Chapter 564: A New Life for the Players
Chapter 564: A New Life for the Players
"Who would’ve thought? Just took a random quest and ended up with a ton of experience—it’s like free loot from the sky!"
"Hahaha, Noodles, let’s go! I’m gonna go flaunt this in front of Xindog!"
Mantou stood proudly on the back of his wyvern, carrying a heavy, blood-stained burlap sack containing a frost giant’s head.
"Rawrrr—"
The wyvern seemed to share its master’s excitement, stretching its neck and letting out a joyful roar.
Mantou was now a Dragon-Blood Viscount of the Empire. As they say, "When one rises, even the chickens and dogs follow." Not even the wyvern was an exception.
Noodles was now over seven meters long. Though its neck was still noodle-thin, it was covered in thick, hardened dragon scales, and its body had become much sturdier.
In short, after receiving multiple bloodline blessings, Noodles had become far more "Red-Dragonized," or perhaps more accurately, "atavistic."
However, due to its size, riding the wyvern often felt uncomfortable for Mantou, and he was considering buying a saddle with a seat.
"Whoosh—"
The wyvern spread its wings, slicing through the air with a sharp, piercing sound as it carried its rider toward Isthalia City.
The warehouse where the frost giant rebellion occurred was just outside the city—barely a dozen kilometers away. Mantou soon reached the city gate.
The place where Mantou picked up the quest was the Empire’s emergency task bounty office, which was far from the Crimson Scale Garrison.
Therefore, he didn’t land at the garrison’s "Dragon Landing Field," but directly approached the south gate of Isthalia.
The South Gate was reputed to be the most magnificent gate in the Ember Empire, combining both defense and grandeur, and serving as the capital’s face.
Even with the Empire’s engineering teams, who were full of earth-element spellcasting experts and craftsmen, it took months to complete.
The gate stood dozens of meters tall, flying the Ember Empire’s flag, with rows of stone wyvern heads protruding from above—these were said to be capable of firing explosive shells powerful enough to vaporize any intruder.
Tiefling guards in imposing armor and wielding gleaming rifles stood sentinel above, unmoving despite wind and rain.
On the towering stone pillars nearby, real wyverns perched, ready to take off and intercept enemies at a moment’s notice.
With such a show of force, even the bravest warriors couldn’t help but feel dread. Many spies were caught after exposing themselves in front of this gate.
"Citizens, please queue in order, no pushing!"
"Imperial citizens, mind your behavior. The great His Majesty Cassius is always watching!"
The passionate voice of the tiefling squad leader echoed from the loudspeakers atop the gate.
Before the massive city gate, people bustled about noisily, but still lined up in neat and orderly queues.
"So much going on lately. We just picked up a batch of suburban jobs."
"Tell me about it."
"Heard from the bigwigs that another war’s coming."
"War’s good. With His Majesty Cassius protecting us, the Empire never loses. Every time there’s a war, factory orders pile up like snow, and everyone’s hiring. Never have to worry about money."
"Exactly. My family’s tavern also gets full when the rich soldiers come back. We make a killing every day."
"Hahahaha, the Empire should keep fighting forever, never stop."
Hundreds of citizens and caravans formed long lines, and fully armed tiefling guards conducted routine inspections.
The tieflings moved swiftly and skillfully.
"Beep—"
"Safe. Entry permitted."
The mechanical voice droned as one citizen after another entered the city.
The guards used newly developed magical scanners from the Ministry of Technology. A quick scan and a glance at their documents, and they were let in.
But as a "distinguished Dragon-Blood Viscount," Mantou obviously didn’t need to go through that.
"Rawrr~"
Noodles circled in the air, greeting its kin perched on the stone pillars, then flapped its wings and descended toward a clearing outside the gate.
Its wings stirred up strong winds and dust, drawing the attention and gasps of the surrounding crowd.
"Look! He’s riding a wyvern!"
"It’s a Crimson Scaled Conqueror!"
"Those who ride wyverns are said to be close kin of His Majesty Cassius. Amazing!"
"I thought about trying the wyvern valley trial myself, but it’s way too dangerous."
"Wait—look at the medal on his chest! He’s a Dragon-Blood noble! A Viscount!"
Amid the crowd’s gasps, the wyvern landed with a heavy thud, and Mantou dismounted dramatically, striking a perfect knightly pose.
"Good day, Lord Viscount!"
"Viscount, sir!"
"Your grace in flight was unforgettable!"
Many citizens greeted him with great respect. Even those far away nodded in acknowledgment—such was the status of Dragon-Blood nobles in the Empire.
Mantou waved back at the enthusiastic crowd and led Noodles by the reins toward the city gate.
Before he reached it, several tiefling guards came out to meet him. Even their squad leader came in person.
That was the standard treatment for Dragon-Blood nobles—especially viscounts, who numbered fewer than four hundred across the Empire.
Even in the capital, where the elite gathered, a viscount was still not to be neglected.
"Good day, Lord Viscount. This way, please."
The guards saluted with a "Loyalty Salute" and respectfully took the reins from Mantou.
He nodded slightly and followed them toward the "special passage" with practiced ease.
A tiefling suddenly turned and said, "By the way, Lord Viscount Mantou, may I see your wyvern rider license?"
Mantou widened his eyes. "Didn’t noble medals used to be enough? Since when do we need wyvern licenses?"
