House
Only after grabbing her did Yu Yu realize she seemed familiar. Wasn't this the same jerk who nabbed her in the middle of the night last time?
The high-tier spellcaster, expressionless, brushed her off with cold disdain, her eyes dripping with contempt. She turned and walked away.
Yu Yu: "???"
This is your Grand Archon! Don't you care at all?!
As she stood there stunned, a familiar voice came from behind. "What assassination? Assassination what? What kind of assassination?"
Yu Yu didn't even need to look to know who it was.
She turned around.
The black-robed woman leaned against the window, as if she hadn't moved an inch, her leisurely expression begging for a punch to the face.
Yu Yu: "…"
The Grand Archon, the absolute worst person in all of Eternal Darkness. No contest.
Yu Yu instinctively glanced at the lounge chair. The figure there was not only breathing but had rosy cheeks and a rising chest. Who could tell the difference?
The Grand Archon drawled, "Do you know that slandering the Grand Archon can get you arrested?"
Yu Yu: "…"
The Grand Archon raised an eyebrow. "Your eyes look awfully rude. Care to speak up?"
Yu Yu stayed silent—silence was louder than words.
The Grand Archon circled the lounge chair, not missing a chance to mock. "Some spellcaster you are. Can't even tell a phantom from a living person. How'd you become a spellcaster?"
Yu Yu glanced between her and the chair.
Grand Archon: "Just a minor Phantom."
Yu Yu grew skeptical. "…Is Minor Phantom that good?"
It was way too realistic!
If Minor Phantom was this useful, she'd buy one next time.
Grand Archon: "Would I lie to you?"
Yu Yu noted it down, then quickly pulled out the covered rice dish. The Grand Archon was too much—talking to her was a mental drain. Yu Yu didn't even want to ask what she'd been up to. Whatever humans did, the Grand Archon didn't.
No surprise there.
"Grand Archon, enjoy your meal. I'll just…"
Yu Yu was yanked back by her collar, floating back. Her eyes screamed confusion. What now?
The inventory was a marvelous thing—items came out exactly as they went in. Shu Tu had used her own rice, each grain plump and glistening. The potato beef is bright in color, plump and tender, with the steaming juice seeping through the plump rice grains. The aroma of food is strong as soon as it is taken out.
The Grand Archon, astonishingly, resisted the temptation. "Your Spirit's grown again. Looks like my tournament was useful."
Yu Yu grinned up at her. "All thanks to the Grand Archon's guidance!"
How about some more EXP?
The Grand Archon pulled out an ornate silver spoon, casually dispelling the phantom. "Has the growth in your mental energy changed your abilities?"
Her eyes hinted. "Like bringing in something more interesting?"
Yu Yu shook her head immediately. "Nope, nope. The success rate's still awful. Anything slightly complex won't come through."
The Grand Archon looked disappointed. "Is that so?"
She scooped a big bite of rice, drizzled it with sauce and potato, and ate happily.
"Then I'm really disappointed," she said.
Still held by Mage Hand at the scruff, Yu Yu seized the chance. "Grand Archon, are the rewards for other classes as good as mine?"
"Hm?" The Grand Archon was nonchalant. "What rewards?"
Yu Yu explained.
The Grand Archon let out an "oh." "I didn't notice. Ask the Duchess."
Yu Yu was floored. The magic circle's tournament, and you didn't notice?
Didn't Senior say you wanted to hold it?!
Is this how a Grand Archon operates?!
Maybe her glare was too piercing, because the Grand Archon looked up mid-bite. "There are rewards, but a baronet title and manor? Probably not."
Yu Yu froze.
The Grand Archon sighed. "Those were the little Duchess's gifts. The magic circle can't overstep."
She smiled at Yu Yu. "Want to know the other classes' rewards? Why not ask the Duchess?"
Yu Yu shook her head like a rattle.
No way!
Asking for others' rewards? The Duchess would think she's nuts!
She didn't have that kind of clout!
Grand Archon: "With her temperament, a manor's possible, but a title? Definitely not."
She drawled, "Just a bunch of kittens scrapping. If it wasn't for spellcasters, she probably wouldn't bother giving anything."
Plus, Yu Yu had Felix's backing. The little Duchess was happy to make her sister smile—a mere baronet title was nothing.
Yu Yu pondered.
So what was the Grand Archon's goal?
She specifically held this selection—was it just to watch kittens fight?
She had to be up to something.
But what?
