Your name is Xie Te? Hmm, what a good name.

Chapter 3: 3. Your name is Shite? Hmm, what a nice name.

Upon hearing the slightly accented "hometown dialect," Murphy immediately understood what kind of creatures he had summoned, and a surge of ecstasy washed over him.

Although they weren't the fire-wielding Titans he'd expected, ready to destroy the world with their greatswords, in a sense, these two creatures before him represented something even more terrifying than world-destroying Titans.

But they called him an NPC?

So, in their eyes, this was a game?

Heh, such mortal wisdom!

Murphy had been living here for a month, and he could confirm that this was no virtual game, but a genuine otherworld. Therefore, theoretically speaking, these two little players had experienced a journey of transmigration.

And the best part was, they themselves didn't know it.

In that instant, Murphy, with narrowed eyes, had already sketched out tens of thousands of words of future plans in his mind, but he quickly calmed himself down.

The most important thing right now was to stabilize these two guys and continue to deepen their preconceived notions, so they wouldn't be scared by the truth.

It was just like the first conversation with a new employee during onboarding!

Painting a big, rosy picture was basic. A step further, and you could talk about ideals and ambitions. As someone who had navigated society for over a decade, Murphy was an expert at this.

[Novice Guidance Quest (1/6): First Summon (Completed)

Reward: Test Invitation Codes increased to 10.

Hint: 2 invitation codes have been used. Do you want to send the remaining invitation codes?

Developer's Note: Some things are not better the more you have, just as some things are not better the bigger they are. Sometimes small is also cute. More often, you need to proceed step by step. You can't see a hole and rush to jump in.

I could go on, but I think you get my meaning.]

"Send them! Why wouldn't I send them?"

Seeing the prompt before him, Murphy immediately chose to send out all the remaining 8 invitation codes. What could just 2 little players do?

They couldn't even afford to run a dungeon!

If the natives saw this, they might think Murphy couldn't summon more spirited little players. Moreover, he was currently shouldering a life-or-death mission, so the more helpers, the better.

However, after confirming the send, Murphy's "Otherworld Creature Summoning" still displayed [2/2].

It seemed recruiting "Testers" also took time. Although he didn't understand how this worked in the players' world, that clearly wasn't something Murphy needed to worry about right now.

[Novice Guidance Quest (2/6): Command Testers to Complete Preliminary Basic Test (walking, jumping, attacking, and daily actions). Test duration: 30 minutes.

Reward: New function unlocked.

Developer's Note: The early stages of a project always encounter all sorts of bugs and all sorts of complainers. But don't panic when you encounter problems. Take a deep breath first. You can't solve them anyway, so just make up a lie to cover it up.

This shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?]

"Cough, cough."

Murphy pursed his lips and coughed, drawing the attention of the two little players who were curiously hopping around and looking at everything.

He really needed to manage these two!

The shorter one was more conservative, trying to take off the four-cornered pants that came with the "game," while the taller one had already run off to rummage through the trash in the basement.

What the hell, what could you possibly find there besides Triss's empty wine bottles? Are you planning to collect seven broken bottles to summon the "Wretch King" and fulfill your wish of becoming a transmigrated wretch?

Don't do anything rash, brother, you already have a tragic, living example right in front of you!

"Heh heh heh, the quality of the summoned beings this time is surprisingly good."

Murphy sneered in the characteristic gloomy voice of vampires.

His eyes gleamed in the darkness of the basement, and the flickering crimson made the shorter player shrink back, muttering that it was quite creepy.

Isn't that obvious?

An ordinary person encountering a genuine vampire like Murphy in a dark basement would have already collapsed in fear. It was only the fearless little players who still had the mood to make jokes.

"You impertinent and vulgar fellow, stand still!"

Murphy adopted an NPC's tone, placed his hand on his sword hilt, flicked his right hand, and a faint ball of Dark Psionics gathered at his fingertips like a spark, flying out and startling the player who was rummaging through the trash.

"Listen! I am preparing for something big. Unfortunately, this world is full of idiots, so I have to explore other worlds. You two, although a bit weak, seem quite intelligent.

Perhaps you can help.

The vampire pulled his hood down further, trying to cultivate an aura of a dark creature.

He rubbed his chin and said, "But I need to see if you are healthy, if you have enough vitality, if you are sharp enough. I don't want any defective products. If you fail my test, then I will offer you to the terrifying Vampire Banshee upstairs as 'reserve blood bags'."

He tried to scare the two little players, but he didn't sense any fear from their faces at all. This frustrated him, so he waved his hand, turned, and said, "Start by moving around here. This dilapidated place is barely habitable, but I don't have time to personally explore the secrets hidden here for over 300 years.

Go and search.

Use your intelligence, and after 30 minutes, bring me the most valuable thing you find.

This is the first test."

"Oh, right. Remember my name, remember the one who summoned you from another world to this vibrant one.

My name is Murphy!

