This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 238: The Method of Taming Variants and Spring Plowing Preparations!

Chapter 238: Chapter 238: The Method of Taming Variants and Spring Plowing Preparations!

Ever since the developer drew a big pie about the "Pet System" on the forum, it’s been a whole three days.

As of now, aside from the hundreds of experience posts about pet breeding on the forum, no player has successfully tamed a Variant from the Wasteland.

However, it’s not fair to say there have been no gains.

At least during this time, Chu Guang has seen many new species at the market by the North Gate that he had never seen before...

In the square in front of the sanatorium.

Looking at the Spring Water Commander who had just returned from outside, Spare people under the knife, who was leading a construction crew at work, teased with a smile on his face.

"Brother Spring Water, did you catch a Dead Claw?"

Recently, there has been a flurry of construction at Outpost Base, with the respawn point northward turning into a large construction site. On one hand, many players have upgraded to Intermediate Citizen, allowing them to purchase land up to 50 square meters. On the other hand, more and more NPCs have been settling nearby.

As the chief architect of Wasteland OL, his architecture proficiency level has been grinded to Level 6!

It’s said that achieving Level 10 unlocks achievements, and being the first to max out proficiency would get you into the Hall of Fame, but it’s been getting harder and harder to level up since Level 5.

The Spring Water Commander hadn’t opened his mouth yet when the Battlefield Atmosphere Group beside him started cursing and complaining.

"Catch my ass, I’ve been out all day and ran into six dogs! I knocked out a bunch of cockroaches and bloodsuckers, but damn it, I didn’t see a single Death Claw!"

The Spring Water Commander also sighed and said,

"It’s too difficult, can’t find it at all."

"I followed the official guide to the letter and checked all the landmarks on the map where the Death Claws might appear, ended up finding all sorts of weird stuff, but not a single Death Claw!"

Like the water treatment station they visited today, which has a collapsed structure twenty meters below the surface with radiation levels in the medium threat zone and an abandoned backup reactor. There should theoretically be Death Claws nesting there.

However, when they got there, all they found were blood-sucking insects the size of washbasins and cockroaches crawling all over the place, along with the dim-witted Eaters.

Luckily, due to the high activity level of the Variants there, some materials could be recovered.

After clearing out the Variants, the silver coins and Contribution Points they got as a reward for reporting the resource spot weren’t bad and brought in a small profit.

Otherwise, they might not have even earned back the cost of their bullets.

Although Spring Water and Old Soldier looked frustrated, I Max Black, who followed them, had a face full of joy.

"Awesome! Hahaha! I’m finally Level 6!"

"Damn it, this game is way too hard to level up!"

Elsewhere.

In front of the market at the North Gate, a large crowd had gathered.

Autumn Leaves, sitting next to her sister, curiously glanced in the direction of the crowd.

She saw a large crab lying there, with its high shell covered in muddy silt and algae leaves.

Recognizing what the big guy was straight away, Autumn Leaves’ mouth watered, and she excitedly pointed in that direction and said,

"Sister! Look over there!"

Crab meat patties!

Mashed potatoes with crab meat!

And crab roe mixed with noodles!

The market is sure to have so many delicious foods next week!

Looking in the direction her sister was pointing, Autumn Grass’s face was also filled with surprise.

In her mind, Crack Claw Crabs were very dangerous Variants, and even the bravest warriors and hunters from the tribe wouldn’t consider them hunting targets.

The fact that these Blue Jackets could include such terrifying creatures in their recipes and hunt them one after another was simply amazing...

It would be great to bring one back to the village.

As the sisters were reflecting, little did they know that these players actually had no intention of killing this thing.

Instead, they intended to capture it as a pet.

Unfortunately, the crab was just too tough!

Like most arthropods, it maintained a strong will to fight while conscious, right up until its life was ended.

Even with its legs blown off and its shell caught in Devil Silk, it still vigorously attacked the approaching people with its large pincers.

Out of helplessness and to minimize losses, Edge Shoveling had no choice but to kill the tricky big one they had finally found with an anti-armor wooden-handle grenade.

At this moment, standing next to that large crab corpse, Edge Shoveling was haggling with Scrambled Eggs with Tomato.

A Crack Claw Crab’s body could sell for 400 silver, which was the NPC warehouse’s purchase price, essentially the market’s guide or base price.

At the market by the North Gate, if other players were buying, an increase of 3% to 10% was normal.

Unless it was a particularly hot item, it’s rare for the price to rise by more than 20%.

By the way, due to inventory decline, the price of the Iron Fist Rocket Launcher has recently increased to 80 silver, and it looks like it’ll have to reach 100 to stop.

