This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 243: Another Batch of Fresh Newbies Enters the Scene

Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Another Batch of Fresh Newbies Enters the Scene

The next morning dawned.

The commercial team that had rested for the entire night was now packing up their luggage, preparing to set out on their journey.

According to List’s plan, his commercial team would continue heading towards Red River Town, while a small detachment would travel light and return to Giant Stone City.

Of course, the group returning to Giant Stone City wouldn’t be going back empty-handed.

According to the contract between him and Chu Guang.

This team would carry 100 kilograms of Spirit Leaf and ten bolts of Devil Silk fabric.

A bolt of fabric is roughly 100 meters long, weighing just over 10 kilograms, mainly comprising some backlogged inventory.

As for the Spirit Leaf, it is a special product of the Greenhouse Ruins.

Some Waste Land Wanderers like to use it to make stimulating Spiritual Water or mix it into tobacco to roll cigarettes. However, this stuff is mildly addictive, and extensive use can easily lead to dependence.

Before the commercial team set off, Chu Guang found the Canyon’s fugitive Mole and Fang Chang.

These two brothers were the most understanding players among all, or rather, they had the strongest grasp of the game’s version.

He needed the two of them to do something for him.

This task was best suited for them alone.

"I have two important missions for you," he said.

When they heard this, the two players were first taken aback then a look of excitement flashed across their faces.

A hidden mission!

And an important one at that!

With this thought, Mole shivered with excitement and straightened his back, saying,

"I am at your service, honorable Manager, sir!"

So, the game does have an affection system!

He hadn’t forgotten all the courtesies he’d extended!

Fang Chang, standing beside him, was dumbfounded.

Goodness gracious.

This guy sure knows how to bootlick!

Before he had time to look down on Mole and fearing he might miss out, Fang Chang quickly followed up with a serious look on his face,

"I, too, am at your disposal, respected and great Manager, sir! For the glory of rebuilding the United Human, for the honor of Shelter No. 404, I am willing to go through fire and water for you, without any hesitation!"

Just bootlicking an NPC.

It’s not like he hasn’t buttered up NPCs in other games.

As long as it triggers a hidden mission, it’s not embarrassing!

Chu Guang: "..."

Although he hoped players would get competitive, he wished this competitiveness would be applied in more useful areas, not in giving him goosebumps.

After clearing his throat, Chu Guang decided to pretend he heard nothing and continued,

"The bitter winter has ended, and to proceed with our next step, we need to strengthen our communications with the surrounding areas."

"The commercial teams friendly to us are planning to head to Giant Stone City and Red River Town. I intend to send a representative to survey the local conditions, understand the living standards and morale of the survivors there, and most critically, learn about their needs."

Simply put, this was intelligence gathering and market scouting.

Chu Guang did not completely trust List. It was fine to delegate tasks to capable individuals, but it was essential to keep your own eyes open.

Luckily, these two players loved writing game guides.

He believed he wouldn’t even need to hint; just throw them over there, and they would surely turn the place upside down.

Just as Chu Guang had expected, after hearing what he said, the two little players’ eyes lit up with excitement.

Giant Stone City and Red River Town!

New maps!

And two new ones being opened at once!

Clearly, the game developers had finished designing the new maps but hadn’t fully released them yet, so they wanted to send two people for a test run first.

Both players immediately guessed the planners’ intentions, and their excitement grew even more.

"I’ll go to Giant Stone City!" Fang Chang was the fastest to respond, speaking up first.

Mole was half a beat slower, but he quickly snapped back to his senses.

"Damn, I want to go to Giant Stone City too!"

It was clear to any observer that the merchants from Giant Stone City were significantly more powerful than those from Red River Town.

After all, the commercial team stationed at the entrance was even using modified limbs, looking as if they walked right out of ’Cyber 2077.’

In contrast, the merchants from Red River Town, though they had visited twice, had a ’Wild West Big Brother’ vibe each time.

It was obvious at a glance who was wealthier!

Fang Chang looked towards Mole, attempting to bribe him to give way.

"Good brother, how about 200 silver coins for this opportunity?"

Mole: "Get lost, at least 300 silver coins!"

Fang Chang: "How about 250 silver coins, or else let’s roll dice or play rock-paper-scissors, which would be the fairest."

Mole said aggrievedly, "You bastard! Didn’t we agree that you wouldn’t compete with me next time? You really have the nerve to roll dice with me?"

Mainly because he had no faith in his own luck.

Fang Chang coughed.

"I was talking about auctions... I didn’t say anything about this kind of situation. Besides, I was the first to shout, so technically, you’re the one competing with me."

Mole: "@#%!"

Chu Guang: "..."

These two really treated him as if he weren’t there.

But that also made sense.

After all, he’d often played dumb using the identity of an NPC.

