The Players' New Life

"I never expected to gain so much experience just by casually accepting a task! It's like a windfall!"

"Hahaha, Noodles, let's go! I'm going to show off in front of Xin Gou!"

Steamed Bun, carrying a heavy, blood-stained sack containing the head of the Frost Giant, stood up proudly on the back of the Wyvern.

"Aww—"

The Wyvern seemed to sense its master's excitement; it stretched its neck, raised its head, and let out a triumphant roar.

Today, Steamed Bun is a dragon-blooded viscount of the empire. As the saying goes, "When one attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven," and even Wyvern is no exception.

The Noodles is now over seven meters long. Although its neck is still as slender as Noodles, it is covered with hard, thick dragon scales, and its body has become much stronger and more robust.

In short, after experiencing multiple Bloodline Gift, the Noodles are far more "Red Dragon- like" or "atavistic" than their kin.

However, due to its enormous size, Steamed Bun always felt a bit uncomfortable riding on the back of the Wyvern, and he was considering buying a saddle with a seat.

"Whoosh—"

The Wyvern spread its wings, the tips of its wings cutting through the air with a somewhat piercing shriek, and flew towards the Istaria City, carrying the knight on its back.

The Frost Giant' rebellion's warehouse was located on the outskirts of the city, only a dozen kilometers away. It didn't take long for Steamed Bun to arrive at the city gate.

The location where Steamed Bun accepts the mission is the Empire's Emergency Affairs Bounty Office, which is quite far from the Red Scale Garrison.

Therefore, he did not choose to land at the "Dragon Landing Field" of the garrison, but went directly to the south gate of Istaria.

The South Gate is known as the most magnificent city gate of the Embers of the Burned Empire, combining defensive and aesthetic functions, and serving as the face of the capital, Istaria.

Even the Imperial Engineering Corps, which included many Civil Engineering Bro and spellcasters skilled in Earth Elemental magic, took several months to complete.

The city gate was dozens of meters high, with the banner of the Embers of the Burned Empire flying above it, and ferocious stone Wyvern heads sticking out from its mouths—it is said that these Wyvern can shoot powerful Blossom Shell, enough to blast any invaders to ashes.

The Tiefling Guard, dressed in imposing armor and holding gleaming rifles, stood guard on it, their well-trained bodies remaining steadfast regardless of wind or rain.

On those towering stone pillars, real Wyvern crouch, ready to take flight and meet any invading enemy.

Faced with such a formidable force, even the bravest Fighter would inevitably feel fear. Many spies revealed their weaknesses at the city gate and were captured on the spot by the guards.

"Please queue in an orderly manner and do not crowd!"

"Imperial Citizen, watch your words and actions! His Majesty His Your Majesty Keosius is watching you all!"

From the loudspeakers atop the city walls came the impassioned voice of Tiefling Guard.

In front of the majestic city gate, which is tens of meters high, the crowd was bustling and noisy, but they were arranged in neat rows and appeared to be orderly.

"We've been so busy lately. We just got a batch of orders from the suburbs."

"Who can argue with that?"

"I heard from those big shots that another war is about to break out!"

"War is good. With His Your Majesty Keosius's protection, the Empire will never lose."

Every time a war breaks out, orders flood the factory like snowflakes, and they're hiring everywhere; there's no worry about making money.

"Exactly, the tavern my family owns is the same. When those wealthy soldiers return in triumph, they make a fortune every day."

"Hahaha, the empire should fight many more wars and never stop fighting."

Hundreds of people and caravans entering and leaving the city formed long lines, and fully armed Tiefling Guard were conducting routine checks on them.

However, the Tiefling Guard were quick and their movements were exceptionally skilled.

"Beep—"

"Safe, you are allowed to enter."

A monotonous, mechanical voice rang out, and the imperial citizens entered the city one after another.

The Tiefling Guard simply scanned people up and down with a newly developed magic scanner from the Technology Department, glanced at their basic identification documents, and then let them into the city.

However, as a "noble dragon-blooded viscount", Steamed Bun naturally does not need to go through this procedure.

"Aww~"

The Noodles hovered in mid-air for a few moments, greeted their kind on the stone pillars, and then slowly flapped their wings, preparing to land on the open ground outside the city.

The wings of the Wyvern created a strong wind, stirring up clouds of dust and making quite a commotion, which caused the surrounding people to look up and exclaim in surprise.

"Look! He's riding Wyvern!"

"It's the Red Scale Conqueror!"

