"Gender cannot be changed."
"Then why? Why did you set my gender like that? You should ask me first!" Shan refused to accept it.
"We didn't assign your gender; it's based on your biological sex. In your original world, you're male. However, in Azlia, you are M-. It's a factual categorization and cannot be altered. You also agreed to all terms and conditions when you signed up for the beta test."
Shan's confusion deepened. He didn't understand, and frankly, he didn't want to. The implication of being M- in this game worried him. He feared that if people knew his gender, it would be impossible to attract his Waifu.
"Damn…" Shan swore. "So then, is there any way to keep my gender a secret?"
Shan tried to brush aside the gender issue; it was just a game anyway. He planned to play for a while and then log out. But the thought of his beloved Waifu knowing his M- designation during gameplay was unbearable.
"While you can display your gender as M+ on your identification documents, it won't alter your biological sex. If you engage in intimate relations with M+ characters, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Please be cautious and consider protection."
Shan's face flushed. "Enough about pregnancy! You said I can change the document, right? How do I do that?"
"You can pay a bribe to the game system to change the gender in the document, but the bribe is quite expensive."
"Okay," Shan accepted without hesitation.
"Don't you want to ask about the price?"
The game system seemed to get on Shan's last nerve.
"Why ask? Even if I pay, I'm still the richest person in the world, right?" Shan answered proudly.
"Even if you pay, you'll still be the second wealthiest person in this world, that's correct."
"…" Shan remained silent.
The system's emphasis on "second richest" grating on him. It was a constant reminder of overpowered characters like DeathSoul.
"We'll take care of that for you."
"Sounds good. Let's get started. I'm eager to meet Vinzent." Shan felt too lazy to talk to the game system anymore. He couldn't wait to meet his Waifu.
"If you have no further questions," the system concluded, "welcome once again to the world of Azlia! In ten seconds, we will transfer you to Dayland's capital, Center. We wish you a pleasant experience and enjoyment in the game."
"Vinz, my love! Your husband is here~" Shan couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of meeting his Waifu.
However, the game system offered a reminder in a monotone voice.
"Vinzent LeFolyn is a UR Wisher classified as M+. It's unlikely he'll be your Waifu, just to be clear."
The system's sound faded as the surroundings changed. Shan had now arrived at the capital city of Dayland.
"Wow!" Shan exclaimed, amazed.
He had thought that the scenery in the game was already beautiful, but standing in this game world, everything was stunning, almost like a dream.
While the atmosphere in the city wasn't much different from what he had seen on screen, the city itself surpassed anything Shan had witnessed before. It was a city full of skyscrapers, each with a beautiful and harmonious shape and pattern inspired by various international art styles from every era, rather than simple geometric high-rise buildings.
It was a city that fused technology with ancient art, appearing futuristic yet exquisitely decorated like fine art. The streets, both on the ground and in the air, were winding and chaotic, teeming with various moving vehicles such as cars, planes, bicycles, carriages, and even zeppelins.
'Center' was the name of the capital city, and Shan had just arrived. It was the central urban area of Dayland, home to both Wishers and ordinary people.
Wishers were akin to heroic warriors for the people, protecting them from the demons of Deadland. Wishers worked under the Wisher Association; they had to undergo training and pass ranking tests. Vinzent was also a part of this association.
Shan looked around with interest. The people in this town had various styles of dressing, ranging from simple to fancy clothes. They all had different appearances, even beyond imagination, which depended on their races. For example, the Western races resembled people from the West, like Vinzent. Similarly, the Eastern races resembled people from the East. There were also the Mal races, which included some animal clans, had parts of their bodies resembling animals, such as birds, dogs, tigers, rabbits, and so on.
The city of Center was safe from the ruthless demon clan, as most of them resided in Deadland, serving as monsters for players to fight against. Deadland was a kingdom of darkness ruled by DeathSoul, the power creep character responsible for throwing the game's balance off, which Shan hated the most.
Deadland is full of demons and beasts, but there were Wishers who didn't want to be heroes of Dayland and instead chose to join Deadland. Even in Miracle Azlia, there were Deadland Wishers as playable characters. DeathSoul was one of them, serving as the final boss of the game.
