In the end, Fang Zheng chose to exchange 30 points of Dimensional Count and kept the remaining Crystal Energy. In the game "Dimensional Codex," Soulstones are not unique. Each Soulstone has its own usage limit, and once used up, it's gone. Of course, there are ways to change this. Players can also obtain Reinforcement Stones and Energy Stones, the former can fully enhance a Soulstone by +1, and the latter can replenish the used times of a Soulstone.
Why specifically mention these two? Because just now, Fang Zheng happened to draw these two... Well, it's really a sad story.
Returning to the main topic, "Dimensional Codex" has a battle system centered around the character created by the player. This actually goes beyond the scope of general mobile games and is closer to the style of online games. Players always need to enhance themselves. Equipment can be obtained through instance drops and rewards, while skill enhancements can be acquired by completing tasks. Crystal Energy can be exchanged for more visual enhancements, and of course, some rather rare items. For example, accessories that increase equipment drop rates, or consumables that enhance player attributes.
Even in instances, Crystal Energy can be used to unlock some rather rare features.
Currently, Fang Zheng was eyeing a ring in the shop. It's called the "Soul Ring." Its function is to grant the user 30 extra item slots, +3% equipment drop rate, automatic loot collection of dropped equipment, and a 5% chance to absorb Power of the Soul when defeating an enemy. The most important aspect is the "5% chance to absorb Power of the Soul." According to the "Dimensional Codex" setting, Soulstones use Power of the Soul. Hence, using a Soulstone equals consuming Power of the Soul. The "Soul Ring" absorbs Power of the Soul, so even without Energy Stones, the usage count can be restored once enough Power of the Soul is absorbed.
Of course, according to Fang Zheng's settings, this ring could be obtained in two ways: either grind through difficult instances and hope for it to drop, or buy it directly. It's not expensive... 520...
For players, it might just be the difference between grinding and cashing in, but as a designer, Fang Zheng knew very well that every high-tier cash item had an added hidden "luck value +1." This means that a player clad in cash items has a much higher chance of obtaining rare items when fighting a Boss compared to a player who grinds out their equipment!
For a rare item with a drop rate of 0.1%, it would be 3% for a cash player! Furthermore, the probability of drawing high-quality Soulstones is also higher for a cash player compared to a non-paying player! What? Shady operations? What a joke. If the big players are willing to top-up, we should do everything we can to make their gaming experience better. If they are happy, they'll continue spending.
As for free players? They're just there to follow the big players and get milked. Think you can be a big player without spending money? Not a chance!
Of course, encountering a lucky European makes everything pointless.
That should be enough...
Looking at the two Energy Stones and the Reinforcement Stone in his hand, Fang Zheng muttered under his breath. He knew well enough about the depth of the stone pool he designed. Though cashing in certainly made it easier to draw something good, as a game designer, he couldn't make it too obvious. Otherwise, if you spend 1000 bucks and keep getting top-tier items, people would notice. So, you need a bit of skill here.
For instance, if a non-paying player doesn't get a five-star item after ten ten-pulls, Fang Zheng wouldn't mind that. Rich players are the masters here, not the poor. But for the cashing big players? You can't give them ten five-star items in ten ten-pulls, but you can ensure that in the last ten-pull, they get three five-star items after not getting any in the first nine. This drastic contrast will make the big players ecstatic. Happy big players will continue spending, and regular players won't feel it's unfair because everyone is happy. Isn't that good?
In "Dimensional Codex," the quality of Soulstones is divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Fantasy grades. Bronze and Silver are the domains of non-paying players and Africans, while Gold and Fantasy are exclusive to cashing kings and Luck Emperors.
The [Arthas] Soulstone Fang Zheng previously drew was of Gold grade, which was considered pretty lucky for him. Now, according to his design, after the first recharge, there would be a great chance of drawing a Gold or Fantasy grade Soulstone. Since the first two draws were consumables, the last one... should definitely be something good!
Although he didn't know what it would be, now Fang Zheng could only hope it would be something presentable, preferably an angel or deity. At worst, a battlemage would do. Just don't give him another Lich King! Now he didn't even dare to use his ultimate skill!
Silently praying, Fang Zheng extended his hand once again, placing it on the Dimensional Codex that only he could see. Soon, the Dimensional Codex opened again under Fang Zheng's hand, and the circular summoning array beneath it began to rotate, gradually changing color from white to blue, then to gold... Then, light shone brilliantly as countless golden photon particles condensed in the center of the array, forming the shape of a Soulstone.
Got it! Golden legend!
Watching the shining golden Soulstone in front of him, Fang Zheng took a deep breath and then extended his hand to grasp it.
The next moment, there was only darkness in front of his eyes.
Pitch black, dense clouds covered the entire sky. Below, the massive city was unusually dark, looking like a lifeless graveyard. For a moment, the world seemed to be left with only black and white, nothing else.
Then, a voice echoed.
"I am the Swarm..."
The next moment, the scene opened up. Huge creatures emerged from the clouds, and numerous objects resembling insect eggs fell from their bodies, heavily crashing onto the ground and creating pitch-black holes. Soldiers shouted loudly, launching mighty attacks. But in the next moment, their bodies were pierced by creatures bursting from the pits, torn to shreds.
"Armies turned to ashes, the world burned under my feet..."
Countless swarms surged through the city like a sea of flesh, destroying everything in sight. Humans formed their last line of defense in the square, countless soldiers stood in formation, gripping their weapons, and behind them, an iron cannon slowly raised its barrel, roaring thunderously.
Sparks exploded in the swarm, then vanished like pebbles thrown into the sea, insignificant, fragile, and meaningless.
"Finally, I will have my revenge on this planet."
The blazing flames gradually extinguished, and the human barrier shattered like foam under the Swarm's assault. At the end of the square, a towering statue broke and fell, while in the distant clouds, massive warships plummeted from the sky, enveloping the entire world in a deathly white radiance.
"Because I am the Queen of Blades!"
............
Fang Zheng opened his eyes, his face completely dark. He stared at the Dimensional Codex in front of him, not knowing what to say.
First Arthas, now Kerrigan! Are you forcing me to walk the path of overthrowing heaven and earth?
This system won't be satisfied until it ruins me, will it?!