Ultimately, Mole weighed the pros and cons and in the end, opted for 250 silver coins.

"Rolling the dice and playing rock-paper-scissors both have a fifty-fifty chance, lose and the money’s gone."

"Besides, going to Red River Town isn’t so bad."

Although it’s obvious that Giant Stone City is more developed, it’s the less developed places that hold opportunities. Clearly, for a significant time to come, the focal point of Outpost Base’s trade will be outside of Qingquan City, not around the Third Ring.

Seeing that the two had confirmed their respective jobs, Chu Guang continued.

"I’ll arrange for a guard to follow you, serving as your translator, and helping you communicate with the locals."

"Remember, you represent the image of Shelter No. 404. I hope you will be mindful of your status and mission when you’re out there."

After listening to the Manager’s instructions, Fang Chang and Mole clasped their fists with serious expressions and said,

"Rest assured, Lord Manager!"

"Please leave it to us!"

...

The commercial team set out on their journey.

Fang Chang and Mole followed suit, waving goodbye to the other players at the south gate.

"Goodbye, brothers! Wait for our good news!"

"Don’t worry, we’ll bring the first-hand information to the forum!"

However, the players at the gate were not appreciative.

Especially when they saw the smug expressions on the faces of the two, their mouths tasted even more sour with jealousy.

"Damn these Exalted players!"

"MMP! It’s a dark curtain! Definitely a dark curtain!"

"I don’t care! It’s a rig if I wasn’t chosen! Unless they let me go too!"

"There must be some secret under-the-table deal going on."

Hearing this bunch of guys bad-mouthing them, Mole, the fugitive from the canyon, couldn’t help but retort,

"Dark curtain my ass! Opportunities are for the prepared, what do you know?"

Fang Chang also couldn’t help but add,

"That’s right! Do you know how hard we worked to grind for favor?"

Whether satisfied or not, in the end, only the two of them received the mission.

So it was that, amidst the envious and resentful stares of countless players, the two gleefully followed the commercial team and disappeared into the woods.

After leaving Wetland Park, the commercial team split into two. The main force continued along the planned route, heading to Red River Town located to the east of Qingquan City.

Another group returned to Giant Stone City with the Devil Silk and Spirit Leaf they had purchased from Outpost Base. Their mission was to buy equipment needed for a new factory and to recruit technicians capable of operating the devices.

As they moved farther from the park, Xu Shun, dressed in casual clothes, asked Qian Lai walking beside him,

"How long does it take to get to Giant Stone City from here?"

Qian Lai said with a smile,

"It depends on the number of people. If it’s a caravan like ours, it would take about three days if slow, and possibly two days if fast."

To think they’d have to spend a night outside.

Xu Shun nodded thoughtfully.

He grew up in North Suburb and only heard that Giant Stone City was bustling, but he’d never visited it. The road there was full of dangers, variants, and Looters, making it difficult for the average person to traverse alone.

The nearby guard chimed in,

"You need to be cautious on the road. We’re too far apart, and we encountered Looters when coming here. Though they didn’t attack us, it might be a different story when there are fewer of us... Let’s avoid that area soon."

Xu Shun was surprised,

"There are still Looters?"

Qian Lai laughed,

"Just some small fry hiding in the ruins. These kinds of things are common. Maybe some of them were mercenaries or traders yesterday, and for some reason, they decide to switch to an easier life the next day."

The guard added,

"They’re like cockroaches that crop up when you least expect them and you can never get rid of them all."

Hearing this, Xu Shun instinctively tightened his grip on the rifle he carried on his back.

Seeing his serious demeanor, Qian Lai couldn’t help but find it amusing and teased,

"Brother, how old are you this year?"

"Seventeen."

"Seventeen? Then I’m a few years older than you. I’m turning twenty in a few months."

Xu Shun looked at the brother with surprise,

"You don’t look it."

He had thought this guy was as old as Ji Xiang...

"If you started roaming the lands with a boss like I did at twelve, by the time you reach my age, you’d also seem as old as an elder."

Qian Lai pointed to his weathered face and said with resignation,

"Like our boss, can you tell by looking that he’s just over thirty?"

Xu Shun nodded, half-understanding,

"I see."

"But our Manager... looks quite young."

Qian Lai shook his head,

"Don’t ever think that. The Blue Jackets in the refuge, you can’t tell their age by their faces. He might look twenty, but for all we know, he could be a hundred-year-old monster."

Xu Shun: "Is that even possible?!"

Qian Lai: "You haven’t been to many places. You’ll know once you travel more."

Fang Chang, who was walking beside them, had a completely baffled expression, staring at the VM for a long time and saw no subtitles pop up.

What on earth were these two talking about?

...

Shortly after the commercial team departed, a fresh batch of bright-eyed newbies finally reached the time when the game was unlocked.

