The air fell silent.
They could screen people by age and height?
Age was one thing, but height? Seriously?
At that moment, the Grand Archon's composure cracked just a little. No matter how many times she thought about it, she envied the Federation's population. If Silver Moon had that many people, they could start reclaiming the mainland tomorrow.
It took a while for Yu Yu to hear the Grand Archon's voice again. "Want to learn how to handle anomalies?"
Yu Yu's eyes sparkled. "How do I learn?"
The two soldiers overheard and immediately grew serious. That was their goal, after all. But… rumor had it the Federation's past dealings with the magic circle had soured relations. No matter how much they tried to charm, the magic circle ignored them, leaving their diplomats red-faced.
The Grand Archon said, "By training with professionals, of course."
Yu Yu tilted her head. "The Guardians?"
The Grand Archon replied, "Who else?"
Lynn's face lit up with awe. "With so many Will 8s, if you joined the Guardians, the Pioneer camp wouldn't keep pestering me to switch classes!"
High-tier players with registered Will stats were constantly tempted by Guardian recruiters trying to poach them.
Yu Yu hadn't expected to spark this development. She plopped down and asked, "Grand Archon, want some beef?"
"It's delicious!"
Cows were big animals. Yu Yu could eat for days. Besides grilling, she could fry steaks, make hotpot, stir-fry, or even toss it cold…
A Thousand Ways to Cook Cows…slurp…
The Grand Archon's voice turned wry. "Oh, you remember me now?"
"I heard you sent Chang a crate of instant noodles," she said. "What, am I not worthy of noodles?"
Yu Yu: "…"
"You're absolutely right, Grand Archon," Yu Yu said with mock solemnity. "From now on, I'll always think of you first when there's food."
And let you pile a mountain of work on me? Am I brain-dead?
Not a chance!
Other NPCs gave small tasks—one job, one reward. The Grand Archon was different. Her tasks were layered, each one profound and far-reaching. Yu Yu constantly worried she'd slip up and get sold out. An NPC that even task-loving players avoided—did she have no self-awareness?
Yu Yu had mulled over Mage Team 2's purpose for half the night, concluding it was likely about controlling player spellcasters. But in the Grand Archon's grand scheme, what role was she supposed to play?
She couldn't figure it out, so her instinct was to steer clear.
Couldn't mess with her? Fine, she'd dodge.
Finally done placating her boss and confirming Meng's bracelet was off, Yu Yu let out a deep sigh.
Meng teased, "What? Still not happy?"
"Most people would kill to catch the Grand Archon's eye."
Yu Yu groaned. "Senior, don't mock me."
Moments later, a long line of silver-armored figures approached. The farm was now packed with a thousand players, neatly aligned. Their gear was a chaotic mix—wooden sticks, daggers—but together, they stood like an unshakable forest.
The Guardians noticed immediately. "Is this… an army?"
The current Silver Moon Duchess was diligent, having frequented military camps since her youth. Silver Moon's forces were famously disciplined, and the Guardians recognized the resemblance.
A crisp, familiar female voice responded, "No idea. The magic circle just said there were a thousand Will 8 outsiders here, and I was told to bring Xiao Chi to show their legend."
"I reported to the priest right away and rushed over."
Seven or eight silver-armored figures stood buzzing with communication. Yu Yu imagined Federation soldiers in similar silver armor… hiss, the aesthetic oddly fit?
One silver figure couldn't wait and charged forward.
"Big Sis Yu!!!"
Crash!
Yu Yu's face froze in terror. "Don't come near me!!!"
Before Meng could react, Yu Yu was sent flying several meters by the silver figure, rolling twice on the ground. Her health bar dropped by two-thirds. Trembling, Yu Yu reached for a potion. Everyone turned to look, their expressions… indescribable.
Chang Yu's clear, panicked voice rang out. "I messed up! I-I-I…"
Meng's expression was equally indescribable.
The thousand soldiers: "…"
Sorry, but it was really funny.
The Guardians burst out laughing. "Spellcasters are such delicate flowers. Look at that—one hit and she's flying, haha!"
Meng, about to laugh, stopped herself. "Go pick your recruits instead of cackling."
"Isn't it normal for little spellcasters to have slow reflexes?" She defended spellcaster dignity.
Yu Yu checked her health, chugged two more potions, and grumbled, "Senior, if someone gets close to us, aren't we just dead?"
