[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-565":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162769,1504,"Chapter 565: The Useless Ones","ember-dragon-chapter-565",565,"\u003Cp>Chapter 565: The Useless Ones\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou and Singo chatted as they headed to the Imperial Office, with Mantou still carrying the frost giant’s head to claim his reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the road ahead was packed, with players crowding together, nearly blocking the path, forcing many security officers to come and restore order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t push, I was here first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move it, move it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaaah! I saved up for three months for this day!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A snake-woman’s crisp yet weary voice came from a loudspeaker: \"Citizens, please queue in order to make purchases! We are an official Imperial store with ample stock. No need to panic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ooooooh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Snake-lady, I love you! Let me pull something good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her announcement had no effect. The players only grew more excited, shouting louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene turned chaotic, like a massive fan meet, obstructing many passersby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Citizens, follow Imperial regulations!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah! Help! The officers are hitting people!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You lawbreaking scum are exactly who deserves it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the guards raised their batons and started \"educating\" personally did the players calm down and line up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the scene was already a mess—noise, complaints, and public resentment filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, it’s those useless ones again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell them to move. I need to get my order verified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What use are they to the Empire? Greedy parasites!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. They don’t belong in this sacred city basking in the Red Dragon’s light. They’re Isthalia’s shame!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial citizens’ harsh comments were cutting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These \"useless ones\" had a terrible reputation in Isthalia. As Starfallers, they had no homes and often just lay around anywhere, ruining the city’s appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever job or quest announcements came up, Starfallers would swarm the area and snatch jobs from locals by working for low pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still, Starfallers never seemed to rest, their numbers ever-growing, greatly affecting daily life in Isthalia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, angry citizens held marches under banners like \"Expel the Useless Ones\" and \"Clean Up Isthalia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even proposed a \"Deport New Starfallers\" bill in the Citizen Assembly. But after fierce debate, the matter was shelved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Starfaller problem\" remained unresolved and was only getting worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the citizens’ rising outrage, Mantou, disguised as a local, felt uneasy. He quietly asked, \"What’s going on? Why are all these newbie players gathered here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo pointed to a door engraved with the Ember crest in the distance: \"That’s the second official Imperial shop in town. They’re selling [Cassius’ Secret Treasures].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the words \"Cassius’ Secret Treasures,\" Mantou’s face darkened with bitter memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it... People still buy that scammy garbage?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo grinned mischievously: \"Not only do they buy it, they cleaned out the whole shop. These boxes can drop rare gear now. One good pull and you’re set for life. A lot of newbies grind day and night just to gamble on these. Most lose everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the excited crowd, Mantou shook his head. \"Tsk tsk. Poor newbies. Haven’t been crushed by evil devs yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s opening it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Otter Bro’s seventh box! Total whale!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loud chatter came from ahead. Even Mantou grew curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He climbed onto Noodles’ back and saw the famous streamer \"Big Otter\" surrounded by a crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Otter looked flushed and tense, staring at the box with a familiar grim expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rested his hand on the last box like a death row inmate and slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Time to witness a miracle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, Otter’s a born loser!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted with jeers and cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otter roared and flung open the box lid. \"Damn you, devs! GIVE ME LOOT!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clank—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blinding white light flashed. A stinky pair of pants lay inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otter collapsed to his knees, eyes vacant, muttering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saved gold for three months...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kobold’s Stinky Pants]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No way? That’s the legendary Loser Set?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only Otter Bro could pull a collector’s item like this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Getting a white item now? He’s basically a god in his own right!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another newbie lost their dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the all-too-familiar scene from Noodles’ back, Mantou chuckled, then sighed in mock sorrow:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Posterity shall weep but learn not. So shall future generations mourn again. Alas, what a tragic tale again—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside, he was already thinking: New content material secured!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo said impatiently, \"Alright, quit gawking. Go claim your bounty. We have important business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling sorry for Otter, Mantou dismounted and continued toward the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Office was still swarming with people, mostly bored players in beginner gear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So many people...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou couldn’t help but comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went to the task desk and handed the bloody sack to a tiefling receptionist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here. The head of the frost giant slave who started the riot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened the bag and frowned slightly. \"Sorry, Lord Viscount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Imperial rules, frost giants who awaken Eternal Frost power must be delivered whole to the Magic Ministry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you damaged the body, by standard policy... I can only give you half the reward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled apologetically. \"You could’ve just submitted a magical recording instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou, nearly in tears, took the five gold coins and slapped himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why the hell did he have to chop that head off!