The black robes of the magic circle weren't particularly imposing on their own. But when they gathered in droves, hovering in the sky, they exuded an oppressive, suffocating pressure.
Yu Yu strolled through the streets, noticing they were eerily empty. Save for players, everyone had barricaded themselves indoors. Even the players, guided by NPCs, huddled under eaves, their faces etched with anticipation, as if something monumental was about to unfold. They stared skyward.
Yu Yu's expression was one of bemused curiosity as she walked.
Good grief, what kind of reputation does the magic circle have?
No wonder Lynn had bolted at the first chance.
"Hey, Feng Ran? You're in Silver Moon now!" Yu Yu waved enthusiastically, delighted.
A mid-tier rogue from Moon Bay Town glanced over, bewildered.
Spotting Yu Yu, recognition dawned. "Oh, it's you."
Like Yun Lun, Feng Ran held an official post, so after Yu Yu arrived in Silver Moon, they rarely crossed paths. Seeing her now in Silver Moon sparked a small thrill in Yu Yu, like spotting an old friend.
Feng Ran, however, glanced at Yu Yu's chest, her expression twitching slightly. "You've advanced way too fast, haven't you?"
Yu Yu grinned. "Not bad, right? All thanks to the Grand Archon's competition~"
"Why're you in Silver Moon? Escorting supply wagons again?"
Feng Ran puffed out her chest proudly. "I got promoted for outstanding service!"
"I'm now a squad leader in Silver Moon's City Guard."
Yu Yu's eyes lit up. "That's awesome! Congrats, congrats!"
"Where's your patrol? I gotta tell you, I keep getting nabbed by the guards! Next time you're on duty, give me a heads-up so I can steer clear!"
Feng Ran faltered, her eyes flicking to the magic circle insignia on Yu Yu's chest. "…Silver Moon's guards are that bold? They dare arrest you?"
Their conversation blocked the tavern doorway, where patrons sat as silent as statues, not daring to make a peep.
The city guards were one thing, but that spellcaster…
Why is she chatting here?
What if she drew the attention of those sky-bound titans?
Terrifying.
Yu Yu shrugged. "Why wouldn't they? Of course they dare! The Silver Moon City Guard is under Senior Chang's command!"
And Senior Chang? She'd arrest anyone.
Yu Yu would rather face Chang than end up in Qiong's clutches.
Feng Ran's expression froze. "…I, uh, didn't know."
Yu Yu clapped her shoulder with a cheeky grin. "Keep up the good work! Do well, and I'll put in a word with the Duchess. Maybe you'll get another promotion!"
Feng Ran's face grew even more incredulous. "…You know the Duchess?"
Yu Yu nodded. "Yup! The Duchess is…"
She paused, then smirked. "Super stingy."
The tavern patrons: "…"
They wanted to plug their ears. Ancestors, please, stop talking here!
We're scared!
Feng Ran was utterly dumbfounded. The frail, pitiful little spellcaster from back then had transformed… Guess that's a spellcaster for you.
Noticing Feng Ran's expression, Yu Yu realized she'd just badmouthed the guards' boss in front of one. She coughed awkwardly. "Where do you live?"
Finally, a safe topic!
Feng Ran relaxed slightly. "I'm in the Wind Chestnut District. You got a place yet?"
Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "I've noticed you outsiders love sleeping on the streets…"
Yu Yu pondered. "Haven't bought one, but someone gifted me a house."
Feng Ran's face stiffened instantly.
What the—?
Yu Yu continued, "I'm at 2 Roland Street. If you're patrolling nearby, swing by and hang out!"
Feng Ran blinked, dazed. "Roland Street?"
"Yup."
Feng Ran's voice was faint. "Isn't that the noble district?"
Yu Yu gaped. "Noble district? Silver Moon has those?"
Feng Ran hesitated. "Not exactly, but that area usually has just one or two households. It's quiet, guarded by soldiers, and no one really goes there…"
Her words trailed off.
