Silver Moon lacked a sun, but its sky glowed far brighter than the outside world.
Stepping in, Yu Yu's mood lifted instantly.
She and Lynn parted ways, each heading home.
Though only gone a few days, it felt like ages.
The outside's dim light and oppressive air crushed any cheer.
Silver Moon! Her joyful haven!
"Boss!!!"
Passing Wolf Plaza, Yu Yu glanced over, puzzled.
"It's me, [I ate without washing the dishes]!"
Searching, she spotted an outsider perched on the wolf statue's nose.
Super familiar…
[I ate without washing the dishes] waved eagerly, "Boss! Finally saw the light?!"
No clue if I've seen it, but you're definitely not seeing tomorrow.
Climbing the wolf statue? Bold move.
Yu Yu's cheer paused, curiosity piqued, "Saw what?"
"Take down those NPCs, let's run the magic circle ourselves!"
Yu Yu: "…?"
She blinked, then blinked again.
Spotting the megaphone in [I ate without washing the dishes]'s hand, a bad feeling hit.
[I ate without washing the dishes]: "You're a true role model."
Sighing at Yu Yu, "I'm still rallying, but you've already looted two!"
Yu Yu: "???"
Not like that! Don't copy me!
Climbing the wolf gets you Senior Chang's attention, but my stunt? Straight to enforcement!
Yu Yu tightened her bundles, "Oh, forgot to grab my laundry. Gotta run!"
She bolted. Lingering risked being labeled [I ate without washing the dishes]'s accomplice.
Next time, keep her at arm's length.
Senior Meng still remembered her.
[I ate without washing the dishes], shocked, "Hey, boss! Don't go!"
"Teach me how to rob high-tier spellcasters! What spells for ambushing?"
She even used the megaphone, so all of Wolf Plaza—players and NPCs—turned.
Yu Yu sprinted, casting grease soles on herself.
Next time, she'd never near [I ate without washing the dishes]!
One more word, and she'd be framed for who-knows-what!
Perched on the wolf's nose, [I ate without washing the dishes] mused, "She's my idol!"
"I'm plotting to topple the magic circle, and she's robbed two high-tier spellcasters, stripped them bare. Got it—beat a spellcaster, take their clothes!"
A high-tier spellcaster, arriving, "?"
Oh?
Caught red-handed, the spellcaster raised her hood faintly, "Heard you want to rob us, overthrow the magic circle, and strip us?"
Who's [I ate without washing the dishes]?
Eternal Darkness's iron lady.
Unfazed, she puffed her chest, "Yep, that's me."
"Every login, I'm frozen for two hours. Some dumb NPC's doing! If I find them, I'll strip them and hang them on the wolf's nose."
"Don't underestimate players!" she declared.
The spellcaster mused, "I'll pass that on. As for you…"
Eyeing the rowdy, dancing outsiders, she scowled, "Skip the city guard. Enforcement's your stop."
"Enforcement? Never heard of it," [I ate without washing the dishes] said, "Think I'm scared?"
"I'll match the boss!" She spun, took two steps, then turned, "Lead the way. I don't know it."
The spellcaster paused, "I'll take you," she asked casually, "Who's this boss? What'd she do?"
By then, Yu Yu was home.
Dusty from travel, she wanted a bath before meeting the Grand Archon
If the Grand Archon was out, she'd find Senior Meng.
Big tasks needed her at her best.
She had a heap to report.
How to squeeze rewards from that stingy Grand Archon?
Fresh and fragrant, humming as she left her makeshift bathroom, Yu Yu spotted a black-robed spellcaster on her balcony.
Yu Yu: "?"
She greeted warmly, "Senior Meng, Senior Chang! What're you doing here?!"
"I was about to find you!"
Meng, lounging on the railing, turned lazily, "Nice singing."
Yu Yu: "…"
You wait at my place while I bathe and eavesdrop on my singing?
Is this what high-tier spellcasters do?!
Chang coughed, eyes flicking to her table, "Where'd you loot that? What's inside?"
Yu Yu paused, diplomatic, "…It's… our Seniors themselves?"
Chang was still processing.
Meng turned, "Senior Qiong requests your presence."
Yu Yu: "???"
"I didn't break any laws!"
Meng's expression was sly, "[I ate without washing the dishes] ratted you out."
Yu Yu: "???"
"Not me! I didn't! Senior, believe me!"