Yu Yu racked her brain but came up empty. Too little information—she couldn't figure it out.
The Grand Archon, as if blind to her deep thought, elegantly finished the rice dish, in a fantastic mood.
She hinted, "Didn't bring any food for that Felix kid? She's got a temper—she'll get mad."
Yu Yu: "?"
Grand Archon: "I'm her teacher. I can pass it to her."
Yu Yu: "…"
I don't believe you!
Next second, Mage Hand lifted Yu Yu, shaking her once, then again.
The Grand Archon didn't even hide it. "Got more? Got more?"
Yu Yu was forced to hand over another bowl of rice.
She'd brought three—one for Yun Lun, one for Senior, one for tribute.
And now…
The Grand Archon, satisfied: "Heard you've been pretty free lately?"
Yu Yu: "…I'm not, I haven't."
I've got a house to check, matches to watch, and work!
How could I be free?
No way!
The Grand Archon grinned. "Felix probably told you about outsiders assassinating an Archon, right?"
Yu Yu's eyelids twitched. The relationship between outsiders and NPCs was already sensitive. Coming from the Grand Archon, it was even touchier.
Her instincts screamed danger.
Yet the Grand Archon's expression remained casual, that same lazy look, as if reminiscing about the meal. Yu Yu wanted to bolt, but held by the Grand Archon, she couldn't.
Doomed.
Suffocating.
Grand Archon: "Outsiders are different from us, and their progress is limited. Go assist them."
[(Critical) Assist the Magic Circle in Punishing Outsiders]
[(Critical) Refuse to Assist the Magic Circle]
Two tasks popped up simultaneously, marked with "Critical," a term Yu Yu had never seen.
A binary choice.
Yu Yu paused, then unhesitatingly picked the first.
[(Accepted) Assist the Magic Circle in Punishing Outsiders]
The Grand Archon's warm smile didn't change.
"Do well, and the rewards will satisfy you," she said, releasing Yu Yu's collar with a wave. "I look forward to your performance."
Yu Yu couldn't read her emotions, only seeing that grinning, scummy demeanor. Helping the magic circle didn't seem to please her. Maybe she thought it betrayed her kind?
But…
Yu Yu, as usual, pledged loyalty. "Rest assured, Grand Archon, I'll bring those villains to justice and clear Senior's name!"
"Go, go. I'll have them contact you."
Yu Yu left.
By common sense, Yu Yu was now the magic circle's lapdog, turning her blade on her own kind.
But… when did players ever have common sense?
Without NPC interference, they'd "Ura!" and fight each other, fiercer and wilder than anyone.
PvP reasons were bizarre, nothing like what NPCs imagined.
Genuine loyalty? Impossible.
She'd snagged a hidden quest—players would only envy, covet, or want to take her place.
Just PvP, big deal. Youth without PvP is wasted!
If the magic circle offered quests, plenty would camp corpses until enemies deleted their accounts.
So Yu Yu felt weird for a second, then happily accepted the task.
NPCs understood players too little!
Task activated, Yu Yu awaited NPC contact.
She resumed her plans, torn between checking her house or watching matches.
Flip a coin!
Silver Moon Sky Wolves had extraordinary senses—they could hear blood flowing, smell emotional shifts. So the little Duchess meant…
"Teacher, waiting for me?"
The Grand Archon snapped back, eyeing the rice dish. "Have you eaten?"
The silver-haired Duchess shook her head honestly. "Not yet."
The Grand Archon split off a bowl, filling a small one. "Try this."
The Duchess approached, instantly picking up all scents.
Yu's scent… and Teacher already ate?
The Grand Archon feigned sincerity. "I waited for you to eat together. How's the taste?"
The Duchess's gaze swept over, silent.
The Grand Archon felt smug.
Yu was too clueless.
Feeding a puppy but playing favorites?
Gotta spread the love!
Feeding only Felix and not Fu Fu? What if Felix got fat?
When she snapped out of her smugness, her smile faded.
The Duchess, holding the big bowl, nudged the small one back. "Since Teacher's eaten, I'll take it."
Her deep blue eyes were crystal clear, her silver hair soft on her shoulders.
Grand Archon: "…"
Wolves eat fast—she finished in minutes.
Seeing her teacher holding the small bowl uneaten, she took it and kept eating.
"Very delicious," she judged. "Thank you, Teacher."
Grand Archon: "…Glad you like it."
The Duchess gracefully excused herself, moving with poise, wind in her steps.
