9: You're Only Retesting Because You're Unprofessional, Not Because I Need to Finish My Quest! Believe Me!

Cunning Murphy entered the game forum with a purpose. He found that even though the forum had only just opened, there was already a very active spam thread.

But spamming for no experience was pointless. What respectable person chatted in a thread?

So, with all the icy elegance befitting a vampire, he ignored the thread and carefully studied the forum's various features.

There was an "Applications" section in the backend.

It let him review test applications and assign testing slots.

The five test invitation codes Murphy had just received could be used here. He could even edit the questionnaire for the "True Otherworld" game test himself. Unfortunately, no new test applications had come in yet.

However, he could copy the questionnaire link and give it to veteran players, who could then invite newcomers.

Uh, why did that process sound so much like a pyramid scheme?

If he weren't in a real otherworld right now, he'd suspect he was about to start some dangerous organization. He might as well report himself to the nearest cop while he was at it.

With that bizarre thought in mind, he found another section: "Feedback."

According to the forum rules, this was where the "True Otherworld" testers—in other words, the players—could report problems in the game to the development team.

In other words, an "opinion box."

"But this is just a decorative feature, right?"

Looking at the feedback and complaints section, which seemed so professional, the vampire couldn't help grumbling to himself:

"The Administrator System made it perfectly clear that even if they complain, nothing can be fixed. This real world isn't a game, after all. I'm just a pitiful test administrator, not the Creator. I can't patch bugs in the void for you.

So is this feature actually here to test my ability to fob people off and pass the buck?

Hah, you really do know people."

Murphy soon found the group feature. A few minutes later, the little players still on the forum all received an invitation to a private group at almost the same time.

Leading Pigeon had been about to take off his helmet and grab some food. He clicked on the invitation and glanced at it. The inviter's ID was "Alpha," and it was marked as a forum administrator, so he immediately accepted.

After entering the group, he glanced around and saw that all ten players who had received invitation codes were there.

Alpha: Yo, everyone! I'm a newbie on the "True Otherworld" game testing team. From now on, I'll be in charge of coordinating with the testers, collecting your feedback on the game, and keeping an eye on the forum.

Speak freely, don't be shy. If you have any feedback about the game, say it here or submit a feedback post. I'll pass it on to the development team as soon as I can.

Leading Pigeon: Greetings, Admin!

Ge Bao rushed in to make a good first impression, and the others quickly followed suit.

The mood warmed up in an instant.

Meow King: Damn! You guys had a blast in the live test today, didn't you? I was at work! I feel like I missed out on a million bucks!

Come on, somebody tell me what it feels like to hack someone to pieces in this game!

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: I don't know what it feels like to hack someone to pieces, but I can tell you what it feels like to get hacked to pieces. It was so stupid. The gameplay was awful! One star!

Leading Pigeon: Shut up, you noob. You got shot in the head by an arrow the moment you logged in, and you still have the nerve to talk? You're a disgrace! You embarrassed our whole dorm! I couldn't even hold my head up in front of the NPCs as dorm supervisor.

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: Damn! You little brat, how dare you talk to your father like that? Keep whining and I won't bring you lunch today! You can figure out tomorrow's attendance check on your own too, you little punk!

Leading Pigeon: Noooo! Dad, I'm sorry!

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: That's a good boy.

Invincible Tyrannosaurus Car: That's a good boy +1.

A-Cha'en: That's a good boy +10086.

Mud Truck Iai: @Meow King, you're Old Yang, right? I remember that's your game name. I was having drinks with Old Lin yesterday when we suddenly got two helmets. We followed the instructions and logged onto the forum, and we're still pretty confused.

Could you explain what this game is about?

Meow King: Hey, is this your middle-aged internet user syndrome acting up? Don't expose my real name, you idiot! Call me by my ID or just call me Meow Brother. We'll talk about the rest in private!

A-Cha'en: @Alpha, you want us to find flaws, right? That's easy! Emmm, let me think. Earlier, I saw the three noobs who died turn into light after they died. That white-haired NPC standing nearby looked completely dumbfounded. It made me think that our "exit" from the game doesn't feel very immersive.

The game is so realistic, and that kind of flaw really breaks immersion.

I strongly suggest that players leave behind complete corpses after they get killed in the future.

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: A-Cha, tell the truth. What do you want to do to our corpses? Scared.jpg.

Leading Pigeon: Evil grin. Of course A-Cha wants to do something "terrifying" to you noobs, like draw little turtles on your faces or squat up and down to taunt you.

Alpha: This... is something we hadn't considered before. I'll submit it to the development team and see if they can make a change.

Also, I have some bad news.

The development team wasn't particularly satisfied with the results of the live combat fundamentals test we just completed.

They thought the test players' reactions weren't professional enough, so a lot of combat data wasn't collected. They may have to run another live combat test.