"Those are beings capable of riding Wyvern. It is said that every Red Scale Conqueror is a relative of His Your Majesty Keosius. They are truly formidable!"

"I wanted to try it before, but the trials in Wyvern Valley were just too dangerous."

"Wait—look at the medals on that knight's chest! He's Dragon Blood Noble! And a viscount at that!"

Amidst gasps of amazement, the Wyvern landed with a thud, while Steamed Bun, quite pleased with himself, tumbled off the Wyvern's back, striking a pose befitting a knight.

"Good day, Lord Viscount!"

"Lord Viscount!"

"I will never forget your heroic figure as you rode the Wyvern!"

Many people greeted him with exceptional respect, and even those at a distance would nod in acknowledgment—this was the treatment of the Dragon Blood Noble within the Empire.

Steamed Bun smiled and waved to the enthusiastic imperial people, then took the reins of the Wyvern and walked towards the city gate.

Before he even reached the city gate, several Tiefling Guard came to greet him; their squad leader had personally come to welcome him.

This is the pomp and circumstance of Dragon Blood Noble, not to mention that this is a esteemed viscount, one of only four hundred in the entire empire.

Although Istaria, as the capital of the empire, is home to many prominent figures, a viscount is still not to be underestimated.

"Good day, Your Excellency, this way please."

The Tiefling Guard first bowed their heads in a "Loyalty Salute," then respectfully stepped forward and took the reins from Steamed Bun's hands.

Steamed Bun nodded slightly and followed Tiefling, heading towards the "special passage" with practiced ease.

Tiefling suddenly turned around and said, "By the way, I'm Going to Eat Mantou Viscount's. Could you please show me your Wyvern pilot's license?"

Steamed Bun's eyes widened in confusion. "Didn't we used to be able to enter the city with just a noble medal? Why do we need Wyvern pilot's license now?"

Tiefling smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Viscount, this is a newly issued regulation from above, and there's nothing we can do about it."

It is said that a few days ago, some Starfallers, without the Empire's permission, stole Dragon Egg and Wyrmling from Wyvern Valley. They rode Wyvern in the city without passing the test, causing quite a bit of trouble.

"Haha, so it was that guy who angered the higher-ups."

Steamed Bun couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He recognized the player who was riding a half-grown Wyvern and crashing around the city; he was also a prankster blogger named "Da Shui Lan Zi".

He recently became obsessed with "Erezege", and unexpectedly, he caused quite a stir in just a few months.

"Alright, since it's a request from above, I'll find it for you."

Steamed Bun rummaged through his standard backpack, pulled out a small, elegant green card, and handed it to Tiefling beside him.

"Driver's name: I'm going to eat steamed buns; three years of driving experience; no accident record; identity: member of the Red Scale Conqueror; mid-level sheriff of the Istaria 13th Squad."

The Tiefling Guard took the driver's license with both hands, glanced at the text on it, and after a moment, handed it back with a smile.

"No problem, Your Excellency, your mount may follow you into the city."

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with our Security Team.

Steamed Bun waved his hand casually. "It's okay, it's okay, I understand you. We're all just working people, it's not easy for us either."

Steamed Bun and Noodles thus entered the Istaria City.

The place is still bustling with people and vehicles. Various shops line both sides of the busy street, and small Steam Engine Car are running on the tracks, their whistles blaring.

The Starfallers wandered aimlessly through the streets, approaching anyone they encountered and asking if they had any missions.

However, the busy citizens of the empire usually ignored it and simply walked past in a hurry.

These poorly dressed Starfallers have become infamous throughout the Empire: they are often incompetent and frequently mess things up, earning them the nickname "useless men."

Compared to them, the people of the Empire preferred to go to established institutions like the Magic Office and the Royal Authority Bounty Office to seek help from powerful and experienced Starfallers.

Steamed Bun at the newbies in their beginner uniforms on the street, Mantou couldn't help but sigh, "Tsk tsk, there are more and more new players in this game."

"Holy crap? Look, it's that old thief, Steamed Bun!"

Suddenly, a new player pointed at the Steamed Bun, clearly recognizing him, and the surrounding players immediately gathered around.

"Wow, this guy is so cool, he even has a mount."

"I got into this fandom by watching his videos, you old Steamed Bun, your Erezege Diary hasn't been updated for two months!"

"I want to ride Wyvern too!"

Looking at the crowd of "loyal fans" that were crowding around him, Steamed Bun suddenly broke out in a cold sweat and even had the urge to run away.