She had almost no armor. Even at mid-tier, her health was pitifully low. Her gear added 3 Constitution, barely pushing her past 100. Meanwhile, mid-tier Constitution-focused warriors had health bars in the hundreds, some nearing a thousand. Even rogues, with lower armor-piercing, could take her out in two combos.
Not to mention, mid-tier rogues gained epic survivability boosts and new armor-piercing skills, making their attacks shine.
Meng coughed. "That's how it is. Little spellcasters have no self-preservation."
"Why else did we launch the Great Purge?"
Pre-high-tier spellcasters and post-high-tier spellcasters were worlds apart.
Chang Yu, helmet off, looked guilty. "I got too excited…"
Meng studied Chang Yu with interest, clicking her tongue. "So you're the Guardian's precious little Chang Yu?"
She rubbed her chin. "You are pretty cute."
Yu Yu noticed Meng was unusually warm with Chang Yu. Meng rarely spoke to Zi Shu and the others, even ignoring Wind Singer. But with Chang Yu, she was all smiles and chatter.
"Senior, can Will be scanned?" Yu Yu asked.
Meng, eyeing Chang Yu like a golden gacha prize, made Chang Yu nearly put her helmet back on.
"Of course, but it requires communing with the stars, which is a hassle."
She nodded toward the Guardians. "Look, they're scanning now."
Exclamations rose from the group.
Yu Yu saw a dazzling wave of purple light soar into the sky, pure and unblemished.
Wait, was that a golden glint?
The Guardians feasted their eyes on the purple spectacle, occasionally glancing at Chang Yu's golden glow.
So satisfying.
So exhilarating.
Hm?
Why were there smaller purple and blue lights?
Yu Yu tried to look at herself but couldn't. "Senior, what color am I?"
Meng blurted, "Gold."
Yu Yu: "???"
Meng caught herself, coughing. "Blue, blue. My mistake."
Yu Yu suddenly remembered. "But my Spirit is gold, right?"
Meng mumbled a vague reply.
During the tournament registration, Meng had curiously scanned Yu Yu, making her little golden glow blindingly obvious throughout the event.
Stunningly beautiful.
No need to tell Yu Yu, though.
Yu Yu grinned. "After we eat, I'll take you to meet the legend."
She boasted grandly, though Chang Yu had no concept of legends. "Awesome! They never let me out. I've been dying to explore!"
The Guardians had already whisked the soldiers away, staggering like they'd downed dozens of bottles of vintage wine, even singing a grand, far-reaching anthem.
Yu Yu thought the Guardians' high status made their teasing of spellcasters bold, especially with Meng present. Mocking spellcasters' fragility, and Meng only gave a mild rebuke?
Nice. Her little golden glow had a bright future. Total win.
"Senior, where are they taking them?"
Meng said casually, "Training, then to the Pioneer camp. I don't know the details."
"The Guardians aren't under our command."
She added, "The Pioneer camp is co-managed by the magic circle, but it's fundamentally the Guardians' domain."
"The magic circle and Guardians are close allies, often fighting together. Don't be arrogant."
Yu Yu thought, Arrogant? Can I outdo the magic circle's arrogance? And you're lecturing me?
After feasting on the brave, self-sacrificing cow, Yu Yu hit the road again.
Soon, she asked, "Senior, can you fly?"
Heavy Hint.jpg
Meng scoffed. "Fine, I'll let you experience Flight today."
Yu Yu remembered her scroll. "Senior, what's the difference between Flight and Windriding?"
Meng turned serious when it came to her expertise. "Flight is a curse spell, closely tied to Anti-Gravity and Object Levitation. For me, Flight is smoother and easier, though it's tricky to learn."
"Windriding is an elemental spell. It's simpler to learn but hard to control. Back when Silver Moon allowed flying, spellcasters often crashed into random things, causing headaches for every High Steward."
"The upside? Flight has low energy cost, smooth movement, and decent speed—great for leisurely trips," Meng explained. "Windriding is easy to learn but tough to master. Its speed cap is higher, making it ideal for escapes…"
She trailed off, then advised, "I think you should start with Windriding."
Yu Yu: "…Got it."
Meng: "I'll show you."
She hoisted Yu Yu up, then grabbed Chang Yu's armored form. Yu Yu marveled, "Senior, you're so strong."
Meng glared. "You're just weak. Hit high-tier, soak in a ritual, and get all your stats to 12."