Due to Mole Old Brother’s post detailing the weaknesses of the Crack Claw Crab, lately, many newcomers have become gambling hounds.

So, for a mere 80 silver coins, one could buy an Iron Fist Rocket Launcher and seek out a Crack Claw Crab hibernating in a cave for a surefire headshot.

If it hits the sweet spot, right in the skull or even just beside it, it would be enough to kill it instantly and ensure the integrity of the catch.

That sounds like a golden opportunity to strike it rich.

But on the flip side, if the shot misses, or if the crab gets accidentally awoken,

one could end up wasting several days’ worth of effort for nothing...

"...410 silver, that’s as high as I can go. Any higher and I can’t afford it," Tomato Scrambled Eggs said, shaking his head in response to Edge Shoveling’s asking price of 450 silver.

When Edge Shoveling heard his offer getting slashed by 40 silver, he couldn’t help but blurt out,

"Damn! You thick-browed fella, when did you start pinching pennies like Mosquito!"

Debt Giant Eye chimed in from the side,

"Exactly! A crab meat pie sells for two silver coins! This crab here must weigh at least a ton; surely 100 kilograms of crab meat isn’t asking too much, right? 1000 crab meat pies is reasonable, isn’t it?"

Construction Kid and Bricks: "Holy shit, flip that for 2000 silver! An exoskeleton set in the bag! That’s too ruthless, way too ruthless."

Tomato Scrambled Eggs rolled his eyes.

"Do you think wheat comes for free? What about the spices? Do you think people will buy whatever you make?"

"Besides, that’s an exaggeration. Getting 90 kilograms of crab meat is more realistic, and it’s not even autumn."

However, he wasn’t entirely honest about one thing.

Crab meat pies actually sell pretty well.

After all, not all players go back to base for meals, especially at lunchtime, when most folks make do with what they have on hand.

The noob players with empty pockets usually bring along a wheat cake or some jerky, soak it in water to eat; some of the more hardcore ones just gnaw on it directly.

This way of eating can hardly be called flavorful, and the texture is nearly nonexistent; at most, it keeps one’s stomach full and prevents the debuff of low blood sugar, which can weaken combat power.

Economically better-off veteran players, on the other hand, might spend an extra silver or two to buy buns, steamed bread, or meat sandwiches. These options are not only convenient and tasty but also provide a more balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy physique in the long run can even lead to a 1-5% buff in attributes due to the strong body bonus.

The crab meat pies, born from the festival, are also a good choice. Whether sandwiched in bread or eaten straight, they offer substantial calories, and the taste is quite good.

Even for the average big eater among the Awakeners, two 200g crab meat pies are usually enough to fill up. Strength-type players might eat more, but generally, three pies are sufficient.

In the end, the giant crab was sold for 420 silver coins.

The four people on Edge Shoveling’s side each got 105 silver coins. Even after deducting the cost of ammunition, the profit was still considerable.

Tomato Scrambled Eggs was also busy, bringing over pliers, a hammer, and steel nails, ready to start carving out the crab meat from the shell.

Some life-skill players and Indigenous People squatted by, curiously watching, ready to pick out some well-shaped crab shells to buy for one or two silver coins each to use as armor.

A thumb-thick slice of crab shell could block three 7mm bullets from a distance of 100 meters.

If broken up and wrapped in Devil Silk to create small armor plates stuffed into clothes, it could even simulate the effect of composite bulletproof vests!

Such unique gear was indeed unique to the Wasteland.

Just then, Mosquito Brother sauntered over and grabbed Tomato Scrambled Eggs, who was processing the Crack Claw Crab, and asked,

"Bro, you gonna use these crab shells for anything?"

Tomato Scrambled Eggs was startled,

"Crab shells? Not really... What do you need them for?"

Mosquito let out a sly laugh,

"Well, it’s none of your business, but how about I give you 10 silver coins for it?"

Tomato Scrambled Eggs rolled his eyes again,

"Buzz off. At least 50 silver, or don’t even think about it."

Mosquito: "Damn! You’re not even using them!"

Tomato Scrambled Eggs said with no patience left, "I could sell them to someone else, couldn’t I? Go ask around, see if anyone wants them."

After failing to score a good deal, Mosquito looked disappointed, but in the end, he still forked over the money.

The surrounding players, realizing that Mosquito had cut in and snatched away the material they were after, dispersed, cursing under their breaths.

Only the Indigenous People remained, unclear about what had just happened.

"Let’s make this clear, don’t damage the front shells; they’re mine now."