Meng soothed, "Senior Qiong noticed outsiders can dull pain, so she wants you to visit."
Yu Yu collapsed.
Chang's expression was complex, snapping back, "Your trip was… eventful?"
Yu Yu clutched her head, "I thought she'd just hit the city guard for climbing the wolf. I didn't know she'd make enforcement…"
A loophole, exposed!
She should've shared tips on the forum first.
Then everyone'd play along, aiding Senior Qiong's therapy.
Careless!
Meng said airily, "Senior Qiong guessed right."
At Chang's nod, Yu Yu shouldered her bundles, asking, "Will Senior Qiong believe me?"
Meng mused, "So, outsiders feel no pain?"
"Can I test spells on them?"
Yu Yu shivered, "That's… not great, right?"
Meng turned, "How's [I ate without washing the dishes] ?"
Yu Yu flipped, earnest, "Testing spells for you is her honor. She'd jump at it."
They sealed the deal, zipping to the castle.
The Grand Archon looked up, seeing Yu Yu flanked by her top aides, and got it.
Hands clasped, she said calmly, "Spill. What'd you do now?"
Yu Yu: "???"
"Who did anything?" Yu Yu whined, "Grand Archon you've got a deep misunderstanding of your stellar subordinate."
The Grand Archon snorted, eyeing Chang.
Chang: "She brought back Seniors' remains."
"Details? Haven't asked yet."
Meng explained, "If we hadn't caught her, Senior Qiong might've summoned her for a chat."
The Grand Archon nodded, "And you say you're innocent?"
Yu Yu wailed, "I swear! I just got back, took a bath!"
The Grand Archon frowned, "Did you pull something with Chong?"
"She did ask about you…" She grew thoughtful.
Yu Yu pivoted, "Seniors, shouldn't we focus on the real issue?!"
Enough with the accusations—Senior Qiong handles those!
The High Steward sobered, "Sounds like you've got stories."
Chang and Meng stepped aside, faces solemn.
Proper vibe at last. Yu Yu cleared her throat, "It's a long tale…"
The trio crossed arms in sync.
Yu Yu skipped inner monologue, narrating flat-out.
Luckily, Senior Yami's saga had plenty to tell…
After a while, Yu Yu sighed, presenting the staff, "Senior was so unlucky. Flashing out before death's one thing, but with better gear…"
The trio fell silent.
Who's this?
Who's this dumb?
High-tier spellcasters die in battle, sure, but this bizarre death?
Only back then, when their numbers were vast, and the magic circle let them roam free, unmonitored.
Now, high-tiers train under Seniors, no battlefield until a decade's polish.
Yu Yu introduced the other, "This Senior, no clue, but maybe unluckier than Yami."
She asked, "Grand Archon know a Joel?"
Grand Archon: "Two centuries ago, too far back. I'll check records and let you know."
Yu Yu, hopeful, "Will the magic circle punish him? Without him, Yami wouldn't have died."
The Grand Archon murmured, "Although spellcasters have a long lifespan, under the erosion of the anomaly, few spellcasters can live long."
"They are either dead or crazy. Even if there are some who have escaped, they will be sealed and dormant," the Grand Archon said calmly. "The spellcasters of that era are most likely gone. Don't hold out too much hope."
Yu Yu was stunned, "Is that so?"
Grand Archon: "We will verify what you said when we get back. If it is confirmed to be true, the parliament will definitely vindicate her and return what belongs to her to her."
Yu Yu muttered, "The senior keeps talking about the High Steward, the High Steward, the High Steward. A large part of her obsession is the title of 'High Steward'. Will Magic Circle posthumously confer the title of Grand Deacon on her?"
Grand Archon: "...posthumously conferred?"
She was confused, "Can I still pursue the title?"
Yu Yu nodded repeatedly, "The person is gone anyway, can't we give her some posthumous honors?"
"Our ancients would be given nice titles after they died, posthumously."
The Grand Archon, lost, "No idea, but I'll raise it with the council."
Chang, current High Steward, "Unlikely. She lacks the feats for it."
Yu Yu tilted her head, "No feats? Without her, I wouldn't have cracked the array or gotten the centurion crafting method. Isn't that enough?"
She faced the Grand Archon, "Give me three and a half hours, I'll master the centurion method. Big enough?"
The Grand Overseer pondered, Three and a half? Oddly precise.