Before Yu Yu could ask, a gust hit her face. "Senior!!! It's cold!"
Meng: "…Did you forget something?"
Yu Yu, shivering in her novice linen, clung to Meng. "I forgot to apply for a new robe."
Meng sighed. "Fine, borrow one of mine. Return it later."
Yu Yu changed quickly, and Meng took off. "Let's go."
Yu Yu's hair whipped in the wind, her face buried in Meng's sleeve. "Senior, this is definitely Windriding, right?"
Meng chuckled. "Nope, this is Flight."
"I'm speeding up," she warned.
Yu Yu: "!!!"
Moments later, Yu Yu landed, dizzy and disoriented. It took her a while to mumble, "Oh, Senior, good to see you again."
"Hey there, Little Goldie~~"
Yu Yu was dragged into a magic circle, only then realizing, "Senior, why'd she call me Little Goldie?"
Meng mused, "Maybe… someone tagged you with a detection spell, and she saw it?"
Yu Yu: "Huh? Who's that bored?"
Meng stared, then looked away lightly. "Could be His Majesty."
She cut Yu Yu off. "Enough. Look at Chang Yu—she's not this chatty."
Chang Yu whispered, "I… I'm afraid of heights…"
She'd nearly had a heart attack, eventually clamping her helmet on and shutting her eyes.
Meng's tone softened instantly. "No worries. Next time, you can walk."
Chang Yu, missing the implication, nodded. "Okay, okay."
Yu Yu clarified, "Senior means next time a spellcaster won't fly you, so no height issues."
"Is that it?" Yu Yu glanced at Meng, teasing, "Senior, that's cold. Shouldn't you comfort Chang Yu?"
Meng looked baffled. "Cold?"
Yu Yu: "…"
And you told me not to be arrogant?
Speechless.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"
Yu Yu knocked, dragging Chang Yu along. Meng had vanished.
Erisbo opened the spell ward. "Brought food?"
"Who's she?" His tone was puzzled.
Yu Yu: "Little Goldie!"
"Look, purebred Little Goldie!"
Erisbo instinctively cast a mental scan, saw blue, and scoffed, "This?"
Yu Yu blinked. "Will 9! Isn't it?"
Erisbo paused, switched spells, and squinted.
Blinding.
Golden.
Nice.
After studying Chang Yu, Erisbo mused, "What's your name?"
"Chang Yu," she replied crisply, sounding young. "Chang Yuchi."
"Tier?"
Chang Yu hesitated. "Low-tier. My teacher says I need to build up my body before advancing."
Surprisingly, Erisbo didn't press. He sighed lightly. "Not bad. Grow well."
"Take her back. She's safer away from me."
His corruption could flare up any day… slurp, what's this dish? So fragrant?
Erisbo sipped the soup, munched beef, and scooped steamed tofu, too busy to talk.
Yu Yu saw her task complete and nodded happily. "Let's go, Chang Yu."
[Gourmet (Recurring)]
[+2000 EXP, gained Improved Petrification]
[Foolish Outsider (Completed)]
[+2000 EXP, gained Improved Shadow Slip, Shadow Interference]
Yu Yu beamed.
Spells, her beloved spells.
Checking them, one was third-ring, one fourth-ring.
Shadow Slip was a spell she'd always wanted but hadn't bought. Not only was it improved, but she could use it now!
What was Shadow Interference?
She asked.
Erisbo said airily, "It disrupts shadows, temporarily stopping rogues from shadow-walking to approach."
"It's a prerequisite for the fifth-ring Shadow Manipulation."
"Why ask?"
Yu Yu: "Isn't it your spell?"
Erisbo: "?!"
They stared at each other. Yu Yu gasped, "It's not from you? No wonder it's so generous!"
Erisbo looked stunned. "It works like that?"
His spells could be given out this way?
His painstakingly improved spells… his heart ached.
Glancing at Yu Yu with disdain, he grimaced. "Like a cow chewing peonies or burning a zither to cook cranes. Clueless little waste, squandering my spells."
Yu Yu's face darkened. "Put down the spoon before you talk."
Erisbo took another sip.
Delicious.
His mood quietly balanced.
For the sake of good food and lowered corruption, fine, fine.
He wasn't sure how many days he had left anyway. Might as well pass them on—his rebellious disciple had nearly mastered them.