Ravenor Murphy Lasombra.

I am your guide, your shelterer, your beginning and your end!"

With that, Murphy didn't bother with the two little players who were still stunned. He disappeared into the entrance of the basement like a phantom in the night.

The door slammed shut, and the unlucky vampire, playing an NPC for the first time, took a deep breath.

"Running off after showing off like that is really thrilling."

He said this, then crouched down and peered into the basement through the cracks in the wall. The two little players were already busy, searching all over the vast basement.

Murphy hadn't lied to them.

This basement, like the manor, was ancient, easily three hundred years old. However, there were definitely no valuable items to be found.

But their activities were enough to satisfy his second novice guidance quest.

Murphy's head soon started to ache again. How was he supposed to explain the origin of these two "otherworldly creatures" to the owner of this place, Ms. Triss?

Maybe he could say they were his blood servants?

But the players' actions, so out of place in this world, and their language were also a big problem. Should he make the two players pretend to be mute?

Speaking of which, he hadn't even asked their names yet.

How rude!

As an NPC, he was far from qualified. Theoretically, even if the players named him "Shit," he should have praised them with a smile, saying, "What a great name!"

Never mind, he'd make up for that later.

Murphy quickly walked back to the main house to pack some things. As soon as the vampire entered, he saw that Triss wasn't resting but, uncharacteristically, was standing by the window.

She stood like a statue, gazing out at the scenery of Cadman City, completely absorbed, not even noticing the annoying sunlight shining on her fingers.

Wisps of gray smoke were rising from Triss's fair fingers – the precursor to a vampire being burned by sunlight.

"What are you doing? Have you finally realized how much of a failure your life is and decided to commit a flashy suicide, delete your account, and start over? Too late! Five hundred years too late, so please, just live."

Murphy quickly stepped forward, pushed Triss away from the window, and yanked down the blinds, plunging the room into darkness.

"Cough cough"

Triss coughed violently as she was startled awake. Murphy, while wrapping her burned fingers with a handkerchief, asked softly:

"Does the wound hurt again?"

"It's alright."

Ms. Triss seemed indifferent, as if accustomed to the pain. She wanted to bandage it herself, but she was too weak and needed Murphy's assistance.

Murphy knew exactly why Triss was so weak.

It was a month ago.

Murphy, the true vampire who refused to be a cripple, had an accident while attempting a dangerous psionic summoning ritual of unknown origin in the manor's basement.

The berserk psionics from the Astral Plane had nearly torn him apart.

That day, Triss, who happened to be sober, had desperately saved her offspring from the psionic explosion. The price was the further deterioration of the progenitor's already poor physical condition.

However, to be precise, the true Murphy, who had sought to defy fate, had died in that failed ritual.

The one Triss saved was someone else.

But without her, Murphy would have died from blood loss on the very night he transmigrated, becoming historically infamous as the first vampire to die of anemia.

Because of this, Murphy had been diligently serving Triss for the past month. He was someone who knew how to repay kindness, especially a life-saving one.

They say adversity reveals true feelings. After a month of "down-on-their-luck cohabitation," Murphy, newly arrived in this otherworld, and Triss had developed a sense of "mutual reliance." After all, even if the house was dilapidated, it wasn't so bad that Murphy had to sleep on the streets.

At this moment, the former Blood Vulture Elder watched Murphy, who was bending down to bandage her fingers. The dilapidated room fell silent.

One could almost hear the sound of heartbeats.

Vampires do have heartbeats, just much slower than ordinary people.

After a dozen seconds, Triss spoke:

"I was just recalling my life over the past hundred years. Little Murphy, I've embraced so many people. Most were driven out of Transylvania to fend for themselves. A small portion struggled to survive in the Blood Vulture Clan, but they all did their best to distance themselves from me, a cripple. Yet, accidents always found them.

I remember a time when I relied on embracing those who feared death to live a comfortable life, which is why they called me 'Greedy Triss.'

I've seen all sorts of people, but you are the only exception.

Little Murphy, only you have stayed by my side, taking care of me like a blood servant. This makes me feel like I'm experiencing the ordinary but warm life that those foolish mortals crave.

However, you should leave now.

You've grown up.

You should learn to stay away from danger, and also learn to stay away from misfortune."

"But how can you travel far in your condition?"

Murphy instantly understood Triss's unspoken meaning, but the cunning socialite chose to play dumb. He glanced at Triss, who could barely stand, and shook his head, saying:

"Don't worry, I've asked those who sent me on a suicide mission for some Blood Servants. I'll leave a few to take care of you when I leave. Don't worry about me.

Although this job is dangerous, I think I can come back alive.

We'll discuss where to go next when you're feeling better."

"Pfft."

Murphy's reply made Ms. Triss's eyes widen, and then she covered her mouth and burst into laughter.

She had meant for Murphy to leave alone, but this little guy actually wanted to take her, a huge burden, with him. What a naive and adorable young man.

