CH 8

One million? Murphy couldn’t help but scoff inwardly.

An ordinary BOSS account wasn’t worth much. The lowest level Skeleton Level 1 BOSS in the game could be created with just 100,000 coupons.

However, as with hero characters, BOSS characters increased in value with each level. A first-level BOSS at the horror level cost 500,000, while a first-level BOSS at the disaster level cost 2.5 million. Based on this ratio, a world boss could cost as much as 12.5 million.

Despite numerous world bosses being in the game, none of them were playable characters.

It’s worth noting that the mortality rate during BOSS advancement was very high because plot battles were required to progress. A plot battle usually involved a duel between the hero and the BOSS, with the winner advancing and the loser perishing. Death in a plot battle was permanent. It was, in essence, like playing a battle royale.

Out of the 100 skeleton-level bosses, it was unlikely that any one of them could successfully advance to become a world-class boss.

On the other hand, the black dragon boss that he had trained had reached the fifth level of the disaster level and would soon be promoted to a world boss. A world boss was a force to be reckoned with; while one dragon may not be able to defeat a country, it could certainly decimate a city.

The fact that he had managed to raise his black dragon character to this level was not solely due to his skills, but luck had also played a significant role. Additionally, competition was not as intense when the game had first started, which allowed him to employ certain tactics. Even if he were asked to start all over again, he doubted that he could create such an account again.

In the past, a local tycoon had offered him 10 million yuan to buy his account, but Murphy had to reluctantly refuse due to platform regulations and contract rules.

Now, the offer of one million plus an ordinary BOSS account seemed like a meager sum. Why should he settle for scraps?

Murphy tried to maintain a smile on his face despite feeling heartbroken. “I’m sorry, Mr. Shao, but it’s not just about the money. I’ve put so much effort into this account, and I have a connection with my audience. It wouldn’t be fair to them if I suddenly stopped the live broadcast. Plus, the platform would also suffer a great deal.”

Wang Shao didn’t seem to care and replied impatiently, “It’s fine. We’ll just broadcast under the name of the Black Dragon Lord Morpheus. After all, the dragon’s voice won’t change. The audience is tuning in to watch the Black Dragon Lord, not the anchor. So, what do you say? Can you agree to this?”

Murphy couldn’t believe how shameless Wang Shao was being. He knew exactly what was going through the other man’s mind: as a young manager of Xingyao Group, he didn’t want to waste his time on this negotiation. He thought that by offering Murphy some money, he could get his way.

However, Murphy knew that he couldn’t compromise, especially when his interests were at stake.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Shao, but I can’t agree. It’s not just about the money; it’s about my principles.”

Murphy suddenly felt a surge of fear as Wang Shao gave him an unusually friendly smile. “Haha, forget it. It’s just a question, go ahead. I won’t bother you,” Wang Shao said before turning and leaving.

However, Murphy couldn’t relax. He was used to being criticized by the audience during his live broadcasts, but Wang Shao’s reaction made him uneasy. He knew that people who don’t bite without barking could be unpredictable. Despite this, he couldn’t back out now. Murphy hoped that Wang Shao wouldn’t go too far since he was his employee, and still making money for him.

The supervisor shook his head and said to Murphy, “What are you thinking, saying it’s not about the money. Why are you so proud? If you want more compensation, just say so. I’ll help you out. Adding a few million more isn’t difficult, so why are you refusing?”

Murphy thought to himself that since he was offered one million, it wasn’t about the money. If the compensation was raised to eighteen million, how could he still refuse? Why was the young boss of the company being so stingy?

“Sorry, it’s not about the money. I have principles in my life, and there are some things that can’t be measured by money,” replied Murphy.

The supervisor was momentarily stunned, but couldn’t help but show admiration. “Okay, okay, you’re awesome,” he said before turning and rushing out the door to catch up with Wang Shao who was about to leave.

“Wang Shao, take a look at this… Murphy is quite savvy. Maybe he hasn’t made up his mind just yet. Why don’t you offer him a higher price?”

Wang Shao smiled slightly and said, “No need. Although I’m a rich second-generation heir, I don’t like to spend money recklessly. If I can save a little, why spend more money? I know Murphy. However, he wasn’t very well-known before, and he only gained popularity after the Black Dragon live stream. He can’t reveal his face in the game, so he’s not important. What’s important is his in-game character. Murphy’s contract is about to expire and we have to keep that account no matter what. Find all of his past live stream videos and have the auditing department check them thoroughly for any issues. Report back to me once you’ve done that.”

As Murphy arrived home, Wang Shao’s words and expressions kept replaying in his mind.

“When the time comes, you will be free.” Murphy had signed a five-year live broadcast contract, but he had lacked enthusiasm for the first four years until the release of the holographic virtual game, Firmament World. Murphy initially thought it was an April Fool’s joke, but to his surprise, the game was real. Even now, Murphy still found it hard to believe.

However, that didn’t stop him from making a choice. Despite not having enough money to buy a premium account, Murphy entered the game and played as a monster template, exploring the world with his black dragonling. With a combination of luck and his thorough understanding of game mechanics, he became the first streamer in the monster area by accident.

In the last few months of his contract as a live streamer, Murphy had reached the peak of his career. However, with his rise to popularity came a slew of negative consequences. Murphy had reported the issues several times, and by now he could easily pinpoint the culprit.

Faced with yet another incident, he couldn’t help but feel disheartened, contemplating quitting before his contract was up. At least he had made some money in the short term, enough to support himself. Even if he worked in the game industry in the future and didn’t earn as much, he wouldn’t be strapped for cash.

With this thought, he comforted himself as he lay in bed, eventually drifting off to sleep.

Although the game helmet’s instruction manual claimed to use deep sleep technology and that playing games was equivalent to sleeping, Murphy always felt exhausted after each live broadcast. It was as if he had spent the day battling a black dragon. Each time, he had to sleep heavily to recuperate.

Currently, Murphy was in a deep sleep, his consciousness hazy. He found himself standing in the midst of darkness. Initially, he didn’t realize that he was dreaming until a pair of eyes, resembling flames, appeared in the dark. These eyes were staring at him with mixed emotions.

”Little human, we meet again.”