My Players Are So Fierce

Early the next morning, on the carriage leaving Bataxin city, Meow King whispered to Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry beside him with a smug expression of reminiscence:

“Ah, it’s a pity that we’re all a bunch of ‘dead eunuchs’. Damn Alpha Company, they have the ability to make 18+ content but they just won’t do it! Not only do they not make it, but they keep teasing us in various ways, like tickling us.

It’s infuriating.”

“Are you stupid?”

Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry looked around with a strange expression, then leaned in to Meow King’s ear and said something, then made a gesture with his fingers. His lewd expression made Meow King’s eyes widen instantly.

“Holy crap! You can actually do that? How did I not think of it? You bastard! Damn, I feel like you might have accidentally found a very scary bug.”

“Well, well, it was just a little taste. Who knew it would actually work…”

Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry stroked his fingers with a “full of memories” posture and said softly:

“And I didn’t dare to risk my game account on something like this. When I saw her still giving me bedroom eyes and inviting me to continue, I made an excuse and ran. I’m not lying, I was worried about getting kicked offline all night.

Heaven’s my witness, I really didn’t mean to!

But the character modeling in this game is so damn realistic! In every sense of the word, it’s unbelievable!”

“Shh, shh, shh, we can’t let this spread.”

Meow King anxiously pulled Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry and said:

“Don’t let others know! If this gets out and the dev team finds out they missed blocking this part of the 18+ game content, who knows what might happen.”

“You think I’m stupid?”

Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry pouted and said:

“I finally found such a fun bug, of course I’m keeping it to myself. Now only you know, and if you don’t tell and I don’t tell, no one will know.”

“Good, then let’s agree to keep this secret together!”

Meow King solemnly raised his pinky finger, and Thirty-Year-Old Tobacco Mulberry linked pinkies with him like children. As for the student players who had desires but no courage, they were still in another carriage, heatedly discussing which female NPC from last night was prettier.

They were completely unaware that while they were still at the level of “screen licking”, their companions had already tasted the meat.

Invincible Tyrannosaurus Cheche was bragging about being invited to dance by two noble ladies, but was severely mocked by the others. They had all seen how awkward and flustered he looked last night, completely out of his element.

However, apart from these little players who were jubilant about their “worldly experiences”, there were a few more large carriages in this convoy compared to when it departed, and they were all filled with coffins.

Those were the die-hard members of the White Mountain faction of the Thorn Clan, who were following Regent Miriam back to the Crimson Citadel to meet with Count Andrei.

Miriam was also eager to return and report the results of this trip to Murphy, so the convoy was moving quickly.

Now the Crimson Citadel administration had upgraded its equipment. After obtaining 500 demon-hunting warhorses surrendered by the Witch Hunters, even the carriage horses were replaced with good ones. At this speed, they would be able to return to the Crimson Citadel by midnight today.

Almost at the same time, in the “diplomatic area” of the Blood Vulture Halls in the Crimson Citadel, Count Andrei was discussing the specifics of the job he had just “secured” with his most trusted subordinate.

However, because it was daytime and dawn was approaching, Vesta, the servant who was utterly loyal to Count Andrei, was having trouble concentrating. The unbearable drowsiness forced him to drink hot tea one cup after another, but with little effect.

Although Andrei himself yawned occasionally, his condition was obviously much better than Vesta.

Perhaps that damn “day walker trick” Murphy introduced earlier really worked?

“So the problem now is that we have a gnoll agent codenamed ‘Pangolin’, and he has already made contact with the Wolfsbane Clan. He will act as a guide to bring the Wolfsbane into the Crimson Citadel.”

Andrei looked at the three-level sewer layout map in front of him, narrowing his eyes as he said:

“We need to take advantage of this opportunity and continuously expand our advantage to ultimately lure those Wolfsbane bastards into the deadly trap we’ve prepared for them and then crush them in one strike!

It sounds simple, but when it comes to execution, the problems become very complicated.”

“Yes, master.”

Vesta yawned and said softly beside the count:

“The biggest problem is that we’re short-handed. Although your dozen or so servants are absolutely loyal, they’re all brave warriors who voluntarily joined the Thorn Clan with you from the royal servants, when it comes to cunning, they certainly can’t match the crafty Blood Vultures. They’re fine for fighting and killing.

But for this kind of strategy that requires intelligence, we need to choose different personnel.”

“This problem will be resolved soon. The core members of the White Mountain faction will arrive shortly, and we’ll be able to see them tonight.”

Andrei took a sip of royal red tea and waved his hand, saying:

“Our faction being removed by the Grand Duchess doesn’t seem to be a bad thing now. Those uncertain opportunists have already left voluntarily, and those remaining are trustworthy loyalists! I suddenly feel that our previous approach had some issues, Vesta.

Perhaps we should re-examine the internal structure of the White Mountain faction and draw some wisdom from this failure.

If I were to say what I’ve learned during this time in Transia, it’s that ideals alone can’t get things done.

I was too idealistic before.

