentence, "cough cough, to maximize kills for merit."
"This will deter outsiders," her throat ached, "cough cough cough, and serve as a warning."
Staring deeply, perhaps soothed by "maximize kills," the high-tier spellcaster finally let go.
Yu Yu's Hold Person wasn't lifted—she could only talk.
High-tier spellcaster: "Funi, my daughter."
Her voice was icy. "You don't even know her name."
Yu Yu fell silent.
She didn't know how to respond. Her perspective shifted slightly. Killing someone's daughter for such a senseless reason… unforgivable.
Yu Yu lowered her gaze. "Outsiders are highly connected. If word leaks, catching them gets harder."
"How about…"
The high-tier spellcaster stared. "How about?"
The Grand Archon, hands clasped, mused, "…Is that so?"
The high-tier spellcaster stood coldly, calmly relaying Yu Yu's suggestion. "Lure the snake out, then capture them all."
"Die? Don't even think about it."
Yu Yu stood meekly, occasionally rubbing her neck, pointedly showing the Grand Archon her grievance.
It's your fault!
The Grand Archon didn't bat an eye. "Hm, your suggestion? Elaborate."
Yu Yu shot her a resentful glance before switching gears. "Does the Grand Archon think scattered players are easier to manage, or grouped ones?"
The Grand Archon raised an eyebrow.
Yu Yu: "If Silver Moon recognizes player guilds, clarifies their responsibilities, lets guilds manage players, and Silver Moon manages guilds, isn't that easier than directly handling scattered players?"
"In fact, players have long wanted guild slots," Yu Yu said. "Even without the Grand Archon's approval, they've formed countless guilds, rallying top players into small collectives."
"Blocking is worse than guiding. Why not grant their wish?"
Her eyes flicked lightly. "As for guild registration requiring all members present, with photos and names recorded, what's that matter?"
"If Silver Moon's unsuitable, it can be done in town," Yu Yu's tone was airy. "By targeting guilds, most ambitious, driven players enter the Grand Archon's sight, easier to control, no?"
"As for downsides," a glint flashed in Yu Yu's eyes, meeting the Grand Archon's, "outsiders might unite as guilds, consolidating power."
"But, Grand Archon, outsiders already have organizations outside the game. Even if you squash this, you can't stop it."
"Take 'Azure Waves,' with its annual structured rookie selection, contracts, money, and rules," Yu Yu said. "They've long perfected their systems in other games."
The Grand Archon's fingers tapped, her dark eyes slowly opening and closing. "What you're saying… I'm very intrigued."
Yu Yu: "Just an immature suggestion for the Grand Archon's consideration."
Unbeknownst to her, the silver-haired woman outside, ears twitching, was deep in thought. Dandelion seeds brushed her fingertips in the breeze, her silver-white ears soft and radiant, beautiful as a painting.
Yu was a textbook spellcaster. Like all spellcasters, full of schemes, even screwing over her own kind. No wonder she fit into the magic circle so easily. They were cut from the same cloth.
The Duchess scoffed inwardly while eavesdropping.
The Grand Archon pondered, glancing at the other person in the room. "What do you think?"
"I think it's feasible," the high-tier spellcaster said without hesitation. "Otherwise, I don't know how to take them all down."
She'd held back her burning heart, fearing she'd miss even one culprit. If she let any slip, she'd never forgive herself.
The Grand Archon glanced at Yu Yu. "Then we'll do as you say."
She nodded to the high-tier spellcaster. "Prepare. Start tomorrow."
The Enforcement Office… even she couldn't interfere. But they'd know how to teach outsiders a lesson. It was the Crown's will—she couldn't defy it.
Once she left, the Grand Archon leaned back, smirking. "I told you to assist, and this is how you assist?"
Yu Yu, unfazed: "I thought this was what the Grand Archon wanted."
"You thought?"
"Yep, I thought."
The Grand Archon narrowed her eyes, her gaze sliding over Yu Yu, then flicking outside.
…Useless puppy.
So grown, yet less bold than an outsider. The Grand Archon looked back, but Yu Yu had noticed.
Someone outside?
Yu Yu unceremoniously craned her neck. Disappointed, she pulled back. No one there?
