Starrealm summoners chose "Starrealm Guardianship" not merely to find themselves a "big daddy" in the Starrealm. In most cases, they formed contracts with demigods in pursuit of greater power.
A contract meant that power and shackles were bestowed at the same time. Generally, however, the benefits a summoner gained outweighed what they had to give up. That was the main reason this ritual had endured.
Nobody wanted to make a losing deal.
Other summoners usually performed the Starrealm Guardianship ritual only once they reached the Silver or Gold ranks. When they were already powerful, they could gain greater—and safer—power from their Starrealm Guardian.
Few chose to perform the ritual at the Iron rank. The main reason was that an Iron-rank summoner had no standing whatsoever before a demigod. Even if the contract succeeded by some stroke of luck, the demigod would grant them precious little power.
After all, they were so weak to begin with. Give them too much, and they wouldn't be able to bear it.
In that respect, Murphy was undoubtedly an exception.
Not only had he completed the ritual successfully, but throughout the entire process, he seemed to have held the initiative. It was practically as though Manis the Endless had eagerly come running to give him a helping hand.
But considering Manis's dire circumstances and its ambition to ascend to godhood, it wasn't surprising that the cunning serpent had made that choice.
After the contract was signed and the ritual ended, Triss escorted Murphy back to his office. She wouldn't let him interact with anyone, nor would she let anyone approach him. This wasn't a punishment, but a form of protection.
Three strands of white hair had appeared at Murphy's temples, and the first wrinkle had formed on his forehead.
But he was an immortal vampire!