One hourter, the darkest moment before dawn had arrived.


    Murphy had finished inspecting the battlefield and returned to the Anderma Hills. Those Witch Hunter casualties and their families were also being escorted back to the Crimson Citadel by the veterans who had already been renamed the “Kadman People’s Army” and the Witch Hunters who were still able to fight.


    With their current condition and pace, it would take four to five days to reach there, leaving enough time for Baroness Miriam and her administrative team to prepare for the impending arrival of 1,000 people.


    Murphy was once again grateful for having gained Miriam’s loyalty.


    Having such a capable administrative major student to help, he rarely needed to handle matters of his territory personally.


    Tonight, although the little yers had their fun, casualties were still inevitable, as a battle involving nearly a thousandbatants would always have some unlucky ones running into various issues.


    But the good news was that out of the 70 little yers, only 18 had perished by the end of the battle.


    This fully demonstrated that his little yers had adapted to this game’s overly realisticbat mode. They were bing more and more Proficient, no longer afraid ofrge-scale battles with real weapons, and had even started to apply the devious nature of the Fourth Cmity to their fighting.


    The most outstanding example was Murphy’s “disciple” in the Summoning path, the rich guy Feel You Poor.This dude, relying on the shameless “ying dead” tactic and his silent ambush manticore cub, had racked up 9 kills by himself and his pet after the battle’s final tally!


    This achievement was enough to ce him in the top three of this battle.


    However, Feel You Poor clearly had his own troubles.


    “Murphy, my lord, pleasee and take a look at my Stinky Treasure! Why did it suddenly grow so big? It’s like it was inted, I only left it alone for half an hour, and it turned into this!”


    The panicked Feel You Poor dragged his meowing and unhappy-sounding manticore cub over to Murphy. He had already changed his profession to Summoner, but his skill level was still low, and his cub nicknamed “Stinky Treasure” was still in its infancy, unable toplete the contract marking with him.


    But after a night of battle, the situation seemed to have undergone a subtle change.


    The originally head-sized manticore cub had now grown to the size of a golden retriever, forcing the formerly able to carry it Feel You Poor to now only lead it.


    However, the manticore cub was somewhat resistant to Murphy.


    It probably sensed the immense threat from the vampire before it, which was the instinct of beasts avoiding danger.


    “What did you feed it?”


    Murphy was also startled by the rapid growth of the manticore.


    Although he was a Summoner, he was not an expert and currently only had a basic understanding of Astral Realm creatures based on the knowledge recorded in Tris’s handbook.


    “I didn’t feed it anything.”


    The rich guy averted his gaze as he responded.


    However, under Murphy’s slightly stern gaze, he lowered his head like a child who had done something wrong and said softly, “It seems to have taken a liking to the taste of hearts. I tried to stop it, but the Stinky Treasure almost wed me. It even guarded its food.”


    “I told you before not to let it eat random things!”


    Murphy scolded, “The habits of Astral Realm creatures differ from those of physical world beasts. Messing around like this can cause trouble! You need to train it ording to standard taming methods, otherwise, if its wildness awakens too early, it may abandon you at any moment.”


    “Ah, this…”


    The rich guy was startled.


    He looked at the meowing manticore cub lying at his feet like arge cat, wanting to ask more questions, but at that moment, a voice of astonishment came from the side:


    “How could there be a freshly hatched Astral Realm manticore here? And it has entered the growth period so prematurely? What did you guys feed it?”


    The old hunter Grandma Marianne, who hade with Natalie, looked at the manticore cub and said in a surprised tone, “It’s also an unmarked manticore. At this growth rate, it will fully mature in no more than seven days and will be summoned back to its realm in the Astral Realm. I don’t know what you’re nning, but if that happens, you’ll never be able to tame it again.”


    The rich guy didn’t understand what this NPC was saying.


    But Murphy understood. He didn’t get up, still sitting on the rock, looking at Grandma Marianne and asking, “You seem very familiar with Astral Realm manticores?”


    “I’m familiar with all Astral Realm creatures. I’m an Astral Realm creature hunting expert.”


    Grandma Marianne also studied the excessively handsome but young vampire before her. She neither showed too much enthusiasm nor coldness, merely exining casually:


    “Massive beasts like the Astral Realm manticore have learned to control their growth rates in the Astral Realm’s barren environment to help them survive better.


    Once an Astral Realm manticore senses abundant food around it, it will rapidly grow and enter maturity in an extremely short time. After that, it will continuously hone its hunting skills until its strength has grown to the limit, at which point it willplete a challenge against a powerful foe, simr to the ck Iron Trial.


    If an Astral Realm manticore can survive such a challenge, it will be a true Astral Realm predator and gradually progress towards the ‘legendary creature’ realm.


    They are born massive beasts, their talents and strength far exceeding those of real-world creatures.


    Even for me, Astral Realm manticores are highly formidable opponents.


