This Time, It's Really the Turn of the Tables

Chapter 31: This Time, It's Really Turnabout is Fair Play

Name: Fourth-generation Psionic Computing Orb Prototype · Codename 003

Effect: Possesses all functions of a third-generation computing orb, with larger memory, faster computation, and more diverse functionalities.

The latest five-unit super-large psionic difference engine matrix installed within features a dual-core mode, capable of processing multiple thread computations simultaneously. Furthermore, thanks to the finest flame gold catalyst fine-tuning the psionics within, it possesses the unique permission of "Remote Takeover."

Users holding a fourth-generation psionic computing orb can, when necessary, block and terminate the computation process of a third-generation psionic orb.

When forming a super-large computation matrix, the fourth-generation psionic orb, acting as the superior node, can view and copy information circulating within the matrix, disregarding any information encryption. However, activating this function will consume more of the user's psionics.

Notification!

This item is a theoretical verification prototype, and its performance has room for further improvement. Please visit the manufacturer.

Notification!

This item is an exclusive auxiliary item for psionicists. Using this item requires a certain psionic talent (Usage Requirement: Mind ≥ 7).

Manufacturer: Shardo Artisan University Steam Laboratory Precision Mechanism Development Team

Item Description:

[The Halflings only made three of these things, and they have no plans for mass production in the short term. Now, one of them has traveled thousands of miles and fallen into your hands.

Of course, you could explain it as just completing a standard "black-eat-black," which wasn't even your decision. However, I don't think those infuriated Halfling combat mechanics and their steam walkers full of explosives will be willing to listen to your excuses.

In short, what I mean is, you're in big trouble, kid.]

Special Tag: Stolen Goods (This item is stolen goods obtained through illegal means. This tag does not affect its use, but when encountering factions and individuals related to this item, items with the "Stolen Goods" tag will lower their favorability and trigger a series of uncontrollable subsequent events.)

Notification!

This item is undergoing internal program upgrades and preparing for the simplified replication of the Test Administrator System functions. Please do not interrupt the psionic supply!

Currently, the simplified replication functions designated are: Character Card interface, Profession and Experience Point system, Biological Reconnaissance, Item Appraisal.

"What are you doing to it? Why is it emitting red light! Hey, this light color isn't right! Normal operation should be yellow or green!"

Beside the pile of confiscated computing orbs, Mirian saw the fourth-generation psionic computing orb Murphy was holding.

She didn't know the specific information about the item, but upon seeing Murphy activate it, the red-haired girl was startled and moved to stop the foolish vampire from casually playing with power he didn't understand.

But before she could get close, Maxim pushed her aside.

The loyal Blood Servant stood with his sword drawn, shouting loudly:

"Master Murphy has his own plans. It's not your place to lecture him with that tone, you rude fellow. Don't disturb Master."

"You brainless dog! You have no idea what he's doing."

Mirian immediately retorted:

"It takes at least a month of training for ordinary people to learn how to use a computing orb. This thing is like something from another world to someone who hasn't touched it. Your master is just a superstitious vampire living in an isolated region!

He hadn't even seen an automatic hunting crossbow before!

God, he's going to get us killed. Computing orbs explode when overloaded!"

"Alright, Mirian, I'm not the bloodthirsty savage you think I am. I will learn things I don't understand if they can indeed help me.

And fortunately, I've always been a fast learner."

Murphy spoke up to stop his two assistants from arguing over this trivial matter.

He glanced at the computing orb in his hand, which was drawing psionics from his body for "initialization." The progress bar was advancing slowly, and it would likely take six to eight hours to complete the functional replication of the administrator system.

The fourth-generation orb in his hand could be used as the core of a large computation matrix to activate the remaining lower-level orbs. At that time, he would also need to perform an information synchronization initialization on the other orbs.

This way, his little players would have their own player interfaces.

There were 3,000 computing orbs here!

With one for each player and a batch left for replacement and emergencies, it would be enough to meet his needs for a long time to come.

This was a truly unexpected joy.

Murphy's mood at this moment was as delighted as if he had just devoured three pounds of chocolate.

He smiled genuinely at Maxim, nodded to Mirian, and finally spread his hands, placing them on their shoulders.