What had Yu Yu said? 2 Roland Street?
They stared at each other, and realization hit Yu Yu. "I've made it, huh?"
It dawned on her—her street was unusually empty.
Aside from seniors and the occasional patrolling guard, it was a ghost town. Blissfully quiet.
Feng Ran, who'd been subdued, nodded emphatically. "You've definitely made it."
Yu Yu rummaged in her bag and pulled out a small packet of spicy chicken feet. "Here, try these. If you like 'em and want more, come find me. Otherwise, I'll ask the Duchess where you're stationed."
Feng Ran's mouth twitched. "What's this?"
Yu Yu: "Delicious stuff."
She tilted her head. "What're you doing here?"
Feng Ran: "Was gonna grab a drink, but…"
Yu Yu glanced at the system clock. "Aren't you on duty?"
Feng Ran: "Not yet. I officially start tomorrow."
That reminded Yu Yu—she hadn't clocked in for ages. Good thing the Grand Archon and Duchess were lenient and didn't dock her pay. As an advisor, she earned experience daily on top of her salary. A few more days of slacking, and she'd level up again.
Feng Ran: "What about you? On a quest?"
Yu Yu: "Nah, just curious about what's going on."
Feng Ran: "You don't know either?"
Yu Yu nodded. "Blame Lynn. She said one thing and vanished. Couldn't catch her."
"Lynn?" Feng Ran's curiosity piqued. "Who's that?"
Yu Yu: "The Wind Singer."
Feng Ran: "…?"
Yu Yu glanced around. "She's too fast. No way to keep up."
Feng Ran wasn't sure whether to believe her. "…You know the Wind Singer?"
Yu Yu turned, puzzled. "What's up? You know her too?"
Feng Ran clenched her fists, voice low but intense. "Who in Silver Moon doesn't know Her Excellency the Wind Singer?!"
Yu Yu blinked. "Oh, right. Lynn's like Silver Moon's idol…"
Feng Ran's eyes blazed with fervor. "Where's Her Excellency? How do you know her? Can you…?"
Yu Yu: "…She's staying at my place. Wanna see her? Just stop by."
She recalled Lynn, the half-elf, lounging on the railing, munching dried fish with zero regard for her image. Would her fans' faith shatter if they saw?
Feng Ran was ecstatic. "2 Roland Street, right? Got it!"
Tavern patrons: We got it too! 2 Roland Street!
Just then, a player approached. "Feng Ran! We're here to turn in the quest!"
Feng Ran's face turned icy, slipping into cool NPC mode. "Well done. Here's your reward."
"Haha, sweet! Call us for the next quest~"
Yu Yu, curious: "What quest?"
Feng Ran grinned. "I wanted bread from the Gardenia District but didn't feel like walking. So I had the outsiders fetch it. They don't even charge~"
Yu Yu: "…"
You've mastered exploiting players.
As they chatted, Yu Yu spotted a pair of pointed ears and shouted, "Lynn!!!"
That half-elf moved lightning-fast. A split-second delay, and she'd be gone. Sure enough, the half-elf, nearly out of sight, paused, then zipped back in a blink, surprised. "What're you doing here?"
Yu Yu: "I came to check things out, but I got tired of walking and didn't wanna move."
She was curious about what the seniors were up to but hadn't spotted any she knew. Heading out of the city seemed like too much effort, and running into Feng Ran had been a pleasant distraction, so she stayed put. With so many seniors overhead, she hadn't even summoned her Phantom steed.
Feng Ran clutched her chest. "Wind… Wind… Wind Singer…"
She was practically swooning. Lynn, clad in a light trench coat, smiled and greeted her. "Hey there."
Her emerald eyes turned to Yu Yu. "So, what now?"
Yu Yu extended a hand. "Home. Give me a lift."
Lynn's pointed ears twitched, half-complaining, half-resigned. "Knew it."