"If you want her posthumous title," she said, face odd, "your reward's gone."
Yu Yu wavered, then, "Fine, no reward. I'll scavenge more next time."
Chang: "…"
Meng: "…"
The Grand Archon, amused, "Hm, ambition's good, but think it's that easy to scavenge?"
Yu Yu nodded firmly, "Yep."
Grand Grand Archon: "…"
Yu Yu convinced herself and her, "Without her, no centurion core, no pet, no parts… no staff, no sword…"
Counting, "Oh, her bag. Right, the bag."
She hesitated for a moment, and reluctantly put the bag on the package, "Never mind, it's still a profit. I'll just meet a new senior next time."
Meng finally couldn't help but complain, "You still want to go out and pick up a dead body more?"
"Where are there so many high-level spellcasters for you to pick up?"
Chang said humorously, "From now on, wherever Yu goes, high-level spellcasters will have to stay away, otherwise they will be picked up by her if they are not careful."
Yu Yu shouted angrily, "Senior, you are slandering me! I only picked it up once!"
Meng added, "Pick up two at a time."
Grand Archon: "That makes a lot of sense. Fortunately, I am not a high-level spellcaster."
Yu Yu was extremely resentful.
Under her accusing eyes, the Grand Archon finally said seriously, "Okay, I will report this matter to the Speaker in detail." she stressed Speaker, not council, "But no matter what the result is, whether the Speaker agrees or not, you have the right to accept it and are not allowed to raise any objections. And you will not be rewarded this time."
She eyed Yu Yu sternly, "Last chance. Sure?"
"Sure," Yu Yu said without hesitation.
The Grand Archon began writing.
Yu Yu leaned to peek, but Meng's cough warned her off.
This kid, spoiled by the wolf duo, has become lawless and does inappropriate things all day long.
Chang said, "There is no elemental furnace, and there is no ceremony, but since you brought it back, I will send someone to invite you on the day of the burial."
Yu Yu nodded solemnly, "I'll be there."
She couldn't resist, "Star guidance is gorgeous. Can we add flair?"
Chang's mouth twitched, cold, "No."
Meng said tactfully, "Swap bodies with the Speaker, then order flair."
Yu Yu: "…"
Confirmed, you're hooked on those tabloids, too!
The Grand Archon finished, a night crow whisking the letter away.
"Where's this pet? Let's see."
Seeing Yu Yu's eyes, the Grand Archon said leisurely, "It's useless to hold an out-of-control machine. If it hurts someone, you will have to swim in the law enforcement department for a few days. If you are not careful, you will swim for life."
Yu Yu thought it was right, "Should I let it go now?"
The Grand Archon nodded.
Yu Yu hesitated, "Here?"
The Grand Archon, puzzled, "Release it."
Yu Yu hinted gently, "It's slain two high-tiers."
We're all squishy here. One slash each, and it's a comedy.
She could respawn, but you three? Done!
Meng's face darkened, "High-tiers aren't all the same."
"Quit stalling, release."
Yu Yu sighed, "Fine, dodge, okay?"
Waiting three seconds under their exasperated stares, she released the pet.
The golden automaton lunged at the nearest spellcaster.
Meng didn't budge.
Chang didn't budge.
The Grand Archon didn't budge.
Yu Yu immediately climbed up holding the pillar, then covered her eyes and looked.
She was afraid to see the scene of blood splattering on the spot. After all, that was how the predecessors and the unlucky guys died.
The little pet robot stayed quietly in place, and nothing happened.
The three of them held hands and glanced at Yu Yu who was climbing up the pillar.
Grand Archon: "Get down. Stop hugging my pillar."
Yu Yu couldn't help but blush, although only for a moment.
The Grand Archon extended a hand.
Yu Yu flinched.
A pale, slender hand opened.
Yu Yu peered, confused.
Nothing?
The Grand Archon blew gently.
Silver-white fur floated, drifting to Yu Yu's robe.
Yu Yu gasped, "Grand Archon's got moves."
Not just Senior Chong's agility?
This speed, this reflex—magical-martial dual class?
The Grand Archon sighed, "Silly pup, want to eavesdrop? Come closer, don't prick those ears."
"You don't know you're shedding?"
"Look, fur's flying in the breeze."
Yu Yu: "…"
Chang: "…"
Meng: "…"
Moments later, an elegant silver-haired wolf—no, Duchess—approached.