Shelter No. 404’s B3 level.

The plaza in front of the elevator was swarming with people, and the noisy chatter melded into one loud hum.

"Holy shit?! Is this really virtual reality?!"

"Awesome! I almost went to see a neurologist, never expected it to be real!"

"Am I dreaming? This isn’t a dream, right? Waaah, if this is a dream, please don’t let me wake up!"

This light!

This wall!

And this incredibly realistic sense of touch!

Many people still hadn’t recovered from their shock.

At this moment, a player started shouting in the square.

"Brothers, I am Silver Sword! Where are my two companions?"

Someone quickly responded to him.

"Silver Hand here!"

Silver Sword walked up joyfully and shook his hand.

"Good brother, have you seen Silver Shield?"

Silver Hand shook his head, "I haven’t seen him. I don’t know where that guy ran off to, I’ve been looking for a while and haven’t seen anyone with that ID."

Silver Sword was confused, "Did he get the pre-order qualification?"

Silver Hand: "He did, I even specifically asked him earlier! Then, after entering the game and calling out for ages, I haven’t heard anyone reply."

Just then, a voice suddenly came from nearby.

"Are you guys Silver Hand and Silver Sword?"

They turned around and saw a man with short hair standing there.

That sly smile gave him away, and they immediately recognized him as their good brother.

"Fuck, where the hell have you been?"

"Been searching for you half the day."

The man gave a sheepish smile, a bit embarrassed.

"Uh, actually, my ID isn’t Silver Shield."

Silver Hand was startled, "Then what is it?"

Silver Daddy: "Silver Daddy."

Silver Hand: "???"

Silver Sword: "You motherfucker! Didn’t we agree on Silver Shield when registering IDs?"

Silver Daddy: "Hehe, good boy."

Silver Sword: "Damn it!"

Silver Hand: "Fucking hell!"

The entire B3 level hall was filled with the noise of chatter.

Since the game was mostly spread through word of mouth in various groups, many people knew each other outside of the game.

As soon as the server opened, everyone started recognizing their kin.

Standing next to the elevator, Tail stroked his chin, nodding sagely.

"Oh, not bad, the rookies this year are pretty spirited!"

Si Si: "Wei, have you decided which one to pick?"

Tail: "No rush, no rush, Tail has decided to look a little longer!"

Si Si: "If you wait any longer, the good quality rookies will be snatched up."

Tail: "Damn, I’ll just have to pick the biggest one then!"

Si Si: "...?"

The veteran players were all scouting for newbies to "pass the torch" to, which is an old tradition of Wasteland OL.

As for the rookies, most were still completely bewildered.

Although there had always been promotional videos and game CGs released on the official website, urban legends surrounding Wasteland OL were always a hotly debated topic.

If you put yourself in their shoes, it’s easy to understand. If a company claimed they had mastered controllable nuclear fusion technology, then released a bunch of PPTs and contrived a few videos about controlled fusion power generation, but did not connect the generator sets to the grid, probably anyone would suspect a scam.

The helmet was only effective when worn, and others wearing it couldn’t even see the countdown, so even those who received the beta test qualifications had difficulty proving it to others through simple means.

Everyone had different information, different values, and different perspectives.

But does that matter?

Obviously, it does not.

When something is doubted, naturally, there will be people who believe.

And at this moment, all the players standing here, as well as those who filled in the pre-order forms, are unanimously the believing kind.

Even if it’s with mixed feelings of skepticism and belief.

However, for those setting foot here, all doubts vanished in an instant.

The countdown reset like a key, and in front of them, it unlocked a brand new world.

A door was opening to them.

Disbelievingly looking at their own hands, then at the walls around them, Wang Haiyang reached out to knock on the wall, his expression dumbfounded.

"I didn’t lie to you, right?"

A stranger’s voice came from the side.

Wang Haiyang turned his head to look and saw a thin man with a mechanical arm in place of his right one, standing there smiling at him.

Wang Haiyang was momentarily stunned.

His instinct made him recognize the man’s identity.

"You are... Yan Feng?"

Wild Wind cleared his throat.

"Don’t call me that in the game..."

Wang Haiyang immediately realized his faux pas and sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

"Sorry, the game’s too lifelike... I didn’t even realize we were in the game," Wild Wind said.

"That’s very normal, everyone is like that at the beginning. Your reaction is already one of the calmer ones," Wang Haiyang wondered aloud.

"How did you recognize me?"

"It’s habitual movements, mannerisms, and various aspects, like the way you scratched your head just now," Wild Wind thought for a moment and said, "It’s hard to specifically describe the feeling; perhaps it’s intuition. After all, I do have a perception of 7 points now."

Wang Haiyang responded, still puzzled, "Perception?"

Wild Wind explained patiently.