This time, they hope the participants will act more professionally. At the very least, don't get shot in the head the moment you log in. That was awkward.

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: !!! So you can see how we're doing in the game? Admin, do you really have to publicly humiliate us like this?!

Alpha: No need to give up on yourself. I actually thought the way you caught that crossbow bolt with your head was pretty cool. I've been in this line of work for a long time, and I've never seen anyone catch one so accurately.

Also, if possible, please don't die in that awkward position with your hands over your crotch next time.

Leading Pigeon: I'm dying! The official account has certified him as a noob! Flips table and laughs hysterically.jpg.

Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees: Damn, stop laughing! It was just a mistake. Can I get another chance? Admin, I'll do better this time! I won't embarrass myself again!

Kono Neko Shark Da: Yeah, give us a chance! I want to be a good guy too, sir!

Invincible Tyrannosaurus Car: Car-car would also like another chance. Having to wait three days to respawn after dying is too rough, and there are too few people! Invite more players!

Alpha: @Bionic Snail Dreams of Electronic Trees, no, sorry. This game is a hardcore, realistic MMORPG, and death penalties are an important part of that experience.

We don't want to create a game where players can use up their lives as disposable resources to overcome practically any challenge.

The development team is using this to convey their idea to the players: you're in a real otherworld, so you should treasure your lives just as the people of that otherworld do.

Of course, we may introduce some improvements later, but during the testing phase, we'll have to stick closely to the game's rules.

As for expanding the test, I can't make that decision. The development team decided before the test began to use an invitation-only system, to keep the testing environment from deteriorating.

But don't worry. I've already asked the development team for a batch of unrestricted invitation codes.

If you have friends who want to play, have them fill out a test application. I can't guarantee they'll be accepted, though.

The application link is attached below.

A-Cha'en: Awesome! Long live the admin! I'll message a few of my buddies right now!

Leading Pigeon: Tsk, A-Cha, you shameless kiss-up, always cozying up to people. Find us a big, athletic guy this time. We're counting on him to fight.

A-Cha'en: Leave it to me. Just watch.

Alpha: It's about time for me to clock out. That's all for today. The time of the next test will be announced in this group 10–30 minutes in advance.

After a while, we'll consider allowing players to log into the game freely. The dedicated test server has only just been set up, so we hope you can bear with us until the stress test is complete.

If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the forum's feedback section.

Finally, thank you for choosing "True Otherworld." May your gaming journey go smoothly!

Leading Pigeon: Farewell, Admin!

A string of messages echoed his words.

Murphy lurked invisibly and watched the screen, but didn't join in when the little players started discussing the story so far. Once he was sure they had no more questions, the vampire left the forum.

In the dilapidated house in Morland Village, he rubbed his chin. Ge Bao's question had seemed unusual, but it was actually quite important.

As far as he was concerned, it was no big deal if players disappeared in a burst of light after dying. But to the people of the otherworld, it would seem downright bizarre. With so few players, it didn't matter yet. But if their numbers eventually reached the thousands or tens of thousands, Murphy wouldn't be able to explain it even if he spun the story of being a summoner a thousand different ways.

What kind of summoner could summon thousands or tens of thousands of people from another world at once? Were you a summoner or an otherworlder smuggler?

Listen to yourself, vampire. What kind of nonsense is that?

But how could they solve the problem of the corpses?

"Uh..."

Just as Murphy was thinking it over, a pained groan from nearby jolted him to attention.

The vampire glanced toward the corner and saw the unlucky girl, tied up tight with rope by Maxim. He couldn't help grinning.

Oops. I got so caught up chatting with the little players that I forgot about her.

Good thing I remembered in time. This poor soul had just escaped the Witch Hunter's clutches, and now she was going to suffocate.

What a sin. I was having a rough time myself, but seeing a real NPC who was even worse off made all my stress disappear.

"I'll untie you. Don't bite me."

Murphy crouched down and spoke to the weak, unlucky girl glaring at him.

She glowered at him, but couldn't hide the fear in her eyes. After she nodded, the vampire untied the rope gagging her.

The rope had been pulled so tight that it had left bruises on her fair cheeks, making the scene look strangely risqué.

The girl had short, fiery red hair that she kept neatly trimmed. Her face was pretty and full of youthful energy. Her delicate skin made it clear she wasn't a village farmwife. Her clothes weren't rich, but they had a certain scholarly air about them. Around her neck was a distinctive pendant, with a small gear-shaped copper plate hanging from it.

Murphy held it up and read the inscription on the plate:

Chardo Craftsman University, Class 4, Department of Administration, 1109th Class · Enrolled in the Fall of Year 1109.

"Well, look at that. A third-year university student. A high-end talent. No wonder even a crude Witch Hunter couldn't control himself."

The unlucky vampire worked out the dates in his head, grinned, and returned the copper plate to the girl's collar. Looking at the young woman before him, who was frightened, furious, and sad all at once, he said:

"You don't seem to belong here."