My dear Vesta, we need to rebuild the White Mountain faction from the ground up. Murphy’s management model for the Blood Vulture Clan is worth learning from, so I’ve already made a decision. I want to appoint you as my intelligence director.

Just like Lady Adele’s position by Murphy’s side, you’ll be fully responsible for the work handover with Lady Adele this time.”

“Of course, I’m willing to serve you, master.”

The loyal servant Vesta nodded, but then added:

“However, establishing our intelligence network in Transia will be quite difficult.”

“No, I mean we shouldn’t consider what comes after for now. We should first integrate into Murphy’s system, view ourselves as part of the Transia system, and obey his orders. Let’s learn first! Then we can talk about growth.”

Andrei corrected:

“From now on, we need to put aside the idea of confrontation with them and integrate into this land in the name of dealing with the Black Disaster.”

“But this doesn’t benefit your interests at all!”

Vesta was startled and immediately advised:

“Her Majesty the Wolf Queen has given you preferential treatment, master! As long as Lord Murphy’s rule fails, you can become the master of this land! This is clearly your sister’s guilt and compensation for you in her heart. You shouldn’t refuse this reward. We’re already being quite decent by not sabotaging the Blood Vulture Clan, how can we help your political enemy stabilize the situation?

This is equivalent to you personally giving up this territory, which might make Her Majesty the Wolf Queen feel disappointed in you.”

“What if I tell you that I never intended to interfere with Transia’s affairs from the beginning to the end, would you think I’m crazy?”

Andrei drank the last of the hot tea in his cup.

He leaned back in his chair, looking at the loyal servant who had taken care of him since he was a child.

When he was still a child, Vesta, who was still quite young at the time, was assigned as his butler. It could be said that compared to his sister who was always distant from him, Vesta was more like his family and elder.

Therefore, in front of this servant who was so loyal that he stepped into midnight with him, Andrei rarely concealed his thoughts.

He rubbed his brow and explained softly, as if sharing a secret:

“Turning Transia into my own fief was never part of my plan, not just because this land is isolated, barbaric, and difficult to manage, and not just because it seems to be cursed by disaster and has to endure endless malice from the world.

It’s also because I realized very early on that our country could never control Transia!

The line from Ice Bay to the Kafhoka Plains is already the farthest frontier that the Kingdom of Nordtov’s power can reach. Vesta, our country is like a giant on the verge of death.

It still has a good appetite, but its aged and decayed body is no longer able to support it in swallowing more land.

In fact, the reason why my sister agreed to King Louis’s invitation to send troops was not out of her desire. I’ve talked with her before, and sending troops to seize benefits during the Ten-Year War was to appease the hawks at home.

For my sister, her interest in internal reform is far greater than in foreign wars.

She’s very clear that taking fertile land but being unable to manage it effectively would cause trouble for the country, just like a wound that won’t stop bleeding.

Your family has served the royal family for generations, you should know better than me what a mess our country is in right now.

The fertility of the Kafhoka Plains is far from enough to restore the country’s vitality. On the contrary, we have to inherit the hostility and resistance from the people for occupying new territories.

The Winter Wolf Legion has been stationed in the core area of the Great Plains for less than a month and a half, and has already suppressed more than 40 rebellions of various sizes.

This is terrifying.”

Andrei sighed like a melancholy poet, saying:

“We can’t even swallow the Kafhoka Plains, so even if I took Transia, what then? It would be a victory in name only, but in reality, it would only further deplete the country’s already scarce precious vitality.

Our rigid system is different from the Goldflower Kingdom.

We can’t quickly digest and accumulate strength through expansion, so when my sister sent that agreement with Murphy, I knew what she meant.

She didn’t want to give me a chance to become governor out of guilt, she just hoped that I could successfully break free from the control of the Thorn Clan and my ancestor through this situation.

My sister does feel guilty towards me, but not the kind of compensation you think.

But for me personally, getting training and growth in Transia, and thus becoming someone beneficial to the country is more important than my personal honor or disgrace!

My country needs me, and my sister needs me too.

Vesta, I told you when I was little that I have no interest in the throne, but I’m willing to fulfill my duty for this bloodline.

So, do you understand?

What I’ve always wanted to do here was never to compete with Murphy for that dispensable governor position, but to use this place as my trial ground, to make myself stronger as quickly as possible.

My sister is a queen destined to do great things, she could give me a fief a hundred times better than Transia with just a wave of her finger.

But do I really need it?

No.

What I need is growth.

Not just in personal power, but in other aspects as well.

Even when Grand Duchess Shani dissolved the White Mountain faction, which seemed to be hitting me, I’ve come to understand in these days that my ancestor just saw through my immaturity and the White Mountain faction’s facade of strength.

She dissolved that faction that couldn’t accomplish anything to give me a chance to start over.

Right here!”

Andrei narrowed his eyes and said coldly:

“Right here, facing the threat of the Black Disaster, just like throwing a piece of ordinary iron into a furnace. Either be reborn in fire or die defending the bloodline of the Hero King. I want to rebuild my faction!

