Listening to those words infused with "soul flavor," Linde fell silent.
"..."
Charging forward unprepared was quite reckless and fit the stereotype of players perfectly.
Because they couldn't die, they weren't afraid of death; that was how natural disasters worked.
"His body turned to ash and disappeared without a trace."
"That must be a magical monster!"
"It could be a calamity!"
The soldiers were quite nervous, engaging in a flurry of discussions.
It was indeed a calamity, and it was said to be the fourth disaster. However, Linde felt rather pleased because he might end up with a hardworking tool who wouldn't die—provided he didn't get mistaken for a monster and wiped out.
"Understanding the characteristics of players is key. I used to be a player myself. Although I didn't have a system, I knew their style of doing things very well."
What is the style of players? It is boundless!
They can nobly sacrifice everything, or they can evil-mindedly give up everything.
They might travel vast distances to deliver a letter, ignoring any hardships and dangers.
At the same time, they could find it amusing to draw their swords and kill a teammate who had just fought alongside them.
They embody chaos itself because, to them, this is just a game.
"Keep an eye on the lookout," Linde couldn't explain the characteristics of players to the soldiers, so he ordered, "Watch that person and any other unfamiliar faces that might appear. Notify me immediately."
Players are like cockroaches; once one appears, a whole swarm is bound to follow. He didn't want the Star Dragon Watchtower to be turned into a monster lair.
"Yes!"
"Everyone else, after finishing your meals, take turns on watch," Linde tightened his coat. "Anyone without a job, gather the tattered clothes from our storage, along with the discarded swords and shields—whether they're useful or not, bring them all out and do a quick clean-up."
"Yes!"
The Star Dragon Watchtower had five buildings: one for dining and resting, one that served as Linde's residence, another for the remaining nine soldiers, one for storage, and one empty room used for stashing discarded items.
Linde returned to his own room.
He wanted to do some research on the official website but discovered he didn't have an account. To register, he needed a phone and an email verification code... Being in another world made it impossible to register; he could only play as a guest.
That wasn't quite right, though; if he ever had the chance to get a phone number and email... It seemed like a daunting task, so he decided not to count on it.
The other feature sections were completely empty.
Only the discussion forum contained a few people questioning whether this game truly existed, making it not worth studying.
He rummaged through a box he had hidden under his bed.
Unlocking the box, the first thing he found was a letter.
"Tioune," his "ex-girlfriend." Both being nobles, they had been engaged, but Linde had been assigned to the border watchtower.
According to the norm, although he had been sidelined, he could expect to return in three to five years, earning military achievements that would allow him to inherit the barony and marry Tioune. While he might not be able to enter the power center afterward, securing a position within the Rand First Infantry Corps wouldn't be difficult, especially since his close "big brother" was the prince, who didn't become king—his sister did.
This letter was sent two years ago from the Goliath, the capital city known as the "Golden City."
In the letter, Tioune mentioned that she had been chosen to become a clergyperson for the church, but since then, she hadn't sent another letter. With the massive changes brought on by the shattering of the Circle of Magic, their communication had completely severed, and this "romance" naturally came to an end.
Linde took out some paper and a pen, leaning over his desk to write and sketch.
The emergence of players was surprising, but it also opened up many possibilities for him. Avoiding the players who were destined to be the "protagonists" was certainly realistic, but he might benefit from their presence.
"I wonder if they can level up by fighting monsters, and whether they need to complete quests. Looking at how enamored with White stockings they were back then, it didn't seem like they received a task," Linde thought suddenly, feeling a bit impatient. He realized he should keep the players around to observe them properly and then make targeted plans based on his observations.
Linde quickly began to write: "First, I need to determine how many players there are. Next, I should understand their abilities and what they need. I probably can't provide them with experience... but they will definitely need weapons, food, medicines, and various resources, as well as places to rest. I must also strengthen my own capabilities; otherwise, once they grow stronger, they might just kill me... But I am not a player, and I can't level up by fighting monsters."
After coming to this world, he had killed wolves but hadn't gained any experience or leveled up; he only remembered the delicious taste of wolf meat, which was why it lingered in his mind.
In no time, he had already filled several sheets of paper with his thoughts.
After reviewing everything carefully and finalizing his action plan, Linde burned the paper, quietly watching the flames turn the words to ash.
Leaving behind any written records might risk them falling into the hands of the players, which was dangerous.
Knowing that this world was a game and that he was regarded as an NPC by the players was the only advantage Linde could think of.
"My lord!" A soldier knocked on the door, his voice filled with alarm. "My lord, that green-haired one is back!"
White stockings Lover stood before Linde again.
He was still wearing nothing but a short white cloth covering his lower half, shivering from the cold, but his face was flushed with evident excitement.
"My lord!"
White stockings Lover excitedly said, "I've found the traces of that pack of wolves, but there are too many of them, and they're too dangerous. I have no weapons or gear..."
As he spoke, he glanced at Linde's one-handed sword, his eyes sparkling with eagerness. It was clear he wouldn't mind suddenly trying to snatch the weapon away, but considering the differences in their sizes and equipment, he restrained himself.
Linde didn't mind warning him with a look to behave himself, but he doubted it would have much effect. If players were pushed too hard, they could choose to delete their accounts and start over.
He calculated in his mind: "It takes half a day to respawn. Considering the revival point issue, the time consumed for respawning might even be shorter."
That was already terrifying; if there weren't any penalties for the players, they would be like another type of disaster monster.
"I think we have some things we need to discuss," Linde said to him. "Would you like a bowl of hot soup?"
"Can we eat?!" White stockings Lover rubbed his belly and quickly nodded. "Yes, I want to eat!"
The narrow, dilapidated room couldn't contain White stockings Lover's curiosity. Once inside, he touched this and poked that, acting as curious as a child.
Old Peter had been holding back until he saw White stockings Lover reaching toward the fire.
"Don't!" Old Peter shouted to stop him, but it was too late.
"Ah!" White stockings Lover hugged his hand, a piece of burning coal having fallen to the ground. He rolled around in pain, exclaiming, "Ouch! That hurts! It's burning me alive!"
Linde: "..."
Old Peter: "..."