Consoling himself, Erisbo grudgingly said, "Don't say I taught you until you master them. It's embarrassing."
Yu Yu: "Can I teach others?"
Erisbo glared. "Every stray cat and dog wants my spells? Not a chance!"
Yu Yu: "…"
Erisbo: "Unless I die and upload them to the magic circle for points."
"My spells? Without a few hundred thousand points, they won't even touch the door."
Yu Yu sighed. "Got it, got it. You done eating?"
Erisbo: "Not yet. Leave. Come back tomorrow."
Her watching him eat was ruining his appetite.
Yu Yu tugged Chang Yu out. Chang Yu, thrilled to be out, didn't want to return. "Can we hang out a bit?"
Yu Yu softened. "Sure. I'll show you His Majesty's fireworks."
Indeed, the fireworks outside still blazed, showing no signs of fading.
Yu Yu thought if this were Earth, the environmental agency would've fined them by now. She took Chang Yu on a tour, vividly recounting her task-doing heroics, introducing her to Senior Jin Che and others, and showing her the fireworks from afar. It was nearly dark.
Yu Yu: "Next time, let's picnic in Roland Territory?"
She had a sudden idea. "Zi Shu and the others are going too. Gaming's harder than reality—we need work-life balance. Once I'm done with this crunch, we'll all skip work and goof off!"
Chang Yu: "Yes!!!"
Back in Silver Moon, Yu Yu dove into grueling work.
A slew of application tasks tested her patience, especially since she didn't know many of the people involved. She really didn't want to deal with Purification Department 3.
She wished she and Senior Qiong could be worlds apart—one at the sky's edge, one at the sea's corner. Longing but never meeting was the ideal. Time slipped by in the chaos, and her experience soared.
Senior Chang was easy to talk to, approving a base in the castle—technically, next to the Duchess's training grounds, with the Grand Archon nearby.
Yu Yu was torn.
Excited, because she could watch the wolves up close and sneak over to Zi Shu's training area. Heartbroken, because Senior Chang, Meng, and that awful Grand Archon were all nearby. Escaping their shadow at work would be tough.
Yes, she meant the Grand Archon.
Thankfully, Silver Moon's Grand Archon was reliable at work. Yu Yu aced two tasks, earning +40,000 EXP. Then she hit a wall at the Academy. Senior Xue told her sternly, "Take off the robe."
Yu Yu blinked, then gasped, "Oh no, I forgot to return Senior Meng's robe!"
No wonder the Grand Archon and Senior Chang stared at her all morning.
Xue: "Thought you wanted another trip to the Enforcement Office?"
Yu Yu stripped off the robe, rubbing her hands. "Senior Xue, I want to apply for a robe!"
Xue twirled her pen, deadpan. "Where's your robe?"
Yu Yu: "I brought it out!!!"
Xue paused, then said, "Oh. Brought it out?"
Yu Yu: "Yup."
Xue thought for a moment. "Explain."
Yu Yu gave a brief rundown. "I haven't had time to experiment."
Too many tasks kept her running.
Xue pondered, then produced a massive stack of books. "Try bringing these out."
Yu Yu's eyelid twitched. "These are…?"
Xue gave a rare smile. "Didn't you say you're short on time?"
Yu Yu: "…"
Classic Senior Xue…
Yu Yu stashed them in her inventory, logged off and on, then said with a strange expression, "It worked."
Xue: "Hold on, there's more."
Half a day later, Yu Yu did nothing but haul books, filling two-thirds of her main bedroom.
She was numb.
Xue: "These books are for your eyes only. They're magically sealed—no one else can read them. Got it?"
Yu Yu nodded woodenly, wondering how long this would take.
Xue: "I'll send your assignments daily. I'm not patient, so don't make me wait."
Yu Yu's face froze. "Senior, I still have classes with Senior Meng!!!"
Don't clash schedules!!!
Xue mused, "Fine, I'll coordinate with Meng."
Translation: Not your problem. Deal with it.
Yu Yu thought of Senior Meng, then the bedroom full of books, and felt despair. When Senior Meng was around, she thought Senior Meng was too strict with too much homework. Now that Senior Meng was gone and Senior Xue took over, she suddenly missed Senior Meng's gentleness. Senior Meng often forgot to assign homework, being a fellow overworked soul who understood her pain. Senior Xue, though…
Yu Yu's eyes misted.
