MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

Jack couldn't help but give a wry smile as the Little Lizard escorted them outside. Even under the heavy black robe, he radiated so much pride, sticking his chest out! 

Every time they encountered a patrol, there would be gasps. The two randoms were still alive?! This very fact was already very telling. How would they react had they known the truth? 

Right now, the Little Lizard was bound to Bloody Chains. Breaking the restrictions would instantly alert the Big Shots at the Capital. Jack had to make the eager lizard promise not to do anything stupid. 

He had looked at him with disappointed and confused eyes. What did it matter if they came looking for trouble? His new master could swat them all with a single hand!— Or so the disillusioned lizard thought. 

As he pictured Jack beating everyone in the Capital up, his eyes showed incredible fanaticism. Oh god, this could be dangerous! Jack had to do an urgent intervention to nip the problem in the bud! 

"Listen, Little Lizard. Do you know what is the most important in a game? Balance, it's balance! You can't just summon people from the Capital, do you understand?!" 

His master wanted to remain in the shadows? This was understandable: this would be the most fun! 

"Ah, I see!" It was from that point onward that the Lizard started glowing with joy. He was one of the few in the know. How amazing was that?! 

His little lizard skull was now filled with incredible new dreams. Before, he had wished to become a rich Big Shot in Bloody Chains, but now he had an even loftier goal. 

He would become the best stable boy there ever was! He was confident in his taming abilities. Sure he had learned with humanoids, but this detail wouldn't stop him! 

As the lizard daydreamed about his glorious future, Derek couldn't help but glance at his new teacher's back. Who was he really? 

They soon exited the Resplendent Silk, leaving behind an entire organization of slavers highly confused. Why was their ruthless and scheming leader excitedly waving goodbye to the guests?! 

The area was still empty, besides a few residents glancing at them curiously. Had someone actually visited that fancy shop? 

"How was it? Pretty and dazzling?" A housewife giggled as she asked. 

"Pretty fucking expensive, that's what it was! Only ten gold for an accessory, only?! This shit is more lucrative than highway robbery!" Jack thundered exaggeratedly, the NPC erupting in laughter. 

Before long, student and teacher were left alone. Derek seemed to have many questions. 

"Go on, what is it?" 

"Master, are you really the one that caused mana to come back?" 

"Pfft— What do you think? Haha, do I look that mighty to you? Well, I am indeed very handsome, so I can't blame you." He guffawed before adding. 

"Let this be a lesson. Sometimes the less you say, the better. He completely misunderstood on his own while I barely explained anything." 

"The militia emblem isn't hard to obtain, the empire seal is basically useless, the chicken is a trick: it's not real necromancy, and destroy that White Eagle letter ASAP!" 

"As for the part about inviting everyone….well I did. I wished for it anyway, not that it did anything, haha! Do you understand now?" 

"Kinda?" 

"The Lizard fell into a mental trap of his own. The only question is how long he'll remain confused. Still, this gives us a lot of time to use him and possibly convert him to our cause for real." 

"Our cause?" 

"Gentle world domination. One day I'll be the strongest being in Infinite." Jack declared nonchalantly. 

He didn't seem particularly heated about it. This wasn't a dream but an objective that he planned to accomplish. 

"I'm sure you will, Master." Derek suddenly understood what had drawn him to him. 

Every other would-be teacher had always acted the same. They promised him the world, making sure to boast about their respective sword techniques. 

White Eagle had been the one who had finally managed to convince him to come under his tutelage, simply because he had allowed him to leave anytime. 

He had dedicated so many years to sword training, become quite good at it considering his young age, and had even grown arrogant. Yet this man had so quickly humbled him. 

He had just turned the Sprigfield Bloody Chains branch leader into a follower and had made it seem easy! With him, he was sure he'd learn things he wouldn't see anywhere else. 

"You daydreaming or something?" Jack called the dazed Derek. The youngster gave a giant smile as he ran after him.

"Master, where are we going now?!" 

"Where? Just conquering the entire town. Also, I never said I'd accept you as a disciple, just that I'd give you a chance. Also, I really don't teach geniuses." 

"Don't worry, master! This disciple is dumb as a brick, has the emotional quotient of a banana, and pales in compared to your handsomeness! I'm no genius!" He shouted loudly. 

Many NPCs and players couldn't help but shake their heads at the pair. What the heck was the man making his "disciple" do?!

"Psst— He must be blackmailing him." 

"How petty! This guy's obviously jealous!" 

"Should we report the crime to the militia?!" 

Jack could only sigh as he heard the people gossiping. Did he really seem that narrow-minded? Also, why the hell would he be jealous?! 

"No, I meant every word I said! Please don't misunderstand!" Derek instantly cried out, glaring at the offenders. Were they trying to screw with him?! 

A few love-struck ladies took it as a confirmation that he was being coerced. Without hesitating, they ran toward the militia camp. One even mentioned the commander. 

Pfft— As if he'd do anything! How many would end up jailed for reckless slandering? No, more importantly, couldn't he use that opportunity to recruit new pretty waitresses at a discount? 

Derek suddenly shuddered as he saw his master glance at the young ladies. Why did it look like he was already scheming his revenge?! Luckily for them, he didn't pursue the issue. 

Instead, he guided them toward a large building.

< WC: Golden Axis Conglomerate >

Were they here as a client or to make more allies? Derek was looking forward to another learning experience when a sarcastic voice resounded. 

"Everyone, the esteemed Demon King Asshole is gracing us with his presence! How nice!"