"This is my home, you bastard vampire!"

The girl screamed:

"You're the ones who destroyed my home, my father, and my neighbors. Sob... They're all gone. We never did anything to you! It's all your fault!"

"First of all, it was the Witch Hunters who burned down your village and killed everyone here. I wasn't even around when they did that."

Murphy shook his head.

"Morland Village and the surrounding area of Cadman City have traditionally belonged to the Blood Eagle Clan. We've lived here ever since the Second Calamity, in Year 720.

This is our home too. Who would make trouble in their own home?

Believe it or not, the Blood Eagle Clan even has a position called 'tribune of the people,' so please direct your hatred and anger toward the right people.

Second, I don't have time to comfort you, miss.

You heard what I said earlier.

Those dangerous Witch Hunters are after me, and they won't spare you either, since you killed one of their companions. So whether you like it or not, you'll have to do as I say from now on if you want to survive.

Now tell me, what's your name?"

Faced with Murphy's question, the girl was clearly reluctant to answer. But after hesitating for a few seconds, she lowered her head and sighed obediently.

"Mirian."

"Hm? No surname?"

Murphy raised an eyebrow and asked in surprise:

"A determined girl who went all the way to the Genoa Peninsula to attend university surely has a surname."

"I'm the village chief's illegitimate daughter."

Mirian mumbled awkwardly.

"I came back this time because he arranged for me to get engaged to the son of a wealthy merchant in Cadman City. I only got to go to university because my mother left me an inheritance before she died.

But my father's a little short on cash lately..."

"Oh, I get it."

Murphy's expression turned knowing.

"So that anger you showed earlier was all an act, right? You don't really care about this place. Fine, you don't have to explain. I'm not interested in family dramas.

I already know you're smart, and I need smart people right now."

He stood up, drew the Desire Kinship Sword, and with a flick of his wrist, cut through the ropes around Mirian in a swift arc guided by muscle memory. Then he pointed outside and said:

"Go find weapons and armor on those corpses and protect yourself. Then gather enough weapons and equipment for ten people. I need some time to think about what we should do next."

Mirian silently lowered her head and walked toward the door.

Her legs trembled slightly, and her fists were clenched. Just as she neared the door, Murphy spoke in a low voice behind her:

"Your heart's racing. Are you planning something dangerous? Mirian, as a native of Transia, you should know that vampires like me can track living beings by scent from three kilometers away, right?

Do you need me to explain how psychic marks form on a killer when a Witch Hunter dies?

I hear those things last at least seven days. Any Witch Hunter who's completed the hunting trial can see the mark, and they'll do everything they can to avenge their companion.

It's their tradition!

Since the Ten-Year War began, the number of 'vampire worshippers' killed by Witch Hunters has been astronomical. And unfortunately, no matter how you look at it, you're one of them now.

So do you really understand the situation you're in?"

"I—I understand!"

Mirian clenched her fists and shouted back at Murphy.

She strode out of the broken house, but didn't try to run away on her own two legs. Instead, she obediently began gathering the things Murphy needed.

Inside the house, Murphy's hand also moved away from the hilt of his Gauntlet Sword.

He wouldn't be fooled by Mirian's frail act!

A young woman who could use her looks and a sneak attack to kill a lust-crazed Witch Hunter one-on-one was no pushover. Besides, she was a third-year student at Chardo Craftsman University.

That was one of the three great academies on the continent!

Who knew what kind of ideas and self-defense techniques those cunning, mysterious halflings taught their students?

There might have been more to that Witch Hunter's death, but Murphy needed Mirian's help right now. This wasn't the time to dig into it.

Murphy glanced out the window at the dawn. The hateful sunlight had appeared again, meaning that the vampire would have to go into hibernation.

Staying up all night had left him a little tired. The weakness caused by the Witch Hunter's poisoned blood made him drowsy. But the thrill of battle and his first successful hunt seemed to have awakened some of his vampiric nocturnal nature. He found himself surprisingly indifferent toward death.

Especially other people's deaths.

He didn't know if that was normal, but the Witch Hunters who could come after him at any moment were the biggest problem right now. Murphy thought he ought to prepare as soon as possible.

More importantly, he had just confirmed his next goal once again:

Before he finished this miserable journey and returned to Cadman City to see Triss, he had to complete his new-player tutorial quest and unlock every feature he could, so the little players could reach their full potential.

Only if they kept growing stronger could he and Triss stay away from the dangers lurking around every corner.

The young vampire narrowed his eyes at the sunlight outside. For a moment, Murphy actually found himself looking forward to the Witch Hunters' next attack.

Now that he was gradually realizing the true wonders of the Test Administrator System, he had nothing left to fear. He only hoped that life's storms would hit harder, watering his little leeks and helping them grow strong.

The leveling feature still hadn't unlocked, but how could they gain experience and level up without fighting monsters?