"Teacher, you called?"
Grand Archon, exasperated, "Yes, you."
The Duchess sat, observing closely.
Yu Yu didn't know why the little machine was so quiet. She didn't know what magic was used, nor did she know who used it.
After a moment, three spellcasters surrounded the small machine and began to speak in words that Yu Yu could not understand.
What kind of mind core, what kind of material, what kind of spell circuit...
Yu Yu finally realized that she was uneducated and could only chat with the Duchess who was equally uneducated.
"Duchess, need a sword?"
The Duchess declined politely, "Thank you, I'm good."
"Decoration? It's gorgeous, epic!"
"Thank you, I'm good."
"It'd look stunning displayed."
The Duchess paused, "…Where'd you get it?"
Yu Yu, with practiced flair, spun her tale vividly, captivating the Duchess.
She said, strained, "You're… impressive… heroic…"
"If no buyers, I'll offer a fair price."
She didn't need it, but her warriors lacked epic weapons. Yu Yu's pitch made sense.
A boss must reward her team.
Yu Yu grinned, "It's Lynn's. She's got a great weapon, doesn't dual-wield, so she's selling."
Her staff? Not for sale.
Who says spellcasters get one staff?
Biubiubiu isn't awesome?
The trio wrapped up, "Yu, absorb the knowledge."
Yu Yu: "On it~"
Hours later, after absorbing and uploading, Yu Yu's eyes gleamed, "Grand Archon, want this thing? Got a task?"
She hinted.
The Grand Archon, done studying, "Nah, keep it."
Yu Yu: "It's got legendary traits!"
The Grand Archon was disdainful, "Legendary toys are still toys, they are of no use, and they are out of control."
Yu Yu looked disappointed, "Then can I dismantle the materials and sell them?"
Grand Archon: "Yes."
Yu Yu's true intentions were exposed. "But I won't tear it down."
Grand Archon: "…Sell it whole. Someone might want it."
Yu Yu's eyes sparkled, hinting wildly.
Hours later, trailing the Duchess, "Duchess, just approve one!"
"Silver Moon's huge, no auction house? What's that about?"
Yu Yu wailed, "Such waste!"
"Can't you tax it for tasty treats?"
The Duchess side-eyed, "You just want to sell your pet."
Yu Yu: "And the sword!"
Duchess, cold, "No go. Stop following."
She accelerated, vanishing like a teleport.
Yu Yu: "?"
To Senior Felix!
She had a guild token to sell!
After three retellings, Yu Yu's story grew epic.
Spun grandly to Felix, she listened, enthralled.
"Auction house?" Felix asked, "What's the point?"
Yu Yu: "A trade hub! The Duchess could tax it! Isn't that sweet?"
She lamented, "Why's she against it?"
Felix, calm, "She's not short on cash."
Yu Yu took critical damage.
That's the reason?
Felix shifted, "I could start one."
Yu Yu's eyes sparkled, "Senior, you're in?"
Felix, composed, "Not her level, but close enough."
Yu Yu clapped, "Right! Why didn't I think? You could do it!"
In Silver Moon, Duchess or Marquis, who'd dare mess with Felix?
Watch out for her late-night pain-fraud visits!
Felix turned, "You did well."
Yu Yu grinned, "I think so too, but Seniors are the real MVPs."
Felix: "Hm…"
She hesitated, then dropped it, "Go rest."
"Stay in Silver Moon until your corruption's zero, then report."
"How many potions? Solanine?"
Yu Yu shared, "Three red vials, Solanine went to Senior. I didn't touch them."
Felix nodded, "Keep studying. Senior Meng was mentioning you."
Yu Yu: "…Got it."
Outside, Yu Yu felt she'd forgotten something.
What?
She stood, pondering.
Then, she bolted back, slamming Felix's door, "Senior!"
Felix, about to shut it, raised an eyebrow, "What now?"
Yu Yu, suave, "Check this out!"
[Healing]
A milky glow bloomed, warm and soft, soothing.
Felix, slightly dazed, "What spell is this?"
Yu Yu: "Healing! Restoration school, heard of it?!"
Unbeknownst to her, the academy held no secrets.
Felix's lips twitched, "You didn't tell the teacher, did you?"
Yu Yu, nonchalant, "Forgot!"
Doggo with rose.jpg
Felix, glancing behind her, sighed, "All of you, come in."