This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 236: Pet System Goes Live!

Chapter 236: Chapter 236: Pet System Goes Live!

Mind Interference Instrument!

This name sounds complicated right off the bat.

Especially when they read the equipment’s description, players with Intelligence attributes got instantly excited.

"Damn?!"

"Control Variants?!"

"Even the Death Claw is possible?!"

"Got it, the answer for the Intelligence system this version is a beast tamer!"

Although most players had not seen the horror of the Claw of Death, just reading the posts from Brother Fang Chang gave them a sense of it.

The squad with the highest combat power in the entire server, even possessing Awakeners and equipment, could only run if they encountered it.

Those Looters sent dozens of people, even resorted to rocket launchers, just to injure the damn thing.

For just 2000 silver, you could become the Death Claw’s daddy!

This was more than just a boost.

It was like taking off from where you stood, you know!

Compared to the ecstasy of the Intelligence players, players from other systems wore faces full of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Construction Boy with a Brick: "Damn, I need an Intelligence attribute higher than 10 to use it! I’m from the Strength Type, and even after Awakening, I’ve only reached 5!"

Debt Giant Eye patted his shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.

"From Level 0 to Level 10 you only get 2 points in a secondary attribute, the base Intelligence for the Strength Type is 3~4. So by that estimation, you might need to Awaken two more times. That’s from Level 30 to 40 probably, you should be good to go by then!"

Construction Boy with a Brick: "I’m crying here."

While everyone was still gossiping about the gear on the shelves, some had already decisively made their move.

Wild Wind: "Get me a set!"

Boss Xia took a set of equipment and laid it on the counter.

"It’ll cost you 2000 silver, and you need to make an appointment a day in advance for the surgery—you can schedule with Heya from the medical laboratory, or book it right here with me."

One was a metal collar, the other a head-mounted headset; judging by their appearance, it was clear the collar was meant for the Variant, and the headset was for human wear.

Wild Wind, having purchased the gear, didn’t linger at the door of the Weapon Shop. He thanked the seller and hurried off.

The others watched, stunned, then quickly came to a realization.

"Holy crap, don’t tell me there’s a limited quantity of these?!"

"I remember now! This stuff was seized from the Looters! They only had about 30 or so, right?"

"?!"

"Boss Xia! I want one too!"

"I’m in!"

"Get one for Tail as well!"

"Ah Wei, wake up, aren’t you from the Agile system? You definitely don’t have 10 Intelligence points."

Tail: !!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ

The 37 pieces of equipment that had just been put on the shelf were snatched up in less than five minutes.

Looking at the empty shelves, Xia Yan was dumbfounded, and silently took down the sign he had just put up.

Were these people insane?

Luckily, Xia Yan couldn’t understand what the players who bought the equipment were jabbering about, or he might have felt even more convinced of his current thoughts.

They were actually plotting to capture the Claw of Death?!

Had they lost all hope in life?

To run into that thing and escape was luck itself!

The Spring Water Commander, who quickly grabbed the last piece on the shelf, joyously put on the headset, enthusiastically clenching Old Soldier’s shoulder.

"Ha ha ha, good brother, I was just looking for you! Let’s go, let’s go catch us a Death Claw!"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group was immediately shocked.

"Holy shit, bro, are you freaking crazy?! The Claw of Death, man! That’s gotta be tougher to deal with than Mutants, right?!"

The exoskeleton he’d just gotten his hands on wasn’t even warm yet!

He had no intention of losing it like that!

Nonchalantly, the Spring Water Commander said, "You don’t know anything. Now is the best time to catch a Death Claw! Lizards are hibernating; if we don’t take advantage of this, are we going to wait until spring to offer ourselves up?"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group couldn’t help but retort: "I feel like even if you go now, you’re just offering yourself up!"

Not every lizard was trash.

For instance, the big guy that the Manager kept in the pen by the west gate didn’t seem to be afraid of the cold at all.

At most, it was just sleepier than usual.

However, it was the request of a good brother, and in the end, Old Soldier was persuaded, returned to the shelter to swap equipment, and also took off the newly acquired exoskeleton.

While coming out, he also called over I Max Black from the Perception system.

Although unlike the two awakened companions, I Max Black was still a bit short of Level 10, even unawakened, the Perception system was still decent for scouting.

Think of it as a free leveling session for him.

I Max Black, carrying a Sickle Assault Rifle, excitedly looked up at his two good brothers.

