My Players Are So Fierce

1556: 523.

The closed beta test is about to end, how far off can the open beta be?

– [Monthly ticket additional update 5/10]

1556: 523.

The closed beta test is about to end, how far off can the open beta be?

– [Monthly ticket additional update 5/10]

“Look at the state you’ve put yourself in.

They think they’re merely playing through a storyline, but those little loyal fellows of yours would never suspect that just a moment ago, they nearly killed you with their own hands.”

While the warriors were still exhilarated from challenging the Half-god of the Star Realm, back in the noisy and chaotic resting area of the underground combat arena, Triss cradled Murphy, who had his eyes closed in repose, and said with a face full of concern:

“If you hadn’t signed that contract with the Endless One in advance to gain new power, today could have turned into a disaster.

Just as you’ve evaluated before, so many people underestimate your warriors—yourself included.

In truth, I’m guilty of that as well.”

“It wasn’t too bad—it only looked dangerous.”

The midnight regeneration ability slowly restored Murphy’s blood essence, and his battle-worn, aching body began to relax.

Resting quietly in Triss’s embrace, he held a vial of Origin Blood in his hand but refrained from using it.

In response to Triss’s reproach, the vampire softly replied:

“Given the four months of combat training they’ve endured, their performance was truly exemplary.

Wouldn’t you agree?

If we were to throw them into the Dark Mountain Range right now, at least they wouldn’t be wiped out without putting up a fight.

The victory at Plague Town, and today’s flawless performance, have already proven that our nurturing and guidance during the closed-testing phase have been largely successful.

When the next, more intense stage of conflict arrives, we can lead them onto harsher and bloodier battlefields with confidence, without worrying they’ll break under the pressure.

We can’t exactly throw a group of rookies straight into the battlefield of the Black Disaster.”

“Hmm, from the development team’s perspective, today’s trial was indeed near perfection.”

Triss let out a helpless sigh, her hand gently caressing Murphy’s handsome face.

She bent down and left a cold kiss upon the Vampire Governor’s forehead, hoping that such intimacy might soothe Murphy’s current fatigue and pain.

She said:

“So, have you decided to end the closed-testing phase?”

“The players have already proven that they’re ready for the next stage.

We can’t keep them locked in a perpetual ‘newbie protection phase,’ can we?”

Murphy twisted open the cap of the vial of Origin Blood, taking a small sip.

The revitalizing energy coursed through him, leaving him suddenly refreshed.

He smiled lightly and said:

“Originally, I intended to wait until the Black Disaster fully erupted before transitioning to internal testing.

But now, it seems we might reserve a little time for them to acclimate to the soon-to-be-unveiled ‘new map.’”

“I plan to start the new version once they reach the Wasteland Mountain stronghold and complete a series of ‘pre-Black Disaster’ introductory quests.

I’m estimating a ‘server maintenance window’ of about three days, which will give us time to finalize the main storyline design for the new map.

Then we can open up the entire Dark Mountain Range for them.”

“I have so, so many new ideas.

I—wait…

Shani’s here?”

The Governor paused his words.

He attempted to sit up and straighten his clothes from the comfort of Triss’s embrace, only to be held tighter by the Blood Vulture Duke’s hands.

Clearly, Triss was doing it on purpose.

Not only due to the Blood Vulture Duke’s subtle animosity toward the Thorns Duke, but also because of Triss’s particular “feelings.”

Murphy, this infuriatingly oblivious man, might not have noticed, but Triss—relying on a woman’s keen intuition—had picked up on the “dangerous curiosity” Shani harbored toward Murphy.

To make matters worse, Murphy had previously admitted he quite admired Lady Shani’s facade of “graceful, wifely demeanor.”

*Bang*

The door to the resting chamber cracked open just a sliver, and out popped the head of the Thorns Duke, peeking in as stealthily as a groundhog.

Her braids swayed as she suspiciously scanned the room’s interior.

Upon seeing Triss intimately holding Murphy, a fleeting glint flashed across her eyes—but noticing their clothes remained undisturbed, her budding curiosity was quickly replaced with a hint of disappointment.

“I say, could it be that the relationship between you two is still so chaste?

That doesn’t sound right at all.”

Shani pushed the door open fully, leaning against its frame as she teased:

“Are you two even vampires anymore?

You’re an embarrassment to our kind!”

“If you’ve got something to say, say it!”

Triss huffed in displeasure.

Shani shrugged, her gaze flitting briefly to the vial of Origin Blood in Murphy’s hand.

The Thorns Duke felt like she’d discovered yet another one of Murphy’s little secrets.

Folding her arms, she made no effort to conceal her intentions as she directly stated:

“I witnessed the astonishing performance of your warriors.

It gave me an idea.

Remember how you suggested I allocate some of the Thorn Clan’s resources to them?

I’ve thought it over and have decided to adopt your suggestion.

If your warriors truly wish to serve the Thorn Clan, Andre’s White Mountain Faction can serve as their new home.

But I’m curious—would you really entrust such a useful band of desperados to me for management?”

“As I’ve emphasized before, foreigners have the freedom to act on this continent.

They grow and develop in the cradle of Transylvania, but they can’t stay in the cradle forever.

Once they’ve proven their strength and ability to explore the world, I won’t interfere with their choices on whom they wish to serve.”

Hearing Shani’s words, Murphy immediately sat upright, a solemn expression on his face as he said:

“Don’t even mention the Thorn Clan—if they decided to head to the Goldenrod Kingdom to serve Loren, that dwarf who’s always itching to kill me, I wouldn’t bat an eye.

I appreciate your generosity, Lady Shani, in offering my warriors a new career path.

It’s a rare kindness.

But there is one thing I must emphasize, so as to avoid any future misunderstandings between us.