    If your Summoner warrior wishes to sign a summoning contract with it, he has only seven days left. Failure means he will bid farewell to this overly well-nourished manticore forever.”


    “Thank you for the information. It is of great significance to my warrior.”


    Murphy turned his head and ryed Grandma Marianne’s information to the rich guy Feel You Poor, putting a different spin on it. Upon hearing this bad news, Feel You Poor’s face immediately turned pale.


    “You mustplete the ck Iron Trial within seven days, my warrior. The manticore will not acknowledge the weak.”


    The vampire reminded him, “Once you are prepared, I will assist you in taming it.”


    “Seven days?”


    Feel You Poor nced at his character’s current level 5 and array of Novice-level skills, feeling the pressure. After bidding farewell to Murphy, the rich guy immediately contacted Meow King, who was still pursuing the routed soldiers.


    “I’m ordering the rapid leveling package!”


    Feel You Poor stroked the well-fed and rtively obedient manticore cub, saying to Meow King in the private chat, “Seven days! No, six days! Within six days, I must pass the ck Iron Trial. Hurry over, and let’s discuss the details. Money is not an issue!”


    “Okay!”


    This time, Meow King agreed very readily.


    Since he already had the “Trial Secret Method,” he immediately replied to the rich guy, “Then, allow me to take a little of your time, little rich guy. Let me introduce you to the natural Holy Father and Savior.”


    “Ah???”


    The rich guy froze on the spot.


    What kind of tone was this guy using?


    He seriously doubted if he had messaged the wrong person or if Meow King had gotten too deep into character and gone insane?


    “It’s unfortunate that over 200 people couldn’t be rescued.”


    Murphy looked at the lingering aura of battle surrounding Natalie and the formidable characters behind her. The recently spoken Grandma Marianne was a White Silver-ranked hunter, and the others were also White Silver-ranked.


    This was about thest reserves of the White Oak Battalion.


    Truly miserable.


    Even though Murphy didn’t know much about the old Avalon Church, he knew that the White Oak Battalion had once been one of the three Guardian Battalions of Avalon Church, boasting over 10,000 members at its peak! Now, only a tenth remained, and they were all the old, weak, and disabled. Their elite had been nearly entirely consumed in the Ten-Year War, proving that the Portia Federation was no easy target.


    Due to the need to defend against the ck Disaster, the people here were all hardy and fierce. Even an army like that of the Goldflower Kingdom, which had undergone military reforms, had only upied half the territory after ten years of fighting.


    It was said that even now, when the war had essentially ended, there were still some elite Seicob cavalrymen resisting the Pioneer Army in the mountains of northern Transia under the Count of Seicob’smand.


    Even though their capital city of Seicob, the former capital of the Portia Federation, had been destroyed by war two years ago.


    One could say that every inch of thisnd was stained with the fresh blood of Witch Hunters, and from the current look of things, their karmic bond with thisnd was far from over.


    “There is no need, Lord Murphy.”


    Natalie said softly, “You are willing to help us, and that is enough. I know that tonight’s battle almost mobilized all your forces. I have felt your sincerity. I just want to ask if the condition you previously offered still stands?”


    She took out the lord’s decree that Murphy had personally written for her when they partedst time from her spirit bag.


    Although it was said as a joke back then, the excellent preservation of the decree showed that Natalie had already made ns and left herself and herpanions a seemingly outrageous way out even at that time.


    This girl’s growth after her father’s death was truly admirable.


    “Of course, I always keep my word.”


    Murphy waved his hand, promising, “From the moment you set foot in Transia, you became subjects of thisnd. No one can deny your right and obligation to live here. However, I believe I should, in my capacity as lord, exin a few points you need to watch out for going forward.”


    “Yes, please speak. We are all ears.”


    Natalie nodded, and then she heard Murphy say, “First, discard your attitude of being irreconcble with demonic beings! Thisnd wees all those without a home, as long as they abide by thews. No one can trouble them on the grounds of race or habits.


    From tonight onwards, you are no longer witch hunters but ordinary people of Transia. You can keep your faith, but you cannot force others to submit to your ways!”


    “Can you do that?”


    “Yes.”


    Natalie agreed without consulting the others.


    Among the other old captains, except for the elderly Eugene who had some minor objections, the rest also felt this condition was not an issue.


    “Secondly, my territory has a ‘Faith Administrator’ named Sister Jules Belinda. We call her Grandma Jules. She is also a follower of the old nature religion and will be in charge of managing all faith-rted matters in my territory. I have already allocated a church district for her in the inner city.


    You can rebuild the Avalon Cathedral there.


    You can even apply for funding from the Crimson Regent, but I must inform you in advance that the inner city is currently in ruins and upied by Astral Realm shadows and beasts frequently crossing over from their realm.


    Additionally, if you wish to establish your cathedral in my territory, you must make corresponding contributions to this territory!”


    Murphy stroked his chin.


