Murphy had always firmly believed that players were an extremely pragmatic bunch.
Their simple yet stubborn values told them that if they put in the effort, they deserved a reward. They saw this as an unbreakable iron rule—at least, that was certainly how Murphy had felt back when he was still a noob player.
As it turned out, Murphy understood his little players very well. Once they learned that the "Gnoll Calamity" event had finally entered the rewards phase, they all erupted just as he'd expected.
No matter where they were, they rushed back to Scarlet Castle as fast as they could. The Adventurers' Guild camp, usually frequented only by new players and Avalon's followers, was packed to the brim in less than half an hour.
To put it crudely, the hundred-plus players here were as restless as a bunch of thirsty bottoms and tops about to attend a massive same-sex matchmaking event.
Old friends huddled together, whispering excitedly. Others busied themselves with various "superstitious" rituals, making exaggerated gestures or muttering incantations in an attempt to boost their chances of getting lucky.
The Big Bird Squad, for instance, were washing their hands over and over in a basin of water. They'd even asked a Witch Hunter acquaintance who was fond of drink to "bless" the water, hoping it would give them a little extra luck.
Of course, as crazy as such behavior seemed, you couldn't say it was useless. It was just that it had no effect beyond making them feel better.
After all, genuine "luck magic" existed on this continent. Whatever the actual process of casting those mysterious spells involved, it certainly wasn't the bizarre and deeply undignified gestures the little players were making right now.
"Sister Pomegranate! Sister Pomegranate, tell us—how many keys do you think you'll get?"