Grand Archon: "Since it's your suggestion, got a concrete plan?"
Yu Yu thought. "Most games are similar. Just copy one."
"Ask away, Grand Archon," Yu Yu's lips curved. "I'll spill everything, no holds barred."
The Grand Archon's teeth soured again. She inwardly cursed the puppy. Did she raise her too dumb?
Nah, she was born dumb. After half a day of "spilling everything," Yu Yu escaped. Tomorrow, she'd be on-site, helping the high-tier spellcaster finish the task's final step.
Hm…
The Grand Archon seemed to want her to stand against players?
Not even hiding it. But players really aren't as sentimental as you think!
Sigh, even with the Grand Archon's wisdom, past experience clouds her. One day wasn't enough for perfect planning.
But the Grand Archon, understanding a mother's urgency, found it reasonable. By now, the high-tier spellcaster could endure, even softening slightly toward Yu Yu.
Yu Yu sweated.
She never thought she represented outsiders, but as a player, she couldn't face someone grieving a loved one. So she had to work with the magic circle to make the consequences massive, shocking all players, to prevent this from happening again. This time, it was a powerful, magic circle-backed spellcaster Archon who died.
Next time?
A wounded ranger?
A trusting guard?
A cute little girl, or an elderly person?
As players grew, that future was foreseeable.
But Yu Yu didn't want to see it.
On this, she and the Grand Archon were aligned.
So…
Yu Yu adjusted her hood, standing indifferently beside the high-tier spellcaster. After days of buildup, the Blood Clan guild took the bait hook, line, and sinker. Guild function pre-registration required in-person verification. They had no doubts, as other guilds in Crescent Town were there too. Forums buzzed about it, with other towns syncing the process.
The registration site was packed. The Blood Clan leader, all smiles, acted like a kingpin, brimming with swagger. Since killing the Archon, his guild had soared. One day, he'd rival mega-guilds like [Azure Waves] or [Tian Xia], get funding, form a company and team, and rake in cash!
"All here?" The high-tier spellcaster's voice was hoarse today.
"All present."
Among them was a familiar big shot to Yu Yu.
Meng.
Her expression was stern, eyes fixed ahead, ignoring Yu Yu's repeated glances.
At a time like this, kid, can't you be serious?
What's there to look at?
With a grieving colleague and such a solemn moment, Meng wasn't messing up.
At the sound, the high-tier spellcasters raised their staves in unison.
The air froze, dark clouds gathering.
High-Perception players started looking around.
Silver-armored guards had retreated far off, dark clouds loomed, with faint firelight flickering in them.
The scale was massive, nearly covering all of Crescent Town.
Yu Yu's eyelids twitched.
Whoa, they wouldn't use some Meteor Swarm to wipe everyone out, would they?
At her side were nine high-tier spellcasters.
The commotion seemed conjured by four of them together.
The other five, including the lead and Meng, were still chanting.
Gradually, Yu Yu realized their school.
Holy crap, that's a lot.
Countless black-armored humanoid shadows appeared around the plaza. In seconds, the player registration square was surrounded. From above, Yu Yu felt claustrophobia creeping in. They weren't holding back—more shadows kept spawning outside, endlessly…
Yu Yu knew it was her time to shine. If she flubbed this, the Grand Archon would be displeased.
"Magic circle enforcement, clear the area!"
Her clear, cold voice carried to every corner of the plaza with the wind. Players looked up, shocked, only now noticing someone above. Yu Yu stood on the plaza's lookout tower, beside the chanting high-tier spellcaster.
Wind howled, her black robe billowing. At one moment, the hood was blown back, her dark hair dancing. Her refined face held a carefree smile.
Because the next second…
Blood and screams became the theme.
Against the high-tier spellcasters' closed eyes, Yu Yu felt oddly spotlighted, dazzling, even now drawing stares from those too stunned to look away.
Yu Yu, borrowing their authority, stood with hands behind her back. "Non-'Blood Clan' members, crouch and cover your heads immediately. No liability for collateral."
Players, already panicked by the rushing black-armored shadows, instantly obeyed, some dropping to crouch heedlessly.
