My Players Are So Fierce – Handsome dog Frank
Chapter 1579 - 530. The Power of the Swamp·Avalon’s Grace_3

Chapter 1579: 530. The Power of the Swamp·Avalon’s Grace_3

"So, in the future, will you turn into a bear or a deer and let me ride you through the streets?"

"If you’re willing, I definitely don’t mind."

Brother Huozi laughed heartily and said,

"Even if I don’t turn into a bear, I’m more than happy to carry my dear wife across the ends of the world, watching sunrises and moonset, enjoying the ebb and flow of the clouds."

"Alright."

Lady Shui snorted, pointing aside as she spoke,

"Then carry me! You haven’t carried me even once since you tricked me into marrying you... ah!"

She let out a surprised cry as Brother Huozi suddenly scooped her up in a princess carry, walking through the muddy patch outside the small town ahead without hesitation. His well-exercised middle-aged physique held up splendidly, ensuring her shoes stayed clean until he reached firm ground, where he gently set her down amidst Lady Shui’s blushing protests. Undeterred, he then hoisted her onto his back.

The two strolled joyfully, full of laughter and affection, heading toward the Natural Holy Land. Their cheerful mood was complemented by Lumina’s flute playing nearby, and Brother Huozi even broke into song.

It must be said, his voice was indeed quite good.

This scene made Brother Yuan, walking behind them, feel restless. He cast a glance at Orchid, who had a stern face. Just as he contemplated making some romantic gesture, he saw Orchid grasp the hilt of her sword, fixing a fearsome gaze upon Brother Yuan’s, erm, valuables.

"This style of public displays of affection doesn’t suit me at all!"

She scolded,

"Hurry up and get your profession change done already. Stop embarrassing us, you weakling of a man!"

"Alright, alright, I’m going, alright? But don’t always be so fierce, geez."

Grumbling, Brother Yuan headed off, leaving Orchid to watch his retreating back with a mix of helplessness and frustration. Ever brave and decisive, Orchid wasn’t entirely sure how best to deal with this man who had chased her all the way into another world.

The Avalon Natural Holy Land was not far from Wolf Castle—about a fifteen-minute walk.

The site used to be the Skeleton Army’s frontline outpost, featuring a collapsed wall as part of its structure. After the war in the Land of Decay ended, surviving Treants were brought here by the Witch Hunters.

They planted magical tree seeds, transforming the ruins into a vibrant scene of "birds chirping and flowers blooming" within a week. The natural atmosphere stood out remarkably, and President Natalie even erected Avalon’s holy icon here alongside a simple "Holy Water Pool."

Mother Marianne had stationed an elite group of Witch Hunters for long-term residency; a few former church members who’d returned to the Druid’s path managed the surrounding environment, summoning swamp beasts to serve as natural wardens and guardians of this humble sanctuary.

As one of the most resilient and inclusive systems of power in the current game, the Avalon Church clearly enjoyed popularity among new players. When Brother Huozi arrived carrying his wife, he also saw many players newly initiated into Avalon undergoing training here.

However, just as he prepared to look into profession changes, he heard a raucous, eerie laugh nearby—one that didn’t seem friendly.

Soon, Brother Huozi witnessed Brother Meow swaggering out of the sanctuary’s underground den with his crew, exuding an arrogant air as if he owned the place.

"Oh hey, Lady Shui, is the man carrying you your husband?"

True to his networking skills, Brother Meow immediately moved toward Lady Shui when he spotted her, warmly praising Brother Huozi’s towering stature and gentlemanly demeanor.

The accompanying crew enthusiastically welcomed these legendary figures.

Their "Big Bird Team" had already been appointed as guardians of the swamp-bound Natural Holy Land, granting them certain privileges within the region. Upon hearing that Brother Huozi and Brother Yuan were here for professional changes, they eagerly volunteered to guide the newcomers, insisting on gifting them high-quality starter armor.

Their generous hospitality left Brother Huozi and Brother Yuan with little choice but to accept.

They escorted the two rookies into the underground, while Brother Meow remained above ground chatting with Lady Shui.