The Grand Archon sighed mournfully.
Grown puppies were hard to raise.
She missed the days when two fluffy little ones nuzzled her hands, whimpering.
A casual Gust swept the room, silver-white fur fluttering~
In hot weather, that kid shed daily—her nose could barely take it.
Life's tough, the Grand Archon sighed.
Yu Yu hit the arena.
The ranger match had a packed, festival vibe.
Where was Shu Tu?
She soon spotted her.
Just follow the crowd's gaze, and there she was.
Shu Tu once casually streamed gameplay unannounced, pulling three million viewers in an hour.
That's the weight of a Hall of Fame regular.
"Done competing?" Yu Yu walked over.
Someone grumbled, but upon recognizing her, they grimaced.
[Yu]
Everyone knew Shu Shen teamed up with Yu after leaving her contract. Sure, Yu was a big shot, but big shots had tiers!
Shu Tu turned, her cold expression softening. She pointed at the screen. "Not my turn yet."
Yu Yu glanced. "So many people."
Shu Tu: "Ranger's a popular class."
Plants, animals, bows, herbs, traps—all player favorites.
Plus, ranger's barrier wasn't as steep as spellcaster's. Plenty had enough Agility.
Yu Yu: "Zi Shu and them done?"
Shu Tu shot her a look. "Think I'd know?"
Yu Yu grinned, hands on hips. "Boss, we're counting on you. Go get 'em~"
Shu Tu: "…"
Moments later, Shu Tu's turn came.
Before she stood, the crowd erupted.
"Shu Tu! Shu Tu! Shu Tu!"
Yu Yu: "Shu Shen, get up there!"
Shu Tu gave her a helpless glance. "Always stirring things up."
The players' commotion drew the NPCs' attention.
By now, they'd noticed a few outsiders with unusually high prestige.
Such people warranted some attention.
…Hm?
Yu?
A high-tier spellcaster beckoned. Yu Yu was waving at Shu Tu when she was hit with a Feather Fall.
A gust blew, and she was dumbfoundedly whisked onto the stage.
Good grief, she was standing higher than Shu Tu, the actual contestant.
The spellcaster was an old acquaintance.
Meng.
"Seem pretty free?" Her opening line was devilish.
Yu Yu: "…Not really."
"I'm just here for my teammate's match," she said seriously. "I took leave!"
Only then did she notice just three people on the ranger stage.
A silver-armored woman, stern, hadn't turned her head once.
Meng, high-tier spellcaster.
And a green-eyed male (?) with pointed ears, golden hair, pale skin, and a tall, graceful frame. Stunning.
Was this the fabled elf race?
Yu Yu had thought the game let you pick races, but no such luck.
Players stayed as ugly as they were—no race swaps, no face sculpting.
Such a shame.
Probably male… Yu Yu wasn't sure.
Of the three, Meng was the most at ease, casually beckoning or poking, face carefree.
Hearing Yu Yu, Meng didn't comment, her eyes drifting elsewhere.
Yu Yu followed her gaze.
Oh no, her colleagues.
Busted for collective slacking!
"Senior, you called?" The boss sauntered up naturally, Big Wave and American Shorthair trailing.
"You all seem very free?"
The boss scratched her head, chuckling. "Not bad. Silver Moon's quiet anyway."
Meng snorted coldly. "Chang Tai's too lazy. Put her in charge of Silver Moon, and all she does is deliver newspapers."
"Next term, she's definitely out," Meng said. "Even the Grand Archon's more reliable."
Yu Yu perked up. "?"
What's the Grand Archon's rep in the magic circle?
Aren't high-tier spellcasters her subordinates?
The boss just grinned, waving cheerily at Yu Yu. "You're late. How'd you get nabbed by Senior Meng the moment you arrived?"
Yu Yu: "…Just came from the Grand Archon."
Did she want to get caught?
She was still under Feather Fall!
Ever since she paired Feather Fall with wind, she'd been the victim.
Always getting blown around!
The boss, unfazed by Meng, squeezed past her to Yu Yu's side, eyeing the arena. "That your teammate?"
At "teammate," the other two finally looked over.
The silver-armored woman glanced once, then lost interest and turned away.
The green-eyed elf lingered on Yu Yu a bit longer.
The stage had fewer NPCs than expected.
But better than Yu Yu imagined.
At least there was a high-tier spellcaster, a likely high-tier warrior Silver Moon guard, and an apparent ranger elf.