The onlookers: "!!!"
Waaah, Wind Singer! Her Excellency! We wanna live with her too!
Feng Ran's eyes were glued to Lynn, practically begging to tag along.
Yu Yu: "I'm off. If you wanna see Lynn, come hang out!"
Lynn: "?"
"Let's go." She didn't give Yu Yu a chance to say more, whisking her away in a flash.
"Lynn, you're so fast!"
Back home, Yu Yu grabbed a plate of apples, washed one, and took a crisp bite. Lynn, equally at ease, snatched an apple and crunched. "Hmph, obviously."
Yu Yu: "You ran off so quick and didn't even tell me what a 'Great Purge' is."
Lynn's emerald eyes darkened. "You didn't ask your seniors?"
Yu Yu: "I walked the whole way and didn't see a single familiar face."
She wasn't about to fly up and chat with strangers.
Lynn sat, her voice cold. "Whenever the magic circle goes on a killing spree, that's a 'Great Purge.'"
Seeing Yu Yu's confusion, she suppressed her anger. "They'll randomly slaughter people. We're already like this—why do they still kill?"
"Wouldn't that strength be better used against the aberrations?"
Yu Yu: "…Why kill? Who're they killing?"
Lynn's ears bristled with fury. "Because someone provokes them, they show up out of nowhere, cast spells, and wipe everyone out."
"All because their young spellcasters died!!!"
"But we didn't kill them!"
Her emerald eyes glistened with grievance and rage. "When I was a kid, I read a book about the magic circle's past 'Great Purges,' from the Silver Era to the Golden Era, up to now. The last one was twenty-three years ago."
"Each time, they left rivers of blood, carnage everywhere," she spat, her disdain for the magic circle reigniting. "Tyrannical, cold, cruel, cunning—a bunch of garbage!"
"That book was this thick, this big." She stacked Yu Yu's books to demonstrate, shoving them toward her. "It took me ages to finish. They killed so many—countless people, even legends!"
"Why?" she demanded. "Why do this?"
Seeing the half-elf's ears tremble with anger, Yu Yu said carefully, "I don't know. You'd need to show me the book."
Lynn's described book was roughly the size of a college textbook but thicker than a dictionary.
Lynn pouted, aggrieved. "I knew you'd deny it."
Yu Yu's face was helpless. "How can I admit anything when I don't know? Just hearing you, how do I know what kind of 'Great Purge' it is?"
Lynn: "Wait here. I'll find a copy. Lots of people have it."
She zipped off again.
Yu Yu pondered, then sent a night raven to Senior Meng. "Senior Meng, where are you?"
A swift reply: "Outside the city. What's up?"
Yu Yu: "Why're there so many seniors out there? What's going on?"
Meng: "Deterring troublemakers."
Yu Yu: "Huh?"
Meng: "Forget it. Where are you? Stop asking one question at a time."
Yu Yu: "Heh, I'm home."
The next instant, a black-robed woman appeared, grabbed Yu Yu's shoulder, and they vanished.
When Yu Yu opened her eyes, they were on a plain.
She saw Senior Xue talking with Grand Archon Guang Chen, a swarm of high-tier spellcasters on standby nearby.
And here were Senior Chang, the Grand Archons, all of them.
Yu Yu asked curiously, "What's this about?"
Meng: "Discussing where to place the school."
Yu Yu: "Can we build it in time?"
Meng shot her a look. "You'll see."
Yu Yu: "So all these seniors are here to gawk at elementary kids?"
Her tone was downright bizarre.
Meng: "Pretty much."
Yu Yu: "…"
You lot are way too free…
Meng paused, her voice cool. "With so many young spellcaster prospects appearing suddenly, we're worried about troublemakers. So we're being proactive, sweeping the Allen Peninsula again to ensure no fools get any ideas."
Chang chimed in casually, "Should we send someone to scour the archipelago or the outer islands? Hit the aberrations harder?"