"Let’s go, where we fighting today?"

The Spring Water Commander studied the map, thoughtfully stroking his chin.

"Today we’re doing a big job."

I Max Black was excited, "Awesome! What’s the big job?"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group smirked.

"Death Claw, and we’re capturing it alive, big enough?"

I Max Black: "???"

Damn!

Is it too late to bail now?

...

Chu Guang had not expected that the 37 "Torch" Mind Interference Instruments he had just put on the shelf would be snatched up in less than five minutes.

When Boss Xia reported this to him, he was stunned for a good while before he could only smile wryly.

"I’ve been careless."

"I should have stocked them in batches."

Xia Yan gave him a puzzled look.

"What’s the difference?"

Chu Guang nodded.

"Of course, there’s a difference, after all, what I need is not the silver coins in their hands, but to maximize the value of the resources."

The pet stream wasn’t suitable for all players, and the Mind Interference Instrument wasn’t omnipotent.

There would certainly be some players who discovered that the expensive equipment they bought was not as useful as they had imagined.

Moreover, capturing Variants was not an easy task.

However, Chu Guang hadn’t expected his players to act so swiftly and decisively, buying without a second thought.

If he had known earlier, he would have added another restriction, requiring that only those who had scheduled surgery or captured a "surgical subject" would be eligible to buy.

But, in the end, it didn’t really matter.

Thinking about it from another perspective, this might even be a good thing.

When a game is first released, no one has a strategy guide; it’s only after some time that the experts come out with one. A similar situation occurs with the release of new heroes in MOBA games or certain DLCs in single-player games.

Having spent a lot of money on equipment, wouldn’t it be reasonable to put some thought into figuring out how to use it?

The more people use it, the more strategies will naturally emerge.

Xia Yan cocked her head, her expression somewhat blank.

She didn’t understand what Chu Guang was saying.

Not need silver coins?

Then why does the store still take money?

As for resources and value... it sounded too complicated; couldn’t he speak in terms that were easier to understand?

However, although he always said things that were hard to understand, he looked quite handsome when he smiled...

...

While the Intelligence System players were venturing into the wilderness with friends, embarking on a quest for mythical creatures, over a dozen kilometers away in Giant Stone City, the streets were buzzing with activity.

The last snowstorm was a week ago, and according to the weather forecast interspersed among the chatter on Voice of Giant Stone City, the coming week was all clear skies.

Though Haus, the blowhard behind the voice, couldn’t be taken at his word for everything, it still had been a week of sunny, good weather.

On the warmest day, temperatures even climbed above zero degrees!

Winter was waning.

Although there was still a month to go before the official start of spring, signs of recovery were evident across all trades, with factory orders backed up for two months. Goods in high demand like soap, lighters, matches, and antibiotics had even sold out their April stocks ahead of time, with all factories and workshops working overtime to produce them.

As for items like rifles and bullets that were always sought after, while their production was too high to run short, their prices had risen significantly.

According to past experience, the ground snow would be completely melted by February.

But the restoration of traffic was a matter of the next few days.

Pirate Bay Tavern.

The noise was deafening.

The clamor, like the spray of beer, even drowned out the bassist’s heavy metal music.

A busty, wasp-waisted waitress dressed as a pirate waded through the crowded tavern, catcalling whistles and all, to the wall, where she hammered fresh flyers onto a wooden board.

[Luhang Bird Trading Group is hiring guards, two-year contract, daily pay of 3 chips, double on attendance, with food, lodging and weapons provided, pay every half month.]

[The Redwood Logging Site is recruiting rangers, we’ve got a bunch of Night Badgers that need dealing with, salary negotiable.]

[Giant Stone City Military Industrial Complex needs a courier to deliver a package to the Wandering Swamp. Awakeners only, generous reward, details in person.]

[I’ll pay 1000 chips to have someone killed. If you’re interested, go find White Shark; if you meet my criteria, he’ll tell you what to do next.]

[...]

Although Pirate Bay Tavern wasn’t the biggest in Giant Stone City, it was undoubtedly the mercenaries’ favorite.

The place was affordable, the contracts plentiful, ranging from delivering parcels to the Province of Yúnjiānxíng to finding lost kittens, both varied and fairly priced.

The beauty who pinned up the orders now twisted her way back into the throng.

A group of burly men crowded around, eyeing the board with eager speculation.

"Luhang Bird Trading Group is hiring again? Didn’t they just hire a bunch last year?"