He said in a deep voice:

"We've been through hardships together! We've fought our way out of desperate situations to get here. I don't expect you two to love each other, but the fact is, we are already a small group that can rely on each other.

So don't argue, learn to communicate. Good communication can solve 99% of life's problems.

Mirian, I can understand your nervousness.

But today, there are no other witnesses. As long as you don't say anything yourself, no one will know these orbs ended up in our hands.

Even if the Halflings really come looking, they'll only cause trouble for the Blood Vulture Clan."

Murphy made a silencing gesture to Mirian, drawing a finger across his lips. He said:

"When we return to Cadman City, you can embark on your journey back to Shardo Port to continue your studies. I will bestow upon you enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of your life. This is my promise, and I will keep it!

But you have to forget about tonight!"

"You know, this is for your own good."

The red-haired girl glanced down at the box containing the computing orb at her feet.

She gritted her teeth, her heart in turmoil. If the halfling found out she was involved, her unfinished studies would be ruined, and she herself could face imprisonment, not to mention the future she had planned for herself.

A few seconds later, Mirian looked up and said:

"I'll go check on Madam Adele and the young lady. I didn't see anything tonight, and I don't know anything. Hey, Murphy, nice new jewelry.

Keep it hidden.

Be careful it doesn't get stolen."

With that, she wrapped her cloak around herself and turned to leave.

Maxim stared at Mirian's retreating figure. After she had completely disappeared, the loyal Blood Servant said softly to Murphy:

"Master Murphy, if these things I don't understand are important to your cause, then keeping this girl around is a hidden danger. She's clearly been brainwashed by those heretical halfling teachings. I know Transylvania is terrible, but she's determined to escape her homeland.

She can't be trusted.

Why don't we..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

But the downward chopping motion in his hand conveyed his thoughts.

"I hate traitors too, Mark. I believe everyone has obligations and responsibilities to their homeland. However, if that homeland is the mess Transylvania is, then it's a different story."

Murphy shook his head and said to Maxim:

"You've been a Blood Servant since you were young, and you know very well the suffering of ordinary people on this land. Mirian is luckier than most. She's gone out, gained wisdom, and learned knowledge. It's normal for her to not want to return to the superstitious darkness and bow to vampires. Don't be hostile towards her because of it.

She's smart.

She knows what choice is best for her.

We're a team, and we have to trust each other, Mark, at least for now!"

"I admit Mirian is smart, she's almost the smartest human compatriot I've ever met, Master Murphy, but I think you're too lenient with her."

Maxim nodded, but then emphasized:

"If you appreciate her, then grant her the honor of becoming a Blood Servant. A leader like you will surely achieve great things in the future, and it wouldn't be an insult to her humble intelligence to serve you.

Although I haven't been to the halfling cities, I've seen the lives of those ambitious young girls in Cadman City who want to climb the ladder. I imagine it's similar elsewhere.

I admit intelligence is a good thing, but someone like Mirian, from the bottom, with no background or wealth, can't make good use of it!

Her intelligence is less useful in this world than her looks.

If she's not lucky, her best fate would be to become a mistress to some old and foolish noble, or like her mother, who, despite having seen a bigger world, could only marry a foolish and short-sighted village chief of Blood Servants after her youth faded.

Or even worse.

If you truly value her, you should help her escape such a pathetic fate.

Just as you gave my life hope."

This speech surprised Murphy. He looked at his loyal servant and said:

"I never expected to hear that from you, Mark. It seems I still don't know you well enough. But loyalty has always been a two-way street, just like between you and me.

I don't want a servant who obeys under duress; that's like planting a time bomb for myself.

She's different from you. Becoming a vampire is clearly not in her life choices. Even if I wanted to recruit her, I'd have to figure out what Mirian truly wants first.

Alright, let's drop this topic for now.

Load these boxes onto our carriage. You must guard them at all times and not let anyone approach!

These items are extremely important to our cause. I can only entrust this important task to you."

"Crack!"

Maxim thumped his chest and said in a deep voice:

"I will guard them with my life, Master Murphy. Please entrust it all to me!"

"Mmm."

Murphy nodded, hung the computing orb, which was still drawing psionic energy to operate, around his neck with a rope, and tucked it close to his body before walking away. After a few steps, he turned back to Maxim and said:

"Those cavalry in the pit..."