The Grand Archon, arms crossed coolly, said, "Gui Fan will handle it."
That was outside her purview.
Gui Fan? Who's that?
Meng whispered, "The War Archon."
Oh… a name that screams purpose. Fitting for the War Archon.
Yu Yu could tell—the magic circle was incredibly invested in these kids.
Wait… sweeping the peninsula meant?
Yu Yu's eyes widened in horror. "A Great Purge?"
Did Lynn call it?!
Meng, surprised, asked, "Where'd you hear that?"
Yu Yu: "Lynn."
Meng scoffed. "That timid half-elf probably ran home to tattle to her parents."
"This doesn't quite count as a Great Purge," Meng said nonchalantly. "More like a field trip?"
The Grand Archon turned. "Not necessarily. If anything happens to these new students, we will launch a Great Purge."
Yu Yu: "…So what is a Great Purge?"
The Grand Archon, back in her black robe, arms crossed, said casually, "Spellcasters are most vulnerable at the mid- and low-tier stages."
"To ensure the magic circle's legacy endures, any threat to the survival of mid- and low-tier spellcasters is crushed preemptively."
She glanced at Yu Yu. "The magic circle's tolerance for casualties has dropped year by year. Now it's…"
She fixed her gaze. "Zero."
Yu Yu opened her mouth, at a loss for words.
The Grand Archon continued, "The magic circle permits no uncontrollable factors within the Allen Peninsula. Not a single mid- or low-tier spellcaster can die. Understand?"
Chang added, "The magic circle's doorstep must be absolutely safe. Our tolerance is razor-thin."
"What about high-tier spellcasters?"
The Grand Archon shrugged. "The magic circle doesn't interfere."
"Unless they serve under me or another Archon or High Steward. For regular high-tier spellcasters, their classmates or mentors handle revenge."
Chang: "But they rarely escape. No one struts before a spellcaster and lives."
Yu Yu was momentarily speechless.
Was the magic circle domineering?
Incredibly so.
She couldn't even pretend otherwise.
Yet, as a spellcaster herself, Yu Yu felt a secret thrill.
She raised her hand. "What about players? We resurrect!"
The Grand Archon glanced at her. "Die once and find out."
Yu Yu mused, "But I don't have enemies here."
The Grand Archon: "And why is that?"
Yu Yu: "…"
She shuffled to Meng's side, standing straight and silent.
Why no enemies?
Because the magic circle had carved that safety out.
Otherwise, as a low-tier spellcaster, how could she have stood toe-to-toe with high-tier professionals?
Silver Moon had nobles and tycoons, yet Yu Yu had never faced the resistance she'd expect.
In reality, would she dare act so bold?
Not a chance.
She'd cower under the Federation's wing, too scared to roam.
Meng: "The magic circle's Great Purges in the Silver and Golden Eras are history. Nowadays, every Great Purge is triggered by threats to our legacy."
Yu Yu sidled away from the Grand Archons, whispering, "What about accidental deaths?"
Meng shot her a look. "You think there's anything the magic circle can't uncover?"
"What do you think the Enforcement Division does? Or the Cleanup Crew?"
"Have you studied the transmutation or negative energy spell systems?"
Yu Yu shook her head. "Haven't touched those."
Meng sneered. "No one deceives the magic circle."
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed.
Yu Yu gaped.
A colossal structure descended from the sky, Grand Archon Guang Chen directing it. "A bit to the left—crooked, crooked! The entrance needs to face Silver Moon…"
Yu Yu: "What's that?"
Meng: "The school."
"The magic circle used to have countless schools, but over time, they fell out of use and were stored away."
"The Grand Archons spent ages picking this one. A thousand students is a bit small, though."
"I remember Saint Fran University in Fran City, built for tens of thousands. The seniors packed it up and took it to headquarters' storage. Probably still there."
Yu Yu's mouth hung open, words failing her.
She was almost jealous of these kids' treatment.
