Elf Kingdom: Game of the World Tree-Chapter 183 - 177: Unequipping Gear
Chapter 183: Chapter 177: Unequipping Gear
This was a dark stone house, where several small figures hidden in the shadows were discussing in hushed tones,
“A group of elves who worship the Evil God? Are you sure?”
“It shouldn’t be wrong, in any case… you’ll know when you see them. Those elves are very unusual, and only believers of the Evil God can explain it.”
“This could indeed be a good scapegoat… I originally wanted to wait a bit longer, but I didn’t expect such an opportunity! If we can use them to cause chaos, our plan will be much smoother… When do you estimate they will reach us?”
“They’re currently in the Dark Forest hunting demon beasts. At their speed… I’m afraid they’ll wipe out the giant scorpions there in at most two days.”
Tsk… two days, so you think these suspected Evil God-worshiping elves are quite powerful?”
“At least… stronger than our people.”
“Heh heh, stronger is better. As long as we use them to cause chaos, then take advantage of the chaos to kill that one, we’ll win. I just fear… they won’t act according to our wishes.”
“*Lord Priest, you worry too much.* I’ve observed them, these believers of the Evil God are very fierce and cruel, and they’re also crazy and driven. Just a little provocation will surely ignite their anger…”
“Do as you see fit; act according to the situation! In any case… there’s only one objective, this operation must succeed…”
While these shadowy figures were whispering, suddenly, another figure stumbled in:
“Lord Priest! Lord Priest! Over three hundred fully armed elves suddenly appeared outside the city! They’re… they’re heading our way!”
“How could it be so fast? Three hundred? Didn’t you say there were a little over a hundred?”
“Ahem… maybe… maybe I didn’t see clearly…”
“Ah, forget it, forget it. A hundred or three hundred makes no difference. As long as we can reclaim Black Rock City this time, a bigger sacrifice doesn’t matter, after all, those who die are the traitors of our lord! Let’s leave it at that, I suppose you’ll soon be summoned; might as well go on your own… Dismissed.”
“Yes, Lord Priest!”
With that, these figures slowly vanished.
…
In Black Rock City, within a solemn black temple,
a female dwarf in black Priest Robe was kneeling before a statue.
It was a majestic female statue, with a tall figure unlike that of dwarfs.
The statue wore a black hooded robe, one hand holding a magnificent Treasure Bead, and the other a giant scythe, looking awe-inspiring and lifelike…
While the female dwarf was praying, suddenly, a flurry of footsteps sounded:
“Temple Leader! Temple Leader! Something’s wrong!”
The female temple leader paused slightly in her actions.
She gently stood up and looked at the newcomer,
“Lord Balin, what happened?”
“A group of fully armed elf mercenaries arrived, they’re very strong, I couldn’t stop them, they’ve already flooded into the city, now I need you to decide!”
“Elves?”
The temple leader was slightly stunned.
…
Within the city of the dark dwarfs,
after receiving the mission, over three hundred players rushed enthusiastically towards the Dwarf City.
Their movements were swift and imposing, shocking the dwarfs stationed at the city gate.
The dwarfs seemed to be stunned with fear, as they did not stop the players from entering the city. It wasn’t until the players flooded the city that they reacted and hurriedly called upon the soldiers to surround the players…
Seeing the large group of nervous dwarf warriors surrounding them, the players were bewildered.
“Weren’t they supposed to be neutral NPCs? Why do they look ready for a fight?”
*Could it be… they were intimidated by our numbers?*
“Then why did they wait until we entered the city to surround us?”
“Betrayal from the black side? The information said many intelligent creatures underground are ruthless…”
After speaking, they looked at each other… instinctively tightening their grip on their weapons.
Seeing the players’ actions, the dwarfs became even more nervous.
It was understandable; the players had just gone through slaughtering demon beasts, so they each carried a murderous aura. Some were still covered in blood, looking like they couldn’t be messed with…
In short, there was nothing about them that looked amiable.
Seeing many players becoming cautious, and the atmosphere growing tense, Fried Tomato quickly switched his language to Elven and shouted to the players,
“No, this must be part of the mission. Everyone, stay calm! These are neutral NPCs, and it affects our neutral NPC reputation score! Don’t screw it up!”
“I’ve read in many Western fantasy stories that dwarfs have a short temper, plus… our group of over three hundred is such a large target and fully armed, of course they’d be wary.”
“Everyone hold your patience! As long as we negotiate well with them, everything will be fine. The reputation score this time is collective. It’s a great chance to boost your personal overall reputation rating!”