And this time, it will no longer be child’s play.

Just as fire tempers a precious sword, you always need a worthy opponent to test the blade. The Greyclaw faction of the Wolfsbane Clan is the first opponent I have to face.

We must defeat them!

We will devour their blood and nutrients, we will build the foundation for the rise of the White Mountain faction on their corpses, and ultimately truly become the shadow of Nordtov.

We will eventually become the shadow of the Wolf Queen!

We will eventually promote the change of the Thorn Clan, making this foreign race that has been independent within the kingdom for hundreds of years truly become a part of Nordtov’s ruling system.

We will make the blood clan assassins under the night become the sharpest royal blade in my sister’s hand when she rules her country!

Yes.

This is my ideal.

I’m no longer lost, Vesta. I already have the motivation to move forward and won’t lose my way again in this chaotic world.”

These words were spoken with great conviction.

But there was undisguised worry in the eyes of the loyal servant Vesta. This worry even overcame the call of midnight at this moment, making him wake up from his drowsiness.

He had raised Andrei from an infant in swaddling clothes, and he knew his young master too well.

There was a part of Andrei’s personality that couldn’t be made public, such as his worshipful, feverish obsession with his half-sister.

Although Her Majesty the Wolf Queen was indeed an outstanding young ruler in all aspects, Andrei’s obsession would sooner or later bring him terrible trouble.

Moreover, his young master was very stubborn and had never truly sworn allegiance to his clan.

Vesta knew very well.

The object of Andrei’s loyalty had always been only his sister, and Grand Duchess Shani obviously knew this too.

One day, the Count of White Mountain would have to choose between his clan and his country, and at that time, he would have to face his true ‘ancestor’.

Shani

This vampire grand duchess who could push her own elder into the fire pit with her own hands and see her off to eternal rest with a smile on her face, would definitely not show mercy because of her blood relation with Andrei when facing such a situation.

Therefore, Vesta knew that his young master had chosen a dangerous path full of thorns, even for vampires.

It was at this moment that Vesta suddenly understood, as if lightning had struck in his mind, making him exclaim:

“You… you plan to ally with Lord Murphy?”

“Ha, you finally understand, my dear Vesta.”

The Count of White Mountain finally showed a smile from the bottom of his heart, and he said:

“Yes, Murphy is an outstanding leader. Even though he can’t possibly submit to my sister, he has already defeated one vampire grand duke with his own hands and ‘conquered’ another.

Of course I want to ally with such a person, just for greater goals and interests.

I believe that when I have to make the difficult choice between country and clan in the future, Murphy and his Blood Vulture Clan will become one of my biggest backings.

My ancestor has never hindered my ambitions.

She seems to be looking forward to the final answer I will give. I know it’s difficult, but I won’t give up. I will eventually become the first male grand duke in the history of the Thorn Clan.

I will lead my clan to join my country, becoming my sister’s undisputed loyal servant, and protecting her country and her beliefs for her forever!

This is the promise I made to her when I was a child.

Of course, these are all things for much later.

Now we must solidly complete the task at hand, how to lure the Wolfsbane Clan into this first hunting trap set by me, a novice hunter.”

“This is not difficult, master.”

Vesta narrowed his eyes and said:

“We can let that Pangolin bring people over, then catch them and force them to change sides. The Thorn Clan has always been quite good at this.”

“No, this is too risky. We can’t underestimate Mr. Korando’s acuteness. That’s a lead wolf who has fought his way out of a wolf den.

We need to be smarter, make them eliminate the risks themselves, make them willingly step into the trap.”

Andrei looked at the sewer map in front of him, and after a few seconds of silence, he said:

“Vesta, have you ever gone fishing?”

“Huh?”

The loyal servant was a bit confused by this question.

Fishing?

In that hellish place of Nordtov where even rivers freeze in summer, who would have the mood to go fishing?

“I’ve recently taken a liking to angling, and I’ve become fishing buddies with a warrior who also enjoys it.”

Andrei chuckled, seemingly recalling some happy memories, and said softly:

“That warrior shared his homemade bait with me and taught me the secrets of fishing. For example, groundbaiting is a very important step. We need to first use delicious things to groundbait, to give the hungry and mindless fish a little taste. Then, tempted by the food, they will bite hard on the hook that will be their demise.

My dear Vesta, I remember you had a part-time job at the grand theater in North Wind Castle a long time ago, right?

So, you must be very good at acting?”

“Uh, it’s just a small hobby of mine, master, but I do indeed enjoy the feeling of performing.”

“Very good, I’ll need your talent in this area next. If a weak Blood Vulture count is not enough to lure the wild wolves, then adding a Thorn count who is full of disappointment due to demotion and has serious conflicts with the local lord should be enough to emit an enticing scent of victory.

I must make good use of my unique identity.

Hmm, the Wolf Queen’s brother, a discontented big shot eager for change, would be the best bait in any situation.”