The magic circle was way too invested!
So many high-tier spellcasters mobilized, securing the peninsula, even targeting the outer islands and aberrations.
At this rate, the school would be crawling with high-tier spellcasters.
And players could resurrect!
Hearing her mutter, Meng said casually, "They're different from you. The magic circle will raise them methodically, starting from the basics."
Yu Yu murmured, "Got it. They're the magic circle's future. We're just cannon fodder."
Players were rushed products, disposable. The kids were the true legacy!
Meng chuckled, patting her head, saying nothing.
Across the plain, a majestic school materialized.
High-tier spellcasters swarmed inside, vanishing in droves, leaving only a few curious onlookers outside.
Guang Chen flew over. "Feng Ye, have the students log in."
Feng Ye nodded.
The Federation, clearly in sync, responded instantly. As she gave the signal, login glows flickered across the field.
In a blink, the plain teemed with kids, wide-eyed and peering around.
Yu Yu spotted a familiar girl—the sharp-tongued one who hated school.
Heh, karma's here.
The lively girl cheered, "We get to play the game too!!!"
The best thing ever?!
The Federation had convinced her mom to let her game all day!!!
She loved the Federation!!!
She bolted outward.
Yu Yu cast a gust of wind, nudging her toward the Grand Archons.
Meng: "It's her, huh."
Guang Chen and Xue approached, pausing to size up the kid. "Hold it."
"What? Got a quest?"
Xue: "?"
Guang Chen: "?"
Why's this tiny kid all about quests?
Yu Yu coughed, drawing her attention.
The girl gasped. "I've seen you! You're an NPC?!"
Yu Yu: "…Clearly not."
The NPCs: "…"
Yu Yu, with a mischievous grin, asked, "Love school?"
With no adults around and surrounded by "NPCs," the girl planted her hands on her hips. "Of course not! Who likes school? Gotta be brain-dead!"
"Now I'm ordered to game. Ha, don't even think about snitching to my mom."
Yu Yu's smile was saccharine. "Right? I'm gaming too. High-five."
"By the way, can you share your name now?" Yu Yu's expression was all warmth. "Got a cool username?"
"I'll go with…" The girl pondered. "Purple Night Frost?"
Yu Yu: "Nice, Purple—"
"Purple Night Jade?" She wavered, undecided.
Yu Yu: "…Let's call you Zi Zi."
She stifled a laugh, barely containing herself. "See the people next to you?"
Zi Zi turned, spotting Xue's face under her hood. "This NPC looks high-level. A villain boss? What level? When can I fight her?"
She pressed, "Big shot, is she the starter village boss? Will beating her level me up? Can you carry me?"
Yu Yu had planned to tease her, revealing Xue as her principal and that she'd still have to study in-game. But before she could, Zi Zi's barrage hit, freezing her smile.
How do you know this stuff?! Played Destiny too?!
Look at me—do I look like I could take Senior Xue?
Her, a starter village boss?! Try fighting her!
The "NPCs" present, seasoned by outsiders' lingo from days on the official forums, knew the jargon well.
Zi Zi's onslaught left them reeling.
Xue followed her gaze to Yu Yu. "Me?"
Yu Yu: "…"
My bad. Teasing kids is high-risk these days.
Gotta go.
Yu Yu said gravely, "Don't talk nonsense. She's not a boss. She's your teacher—no, your principal."
"Oh, I forgot—I haven't eaten. Gotta run!"
She turned to slip away.
Zi Zi, confused: "Principal?"
She frowned. "The starter village is a school?"
She'd spent last night with classmates, scouring the web for gaming tips, and now fancied herself an expert.
Zi Zi: "How do I level up? Big shot, you're a veteran—can you take me to grind mobs?"
Yu Yu, passing Meng, cast slippery step on herself.
Run!!
Meng grabbed her collar, smirking, and yanked her back. "Where you going?"