"They've been dealt with, Master."

The loyal Blood Servant replied in a low voice without looking back:

"These trivial matters shouldn't occupy your precious time."

"Mmm."

Murphy nodded and waved his hand:

"Don't let my warriors know about this. They are kind-hearted and will be saddened by it."

With that, Murphy left the silent woods with light steps. After a fierce battle and victory against Jopan Makchi, the vampire part of his nature had greatly revived.

Death.

The word itself could barely stir any more emotion in Murphy's heart, especially when it involved strangers he had little connection to.

Murphy still didn't know if the resurgence of this dark instinct was a good or bad thing.

But one thing was certain: it would help him survive better in this cruel world.

Just like a finger retracts from a flame, just like an ant flees from danger, these biological instincts accumulated over thousands of years of survival would never harm him.

A few minutes later, Murphy arrived at the edge of the woods.

A bonfire was burning here, and in a tent nearby lay Madam Adele and Miss Femis. Mirian was helping Madam Adele change her bandages and apply medication.

As a butler serving vampire nobles, Madam Adele's psionic bag would certainly not be lacking in such first-aid supplies.

"Do you have psionic talent too?"

Murphy saw Mirian take out several bottles of potions from Madam Adele's psionic bag. He stood several steps away from the bonfire and said, "I haven't seen you cast any spells."

"I can't cast spells. My psionic talent is too poor. Being able to open a psionic bag and activate a computing orb is already my limit. But then again, aren't most people in this world like this?"

Mirian said with some annoyance, "They have some psionic talent, more or less. As children, they all dream of becoming psionicists. But as they grow older, someone tells them they can't even pass the basic assessment for a psionic apprentice. So, they end up learning a lot of useless knowledge and are unwilling to return to their hometown to marry someone they don't know.

Thus, they have no choice but to grit their teeth and accept being assigned to a major they don't understand at all.

In short, what I mean to say is that some professors among the Halflings who specialize in studying the phenomenon of 'psionic erosion' have written papers.

They say that ordinary people like us, like metal and objects that have been in contact with psionic environments for a long time, will also be permeated and eroded by psionics, thus undergoing changes.

Perhaps in another tens of thousands of years, everyone in the world will be able to release psionics freely.

But not yet.

The degree to which psionics erode the human body is too weak. It's not like you extraordinary beings who can naturally connect with psionics."

"That's not a good thing. Every time I release psionics, I hear strange sounds, and sometimes I even see strange images in my dreams.

It's said to be a call from the psionic energy source. Some say it comes from subspace."

Murphy shook his head. "Becoming too immersed in the mysteries of psionics can lead to madness. This supernatural power has never been a pure blessing. How are those two doing?"

"The young lady is fine. Her severed hand has already grown back, but Madam Adele's condition is very bad."

Mirian sighed. "That Wolfsbane Vampire injected some kind of toxin into her body. She's had a high fever for hours and is close to dehydration. I have no idea how to treat her.

Perhaps..."

She looked up at Murphy, speaking with some agitation, "Perhaps you could turn her into a vampire here? Use your terms, the First Embrace? Use the power of one vampire to counter the malice of another vampire that harmed her.

She's not a bad person!

Didn't she save you?"

"Madam Adele is not my Blood Servant. I don't have the right to do that. The rules of the Blood Vulture Clan are not like that."

Murphy shook his head, glanced at the young lady in the other tent, and said, "It looks like it's time to wake her up."

"That young lady must be very tired..."

Before Mirian could finish speaking, she widened her eyes in shock as Murphy casually flicked a ball of dark psionics at Miss Femis's face.

The latter sat up abruptly after being attacked. Even with her eyes closed, she executed a skilled defensive maneuver.

"You, you, you, you..."

Mirian was stunned. She exclaimed, "That's your master! How dare you..."

"First of all, I don't have a master! Even if I did, it wouldn't be her."

Murphy corrected her statement, looking at the disheveled young lady rubbing her eyes and regaining consciousness.

In the darkness, the corner of his mouth curved into a subtle smile. He then looked at Madam Adele, who had saved his life and was now in pain, coughed, and said in a deep voice, "Secondly, touching loyalty deserves a reward, just as you said, we need to use the power of one vampire to counter another."