Chris climbed onto Votradnoi's city wall once again. Standing behind the battlements, he rested a hand on the weathered stone bricks and looked out over the city.
Votradnoi was anything but peaceful now. Shouts of battle filled the city, and several columns of smoke rose into the sky, stark against the midday sunlight.
Chris narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the troubled districts... An unprecedented "spring cleaning" was underway there.
He was annoyed, but there was little he could do. Beyond sighing, Chris had no idea how to stop the players now.
Could he stop the players?
He could, but the cost would outweigh the benefits. The players were merely exploiting a loophole in the rules that Chris had carelessly created himself. Their blades were aimed at the scum he had just decided to eliminate, not at random victims.
Besides, spoiling the players' fun over a bunch of thugs and lowlifes hardly seemed worth it.
Having spent so long as a "game designer," Chris had learned a few things of his own. Players were like water. He absolutely could not deal with them by simply damming them up; he had to guide them and learn to work with the current.
"Your Highness, the Garrison Regiment reports that all four city gates have been sealed. As you ordered, from this moment onward, people may enter, but no one may leave."
Connie hurried over and delivered her report in a clear, loud voice.
"Is the blockade secure?"
"Very secure. In addition to the Garrison Regiment, I've mobilized the Second Infantry Regiment as you instructed. Besides the gates, I've also made preparations for underground passages such as drainage channels, to prevent the city's gangs from escaping."
Connie was confident, but Chris remained noncommittal.
Confidence was a good thing in any endeavor, but