"I heard they’ve opened a new trade route, probably need more hands."

"Daily pay of 3 chips isn’t bad, and it’s double during active duty."

"What’s good about that? That’s barely enough for a drink; go big or go home."

"The Commercial Team heading to Garbage City needs temp workers, a two-month round trip for 1000 chips... but that place is dangerous; they say mutants are rampant there."

"Fortune favors the bold; I’m going to try my luck."

"Ha! Here’s hoping we see you back here in two months."

As everyone jostled towards the job postings, space at the bar naturally cleared up.

The bartender, busy wiping glasses, glanced at the man who took a seat at the bar and raised an eyebrow.

"What’s blowing you in this direction?"

"What kind of wind can blow in this ghastly weather? Give me a cup of hot honey water."

The man placed two white chips on the table.

Skillfully the bartender took the payment, fetched a freshly wiped glass, poured hot water from an iron kettle into it, then scooped honey into the glass with a slender spoon and placed the glass on the bar.

"Your hot honey water, Mr. Lister."

"Your service sure is getting sloppier, you’re letting customers stir their own drinks now, eh, White Shark?" Stirring with the spoon, Lister said with a smile.

White Shark.

The owner of Pirate Bay Tavern.

Guest bartending here was one of his few, relatively normal, pleasures.

The bartender gave a faint smile, offering no explanation, and making casual talk.

"What plans do you have for making money this year?"

Lister responded,

"I’m thinking of heading east, picking up some goods when I pass through Red River Town."

Bartender: "Yunjian Province?"

Lister shook his head.

"That’s too far."

"So you’re here to post a job?"

"No, I’m here for information," said Lister, looking at him. "I heard there’s unrest in River Valley Province."

The bartender smiled faintly and said, "You’re a bit late hearing about that now."

He paused for a moment before continuing,

"The army was defeated up north, and somehow a batch of weapons fell into the hands of the Looters. Those scoundrels wouldn’t dare to mess with the Grand Canyon, so they could only head south. I heard that the Slave Owners in Red River Town made a fortune. If you’re planning to go there, it might be worth taking some more kv-1 exoskeletons with you."

List made a mental note of this intelligence and nodded his head before speaking again,

"I’ve heard that the Chewing Bone Tribe has recently reached out to Qingquan City?"

The bartender spoke in a carefree tone,

"Yes, and the hillbillies in the ’North Suburb’ suffered great losses. You probably have a few less names on your client list now."

List cursed under his breath,

"Aren’t the Militia Group going to do anything about it? Those bandits have come right under our noses."

The bartender was indifferent,

"What’s there to manage? It’s just a few hundred-people villages after all."

Even if the people from the Chewing Bone Tribe were to raid every direction of Qingquan City, it wouldn’t affect this place.

Master Fang had no interest in them, and Giant Stone City had its own affairs to deal with; this was the official response.

Of course, if those blind Primitives dared to shoot at them, the power armor would quickly land on their heads.

The bartender pondered for a while, then suddenly spoke,

"...However, I’ve heard that the Chewing Bone Tribe took a fall in the ’North Suburb’."

List raised an eyebrow,

"Oh? Yet I’ve heard they came on fiercely."

The bartender chuckled, "They did come fiercely, but that was a month ago. Two thousand-team units, two consecutive defeats, and they’ve gotten their noses bloodied. A Blue Jacket that suddenly popped up in ’North Suburb’ beat them so badly they were left searching for teeth. I’ve heard that hundreds of captives were sent to clear land; those people really know how to manage captives."

Beaten by the Blue Jacket so badly they had trouble finding their teeth?

That was indeed something rare.

While each shelter had different circumstances, most Blue Jackets were generally seen as good guys; that was common knowledge in the Wasteland.

It was unexpected that the Blue Jackets from the ’North Suburb’ were so capable of fighting.

List couldn’t help but think of the group of people he met in Linghu Wetland Park a few months ago.

Was it them?

However, he couldn’t imagine how that mere group of dozens managed to win battle after battle against the two thousand-team units.

Power armor?

Or some kind of pre-war equipment.

List looked at him curiously,

"How did you know?"

Without hesitation, the bartender replied,

"There are at least twenty Looters sitting in this tavern, though they claim to be Mercenaries. How do you think I know?"

The heavy snow blocked the roads, clogging up the trade routes, but there would always be ways for one or two individuals to make it here.

Over the past two months, the streets of Giant Stone City might have been quieter, but that was only on the streets.