The tiefling smiled apologetically. "Sorry, sir. It’s a new rule from above. Nothing we can do. Apparently, a few Starfallers recently stole dragon eggs and hatchlings from the Wyvern Valley without permission and caused quite a mess riding them in the city."
"Haha, figures. That guy finally pissed off the brass."
Mantou burst into laughter.
He recognized the player who rode a half-grown wyvern into the city and caused chaos. It was a content creator named "Big Lazywater."
He had recently started playing "Erezaghe" and stirred up quite the scene in just a few months.
"Alright, if that’s the rule, I’ll get it."
Mantou rummaged through his standard backpack and pulled out a sleek green card, handing it over.
"Driver: I’m Eating Mantou. Three years experience. No accidents.
Identity: Crimson Scaled Conqueror, Intermediate Constable of Isthalia’s 13th Division."
The tiefling guard took the license, scanned it briefly, and returned it with a beaming smile.
"All clear, Lord Viscount. Your mount may enter the city. Thank you for your understanding and support."
Mantou waved coolly. "No worries. I get it. We’re all just working folks here."
And so Mantou and Noodles entered Isthalia.
The city bustled as always. Shops lined the streets, steam trams rolled along tracks, and whistles echoed through the air.
Starfallers wandered the streets, aimlessly asking passersby if they had any tasks.
But the busy citizens usually ignored them, brushing past in haste.
These poorly dressed Starfallers had a reputation in the Empire for being incompetent and often botching jobs. People mockingly called them "the useless."
Most citizens preferred veteran Starfallers from reputable offices like the Magic Bureau or Royal Bounty Hall.
Looking at the fresh-faced newcomers in their starter uniforms, Mantou couldn’t help but sigh, "Tsk, this game really is getting more new players."
"Whoa? Look! It’s Old Thief Mantou!"
A new player pointed at him, clearly recognizing him. The surrounding players instantly swarmed.
"He looks so cool! He even has a mount!"
"I started playing because of his videos! Old Thief Mantou, your Erezaghe Diaries haven’t updated in two months!"
"I wanna ride a wyvern too!"
Surrounded by "loyal fans," Mantou broke into a cold sweat, tempted to run.
"What are you all doing?!"
"I told you before, no crowds causing trouble inside Isthalia!"
Fortunately, a nearby constable arrived in time, shouting sternly.
He waved his baton and shooed the players away like sparrows. The newbies scattered—none wanted to end up in a holding cell.
The constable saluted Mantou respectfully. "Long time no see, Viscount Mantou. I hope you weren’t harmed."
"I’m fine. Thanks."
Mantou nodded but couldn’t remember who this unfamiliar officer was.
Was he just forgetful?
The constable suddenly stepped closer and changed tone, mocking, "Heh, Lord Viscount, enjoying noble perks, are we?"
That mocking face and tone—so familiar.
Mantou took a step back, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Wait—you’re Singo?!"
The "stranger" nodded smugly. "Surprised? Didn’t recognize my new face, did you?"
Mantou looked him over and realized not only did his appearance change, but even his player tag was gone. He looked exactly like an NPC.
Curious, Mantou asked, "How’d you do it?"
Singo pulled a stack of gray masks from his backpack and waved them smugly.
"Doppelganger Mask. Wear it and you can look like anyone. Even hides your player identity. Made by those Magical Coin guys for their double-agent ops."
"Damn, what a god-tier stealth item!"
Mantou looked tempted, then asked, "Okay, tell me the price so I can give up."
Singo casually replied, "Made from doppelganger hide. Super rare. At least 500 gold."
Mantou’s face fell. He pretended to cry. "Say no more. Just another item I can’t afford."
"Here. It’s yours."
Unexpectedly, Singo tossed him a mask without a second thought.
Mantou caught it, shocked, his eyes full of joy—but also wariness.
This miserly cheapskate actually gave something for free?
And it was worth 500 gold?!
Unprovoked generosity? Must be a scam. Was he about to trick him into slavery again?
"What, you don’t want it? Give it back then."
Singo reached out, and Mantou hastily put on the mask, joking, "What, did the sun rise in the west?"
No sooner had he spoken than his face morphed continuously, settling on a familiar male celebrity.
"You think you’re Eddie Peng now?"
"Just restored my handsome looks. This is what I really look like."
"Get lost. That face draws even more attention. You trying to get mobbed by newbies again?"
"Fine, I guess I’ll have to tone it down."
Mantou’s face changed again, ending up as a plain, unremarkable look similar to his original one.
"Alright, now tell me—why the gift? You trying to trick me into slavery again?"
Singo shook his head with a bitter smile. "Truth is, last time was my fault. I take full responsibility for the squad wipe. This is my compensation—everyone gets one. I was too eager to prove myself and ignored basic intel."
He pulled out a book titled "Dragon Research Guide" with a red dragon on the cover and continued, "According to what I found, an ancient red dragon thirty meters long has a challenge level over 20. But the abyssal dragon we faced... Probably far beyond anything we imagined. Challenging it was reckless. I underestimated it."
Mantou gasped. "Damn, that boss was that tough? The challenge rating must be off the charts!
What about the Ember Empire’s Emperor Cassius? He soloed that abyssal dragon, right? Isn’t that even more insane?"
"No idea."
Singo answered honestly.
"Players are still too weak. Even top players—like me and Steel Onslaught—are only level 11. We’re still far from true power levels.
But from what I know, at least in this patch, the Empire under Cassius’ wings won’t fall."
"Good. I’ve invested everything in the Empire. If it collapses, I’m going bankrupt."