“Whatever they ask us to do, we do it. Everyone thick-skinned a bit; as long as we get the reputation up, everything will be smooth!”
“If anyone screws it up, affecting everyone’s reputation score, the First Legion is very vengeful!”
Hearing his words, the players paused, then gradually let go of their weapons.
Since the favorability system had been improved, NPC favorability had become increasingly important, with a player’s personal reputation rating being closely tied to their advancement speed.
As a rare mission that could likely boost their composite reputation rating, the players wouldn’t want to miss it.
Though many players were irked by Fried Tomato’s last statement, they understood that he made a good point.
Because… the improved favorability system was really challenging to boost.
The reason was simple.
This damn game even had a “first impression” similar to reality!
In “Elf Kingdom,” the NPCs’ first impression was just too crucial. If a player made a good first impression with a specific NPC, boosting favorability would be twice the result with half the effort. However, if the first impression was bad, it would be… twice the effort for half the result.
Demacia was an example; the guy was still scrubbing toilets in Feilengcui, and it was said that after all this time, constantly hugging NPCs’ legs and crying for forgiveness, he barely got his personal reputation rating to 1 point.
On top of that… many NPCs still had negative favorability toward him.
Most of those who arrived at the Dwarf City first were combat players.
Unlike lifestyle players who often mingled with NPCs, their reputation values were generally low, and their rare interactions with NPCs were all for missions, so the NPCs generally didn’t hold them in high regard.
So… this first encounter with the dwarfs, combined with a task triggered to potentially impact the players’ comprehensive reputation evaluation, was certainly a rare opportunity.
While the players were in a standoff with the dwarf warriors, a group of armored dwarf soldiers escorted two dwarfs, who were clearly the leaders, over.
One was a male and the other a female dwarf.
The male dwarf appeared very old and was bald, humbly trailing half a step behind the female dwarf.
The female dwarf was draped in a black Priest Robe…
Unlike the burly male dwarfs, the female dwarf was petite, and seeing her surprised many players.
Seeing the surrounding dwarf warriors, they thought the female dwarf would also be a stout figure.
However, unfortunately, the skin of dark dwarfs was dark, which didn’t match the Tianchao people’s aesthetic.
*Meanwhile, they were curious,*
*Could this female dwarf, who appeared to be a priest, be the Death God or a believer of the God of Darkness and Shadow mentioned in the data?*
Seeing the gathered players, the female dwarf appeared surprised.
Before she could speak, the old dwarf stepped forward first, speaking harshly,
“Elves? Where… are you from? Why have you invaded our city?”
The players looked around, and finally, Fried Tomato stepped forward.
He instinctively wanted to draw a tree-shaped symbol on his chest but quickly realized it, changing his extended hand to scratch his head.
He smiled, showing goodwill, and said,
“We’re an Elf Mercenary Group from the ground world, here for an adventure. Seeing the magnificence of your city, we’re curious and wanted to visit. If we could make some transactions or befriend you, it would be even better!”
Hearing his words, the female dwarf’s expression relaxed a bit.
Looking at the group of players, she sighed,
“Never thought elves would have a mercenary group, and you could gather so many of your kin!”
But the old male dwarf shook his head, speaking firmly,
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“I understand your intentions, but… sorry, the Dwarf City does not welcome outsiders. If you wish to visit and exchange, you may send a representative, but others cannot enter the city. Unless… you are willing to relieve yourselves of all equipment and weapons, only then may we allow you to stay within the city.”
As these words were spoken, the atmosphere turned suddenly tense.
The female dwarf also slightly furrowed her brows.
In the Underworld, for mercenaries and adventurers, equipment and strength were their lifelines, asking them to disarm was akin to a challenge.
Equipment was their life; how could they casually discard it?
The old dwarf’s words, while seemingly safeguarding the city’s safety, were too reckless. Were it a more hot-headed underground race, there might’ve been a conflict with the dwarfs…
Fortunately… these newcomers were elves!
The female dwarf helplessly glanced at the old dwarf, sighed, and addressed the players,
“Please forgive us, Grandpa Balin is an elder of our tribe, and he speaks out of concern for our tribe’s safety. I know the nobility of the Elf Clan, but the Underworld isn’t as peaceful as the ground world, being cautious here is necessary. Dismissing your equipment was just a jest; if you wish to…”
Her words trailed off as she was stunned.
The old dwarf who first spoke was also stunned.
Even the dwarf warriors around were stunned.
Because they discovered, in front of them, these elves…
Had actually begun to strip off their equipment without hesitation…