Looking at Mosquito’s pained face, Tomato Scrambled Eggs grinned and said,

"Relax, you know my skills. But still, what do you need all these crab shells for? Even though they’re sturdy, they’re not as useful as steel, right?"

"You just don’t get it," Mosquito chuckled, "Do you know how expensive steel is? A tonne of steel goes for several thousand silver! These crab shells are almost as strong as steel, with their only fault being slightly heavier, but that’s not a big issue!"

"Such a natural composite material has proven itself in combat against light weapons! I’m planning on adding an engine to power a few machine legs, put a cannon in front, and mount a machine gun on the back. Wouldn’t that be far cooler than a live Crack Claw Crab?"

Listening to this, Tomato Scrambled Eggs was taken aback, looking at Mosquito with disbelief.

"Holy crap... that’s pretty intense, isn’t it?"

He grinned, not missing the chance to be modest,

"Keep it low-key, keep it low-key."

...

As players were pondering over how to make the best use of untamed Variants, their most beloved game designer was also thinking of solutions for them.

Bull Horse Brick Factory.

Chu Guang quickly located the previously captured Gray Wolf through the foreman, Yang Ergou, here.

This guy had surrendered willingly and had given up intelligence on the Lion Tooth thousand team, earning lenient treatment. Although he couldn’t avoid punishment and labor, at least his workload was slightly lighter, playing with mud.

Initially, when Chu Guang summoned him, Gray Wolf was somewhat nervous.

After all, Black Snake’s corpse was still hanging at the north gate.

Although he wasn’t a subordinate of Black Snake, he was still pretty shaken up.

However, after hearing the purpose of Chu Guang’s visit, Gray Wolf felt a little relief in his heart.

At least he was still somewhat useful to these people.

He shouldn’t end up like Black Snake...

"Variants like Hyenas and Wolves, through conventional taming methods, it’s difficult to eliminate their wildness. To completely tame them, you must start from when they’re cubs."

Chu Guang pondered for a moment and then asked,

"How long does it take for a mutated hyena to grow up?"

Gray Wolf replied,

"A year and a half, or two years."

Even the fastest growth is a year and a half... It’s a bit faster than the Army’s Clones, but this time is too long.

And just a single Hyena can hardly form effective combat power; it’s only slightly stronger than mutated mice and cockroaches, or bullying brainless Eaters.

Mutant Snow Wolves are slightly stronger, but the average combat power is around Level 3, with a few individuals that can reach Level 5, and those would be the alpha wolves.

Spending two years, consuming a large amount of food and energy, to cultivate a Level 3 combat power, from a cost perspective, truly isn’t economical.

Pets are indeed just pets.

It’s quite challenging to use them as battle companions.

Chu Guang continued to ask,

"Is there any way to tame adult Hyenas or wild wolves?"

Gray Wolf’s expression seemed troubled, but he reluctantly nodded.

"There is, but it’s not easy... and if their wildness can’t be eliminated, it’s hard to make them effective."

"No matter, as long as there’s a way, that’s enough."

Saying this, Chu Guang threw a VM to him, which didn’t have the mission release function, only the unlocked recording feature.

"Describe all the methods and experiences of taming and breeding wild beasts orally. If it proves to be useful, it can reduce your sentence."

Gray Wolf’s expression brightened up, immediately saying,

"Rest assured, sir! I’ll tell everything I know!"

Chu Guang nodded.

"It would be best to do so."

Later, he would have Xiao Qi organize the contents of the recording into notes and update them in the official website’s database. That should provide some reference for his little players.

In fact, more than Hyenas and Wolves, he was looking forward to his little players taming some more awesome Variants.

Chu Guang believed that, given enough time, with their intelligence and creativity, they would definitely find a way.

...

A week had passed since the "Spring Thunder" operation, and the sunny days in the North suburb of Qingquan City continued. The last heavy snowfall seemed to be a thing of two weeks ago.

What was knee-deep in snow yesterday barely covered the calves today.

Everyone could feel that the harsh winter was fading away.

Life was beginning to thaw.

But the threat from the north had not subsided.

In preparation for the coming war, both players and the survivors in the North Suburb were actively gearing up for battle.

However, as the Manager, Chu Guang had to consider not only military issues at this moment,

But also next year’s food production.

More and more factual evidence had proven that post-Awakening players not only had strong combat power but also had astonishing appetites.

In fact, not just after Awakening, the amount of food the players consumed was already 1.5 to 2 times that of the Indigenous People. As their levels increased, it could even reach a shocking three times by Level 10.