    He looked at the group of Witch Hunters before him, and after a few seconds, he said:


    “Don’t use the name ‘White Oak Battalion’ anymore. Since you’re starting a new life, you need to cut ties with the past. Of course, I don’t care how you refer to yourselves internally, but at least when dealing with outsiders, you need to use a new name to represent your force and organization.


    Let’s call it the ‘Adventurer’s Guild’.


    Harmless to humans and beasts, and clearly indicating the mission you’ll undertake next.


    I need you to utilize your remaining vigor. Even if you no longer fight, please use your superiorbat skills to train my warriors and all the young people in my territory who aspire to adventure.


    You’ll be the best instructors, especially in the realm of natural spirit abilities.


    The first guild master will be you, Lady Natalie. You can assign the other positions yourself, and I will also instruct my regent to grant you three ‘Administrative Knight’ titles to facilitate management.


    If you can establish your own territory in the future, I wouldn’t mind giving you the title of baroness or even countess.


    Do you ept this?”


    This time, Natalie turned and discussed it with the old captains behind her.


    No one had major objections to this request, as the lord seemed to have no intention of involving the Witch Hunters in the daily defense or military rebuilding of his territory.


    This alone relieved Grandma Marianne.


    She had truly had enough of war.


    “We have no problem.”


    Natalie turned and replied to Murphy, “But can we freely choose the location of the Avalon Cathedral and the Adventurer’s Guild?”


    “Of course, that is your right.”


    Murphy nodded, then raised a third finger and said, “The third request is that tonight I dispatched my warriors to rescue you, so their rewards must be paid by you. You must ensure that each of my warriors receives a Masterwork Veteran-level or higher weapon or armor from you.


    Weapons withmemorative significance are best.


    Additionally, I need you to provide me with 200 demon-hunting warhorses tamed by your secret methods, and send specialists to train my warriors in riding.


    They will pay a fee for this training.


    Finally, I need the uniforms of the White Oak Battalion’s hunters, new ones will do, but used ones are better. 70 sets will be enough.”


    “Ah?”


    This strange request made Natalie, the battalionmander, widen her eyes as she asked in return, “Just that? You’re not going to demand that we disarm?”


    “If I disarm you, who will I turn to when the Crimson Citadel and your viges face trouble?”


    Murphy rolled his eyes and said, “The Adventurer’s Guild will undertake part of the reconnaissance duties for crises or potential crises, which requires you to have your own weapons. Besides, you should also know about the ck Disaster.


    When the ck Disaster arrives, I believe you’ll have to take up arms and join the battle, whether you want to or not!”


    “This is our duty, and it was once the duty of the Avalon Church. No need to say more on this.”


    Natalie nodded in acknowledgment.


    She waited on the spot for Murphy to state the next conditions and constraints, but after several seconds, no conditions came. Instead, Murphy impatiently dismissed them:


    “Why are you still standing there? Don’t you need to get to work,dies and gentlemen?”


    “But…”


    Old Eugene behind Natalie couldn’t help but speak up, “Are those the only so-called demands? Shouldn’t there be more stringent conditions, and then we bargain with each other and ultimately negotiate terms that both sides can ept? Your generosity only makes us uneasy.”


    “Oh, you mean you want to bargain with me?”


    Murphy revealed a strange smile and said, “But I have no other constraints to give you. I said that Transia is and of freedom. As long as you abide by thews here, pay taxes on time, and fulfill your obligations, how you live is your business, which I can’t and don’t want to control.”


    The group of Witch Hunter leaders looked at each other in bewilderment.


    They discussed in hushed tones before turning to leave. Natalie gave Murphy a deep bow at the end, saying in a hoarse voice, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Murphy. I apologize for my previous rashness and rudeness.”


    “There’s no need. I know you still resent me since the deaths of your four squad members are rted to me. I don’t mind epting this grudge. Of course, if it’s settled through a future 1v1, fair and square challenge, I’d be more satisfied.”


    Murphy waved his hand again, not wanting to say more.


    After Natalie left, the shadows beside him shifted, and Lady Tris stepped out. The fire in her heart had also subsided.


    After all, little Murphy had behaved well tonight and hadn’t exchanged nces with that vixen Shani.


    “Let’s go, let’s go home.”


    Tris called out, toying with her Nocturne staff to open a portal to the Blood Vulture Halls. She said, “Though blood is good, it seems no longer suitable for me. I suddenly want a midnight snack. Murphy, make me one with an egg pancake and some side dishes.”


    “Of course, mydy.”


    Murphy rose with a smile, taking Tris’s slender waist as he stepped forward.


    This overly intimate gesture made Tris re at him, but she ultimately didn’t push his hand away. As they entered the portal, Murphy softly said to Tris, “You were jealous just now, weren’t you? About me and Shani?”


    “Who’s jealous? You can go with whoever you want. The further from me, the happier I’ll be… Hey! Someone’s watching! Don’t! Ugh… the bloody taste in your mouth is so foul! Go brush your teeth!”