"Yep, my teammate. She's awesome!" Yu Yu said earnestly. "Doesn't she have potential?"
The boss tilted her head. "Dunno, can't tell."
What's a ranger fight like?
Think it's constant skill volleys?
Wrong.
It starts with arcing shots to pin, then rapid bowfire to suppress, a full-draw to break defenses, and a casual arrow through the opponent's neck. Positioning, traps, and prediction woven in, far more thrilling than spellcasters. At least it's competitive, unlike Yu Yu's spell-slinging, which baffles non-spellcaster players.
Shu Tu's stunning beauty, in a mere minutes-long fight, had players nearly combusting, voices hoarse, the crowd wild. Even city NPCs got swept up, going crazy with the players.
Shu Shen's popularity was undeniable.
But…
Meng watched, unimpressed. "Decent for an outsider, but still sloppy, no system, all over the place."
She advised, "Should learn properly from a high-tier ranger."
The boss and crew watched eagerly. "Your teammate's gorgeous. So popular."
As for systems, they couldn't tell—just knew she looked good.
Yu Yu leaned in. "Where do I find high-tier rangers? Got any in the magic circle?"
Meng looked down. "Magic circle with rangers?"
She glanced at the green-eyed elf, beckoning. "This is an elf wanderer, currently in Silver Moon, a magic circle guest."
"He's young, not yet of age, but his fundamentals are solid. Already high-tier," Meng introduced. "If you're interested, have your teammate seek him out."
"Greetings, friends. You may call me 'Zhi'." His voice was like an oriole, soft and pleasant, golden hair gliding over his pale neck. Yu Yu was mesmerized.
Good grief, are all elves this gorgeous?
The Wind Singer was drop-dead beautiful too…
"Hello, Zhi."
Meng mused. "Can't let you freeload. Have her work for the magic circle, earn points, then consult."
"Hm, 5000 points."
Yu Yu looked pitiful. "Five thousand's too much! Saving that's so hard!"
Meng considered. "Got spellcaster friends? Discount to four thousand?"
"Three thousand?"
Meng: "…"
She eyed Yu Yu. "Think high-tier professionals are cabbages?"
"He's young, out wandering, so he doesn't mind," she said. "Elves and the magic circle are friends. Respect them outside."
Yu Yu: "Got it!"
Meng rambled. "Fine, three thousand, plus some gold. Twenty per session. You've got that, right?"
Yu Yu agreed instantly. "Yes, no problem!"
As long as Shu Tu took first, gold was plentiful.
Yu Yu didn't think anyone could outshine Shu Tu.
Even an archery champ might not excel at gaming.
True masters wouldn't use such outdated weapons.
Guns are faster, no?
So Shu Tu would win—Yu Yu was more confident than her!
3000 magic circle points, 20 gold.
Yu Yu secured Shu Tu a teacher.
Young, reportedly.
No matter.
Shu Tu had earned plenty of magic circle points from quests with Yu Yu—should have three thousand.
Perfect.
In high spirits, Yu Yu logged off, then back on, pulling out popcorn and iced cola. "No match-watching without snacks!"
"Senior, want some?"
Meng: "?"
What's this weird stuff?
She cautiously declined.
Yu Yu crunched away, and soon American Shorthair and crew joined the crunching.
"So fragrant, so sweet, so good!!!"
"Got more?"
Yu Yu logged off to grab more. "Didn't make much, just this."
They'd made it when exhausted from hill-digging, lounging on the couch for a movie break. Shu Tu whipped it up.
Her culinary skills were maxed out—fragrant and delicious.
"Try this, iced cola. Perfect for summer."
Soon, Meng happily joined in.
Then the elf gleefully joined the food fest.
Except the stern silver-armored leader, every NPC on stage was crunching.
A sip of cola, more crunching.
Yu Yu single-handedly skewed the vibe.
Players, too far to see, couldn't tell what they were doing.
Popcorn ran out, but cola was plentiful.
They loved it.
Yu Yu brought in heaps of bottles, sharing with all, even slipping two to the stern silver-armored leader.
"Thanks," she said, frowning.
Yu Yu: "Hehe, no problem."
She glanced at Yu Yu, then turned back.
Unlike spellcasters and rangers, she oversaw arena order and safety.
She couldn't slack with them.
Seeing Shu Tu emerge, Meng, in rare approval, beckoned her up.
Shu Tu was surprised but greeted politely.
Meng waved, continuing to chug cola.