For a moment, Chu Guang didn’t know whether to complain that the Indigenous People were living too frugally, or if his players were just too big of eaters.

If it hadn’t been for Black Snake delivering a shipment, just the small reserve of food in the warehouse might not have lasted till the end of next month when the corn at the Greenhouse Ruins would be ready to harvest.

To recruit more players into the Game.

The cultivation of the lands North of Rhombus Lake must be prioritized as soon as possible!

In the meeting room of Changjiu Farm, Luka meticulously reported the work situation to Chu Guang, who had come to inspect the Work.

"Sir, spring plowing is about to begin, and although we have enough rifles, we cannot plough the land with bayonets and rifle butts."

"Those slaves... I mean, war prisoners, they can bear the harshest pioneering work, but digging with sticks and hands is too inefficient. Even if we worked them to death in the fields, we couldn’t complete the production tasks."

"We need at least 1200 sets of farming tools, including hoes, rakes, shovels, and some seeding carts, as well as transportation tools like hand carts. Since we don’t have enough livestock, we will probably have to rely on human labor instead."

Chu Guang pondered for a moment and asked.

"How much do we have in stock?"

Luka said with a wry smile.

"Sir, we don’t have any stock... The entire industrial zone’s capacity is being used to produce weapons. The mere one hundred and twenty sets of tools we do have, came from towns like Highway Town and several other Survivor Settlements, but the quality of their tools is poor, and less than half are made of metal."

Chu Guang felt a slight embarrassment upon hearing the helpless tone in Luka’s voice.

The external pressure to survive was evident; he admitted that he had perhaps been overly militaristic recently, but that was out of necessity.

Besides, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The military industry had stimulated steel production capacity. Once steel production was up, wouldn’t making some farming tools be easy-peasy?

"I’ll figure something out," Chu Guang mused for a moment and then promised, "I’ll try to come up with three hundred sets of tools for cultivating the land within a week, and aim to fill all the gaps before the end of the month. What about our neighbors? Can we borrow some from them?"

Luka thought and then said.

"Brown Farm might have some, but probably not enough. To my knowledge, even including their indoor cultivation area, they don’t have more than 400 acres of farmland."

acres...

Chu Guang shook his head.

"That’s too little."

From the North of Linghu to Elm District Forest, there lay over 100 square kilometers of Wasteland, which amounted to 150,000 acres.

acres was barely enough to fill a gap in the teeth.

In Chu Guang’s plan, the first phase was to cultivate 30,000 acres to ensure at least 30,000 people could be fed and some cash crops could be produced to supply the industrial zone with raw materials such as plant fibers, oil, rubber, and so on.

It wasn’t just a shortage of tools.

Manpower was also a major issue.

In the absence of automated equipment, man-power had to be piled on. A rough estimate suggested that to cultivate these 30,000 acres, at least 1,000 to 3,000 people would need to be mobilized.

At present, there were about 700 war prisoners available for use.

The Refugee Camp currently housed over 1500 people, but the number of able-bodied laborers among them might only account for half, and part had already been absorbed by the industrial zone.

The reason the players’ rifles and bullets could be sold so cheaply was thanks to these people sweating on the assembly lines.

Children under the age of 12 were of no use. Even if the able-bodied women and elderly were put into production, they could probably muster only 400 to 500 people.

After pondering for a moment, Chu Guang speculated.

"We can distribute some of the production tasks to players who enjoy farming, designing a unique farming gameplay."

"If the effect is good, we can apply for more land."

But farming is a technical job.

And it requires patience.

Farming in Wasteland OL isn’t quite the same as managing a Penguin Farm.

Planting and harvesting isn’t just a couple of mouse clicks and done. Not only do you need to sow the seeds, but you also need to water, fertilize, deworm, and fend off the Wasteland’s unique Variants and extreme weather conditions.

The climate on the Wasteland isn’t as favorable as in real life.

Even in the less radioactive suburbs, occasionally a couple of oddly colored clouds would drift by. When it didn’t rain, it was fine, but once it rained the situation could get quite bad...

After listening to Luka’s report, Chu Guang continued to look towards Wrench, who was waiting on the side. Judging by his facial expression, it seemed he had good news to share.

Without waiting for the Manager to ask, Wrench saw that Luka had finally finished speaking, stepped forward, and took the initiative to speak.

"Sir, I have an important matter to report to you!"

"Speak."

Suppressing the elation in his heart, Wrench said excitedly.

"The Looters stationed at Far Creek Town have pulled out!"

Withdrawn?

Chu Guang was slightly taken aback before his expression changed.

Damn it!

Letting those damn dogs get away!