Xue raised an eyebrow. "Anything else?"
Yu Yu, barely audible, said, "Senior, the robe…"
Xue: "Here. Return Meng's robe. Letting you run around in it, hmph, bunch of careless fools."
Back in the day, Yu Yu would've been hauled to the Enforcement Office. Now she'd waltzed into the Academy, and Qiong didn't even blink.
That guy…
Yu Yu put on an innocent face. "Senior, do I need to pay?"
Xue glanced at her. "No."
Yu Yu's eyes lit up. "Can I apply for two more?"
Xue frowned. "Why so many?"
Yu Yu said solemnly, "For changing and washing! I need them online and offline!"
"I want to be a clean spellcaster!"
Xue nodded. "Fair. You're not like other outsiders who can run around in one robe."
She gave Yu Yu two more. "Take them."
Yu Yu's robe count: +5!
Magic circle robes had their complexities, but they were undeniably soft, snug, warm in winter, cool in summer, and boosted Spirit recovery…
So nice!
"Anything else?" Xue turned, baffled.
"Well, I want to apply for Mage Team 2…"
Yu Yu rambled, then looked at Xue expectantly.
Xue pondered. "And Team 2?"
Yu Yu: "?"
Xue: "How many members? Reported to Gui Fan? Got a base? Feng Ye's paperwork? Purification Department's headcount check?"
"You didn't come to me for supplies without knowing anything, did you?"
Yu Yu gave a cute stare. "Now I know!"
"Senior Xue, I'll go!"
She bolted.
Xue shook her head, speechless. "Is this really reliable?"
They'd debated this decision endlessly, only persuaded by Feng Ye. Outsiders were trouble, especially spellcaster outsiders. The magic circle didn't want them organized. But because of Yu Yu… some wavered, swayed by Feng Ye's arguments and her later words…
Xue mused, "Hope the kid doesn't let us down."
Hiding Yu Yu under their wings wasn't a bad idea. Letting other outsiders handle it could keep things clean if issues arose. But Feng Ye was adamant. Where did she get such faith in the kid?
If they turned against each other later… better to act now.
Xue sighed and looked away.
Yu Yu lounged at home. "Lynn, blow some breeze my way."
Lynn, practicing, grumbled, "Don't you know Gust?"
Yu Yu: "Yours is gentler."
Lynn: "Fine."
Yu Yu stashed her robes, setting Senior Meng's aside. [Senior, want me to wash your robe?]
Meng replied, [No need. Robes have permanent Cleanse. Just return it when you're free.]
Yu Yu: [Should I buy other clothes?]
Meng: [Probably. You're a deputy captain now. Can't keep wearing that linen rag when stuff happens, right?]
Yu Yu: [Senior, how do we recruit?]
The topic shift was abrupt, but Meng rolled with it. [Your call. I'm chill.]
Yu Yu: […Senior, that's too hands-off!]
Meng: [Hmph, the Grand Archon said Team 2 is all outsiders. Handing it to you proves my eye for talent.]
Yu Yu: [You said it.]
Meng: [I did. Wait, no recruiting [I ate without washing dishes] !]
Yu Yu: [Too late. I posted already.]
Meng: [?]
[Why's Silver Moon buzzing with Gust fanatics? Why do fireworks keep popping at midnight? Why do rocks fall from the mainland sky? Why are people floating in banned airspace? Is it moral decay or humanity's fall? Tune in to Silver Moon News—Mage Team 2 is recruiting! Magic circle affiliation, top-tier perks, limited spots!]
[OP: Want NPCs green with envy? Want rogues to steer clear? Want everyone fawning over your spellcaster swagger? Don't wait—sign up now!
Requirements: Mid-tier spellcaster
Location: The Duchess's house
Address: No clue
Salary: I'll ask Senior Xue after recruiting
Contract: TBD, will send if we make one
Contact: None
Silver Moon Mage Team 2: Captain, Meng; Deputy, Yu
Got complaints? Keep them to yourself. Can't hold back? Off yourself. The captain and deputy are open-minded and won't get mad if you do.
Sign up now!]
Meng: […Is this okay?]
I ate without washing dishes: […Is that really Meng up there? HeartClutch.jpg]
—Meng: [If it's me, guess if your favorability's safe? Smile.jpg]
—I ate without washing dishes: [Oh, fair. Can you change your ID? It gives me a jolt every time.]