They were the lucky ones, spared.
The rest…
High-tier spellcasters didn't care.
Dead was dead.
The scene turned gruesomely bloody.
Yu Yu, done performing and showing her face, yanked her hood back up.
She'd made her mark!
Grand Archon, you saw, right?
Pay up!
Meng, finishing her chant, glanced at her.
She saw that refined young face, those intrigued eyes.
She even tsked in wonder.
For a split second, Meng almost thought she saw the Grand Archon.
That mindset…
"Don't you feel bad?"
Yu Yu turned, surprised. "Bad about what?"
Meng wasn't sure what to feel. "Aren't they your kin?"
"Their fate won't be kind," she said. "Death doesn't escape the magic circle's punishment—living hell awaits."
Other spellcasters glanced over subtly.
Yu Yu: "Oh, so what?"
Meng: "…"
Yu Yu looked down.
Eternal Darkness was real, its gore vivid.
Gazing at the chaotic scene, Yu Yu said breezily, "People pay for their choices."
"As for whether they can bear the cost…"
"Pfft, not my problem."
Her eyes were clear, but her gaze was indifferent.
Their life or death—what was it to her?
Besides…
Yu Yu crossed her arms. "Too stupid, you die."
"Die early, die late—death's coming."
She'd warned on forums, Zi Shu warned, Fuyu warned, even Shu Tu used her main account to warn.
Yet some still joined Blood Clan.
Fine.
Be happy.
This was an unequal fight. The weakest black-armored shadows had mid-tier Constitution—players at their current level were like ants against a cart.
Heeding Yu Yu, crouching and covering heads was the best choice.
The high-tier spellcasters' stance, Yu Yu couldn't gauge.
Meng, though, was unchanged, as if she hadn't heard.
Yu Yu couldn't read her, so she shrugged.
"Gotta go~" Yu Yu said, trailing Meng's steps.
Big shot, take me with you! It's dangerous down there—what if a black-armor chops me?!
Meng's pace was steady as they left the plaza, leaving the rest to the lead.
She'd "entertain" those people well.
Yu Yu performed admirably, so they didn't need to keep her.
Yu Yu chased Meng, asking, "Senior, Senior, that move was awesome! What's it called? Can I learn it?"
"How'd you summon so many?" She gestured. "Some secret?"
Meng glanced. "Fourth-ring spell, Summon Dark Servants, group-cast."
"You?" She shook her head. "Way off."
Yu Yu oh'd. "I'll learn it eventually. Don't underestimate me, Senior."
Meng scoffed, speeding up.
"Senior eaten yet?"
Meng's steps slowed. "Not yet."
Yu Yu grinned, pulling out bags of bread. "Hot dog bread, super tasty!"
Meng trusted her food, grabbing it without hesitation.
Before colleagues arrived, she swiped the rest of Yu Yu's bread.
Yu Yu's face froze.
Meng, unfazed, tore open a pack, eating and praising. "Good stuff, I like it."
Yu Yu: "…"
Is "take if they don't offer" a magic circle tradition?!
Yu Yu could only stick close.
Duh, her food was gone—she couldn't farm favor with other high-tier spellcasters now.
Damn it!
Meng and crew headed to the castle to report to the Grand Archon.
Yu Yu, twirling her little plaque, went home.
She was a homeowner now~
Shu Tu and the others had finished the second half and were playing cards at the house, still online.
Fuyu, face plastered with paper strips, exclaimed, "Oh! You're back!!!"
She jumped up, slyly shuffling the deck, laughing as she rushed over.
After some playful chaos, Shu Tu asked, "How'd it go? Task done?"
Fuyu nibbled her finger. "I think I'm facing Zhong Ye tomorrow. After that, I don't think I can win."
"They're so strong. I feel my gear's better, skills more polished."
"Top 8's my limit!"
"Yu, you gotta bankroll me, waaa!"
Yu Yu: "Not bad, worth praising."
She grinned, twirling her plaque. "Got a question for you all."
Zi Shu caught her flaunting vibe and played along. "What's up?"
"How do I sell the first guild token for max profit?"
Shu Tu: "?"
Fuyu: "??"
Zi Shu: "???"