Hot and stuffy weather—spellcasters had cooling tricks, but a tasty drink was nice too.
Yu Yu tugged Shu Tu, whispering the good news. "Got you a teacher. 3000 points, 20 gold, one session."
"High-tier ranger."
Shu Tu was thrilled. They hid aside, grinning like cats who stole chicken.
Moments later, Yu Yu told the high-tier spellcasters and stepped down to join her teammates.
Zi Shu sighed, not even asking how they ended up on stage.
"How'd it go?" Yu Yu asked. "How's the fight?"
Fuyu scratched her head. "Okay, but I saw Zhong Ye's match. I think I'm in trouble…"
"She's so strong."
"And commanding," Fuyu struggled to describe. "It's like we're playing different classes."
She felt her moves were clumsy, while Zhong Ye had an inexplicable big-shot aura.
Her match sent the crowd wild, even catching NPC attention.
Yu Yu, unfazed: "Hall of Fame players always have flair, or they wouldn't draw fans."
"She loves showing off. Ignore her." Yu Yu casually slapped a show-off label on Zhong Ye.
Shu Tu comforted, "Relax, do your best."
Fuyu agreed, grinning. "Yeah, yeah, Zhong Ye's awesome. So cool!"
Yu Yu turned to Zi Shu. "You saw Xiang Qin's match too?"
Zi Shu nodded. "…Not confident."
Popularity aside, as the top warrior, Xiang Qin was unshakeably dominant among players.
Otherwise, she wouldn't hold a steady top-ten Heavenly Ranking.
Warriors differed from other classes. In any game, their combat was similar.
Beyond gear stats, technique was key.
Yu Yu knew Xiang Qin trained with private coaches and practiced martial arts IRL.
Like Shu Tu joining an archery club.
Zi Shu worked hard but only started training in this game. Catching up instantly was tough.
Still, Yu Yu believed Zi Shu's potential would eventually rival Xiang Qin.
Xiang Qin… Yu Yu didn't know how to put it. Honestly, she was disciplined and resilient.
Back then, besides Shu Tu, Xiang Qin was vice-captain.
Reliable, steady—her trademarks.
Unlike Zhong Ye or Shang Wei, she wasn't abrasive, keeping a low profile, speaking only when it mattered.
She seemed friendly with everyone but close to no one. Yu Yu wasn't tight with her.
After pondering, Yu Yu couldn't pinpoint Xiang Qin's weaknesses, so she patted Zi Shu's shoulder. "Keep at it. With me, you'll eventually grind Xiang Qin into the dirt."
Zi Shu laughed helplessly. "Thanks for that."
Yu Yu mused, "It's a game, so there's game logic. Can you use scrolls?"
Zi Shu shook her head. "Nope. Potions and scrolls are banned. Only gear's allowed."
Yu Yu jumped in. "I'll lend you my necklace and ring. Go all out. You know the first-place rewards—even without a title or manor, the gold and EXP are worth it."
"And I suspect the Grand Archon has other expectations for players."
"Either way, aim for first."
Yu Yu stroked her chin. "I'll hit the magic circle shop later, get you gear. We'll crush Xiang Qin with money."
Gold would come eventually, but EXP was a slow grind.
One tournament leveled Yu Yu twice.
Eternal Darkness's leveling was grueling—two levels saved her a month's grind.
They were a team; their levels shouldn't lag too far.
After all…
Yu Yu didn't know the second-place rewards.
"Let's go to my place and plan."
"Wow!"
"Such a big house!"
Spacious, fully furnished, with a second floor.
Yu Yu was thrilled.
The only downside…
This street had just two houses.
No. 1 and No. 2.
Yu Yu didn't mind the size—she was worried about foot traffic.
Upon seeing the new house, she envisioned a café, restaurant, or hotpot joint.
She'd live upstairs, run a shop downstairs!
But this foot traffic…
Yu Yu was already plotting flyers.
The magic circle wouldn't care about flyers, right?
There was a big silver wolf statue in the city center, with a huge plaza and tons of people.
Could she stick flyers on the wolf's toes?
Or shower Silver Moon with a flyer storm?
Print them IRL, then bring them in.
"Check if upstairs is big," Yu Yu said. "Finally, a place to log off."
"Huge," Fuyu's voice called from above. "Aaaah, I'm gonna crush Zhong Ye! I'm taking first!!!"
Zi Shu clenched her fists. "I'm killing Xiang Qin."