"Tell us what level Boss Xue is," she said, reveling in the chaos. "Take her for a spin."
Yu Yu cursed inwardly. How'd I forget Meng's a chaos gremlin too?!
She should've fled toward Grand Archon Guang Chen!
"Senior, don't mess around. I haven't had breakfast…"
Xue snorted. "Outsiders and their bad habits, infecting even kids."
Guang Chen echoed, "These arrogant, rude outsiders."
Their eyes weren't on the kid—they were on Yu Yu.
Yu Yu donned a mask of suffering. "I'm innocent, Grand Archon!!!"
Stop spectating! Save me!
As always, Feng Ye vanished flawlessly at moments like this!
Feng Ye grinned. "Actually, I'm the starter boss. Wanna start with me?"
Meanwhile, the logged-in kids went wild, ignoring the black-robed spellcasters, scattering in twos and threes.
Some even mistook the spellcasters for mobs, charging with tiny fists.
Both attackers and attacked were baffled.
A high-tier spellcaster: "?"
Here to watch the show and admire the cubs—why am I getting hit?
The kid who swung was equally confused. "Why no damage? Am I not breaking defense?"
High-tier spellcaster: "?"
The kid wailed, "Lousy game! Not even a stick!"
High-tier spellcaster: "???"
She sidestepped the spellcaster, ready to explore further.
But…
Guang Chen's voice was icy. "Enough chaos. Round them up. Time for proper education."
"Yes!"
Instantly, the kids floated off the ground like puppies by the scruff, suspended midair.
As Guang Chen's words fell, black-robed spellcasters relayed them, ferrying the kids into the school.
Zi Zi stood dumbfounded.
Yu Yu seized her chance to gloat. "Hate school? Haha… you're in for daily classes now."
Xue narrowed her eyes. "If I recall correctly…"
Yu Yu reacted instantly. "My stomach hurts!"
Ignoring that Meng still held her, she logged out on the spot.
Terrifying.
She'd forgotten she was on Senior Xue's radar too!
Meng, holding Yu Yu's limp form, finally burst out laughing.
Xue sneered. "Think logging out saves her?"
"Felix is off training. Her exams will be with me."
"Meng."
Meng grinned, understanding. "Got it. I'll set it up."
Mocking others for school, huh?
Meng mused that she'd been too busy lately, neglecting Yu Yu's tests, letting her think she was off the hook.
Yu Yu decided she'd stay offline for a bit.
Senior Xue was too scary.
Checking Yu Bai's messages, Yu Yu raised a brow. "Just settling them? What about their parents?"
Yu Bai's reply left her faintly annoyed.
Why aren't you taking this seriously? Even the magic circle cares more!
In-game, they could resurrect!
In reality, no such luck.
If the magic circle shielded them impeccably in-game, but they died outside…
Yu Yu couldn't imagine facing the Grand Archons after that.
Don't provoke them into a real-world Great Purge.
Pondering, Yu Yu dialed Yu Bai.
"Yu Bai."
"Hey, what's up? Something happen?"
Yu Yu: "Today…"
Hours later, Yu Bai's face was a mask of shock. "Got it. I'll alert the higher-ups."
Holy— the magic circle's that invested? If anything happens to them outside… no real-world Great Purge, please!
But man, the magic circle was domineering.
Why am I a little jealous?
After, Yu Yu checked her texts.
An earlier message from Yu Bai, asking why the selected group was mostly girls, with a stark gender imbalance.
Of over a thousand, only a couple dozen were boys.
Yu Yu typed casually, [Senior Chang said males' mental cycles fluctuate too much, making them unsuitable as spellcasters. They'd get backlashed by spells.]
[Simply put, their mental stability's an issue.]
Yu Bai: [What a perk!]
(Message retracted)
Yu Bai: [That's such a shame.]
Yu Yu: [...]
Yu Bai: [I'll report it as is. Shame, shame.]
Yu Yu set her phone down.
Time to talk to Shu Tu.