"What are you laughing at?"

Murphy asked irritably. Triss waved her hands and said:

"Nothing, I just thought of something fun. Hmm, this outfit of mine actually suits you quite well. You have such a handsome face. Huh? Why is it so noisy downstairs?

Did a thief break into the house?

Wonderful!

Dinner is sorted!

Ah, thank the Mother of Night for this gift! Today is like an early Holy Blood Festival."

Triss became excited upon hearing the sounds from the basement, her fangs bared, but Murphy immediately stopped her and waved his hand, saying:

"It's nothing, it's just the Blood Servants I summoned cleaning up. Don't worry about them. You should rest. Get up and move around tonight. I'll prepare dinner for you before I leave.

I'll be back in at most a week, I promise.

And don't drink too much wine."

He helped Triss back to her bedroom on the second floor and then, after making sure the windows were completely covered, he retreated to pack his own luggage.

30 minutes later, Murphy stood at the entrance to the basement, looking at the items the two smug-looking Little Players had handed over.

Two unopened bottles of Dwarven Ale.

The labels indicated they were 250 years old, perfect for honoring Triss.

A set of exquisite wine utensils in a decaying box, their origin unknown, but they had a subtle Elven artistic style, likely left behind by the manor's previous owner.

Finally, a worn pocket watch with a dented casing.

Murphy recognized this item.

This was what the real Murphy had dropped in the basement on the night he was blown away by psionics. There were still bloodstains on it.

But these three items weren't the most astonishing.

He glanced at the pile of coins at his feet. Besides rusty copper pieces and dull silver coins, there were several gleaming Portia Gold Coins.

This made Murphy eye the two panting Little Players with suspicion, genuinely wondering where they had found these things.

In the month he had lived here, he hadn't found as much in the manor as these two had in 30 minutes.

So, was this the terrifying talent of players?

"Not bad, you've done very well! I'm impressed with you, Warriors from Another World."

Murphy pulled back his hood, revealing his handsome face, and said kindly to the two players:

"I've already seen your keen potential, and you are the helpers I need! Now, return to your world and be prepared!

After I've made all the arrangements, I will summon you and the Otherworld Spirits I've already chosen again. At that time, you will have the extreme honor of participating in my Grand Plan!

Heh heh, I look forward to meeting you again.

By the way, what are your names?

Please understand, but I must record this moment so that bards can sing of the beginning of my legend with you in a hundred years."

Faced with Murphy's question, the two players exchanged glances, puffed out their chests, and loudly declared in unison:

"My name is 'Meow King'!"

"My name is 'Leading Big Pigeon'!"

"As expected of Little Players chosen by me, these names are truly hilariously absurd! Full of abstract beauty."

Murphy inwardly grumbled and gave a mental thumbs-up, but outwardly he nodded with satisfaction, maintaining the dignity of an NPC. With a smile, he said:

"What wonderful names, perfectly matching your keenness and bravery. So, my warriors, we shall meet again."

He raised his hand and dismissed the summoning.

The bodies of the two players rapidly dissolved into points of light before his eyes, like a reverse playback of the psionic weaving that had brought them into existence. Finally, only a cluster of light particles remained, rotating around Murphy before settling on the ground.

[Novice Guidance Quest (2/6): Basic Operation Test (Completed)

Reward: Perception Reconnaissance Function unlocked.

Hint: You can now scout targets and obtain certain information, but this action can be perceived and therefore carries some risk.

Developer Notes: There are two prerequisites for using this ability well: first, you cannot be a Holy Warrior! Second, you cannot have the habit of kicking down tavern doors.

"Of course, if you're powerful enough and don't mind deleting your character and starting over, then ignore everything I just said."

[Novice Guidance Quest (3/6): First Combat. Command Testers to Complete Preliminary Basic Test (including but not limited to attack, dodge, charge, soul release upon death, etc.)

Reward: Test Invitation Code +5, New Feature Unlock.

Developer's Note: Since you've learned to walk and jump, how about trying to slay a dragon now?]

"What?! The difficulty of this quest just skyrocketed, and what kind of ridiculous note is this? Hmph, I'm in a good mood today, so I won't stoop to your level."

Murphy pursed his lips, looked around, then bent down to pick up the pile of money on the ground. Humming a tune, he walked out of the manor to buy some food and drinks, so that "King of the Useless" Triss wouldn't starve to death while he was gone.

The unlucky Vampire walked in the shadows along the walls, avoiding the sun. His steps were light, and he smiled from the bottom of his heart, nodding to everyone he passed.

The main thing was to be elegant.

However, in his heart, Murphy was laughing wildly:

"These Little Players are so useful! Truly a must-have for traveling, home, and even murder and silencing. Although I don't know what my Grand Plan is yet, with you guys, how can this great me fail to achieve greatness? Hahahaha!

Tremble, world!

A legend will rise from this night onwards!"

Please collect~