His bar never lacked for customers.

List’s face showed increasing interest, and as he inspected the honey water in his glass, he suddenly said,

"When the snow melts, I plan to take a look over there."

He smelled an opportunity!

The bartender replied, "Go ahead, there’s been quite a change in the ’North Suburb’ recently, and I’ve heard it’s developing well. Out with the old, in with the new, as they say about chips, and customers too, right?"

List said, "You’re absolutely right."

The bartender gave a chuckle, and while wiping the glass in his hand, he casually continued,

"However, I suggest you still be cautious; they’ve taken something that belonged to Torch."

"I’m not sure what that box means to ’Torch’, but those superstitious fanatics are definitely not going to let it go so easily."

"What does that have to do with me?" List said nonchalantly as he placed his empty glass on the table, standing up from the bar, and adjusting his collar, "I don’t do business in the south."

Torch’s power was in the south.

It was said to be a place known as Death Coast.

Just from the name, it was clear it wasn’t a good market for business, and indeed it never was.

It used to be ruled by a gang of Pirates and Looters, later by a bunch of holy men; in short, there weren’t many sane people around.

By comparison, he preferred to do business with corporations. Although they weren’t always trustworthy, at least he could make a secure profit.

The bartender said lightly,

"Just a piece of advice; you can take it or leave it."

"Thanks for the advice. When I make it big, I’ll come here and hire some more help." List waved his hand and, followed by his modified men, walked towards the bar’s door.

...

Evening came.

At the north gate of Outpost Base, the bustling stalls were festooned with lights, lively as if it were a festival.

Although they had just held a celebration for the New Year two days ago, this didn’t stop the people living here from hosting another party to celebrate yesterday’s triumph.

Black Snake was dead.

His followers, well over a thousand in number, were dead or had fled, and those who failed to escape became prisoners, sent to clear wilderness in the snow-covered fields.

And his own body was displayed on a gibbet at the north gate for all to see.

The Active Substance Extractor was working 24 hours a day.

Once all his followers had been processed into ingredients for the players’ rebirths, it would be his turn.

If he didn’t rot away by then, that was.

In any case, thanks be to Mother Nature’s bounty.

Thanks to the Chewing Bone Tribe for sending a batch of express delivery.

Today, the noodle prices finally didn’t go up, and the portions of Devil’s Frozen were even a bit more generous.

However, what really surprised everyone was not Crow Boss’s sudden outbreak of conscience but that Crow, who never went to the front lines or committed to the cause, also had an Awakening!?

That was big news.

As the mushroom stall just opened, a large circle of little players gathered around to watch.

"Just asking, but can you awaken just by picking mushrooms??"

"I remember Crow Boss is a Perception Type, right? Isn’t it only the Intelligence Types that can gain experience from life professions?"

"That’s unscientific!"

"Right! Mosquito is only at level seven or eight, isn’t he? Dark curtain!"

"Come clean, did you secretly collaborate with the game planners or what?"

"Hidden task! It must be a hidden task! Damn it, Crow hogging it all for himself!"

Seeing their impolite behavior, Crow felt a maddening itch in his teeth and glared at them while saying,

"What the hell! You people, I’ve been properly leveling up, you know?"

"I don’t just pick mushrooms!"

Damn it!

These people have actually forgotten that Tail and Si Si were apprentices she had taken under her wing!

However, it was clear that this statement wasn’t convincing at all, as nobody believed her.

Just then, someone suddenly asked,

"By the way, what Talent did Crow Boss unlock?"

As soon as this question was asked, it caused a huge stir.

Right.

What was Crow Boss’s Talent?

Pairs of eyes instantly looked at her with curiosity.

Feeling the gaze of so many people, Crow’s face reddened, she coughed dryly, and shifted her gaze away subtly.

"Alright, alright, stop asking, it’s getting annoying."

Everyone exchanged glances, which only made them even more curious.

Unfortunately, no matter how much they asked, Crow adamantly refused to say.

Maybe it was just really bad luck, unlocking a talent that was pretty useless.

This wasn’t uncommon on the forums.

Especially for players who started with innate talents, balancing it out was only normal.

After all, if they had pulled an SSSR, they would have already been bragging on the forums about it.

There’d be no reason to be at a loss for words.

...

After logging out.

Official website forum.

Spring Water Commander: "F*ck my life! I wandered outside for a day! Didn’t even see the shadow of a Dead Claw!"