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the receptionist take back half the bounty, Mantou clenched his now-light pouch and swore to make up for the loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, I need to take more quests and earn that gold back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Singo’s mocking voice came from beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, you think there’s any left?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou looked at the quest board and was shocked to see only a few tasks remaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any new task was snatched up instantly by players crowding the counter, with more still queuing behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, some tasks had level restrictions, giving Mantou a chance to grab one under the hungry eyes of hundreds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo patted him on the shoulder. \"Mantou, haven’t you noticed? There are way too many players in the Empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the overcrowded hall, Mantou nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo added, \"According to official data, \"Erezaghe\" had 11 million active players as of yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of those, 3 million picked the Anzeta Wasteland—the Ember Empire—as their starting zone. But the Empire only has 8 million NPCs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And a large portion of those players chose Isthalia, the city of gold and opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching players fight over tasks like locusts, Mantou muttered, \"If this goes on, Isthalia’s resources won’t be enough. Damn, 3 million players—that’s more than the NPC population.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo adjusted his glasses. \"Conflicts between locals and players are nearing a tipping point. Internal sources say the Empire will soon implement policies to restrict entry of these ’useless ones.’\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou cheered and clapped. \"Yes! Finally limiting the newbies! Isthalia needs pros like me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo wagged a finger and sneered. \"Don’t celebrate yet. More players are joining \"Erezaghe\" every day. The Empire’s pie only gets smaller.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou panicked. \"Then what do we do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo smiled cryptically. \"You’ll see. Come with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou stabled Noodles at the Crimson Scale Garrison and followed Singo to a new place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stained glass windows, medieval architecture, glowing runes—this was [Magical Coin] Guild HQ, the Magic Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, they dropped their disguises and returned to their real appearances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flying witch nearby perked up. \"You’re finally here. The Guildmaster’s been waiting for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After greeting the receptionist, the two followed the witch to an elevator in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vmmm—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A magic circle beneath their feet glowed blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou looked down. \"Whoa, Permanent Gravity Spell! Your Magical Coin crew is loaded, using this stuff for elevators?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The witch scratched her head. \"We told the Guildmaster to install stairs, but he wouldn’t listen. He said the most important thing for a wizard is one word—flair.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Singo nodded. \"Your Guildmaster really is the #1 spender in Erezaghe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the gravity spell lifted them seven floors to the Magic Office’s top level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking past halls filled with oil paintings, they reached the conference room door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A statue atop the door stirred, slowly opening its eyes and mouth, speaking in a low, calm voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou eyed the talking statue. \"This door’s kinda fun.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enter, you ugly humans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou snapped, shouting, \"Watch it, you tasteless rock! Who are you calling ugly?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened before the statue finished. Charlotte, dressed in ornate robes and wielding a mithril staff, greeted them cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! You’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This many people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou looked in and saw over a hundred players—many familiar faces, including Born Battle Maniac and Summer Night Autumn Rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Singo declared proudly, \"Now do you get why I brought you? Everyone here is top-tier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou stood proudly. \"Told you I was a pro.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a reply, Mantou waved. \"Yo, Battle Maniac Bro! Long time no see!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born Battle Maniac rubbed his shiny bald head and greeted back. \"Not bad. You even made Viscount.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mantou asked, \"Why’d Charlotte gather so many people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summer Night Autumn Rain turned and smiled. \"For their specialty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What specialty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Double agent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charlotte unrolled a scroll and addressed the room mysteriously: \"Everyone—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look here! The Empire’s latest event: The Thrace Infiltration Mission! Grand release!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Want wealth? Magic scrolls? Contribution and experience points? Then join us in the south and become the Empire’s glorious infiltrators!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well damn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Charlotte beam, Mantou was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this was a mage’s sense of flair?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impressive. He actually made being a traitor sound so noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Charlotte finished, a translucent quest window appeared before Mantou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hidden Hero]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Issuer: Ember Empire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Requirements: Any class at level 8\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quest Description: The once-holy Kingdom of Fadlan has fallen. Three kings now battle savagely for power across the vast Feianso continent. Its people suffer, displaced and devastated by war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great and compassionate His Majesty Cassius cannot bear to see them suffer. He has decided to intervene and end this calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And you, warriors of the Empire, shall be the vanguard. Infiltrate the Kingdom of Thrace. Become the Hidden Heroes of the Ember Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>",1650,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","7810b3ca109d0738e0c8a91ac8f2f3f3aedc47016e775d59265d4c4779276bd4","ember-dragon-chapter-566","ember-dragon-chapter-564",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]