This wasn’t out of any ulterior motive—though Brother Meow certainly admired Lady Shui—but the conversation turned to serious business. As two of the highest-ranking players within the Avalon Church, Brother Meow and Lady Shui undoubtedly shared mutual interests.

"After much effort, we’ve completed Avalon’s Boss’s missionary task, and our God of Nature graciously fulfilled their promise."

Brother Meow clapped his hands as he spoke to Lady Shui:

"My brothers and I have already learned basic ’luck enhancement.’ We tested several treasure chests, and it definitely increases the odds of finding loot—though how it works feels a bit mystical.

Changing fate with this alone isn’t realistic.

But no worries; access to this series of Divine Arts is now open. All we need is to reach new tiers and come back for further learning.

However, our group still holds a set of Divine Arts study qualifications we don’t need. You can have it."

Offering her a set of petrified Nature Insignias glowing with brilliant emerald light—a clear sign of its extraordinary value—Lady Shui didn’t extend her hand to take it and shook her head, saying,

"No way! This is far too valuable. Currently, there’s no unlocked path to studying Divine Arts. What you’ve got is the only way anyone can learn them—I can’t accept this."

"Take it! We need mutual support to pave the way for our fellow brothers and sisters within the church,"

Brother Meow gestured magnanimously, practically stuffing the insignia into Lady Shui’s hands.

But Lady Shui wasn’t fooled. She didn’t refuse further but instead countered:

"Brother Meow, you’re not one to make trades without gains. Just say what you’re planning."

"Alright!"

Brother Meow grinned slyly, looked around cautiously, then spoke in a lowered voice:

"You’re planning something with the upcoming mission to Shadow Valley, aren’t you? Is it related to a stronghold?"

"Sigh, it’s hard to keep secrets from you."

Lady Shui didn’t deny it, responding,

"I’ve analyzed the mission thoroughly, spoken with Miss Diana, and obtained some intel from Mrs. Bonis. I’m seventy percent confident that upon completing this expansion, Lady Adel’s homeland—Shadow Valley—has the potential to become a new stronghold.

Whether or not players can control it remains unclear at this stage.

But this will be our most effective means for acquiring a stronghold post-Wolf Castle."

"Then I won’t hold back either."

Brother Meow replied seriously,

"We need cooperation! Once the stronghold is secured, we’ll discuss its management. Lady Shui, neither your team nor mine—being small elite teams focused on quality rather than quantity—can independently conquer strongholds.

Wolf Castle made it clear where the developers stand on strongholds!

They want players to exercise initiative, preferably taking strategic locations without NPC interference, then converting them into strongholds.

This isn’t an issue for Stick Brother or the student factions—the Rushing River Knights’ sheer numbers can’t be ignored—but it’s a big headache for us small-profile teams."

"So, how about teaming up?"

"Cooperation? Sure!"

Lady Shui tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, firmly stating:

"But joint governance? Absolutely not!

I and my sisters dislike politics and loathe trouble. Shadow Valley must remain an exclusive stronghold for the Silver Moon Pride Team.

But don’t worry, Brother Meow. If you accept this arrangement, we’ll spare no effort assisting you after a new stronghold is identified."

"Deal! I’ll adopt this plan."

Brother Meow had no objections, his grin widening as he added:

"Truthfully, during a recent escort mission with the Mountain People, we also discovered what could become a stronghold-worthy region at the Sax-Transylvania border.

We’ll help you take Shadow Valley—once the Black Disaster ends, you need to help us secure victory in that spot!

But our alliance needs a strong name. How about ’Silver Moon Big Bird’..."

"Cough, cough, cough."

Lady Shui coughed violently, expressing her utter disapproval of the name suggestion.

After catching her breath, she looked up and said,

"Let’s call it ’Wild Covenant.’ We’re all affiliated with the Avalon Church, and the NPCs wouldn’t object to this title."

"But I still think Silver Moon Big Bird Team is just..."

"Hey, if you insist on that name, my husband will have to beat you up. And just so you know, you—this Red Knight-in-training—might not win against his bodyguards in real life."

"Er, fine. Bodyguards are really impressive, huh."