Battlefield Atmosphere Group: "F*ck, you beat a brown bear and still not satisfied! You have to have the Dead Claw?"

Debt Giant Eye: "??? I want it! How much?"

Battlefield Atmosphere Group: "Too late, we already butchered it."

Debt Giant Eye: "Damn!"

Meat mountain big steamed bun: "QAQ"

Gnome King Riches: "Just out of curiosity, can this thing be used on a Crack Claw Crab?"

Wild Wind: "Not sure, but do Crack Claw Crabs have necks?"

Gnome King Riches: "F*ck, you’re right, I never noticed... they really don’t seem to have one!"

Canyon fugitive Mole: "Think about it from another angle, if you could hide the collar inside the Crack Claw Crab’s shell, wouldn’t that solve the problem of collars getting easily damaged?"

Fang Chang: "F*ck?! That’s something I hadn’t thought of! If we could control the Crack Claw Crabs, they seem just as useful as the Claw of Death!"

Edge Shoveling: "+1, against those with thick shells, even Iron Fist would need two shots to penetrate. If this thing makes it to the battlefield, it’s basically a mobile cover!"

Wild Wind: "The key point is that this thing also moves fast, and its close combat abilities are badass."

Night Ten: "It’s definitely a tank. (funny)"

Quit smoking: "F*ck, that’s visually exciting!"

Old White: "I’m going to ask the planners!!!"

After scrolling through the posts on the forum, Chu Guang finally understood why there were a bunch of private messages in his backend.

Good grief.

Asking him for strategies, no less.

If he had strategies, would he need to copy homework on the forums?

Thinking it over, Chu Guang felt it wasn’t appropriate not to reply when so many were asking.

Replying only to some players was even less appropriate.

So he posted a public thread and pinned it temporarily for one day.

Light: "The Pet System is still under development, everybody, please be patient. The initial design intent of the Mind Interference Instrument prop was mainly to enhance the gaming experience for players with an Intelligence System, as it’s hard to reflect the strength of Intelligence attributes directly in DPS in the current version."

"As for how to play with this equipment and how to maximize its advantages, I invite players to explore on their own."

"Moreover, it’s not just the Intelligence System players who have access to the Pet System. Some Variants on the Wasteland can also be tamed without the need for the Mind Interference Instrument."

"The most common ones are wolves, followed by mutated hyenas, and even rats. I believe many players have noticed that some Looters or experienced Hunters tame wolves or hyenas to utilize their sense of smell and perception of danger for hunting or avoiding threats."

"This function is not exclusive to NPCs; players can also use it, although it requires a bit of skill. For more gameplay on ’Wasteland OL’, please explore it yourselves in the game!"

After posting, Chu Guang shut down his computer and went to sleep.

These players could go 24 hours without sleep, wearing helmets to cultivate immortality, but he couldn’t keep up.

What Chu Guang didn’t anticipate was that almost at the same moment his post went up - just a second after the discussions of "which is stronger, Crack Claw Crab or Claw of death" and "let’s nerf the Intelligence System" - the players instantly erupted in excitement.

Tail: "!!! Then can Tail have two bears?"

Si Si: "Shocked, Ah Wei wants to stand on two bears."

Quit smoking: "Awesome! So, players of other systems can also have pets?!"

Elena: "Empire’s barbarian cavalry logging in. (funny)"

Canyon fugitive Mole: "Although I had speculated it before and never had confirmation... since the planner said so, it should be possible."

Difficult for the strong: "Speaking of, can Variant players also tame Variants? Or am I restricted to only raising rats. T.T"

Fang Chang: "I suddenly have a bold idea..."

Night Ten: "I have to ask, is it a serious idea? (funny)"

Fang Chang: "? I don’t understand what you’re saying, but... might need Garbage Jun’s cooperation."

Pick up trash 99 level: "F*ck, what do you want to do?"

Fang Chang: "We’ll talk once we’re online. (sideways glance laughing)"

Pick up trash 99 level: "???"

-

(Sorry, only 6K words today. I need to adjust my schedule; my thinking becomes sluggish at night, and my writing efficiency is too low. It used to be fine when I wrote 6K in the afternoon and another 6K in the evening, getting to bed by twelve. But the rhythm gets messed up if there’s a disruption any day. I’ve updated 210,000 words this month, should reach 250,000 by the end of the month, proving I haven’t been slacking off. I really haven’t been playing games... QAQ)