Players spammed replies. Yu Yu checked her friend list and saw Meng had changed her ID.
[NeverOvertime]
Pretty humble wish.
But with Yu Yu around, Meng's dream was doomed.
Qing Qing: [Magic circle affiliation? Spill the tea.]
Shang Wei: [They're letting players form a team?]
Wen Ming: [Is the affiliation legit? What's the reward? Benefits? Workload? Pay?]
I ate without washing dishes: [Me! Me! Me!!! Big shot, take me flying!]
[I know what Meng likes. When you're too lazy to deal with her, I can farm her favorability for you!]
NeverOvertime: […?]
What confidence. Farming my favorability? Time to cap daily gains at 0.1.
Fu: [Details on the Duchess's house?]
No one questioned Yu Yu as deputy captain?
Yu Yu was slightly surprised.
Were they all scheming?
She messaged Meng privately. "Senior, anyone show up?"
Meng: "Didn't Senior Xue let you post online? Check yourself."
Yu Yu: "Fine."
Soon, Yu Yu sat in her office building next to Meng, waiting.
Yu Yu: "After recruiting, can I take them to the farm?"
Meng, idly browsing the forum, twitched. "What, want me to farm too?"
Yu Yu chuckled nervously, whispering, "Would you, Senior?"
Meng: "???"
Chang laughed. "Didn't Meng make you an enchanted artifact? Why're you eyeing spellcasters?"
Yu Yu sighed. "Senior Meng's been swamped. My artifact's nowhere in sight."
Meng smiled. "Care to explain why I'm so busy?"
Yu Yu's eyes darted somewhere. "Isn't it because of the Gr—"
The Grand Archon's voice drifted from afar. "The Gr-what?"
Yu Yu pivoted to Chang. "Grand Steward."
Chang: "???"
"It's because Senior Chang didn't share your workload!"
Meng: "…You and your nonsense."
Chang mused, "My enchanting's average. My work wouldn't match Meng's."
Yu Yu lit up. "I don't mind! I don't mind!!"
Meng: "???"
Next second, Meng allied with Yu Yu, feigning sincerity. "Chang, don't sell yourself short. We believe in you."
Chang: "…"
Shouldn't have spoken.
A knock came.
Yu Yu: "Come in!"
The Duchess: "May I?"
Chang grinned. "Little…"
The Duchess's silver hair glowed—a sign of impending anger.
Chang: "Little Duchess."
Meng smiled. "What brings the Duchess here?"
The Duchess cautiously sat one seat away from Yu Yu. "Curiosity."
Yu Yu's eyes drifted to her head.
Wow, the Duchess's silver hair was gorgeous, practically sparkling.
And, ooh, she had a favorability bar!
So pokeable!
The Duchess shot her a warning look. "Yu?"
Yu Yu recalled Meng's agile moves and abandoned her sneak attack plan. If Meng was that quick, the wolfy Duchess was surely faster. Darn.
She really wanted to pet the wolfy!
Yu Yu sighed dramatically.
Chang, Meng, and the Duchess listened to her sighs.
The Duchess, guessing her thoughts, had a twitching forehead vein.
Meng stifled a laugh, refusing to engage.
Another knock.
Yu Yu: "It's not the Grand Archon this time, right?"
Meng: "…I doubt the Grand Archon needs to walk over to eavesdrop."
Yu Yu: "Come in!"
Meng fell into thought.
If it was the Grand Archon, would you refuse her?
Seeing the visitor, Yu Yu's expression turned odd. "[I ate without washing dishes] how're you always first—forum and in-game?"
[I ate without washing dishes] looked shocked. "You didn't know? You can access the forum in-game now!"
"I saw them getting checked by guards, so I sprinted, used Featherfall and Gust, and flew in…"
The Duchess's eyelid twitched. You're lucky the arcane cannons didn't shoot you down.
[I ate without washing dishes] bragged smugly, "I've been swimming the moat to farm Chang—er, the High Steward's favorability. It paid off. I know where the Duchess's drainage pipes lead. Maybe one day I'll sneak into her bedroom through them!"
The Duchess's face darkened.
Great. Time to inspect pipes and set patrols.
[I ate without washing dishes] turned, spotting the Duchess, and lit up. "The Duchess is here? Is she spectating?"
Yu Yu, finally getting a word in, said, "Probably."
Wolfy's curious and loves a show.