"Wasteland OL set up five attributes: strength, agility, constitution, intelligence, and perception. Players’ initial characters correspond to five sequences, but there are a few lucky ones who can choose special characters, like that clueless lizard beside me."

Pick up trash 99 level: "Damn it! Stop calling me clueless! I already have 4 points in intelligence, okay?"

Wild Wind nodded and continued to use himself as a sample to explain.

"The baseline for attributes is 5; 4 points of intelligence roughly equates to 80% of an average adult male’s intellectual level. It has nothing to do with IQ but is purely about the activity level of neural cells."

Wang Haiyang asked, stunned, "How is this reflected in the game?"

"It’s hard to describe," Wild Wind thought for a moment and said, "Anyway, you just wait until the Novice Instructor gets through the opening animation. By the way, what’s your ID?"

Upon hearing this question, Professor Wang Haiyang smiled embarrassingly and cleared his throat before saying,

"Well, um... End-of-the-world Lone Wolf."

Wild Wind: "..."

Pick up trash 99 level: "..."

Seeing their reaction, the Lone Wolf brother suddenly became anxious.

"Is there something wrong with this name? I use the same name in other games too."

Wild Wind sighed, "Nothing. It’s just a name with a sense of the times."

Initially thinking his hesitance was due to some embarrassing ID, it turned out to be this.

Pick up trash 99 level also sighed.

"Yeah... It’s nostalgic. Reminds me of when I played the Legendary Blood."

Lone Wolf: "???"

At this moment, Night Ten suddenly leaned over.

"To be honest, do you have any relation to End-of-the-world Lone Wolf?"

Lone Wolf replied with a blank face,

"What’s that?"

"Nothing, this friend here is quite young and often says some odd things. Don’t take it to heart," Wild Wind coughed dryly and swiftly changed the subject, continuing to speak to him,

"Anyway, just wait for the cutscene to finish. After the process is done, I’ll tell you some basic settings and how to play the game."

Lone Wolf nodded excitedly.

"Alright."

...

The process for the cutscene was very short.

In simple terms, everyone was a resident of an underground refuge, carrying the expectations of many to the surface to complete the great cause of restoring United Human.

Standing beside Lone Wolf, Wild Wind continued to speak.

"The game’s background is set in science fiction, but in most cases, you might have to fight using primitive methods."

"But the battles that needed fighting have recently finished, and the content of this version is mainly about farming. Now’s the time when you come in handy."

Lone Wolf had a bittersweet expression.

"Come on, am I being turned into a tool just as I enter the game? But I’m just a newbie; how can I be of any help?"

A smile appeared on Wild Wind’s face.

"That’s where the game’s features come in. Level isn’t the only factor determining strength, and the gameplay isn’t just limited to leveling up. You can farm, craft by hand, or even develop industry."

Lone Wolf was stunned, "Develop industry?!"

In a game?

Wild Wind nodded.

"Yeah, that’s also what makes this game unique. Designs that can be realized in reality can also be replicated in the game."

Lone Wolf asked, "How is that even possible?!"

Wild Wind shook his head and said,

"I don’t know. My understanding of these technologies is no different from the average person’s. But according to the official website, they have used some kind of dream interference technology, and with the aid of users’ cognition, they’ve established an almost entirely realistic physics system. For instance, if a group of players is aware of what the acceleration due to gravity is and reaches a consensus on it, then the game’s acceleration due to gravity will be that... at least that’s what they claim."

Lone Wolf pressed on, "What if there’s disagreement on certain aspects?"

Wild Wind replied, "Maybe they will consult experts for verification, or maybe it will be treated as a black box issue. The game company hasn’t provided much explanation about the technical details of the game; honestly, I am skeptical about some of what they’ve said... The most terrifying aspects, in fact, affirm another suspicion of mine. But baseless suspicion is meaningless. Perhaps answers will come after the game enters public testing."

Lone Wolf did not inquire further and nodded.

"Okay... Anyway, is there something I can help with?"

Wild Wind kept speaking.

"First, you need to accept the Pass the Torch quest. I’ll take you to level three, get the VM and go from there."

"By level three, you’ll basically have some ability to defend yourself. For an Intelligence System, perhaps level five or higher is needed. But to experience the complete part of the game, you must first reach VM."

Lone Wolf asked curiously, "What’s VM?"

Night Ten, standing to the side, chimed in.

"Simply put, it’s your game menu, including the character interface and such. Once you reach the Citizen level, you can buy it with some money. Right now, it’s gone up to 100 silver, right? But that’s not important. The task rewards have increased too; it’s not too hard to grind, and you’ll naturally afford it once you level-up your Contribution Points to Citizen level."

Damn?

You even have to buy the game system interface?

Lone Wolf looked completely baffled.

This is way too realistic...