strictlysupreme Chapter 14: The Noisiest Undead Army Alive
Chapter 14: The Noisiest Undead Army Alive
Chapter 14: The Noisiest Undead Army Alive
While the server opening was at 8 a.m. for Earth players, to denizens of the magic plane, it was 4 p.m. in the afternoon.
Two hours before the server opened (OtherWorld time), Yang Qiu convened a meeting of the 19 advanced NPCs who were about to begin their duties. The meeting took place at the newly constructed "Town Hall" in the eastern district of Exile Town, which was a small square house built using earth magic on a flat terrain.
In the crowded hall, Yang Qiu looked satisfied as he surveyed his subordinates. "How is everyone doing? Are you guys getting used to the place?"
Other than Brother Bat, who seemed dazed and lost in thought, everyone else was expressionless.
"It's alright... but..." Hal raised his hand stiffly and pointed to the top of his head. "Why do we have these strange square characters floating above our heads?"
Roughly ten centimeters above Hal's head were two floating rows of green Chinese characters. The first row read, "'Razor' Hal Maxwell," and the slightly smaller second row read, "Assassin Instructor."
"This is... proof of our comradeship," Yang Qiu explained with a smile. "Only members within the matrix can see the names floating above each other's heads, which makes it easier for us to differentiate between friends and strangers."
On Yang Qiu's own head were three rows of floating Chinese characters that read, "Lord of Taranthan," "Undead Resurrection Master Yang," and "Mage Apprentice Instructor."
Initially, Yang Qiu hadn't intended to personally act as an NPC. However, considering that nearly all the advanced NPCs selected to serve players were former bandits, it was better to intervene and oversee from the beginning, to prevent any trouble between players and the native NPCs and avoid the need for extensive patch corrections.
"Our guests and we are within the same imprint matrix, and the mental connection allows us to easily understand each other's language and text, facilitating communication," Yang Qiu continued. However, his expression turned serious. "I want to remind you all that when these 'special guests' are not speaking to you, do not pay attention to their words. I repeat, when the guests are not engaging with you, disregard what they say."
Brother Bat... Weapons Master Charlie Rex, who was suffering from mental corruption, still showed no reaction and continued staring blankly at the ceiling.
Hal exchanged a doubtful glance with his trusted aide, Tuttle Joe, before raising his hand. "Sorry, Yang, I don't understand... It can't be that our guests have been contaminated by some elder god and would uncontrollably speak strange words, would they?"
"No, Hal," Yang Qiu said solemnly. "The madness exhibited by these 'guests' has no connection to elder gods, nor is it contagious.
"When you possess the power to increase their 'favorability' with you, which I have granted through the imprint matrix, the 'guests' are entirely safe and mostly harmless. This will always remain unchanged.
"Furthermore, based on this, you can assign tasks and give them instructions, allowing them to assist you in every way possible—within the limits of the tasks I have defined. However, be warned that any consequences resulting from exceeding those limits will be your own responsibility." Yang Qiu paused briefly, as to emphasize the severity.
"Trust me, if the 'guests' perceive you as bearing an evil label or as an enemy of Exile Town, even if they may currently be weak, they will unite to find ways to relentlessly eliminate you."
The expressions on the faces of Hal and the other former members of the bandit gang turned visibly grim...
Having been sort of deceived and brought to this ghost town hidden deep within the Taranthan Wasteland, this group of former bandits, who had hoped for an easy and carefree life, felt a chilling disappointment settle upon them.
However, before they could make the difficult decision of "falling out with a high-level black mage," they found themselves forcibly drawn into the mind imprint matrix... Despite their numerous reservations, they had no choice but to reluctantly acquiesce.
Even though the town's "inhabitants" included over a dozen ghastly zombies in addition to themselves, they had no option but to endure it with a figurative pinch of their noses...
"Of course, our 'guests' continue to be of great assistance in rebuilding this town and transforming the dilapidated Exile Town into a dream haven." Yang Qiu's tone softened as he smiled. "As the first official residents of this town, as long as you contribute to its reconstruction, I will spare no effort in providing you with generous rewards.
"I implore that you guys, during your interactions with the 'guests,' and with the aim of minimizing any undue disturbance or influence caused by their inappropriate words or actions, make diligent efforts to learn how to efficiently utilize the limited resources at your disposal, thereby effectively employing the 'guests' to work for you while simultaneously earning their favor and respect."
"Yes..." Hal and the others responded weakly.
To be fair, the new leader, Yang, hadn't treated them too harshly. Although he had somewhat forcibly coerced them into joining the imprint matrix, each of them had indeed received an unprecedented supply of daily necessities...
Following the conclusion of the mobilization meeting, Hal sighed deeply as he made his way back to his temporary dwelling.
"I can say that it's a relief that we aren't tasked with the arduous labor of rebuilding this decrepit town ourselves... I, Hal, the infamous 'Razor,' would absolutely abhor engaging in such menial work."
Hal watched as the group of undead disappeared behind the wooden houses, then he slowly raised his hand and rubbed his stiff face.
With his mind a complete blank, Hal turned his gaze once more to the center of the Crossroads, where the massive host of undead remained.
This group of undead... was still very noisy.
It was as if all of them were chattering excitedly all at once, but Hal couldn't make out what they were saying.
Hal remained expressionless. He was certain that this group of undead definitely wasn't an "undead army"... He had never seen even the most disorganized militia as chaotic as this.
As if to verify Hal's speculation, these undead, who didn't resemble an undead army in any way, began to split into groups or act alone, dispersing in every direction...
"It's real, it's real! Ahhhhhh—! This game is real!"
A naked undead exclaimed while recklessly charging through the trash-covered streets.
"Hey, come over here quick! This zombie NPC has a quest!"
Another undead discovered a zombie crouching in front of a small wooden house and immediately called out loudly for others to gather.
"This beginner town is so rundown, just like in the videos... Hey, did anyone see Vanilla Pudding?"
"I think I saw him earlier, but there were too many people, so I didn't see where he went."
"Who cares about him, let's find quests to do!"
"What the hell! Why is my character's Potential only 31? It's so much lower than Vanilla Pudding?!"
"Holy crap, are you perhaps the noob of legends?"
Hal's head was throbbing from the noisy undead that could create such an astonishing ruckus even from a block away. He turned around and forcefully pinched his brows.
"Ahh—!"
A particularly piercing and voluminous scream echoed, startling Hal as he was about to retreat into his tent.
Hal turned around, visibly shaken...
Across the ruined street, where not a single house remained intact, an undead stood on the main road, pointing at Hal with excitement. "Look, Qingyue! It's a human! An advanced NPC!"
"I heard you, Tang Jia, keep your voice down..." another undead companion groaned feebly.
Tang Jia's (ID Stuffed Gummy) loud and excited exclamation seemed to have stirred up a hornet's nest.
"Advanced NPC?!"
"Where? Where?!"
"Ah! There! Nine o'clock! In front of that tent!"
Dozens of undead, not too far from the Crossroads, looked at Hal with keen eyes.
Then... regardless of whether they were originally taking screenshots, recording videos, doing quests, or exploring the map, all the players converged on Hal from various directions, resembling hungry tigers closing in on their prey...
Hal: ?!"