[I ate without washing dishes] edged closer. "Does she have favorability? What's the reward for grinding it?"
The Duchess's face blackened. "How dare you!"
[I ate without washing dishes]r yelped, "So fierce!"
Meng watched coldly.
Chang smiled unchanged.
Yu Yu sighed. "Come back. The Duchess is a high-tier warrior. You can't poke her bar even if you die trying."
"What? That's a thing?"
The Duchess's forehead vein pulsed, barely holding it together.
These outsiders! Worse than the magic circle!
Yu Yu: "Stop bullying the Duchess. Sit down. Senior and the others are here."
[I ate without washing dishes] plopped down, sneaking another glance. "The Duchess's hair is silver!"
Yu Yu's eyes gleamed. She decided to leak wolfy details later—maybe she could pet one in the chaos.
The Duchess's voice was icy. "Captain Yu?"
Yu Yu snapped to attention, all business. "Are you mid-tier?"
"Mid-tier!" [I ate without washing dishes] said proudly. "Thanks to Meng's random small tasks. I ran 70-80 a day, and it added up to a level-up."
"If I'd been two days earlier, I wouldn't have qualified!"
Yu Yu nodded. "Register. Name, gender, age… write it yourself."
Meng watched coldly, her earlier smile gone.
[I ate without washing dishes] was unfazed, treating the castle like her living room.
Players had seen heaven and hell—castles were no big deal!
[I ate without washing dishes]: "What? Online hours? Family status? Isn't this a game?"
Yu Yu bluffed, "Game jobs aren't jobs? How else do we schedule your night shifts?"
[I ate without washing dishes] was stunned. "Night shifts in a game?"
Yu Yu: "You in or not?"
[I ate without washing dishes] glanced at Meng, muttering, "Is this NPC pretending not to know me? Feels deliberate."
Meng: "…"
Yu Yu: "NPCs don't recognize people during plot events. You signing or not?"
[I ate without washing dishes]: "Damn, an address too? If I had a house, why'd I work for NPCs?"
Yu Yu said sternly, "As a spellcaster, how can you sleep on the street?"
"Why not?" [I ate without washing dishes] said. "I'm proud to sleep on the street!"
The Duchess: "…"
Meng stayed stone-faced.
Chang: "…"
Yu Yu thought, then said, "Ask the Duchess if she'll give you a street bench as an address."
[I ate without washing dishes] turned. "Hey, Duchess, got any benches?"
The Duchess's face stiffened. After a pause, she said, "I can provide dorms."
Yu Yu's eyes sparkled. "Duchess, got any manors?"
The Duchess: "Dream on! Didn't she give you a house?!"
Yu Yu: "Stingy Duchess."
[I ate without washing dishes]: "What? A house?"
Yu Yu sighed. "The Duchess says if you max her favorability, she'll give you a house."
The Duchess: "!!! I didn't! I wouldn't!"
[I ate without washing dishes]: "How do I grind it?"
Yu Yu said casually, "Do great deeds. Ask if she needs a gatekeeper."
Her eyes lit up again. "Duchess, need a hair-brusher?"
The fur-brushing kind!
!!
The Duchess's face darkened. "Are you registering or gawking at me? I don't need anything!"
"Sigh." Both groaned in unison.
And so, with Meng's utterly fed-up expression, [I ate without washing dishes] became the first employee—no, first member of Mage Team 2.
Her status updated instantly. She grabbed a nearby chair, rocking it. "Oh, there's prestige? What's it for?"
Moments later, she leaned toward Meng. "Recognize me? Huh? Is the Duchess smarter? Is Meng's AI lower?"
She studied, then turned to Chang. "High Steward, know me?"
"Are you in a plot too?"
"Their models are gorgeous, but their AI's so basic. Not as sharp as Meng usually is—she reacts to my words," [I ate without washing dishes] muttered. "Special plot today? Meng's the captain. Will maxing her favorability get a raise?"
"Can I see her often?"
"Big shot? Yo, talk!"
In minutes, Yu Yu watched her spew enough toxic chatter to tank favorability to -100.
Done for. Carry her out.
Yu Yu took a deep breath. "Maybe… the first player triggers a plot…"
Meng reacted. [I ate without washing dishes]'s notification bar flashed wildly, her favorability plummeting.
[I ate without washing dishes] was dumbfounded. "I'm sorry! I knew Meng holds grudges…"
"She remembers my words even in plot mode… How's an NPC this petty? Help!"
