Chapter 2629: Chapter 877: You’ve Delayed Your Advancement This Long—V

"I am not inherently an adept military strategist. Detailing more to me would only deepen my confusion. I believe in you as excellent soldiers, having the courage and professionalism to complete this operation.

What I want to tell you is to proceed without concern. Do not worry about the counterattack on this defensive line in the next three days. My warriors and I will guard here and allow no Wolf People to step inside.

But you better return before I fall..."

Murphy smiled and said:

"Then, I wish you all a victorious start, warriors."

"And may you be invincible, Sir Murphy."

Five against the wheel bid farewell to Murphy with a gesture from Transylvania. Accompanied by his adjutant, the old soldier of Qing Dynasty, he turned and left the command post. Murphy exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to Adel, who was watching him, and said:

"Help me put on the armor."

"Not wearing your impressive ’War Marshal Armor’? With it, you could slay all the Wolf People in the swamp yourself."

Adel asked.

Murphy shook his head and said:

"I’d love to do that, but it’s not the time for it to appear yet. It’s prepared as a ’surprise’ for Huggesen and some more dangerous unexpected guests that are bound to appear. As a secret technique, it must be used at the most opportune moment.

I’ll go to battle wearing ordinary armor this time.

This will help me push my skills and strength to the limit in the potential burn..."

"Hmm?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Adel was momentarily stunned, then she reacted with surprise:

"You... you want to undergo your silver trial here? So suddenly?"

"Suddenly? Why does it feel sudden to you?"

Murphy said in astonishment:

"Maxim is already a silver warrior, and you’ve quietly advanced to become a silver shadow walker. As your superior and the one you recognize as master, if I continued to maintain the ’glorious position’ of Black Iron Rank, not to mention you, even I would feel embarrassed.

I follow the concept of accumulating experience for a dramatic ’soaring.’

And now, my accumulation is sufficient. I face a trial that requires all my strength to win. As a lord, I have the duty to protect, and as a leader, I must take the lead.

In the current scene, on our self-made Maginot Line, engaging in a decisive battle with Transia People’s century-old enemies...

Is there a better stage than this?"

"Indeed, for your unique identity, there’s no more fitting place for advancement than this."

Adel nodded in deep agreement.

As Murphy’s personal intelligence officer and chief steward, she understands Murphy’s character probably better than anyone besides Triss. Their lord has a quality that naturally attracts others’ attention, though not out of his own desire.

E Sister felt both proud and concerned for her master’s decision. She took a box from the command post’s wardrobe and placed it before Murphy. Inside was a black swordsman’s leather armor.

The familiar style, craftsmanship, and even the patterns and embellishments were identical to Murphy’s previous "flawed Greeney Lion."

This was clearly another masterpiece by Old Edward.

But this time, the armor sent to Murphy was flawless. The item tag boldly declared it [Old Edward’s Masterpiece], and its grade reached the astonishing level of [Legacy Relic - Master Level].

Calling it one of the finest pieces of armor on the continent is no exaggeration.

This item had been delivered to Murphy a week ago by a Wolf Poison Messenger from the Kato area. The meaning it represented was self-evident. It seemed Old Edward was also seeking to mend relations with Murphy.

Murphy spread his arms, allowing Adel to help him remove his outer clothing, first donning the traveller’s armor with sturdy armor plates, followed by the perfect Greeney Lion Skin over the tight suit. Fortunately, with vampires’ naturally low body temperature, they are not sensitive to temperature changes. Otherwise, wearing two layers of armor this way would be enough to give Murphy a heat rash.

As Adel carefully and gently dressed him, Murphy remarked sarcastically:

"This old thing must have heard some rumors from Lord Paryen; perhaps he too seeks to gain the title of a civilized candidate. Yet I always feel Old Edward hides some secrets, though I’ve never truly met him."

"What ancient one doesn’t have secrets, master?"

Adel softly said:

"But now you undeniably have the authority to converse with them as equals, and only you could achieve such feats in such a short time."

"Oh, your compliment makes me blush, my Adel."

Murphy said in an exaggerated tone:

"Such words are fine for when it’s just the two of us. Make sure not to say them outside, or others might think I’m a pretentious guy."

"Let them say what they will. We, your followers, know your true nature best."

Adel smiled, placing a carefully crafted red wolf skin marching cloak by Mao Brother and "Lady Shui" over Murphy’s shoulders.

As if completing her finest work, she stepped back to appraise Murphy’s appearance thoroughly, then, holding the helmet, approached. Murphy bowed his head to allow her to place the war helmet on him, but in the next instant, he was met with a cold yet deeply affectionate kiss.