"What are you doing!"

"I told you all long ago, no one is allowed to gather and cause trouble in the Istaria City!"

Fortunately, a nearby patrol officer arrived in time and gave a stern shout.

He brandished his baton, shooing these "useless people" away like sparrows, and the players immediately fled in panic—they didn't want to go to jail.

The sheriff approached Steamed Bun and bowed respectfully. "Long time no see, Viscount Steamed Bun. I hope you've been unharmed?"

"It's nothing, thank you."

Steamed Bun nodded slightly, but couldn't remember who the unfamiliar sheriff in front of him was.

Could it be that he has lost his memory? Unexpectedly, the sheriff stepped forward, abandoning his previous respectful demeanor, and said in a mocking tone, "Heh, Viscount, it feels good to enjoy the treatment of nobles, doesn't it?"

Thinking of that smug expression and that familiar mocking tone, Steamed Bun took a few steps back, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Holy crap? You're Xin Gou?"

The "unfamiliar" sheriff nodded and said with a hint of pride, "Well, didn't you recognize me? This is my new face."

Looking the steamed Steamed Bun up and down, it was surprised to find that the other party not only had a completely new appearance, but also did not even display a player nickname above its head, making it look like a real NPC.

He asked curiously, "How did you do that?"

Singo pulled out a stack of gray leather pouches from his backpack and proudly shook them in his hand.

"The Doppelganger Mask allows you to disguise yourself as anyone, and even hide your player identity. It's said that the guys who made the Magic Coin developed it specifically for their traitorous business."

"Holy crap, this is a miracle device for hiding your identity!"

Steamed Bun immediately showed longing, but after thinking for a moment, he still said, "Xin Gou, tell me a price so I can give up."

Singo casually remarked, "This is made from the skin of a shapeshifter, so the material is extremely precious. It'll cost at least 500 Gold Coin."

Steamed Bun's face immediately darkened, and he feigned tears. "Alright, no need to say more. It's just equipment that a poor bastard like me can't afford."

"Here you go."

Unexpectedly, the other party casually tossed the gray leather bag over, seemingly not caring at all.

Steamed Bun quickly reached out and caught it, looking at Singo in disbelief with surprise in his eyes, yet also with a hint of wariness.

This notoriously stingy miser has actually agreed to pluck a feather?

And he even stole 500 Gold Coin at once?

Unsolicited kindness is always suspicious; is this guy trying to trick him into becoming a slave again?

"What, you don't want it? Give it back to me if you don't want it."

Singo pretended to reach out to take it back, but Steamed Bun quickly put the equipment he had just gotten on his face and asked, "What's going on? Did the sun rise in the west?"

Before the words were even finished, the Steamed Bun's face kept changing, eventually transforming into the appearance of a familiar male celebrity.

Do you see yourself as Peng Yuyan?

"I'm just restoring my handsome face; this is what I actually look like."

"Get lost! You'll only attract more attention looking like that. Do you want to be surrounded by those newbie players?"

"Alright, then I'll just have to make do with it for now."

The Steamed Bun's face changed again, eventually becoming an ordinary passerby's face, much like his original appearance.

"Alright, so why are you giving me equipment, but also making me a slave?"

Singo shook his head with a wry smile, "It turns out I was wrong last time. I was fully responsible for the wipeout of our team. This is my compensation to you all; everyone will receive a share."

I was so eager to prove myself that I neglected the most basic information.

He pulled a book from his backpack with a Red Dragon on the cover and the title "Dragon Research Guide," and continued, "According to the information I've gathered, a thirty-meter-long Ancient Red Dragon can Challenge Rating 20 or higher, and the Abyssal Dragon we encountered was probably beyond our imagination. At the time, I risked total annihilation to challenge it; it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, completely overestimating my abilities."

Steamed Bun exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, that boss is so powerful! The Challenge Rating must be off the charts! By the way, what about our Ke Emperor of the Embers of the Burned Empire? He killed that Abyssal Dragon all by himself. Isn't that even more awesome?"

"Have no idea."

Singo answered truthfully.

"The current players are still too weak. Even the top players—like me and Steel Frenzy —have only just reached level 11. We are still far from truly high-level power."

However, as far as I know, at least in this version, the empire under the protection of Keosius's wings will absolutely not perish.

"That's good. All my assets are with the Empire. If the Embers of the Burned Empire is gone, I'll go bankrupt."