Definitely not because she was scared to log in!
Moments later, Yu Yu slunk back online.
Shu Tu wasn't home—she'd gone out and wouldn't be back until afternoon.
Meng glanced at her. "Logging out but leaving your body? I gotta babysit you now."
Yu Yu scanned the room, then sighed in relief, whining, "I'm so well-behaved. Why do I keep getting dragged into messes?"
"Last time, with [Eating Without Washing Dishes]…"
At the mention, Meng raised a brow. "Oh? She invited you to rob me. Did you agree?"
Pressing Yu Yu's shoulder, she teleported them to her house.
Yu Yu flashed a saccharine smile. "No way! How could I team up with her to rob you, Senior?"
"Did you see her post?"
Meng chuckled dryly. "She's shouting daily. How could I miss it?"
Her expression cooled. "Even yelling for me to leave the city so she and some Pioneer camp guilds can kill me for gear."
Yu Yu was mildly shocked. "How'd it come to this?"
Senior Meng was a magic circle senior. It shouldn't have escalated to killing her! Players knew NPC deaths were permanent!
After the vampire incident, the Federation had used chilling methods to drill that into players.
Meng glanced coolly. "Think I'd lie? See for yourself."
She swiped, granting Yu Yu access to a high-tier spellcaster's interface.
After a glance, Yu Yu exhaled quietly. "Not her. Some loudmouths."
Meng snorted. "If it was her, you think she'd still be strutting around?"
"What, think the Enforcement Division can't handle you lot?"
Yu Yu flushed. "Senior! Don't hit the innocent!!"
Meng sipped water, eyeing her silently.
Yu Yu scratched her head.
Besides herself, other players indeed lacked attachment to NPCs.
Including [Eating Without Washing Dishes.]
In Yu Yu's view, had she apologized early with some sweet words, Meng wouldn't have held a grudge.
Yu Yu knew Meng's workload too well.
The Grand Archons could summon her anytime.
She toggled between idle and overworked like a quantum state.
Yu Yu racked her brain, then lit up. "Got it!"
Meng: "Hm?"
Yu Yu: "So, after selling the guild token, has the new guild formed?"
Meng said flatly, "Yes. Cedar Snow Guild. Nothing notable yet."
"As for your suggestion, the Grand Archons listened. They've slapped on restrictions—base, members, levels, storage, contributions, you name it."
"But it's early days. Nothing's happened," she added. "The second guild token will be released next month. No rush."
Yu Yu nodded eagerly. "Senior, how about some favor points?"
Meng: "?"
Yu Yu: "Like this, see? You get it, right? This!"
Meng: "…?"
She pondered, then asked, "So I'm what, a favor farm? I give her gifts? Voiced lines? Why not just tell her to drop dead?"
Her questions piled up, ending in a frosty tone. "Might as well send her to the Enforcement Division."
Yu Yu pleaded, "It's a way to rein in players! They're reckless because there's no tangible reward or punishment!"
"But with favor points, it's different!"
"Senior, you can issue quests under the guise of favor, pay nothing, and have her bring you gifts. All you need is some flashy trinket or a few words pretending you value her," Yu Yu coaxed. "Such a low-cost trick—doesn't it tempt you?"
"If her favor gets too high, just find an excuse to dock it and make her grind quest chains again."
Meng's tone was icy. "Is this how you conned Lynn?"
Yu Yu, dead serious: "Absolutely not! I'm thinking of you, Senior!"
Lynn was a breeze. Why was Meng so stubborn?
Meng fell into thought.
Moments later, Yu Yu noticed something new.
When she looked at Meng, a faint progress bar appeared above her head, displaying a favor gauge.
It fluctuated wildly—20s, 30s, then spiking to 70s, 80s, utterly unstable.
Then it zeroed out. Meng propped her chin. "Since you suggested it, why don't you try it first?"
Yu Yu: "…"
What kind of senior are you?!