Chang shifted, giving Meng a sympathetic look.
Poor, suffering Meng.
Surrounded by outsiders—she'd probably explode someday.
Pitiful. Sympathy.
As [I ate without washing dishes] wallowed in regret, the door opened.
Several players entered.
Shang Wei, Qing Qing, and mostly familiar faces…
Old friends, old rivals.
Top-tier mage players from various guilds.
Yu Yu scanned them and tapped the table. "Register yourselves. No bothering Senior, the High Steward, or the Duchess."
Shang Wei glanced over, surprised. "I'd have to be brave."
Only a fool like[I ate without washing dishes] would act so recklessly.
Qing Qing sat before Meng. "Captain, hello."
[I ate without washing dishes], crying over her favorability, saw their behavior. "?"
"Wow, I grind favorability, but you're immersed in it!"
Qing Qing ignored her, smiling humbly. Meng tapped the table, signaling him to write, not even lifting her eyes. The players were quiet, exchanging glances, with only [I ate without washing dishes]'s voice booming. They were clearly wary of the three NPCs, occasionally sneaking looks at Yu Yu.
They knew Yu Yu all too well.
But…
Seeing the confident woman above them, their feelings were complex.
How? Just how did she do it?
Yu Yu propped her chin. "Senior, how many mid-tier spellcasters are there now?"
Meng's expression was natural, her tone gentle. "No idea. Ask Senior Xue—the Academy has records."
[I ate without washing dishes]: ?
This Meng's gotta be fake.
Yu Yu messaged privately.
Moments later, Yu Yu looked dazed. "Fifty-one already? How? The tournament just ended!"
Was the magic circle secretly boosting spellcaster tasks?
Qing Qing overheard "tournament" and smirked. "Using players for tasks, Yu Yu? You're a tournament pro."
Yu Yu: "What's wrong? Did the Grand Archon ban it? You're just slow."
Shang Wei finished writing and handed it to Yu Yu. "Deputy Captain, check it."
Her snark ignited Yu Yu's temper. "Senior, can I reject her?"
Meng leaned on her hand. "Your call."
Yu Yu: "!"
Players: "!!"
Shang Wei: "?"
Why did it feel like this NPC liked Yu Yu more than last time?
Did she max her favorability???
[I ate without washing dishes] said Meng's favorability was a slog!
Other players' eyes drifted over, curious about Yu Yu's next move.
Yu Yu beckoned. "Shang Wei, come."
Shang Wei didn't budge. "Speak. No beckoning—it's rude."
Yu Yu grinned. "Learned it from the Grand Archon."
Meng and Chang froze.
What if… the Grand Archon could hear this?
The Duchess believed Yu Yu, as her teacher did love such gestures.
[I ate without washing dishes]: "What's the Grand Archon like? I've never seen her!!!"
Shang Wei wasn't [I ate without washing dishes]—she lacked the guts. After a pause, she said, "Fine, talk."
Yu Yu: "I asked Senior. She said the magic circle has mental contracts. We need to sign an… unequal contract."
Shang Wei snapped, "Unequal? A contract?"
Yu Yu corrected, "Oops, equal contract, equal. Magic circle certified."
Meng: "…" The magic circle doesn't certify.
Chang: "…" This kid's great, but loves waving the magic circle's flag.
That recruitment post too—writing about them floating when tired. Was that a crime?
Shang Wei took the contract, gold-edged and fancy. Reading the terms, her face darkened. "Unequal? This is a slave contract!"
The magic circle allowed Yu Yu to draft this?
Meng: "Where'd you get that?"
Yu Yu: "Bought it from Senior Xue. Super pricey—500 gold!"
"But when I drafted it, Senior Xue kept nagging." This isn't allowed, that's illegal.
Chang's mental scan finished the contract, her expression odd. "Senior Xue's upright. She'd definitely scold you…"
Yu Yu: "So I took it to Senior Qiong at the Enforcement Office. She knows how to skirt laws. She gave me tons of tips to comply with magic circle rules, ensuring it's legal."
"Then Senior Dai Dai showed up, adding details. She got excited and wrote it with her own Spirit, saying my low Spirit might get overturned, but hers would hold for two centuries against Shang Wei."
Shang Wei: "…"
Damn, the magic circle not only approved but helped write it!
Is this place even livable anymore?