“Third Bro, did you post it?”
“Are we really doing this? Why does it feel like it’s a good thing, but I’m not happy at all?”
Earth, inside a college dorm room in China’s ‘Magic City’ [T/N: Shanghai], three guys in shorts huddled awkwardly around a computer desk.
These were the three who had joined the Dark Pact. Hun Yuan, Thunderhands, and Cheng Kun.
Sitting in front of the computer, Hun Yuan took a deep breath and turned to look at the other two, his expression serious.
“I think you both should have seen this game’s potential by now.”
Thunderhands and Cheng Kun nodded.
“Our major is in virtual gaming, and we’ll be working in this field in the future.
In recent years, the virtual game industry has already reached a valuation of several trillion. There’s massive opportunity here.
With how realistic Glory is, it’s bound to dominate the market. If we can seize this opportunity early, our future will be limitless.
And our biggest advantage right now is joining the Dark Pact and earning the favor of Vice President Stanley.
If we lose that edge, we’ll be back on the same starting line as the other 100,000 closed beta players.
So honestly, even without Stanley, I’d still be trying to recruit others. It’s just that now, the one leading the effort is this NPC.
But so what? As long as we pull it off, the ones who benefit the most, both in-game and in real life, will still be us.”
Hun Yuan’s words made Thunderhands and Cheng Kun suddenly realize.
“Second Bro, your brain really is top-notch. Damn, raising you wasn’t in vain.
Come on, let Daddy give you a hug, Second Bro, even though I call you Bro, we each got our own thing going.
I call you Bro, but you can call me Dad.”
“Third Bro, what the hell are you talking about? You two brats, have you no respect for your father?”
“Shit.”
Soon after, a post on the official Glory forum instantly sent players into a frenzy.
“The Strongest NPC in History: The Unfathomably Powerful Dark Boss - Majestic Iro”
The cover image was of Li De wearing a black mage robe, seated at the head of a long table, with a crimson war painting behind him.
Under the dim lighting, Li De’s handsome face combined with his iconic vampire fangs made the entire scene feel terrifying and cold.
Mysterious, powerful, elegant, an indescribable aura permeated the image.
Despite the dark tone, it was hauntingly captivating.
Whether it was the composition, color, lighting contrast, or facial expression, the image radiated an inexplicable mystery, like a shock to the soul.
But it wasn’t just the cover that sparked curiosity. The content of the post was equally intriguing.
Hun Yuan: "Hello everyone, we are Hun Yuan, Thunderhands, and Cheng Kun. I'm Second Bro, Hun Yuan. Thunderhands and Cheng Kun are my third and fourth brothers.
Today, I’d like to share our dream-like experience in Glory.
First, as mentioned in our last post, we joined a major underworld force in the southern Nolan Empire city of Green City, the Dark Pact.
The Dark Pact is one of the three major powers in Green City’s underworld, a city with over a million residents. That alone should speak volumes.
So, what do I want to say today? Simple. If you’re in Green City and interested in the dark faction, don’t hesitate, DM me. This is your best choice. By now, most of you have a basic understanding of Glory.
Profession levels range from 1 for apprentices, 2-4 for formal junior professionals, 5-9 for Intermediate professionals, 10-14 for advanced professionals, 15-19 for grand professionals, 20-25 for Transcendents, and above 25 is Legendary. The system beyond that is still unknown.
Currently, in a city with over a million people, there is only one known Transcendent.
You can imagine how rare high-end combat power is, especially above Transcendent.
From what I’ve gathered from NPCs, Transcendents are called ‘Majestic’, a title reserved for those who reach that level.
And the boss of the Dark Pact, the legendary vampire in the picture, is addressed by all as ‘’Majestic’...
The Honorable Majestic Iro!!
‘Iro’ is the NPC’s name, and ‘Majestic’ is the honorific used for him.
Glory is a world with an extremely rigid hierarchy and a precise power structure.
So what does it mean that this NPC is addressed as ‘Majestic’ without challenge?
It means the faction we’ve joined is one with limitless potential. In a city where only one Transcendent is publicly known, our faction also has one.
Humbly speaking, I’ve spoken to this big boss. But even then, I couldn’t detect his level.
That makes him the most powerful and terrifying NPC I’ve encountered, no exaggeration.
Feel free to share your thoughts. If anyone has met an NPC comparable to Lord Iro, bring it on!"
That perfect screenshot and exaggerated title instantly drew waves of replies.
As Glory's closed beta took off, it quickly became a viral sensation online.
But despite the influx of screenshots, of beautiful characters, stunning scenery, no one had encountered an NPC so powerful their name and level were completely obscured.
Especially not one who was a vampire, and so handsome and mysterious.
Old Driver from Back Then: “Holy crap, this NPC is nearly as handsome as me. That’s inhuman.”
Spicy Shrimp Dragon: “AAAAHHH how can anyone be this hot?! Please give me his contact info!”
Burning Boxers, Of Course: “Transcendent?? How did a Level 1 warrior apprentice like you even meet this kind of high-level NPC? That’s just not right!”
Don’t Worry, No One’s Here: “Hun Yuan Thunderhands Cheng Kun? Damn it, I’m the Bright Cult Leader Yang Dingtian. Wanna duel?”
Glory’s Light: “You’re in Green City too? Haha bro, I’m at the Crimson Mage Tower. Come say hi sometime!”
Broken Sword Knight: “Didn’t expect players to meet high-level NPCs this early. Glory truly defies typical logic.
Most games make you grind level by level and only open high-level maps later. But Glory throws you straight into the world, no buffer zones.
That’s why survival is so damn hard right now.
But I have to admit, this bold design is brilliant. It makes you feel like you’re living in a real world, not just farming mobs in a starter village.
If Hun Yuan’s post is real, then here’s my bold advice. Stand out as a player. Use NPCs to grow.
Right now, if you can join a faction, do it. There’s no surviving in Glory as a lone wolf.
Look at how everyone’s barely scraping by.”