As for the DeathSoul clan, since the game storyline hadn't been fully revealed, it remained a mystery. Some people assumed that DeathSoul was a half-Western, half-demon entity, while others speculated that he was a descendant of the gods. In this game, gods did exist, but they were beyond people's understanding. Perhaps some gods lived among humans and demons, unnoticed, like Mirael or the god of desire, the owner of the miracle stone.
"Greetings, sir. You are Mr. Shan, correct?"
Shan's thoughts were interrupted by an attendant wearing a suit. He assumed that he was the NPC assigned to help new players, as his appearance was quite common.
"I'm an attendant from the Wisher's Association. Welcome, Mr. Shan, to Center, the capital city of Dayland. Please allow me to take you to the sponsor's accommodation."
"Alright, thanks."
The attendant took him to the luxury floating car, which resembled a limousine but could be driven in the air.
"Hey, when can I meet Vinzent?"
Shan felt bored sitting in the car and watched the city. He was restless to meet his Waifu. Of course, the reason he spent so much money was also for Vinzent. Besides, Shan had a special mission to fulfill; making Vinzent's wishes come true. How could he start it without meeting Vinzent?
Even with the gacha elements in this beta test, Vinzent remained my top choice.
The attendant seemed a bit puzzled.
"Vinzent LeFolyn, the UR Wisher? Unfortunately, our association's regulations restrict recruitment based on a sponsor's reputation level. As a new sponsor, yours is currently zero. This means you can't recruit Wishers ranked R or higher, only N for now. To improve your reputation, there are three tiers: Silver unlocks R-rank Wishers, Gold unlocks SR, and Platinum, which allows you to recruit UR Wishers like Vinzent. There are some special cases that allow sponsors to recruit Wishers above their reputation level. However, Vinzent LeFolyn is not in that condition."
Shan's memory was hazy, but he grasped the gist: sponsors needed to climb the reputation ladder to recruit stronger Wishers.
"So, how can I increase my reputation?" Shan asked.
"The sponsor's reputation increases depending on competition performance," the attendant explained.
"Your reputation points will increase based on the number of times your Wishers win matches. The Wisher's Association divides competitions into two types: Arana ranking, which consists of freely matched Wishers in each ranking, and the 'Wisher League', which comprises tier-ranking matches divided into an 'Advanced League' that only allows S-Tier and A-Tier Wishers to participate, and an 'Intermediate League' that permits B-Tier Wishers and below to participate. Every Wisher with a tier rank must participate in the Wisher League of their tier rank, regardless of whether they are independent or sponsored."
Shan pondered the explanation. While the lore of Miracle Azlia mentioned these competitions, the game itself lacked player-versus-player (PvP) aspects. Most content focused on achieving the highest server scores. If this league system functioned as a new way to acquire Wishers, it could be quite intriguing.
"I see, so I just need to recruit N Wishers to compete in matches to gain reputation, and then I can recruit R, SR, and UR Wishers afterward, right?" Shan asked for assurance.
"That's correct," the attendant replied.
Shan felt that this new gacha to get his Waifu would take some time. He realized he needed to plan carefully until he could successfully recruit Vinz Waifu.
"Please don't worry," the attendant said.
"You're a whale, building your Wishers to gain reputation is very easy for you."
"Wait, you call me a whale? Do people here use the word 'whale' too?"
"People here? Oh, you mean the people of the capital…" The attendant laughed.
"The term 'whale' refers to a sponsor with ample funds who can provide unlimited financial support for Wishers, thus earning the moniker 'whale'. As the Wisher's Association operates with the support of sponsors, we strive to provide impressive service to all sponsors, in order to garner increasing support for Wishers."
"It's indeed a gacha," Shan laughed.
The Wisher's Association operated much like a game company, actively seeking out Wishers to join and providing excellent service to satisfy sponsors, encouraging endless investment in Wishers.
"Then, how can I recruit N Wishers? I want to upgrade my reputation as soon as possible."
"You can rely on us," the attendant answered. "This is our duty anyway. We will announce to every N Wishers who have not yet bound with a sponsor. You can set the date for recruiting them."
"Like an audition? That's cool," Shan smiled, pondering something.
Although he couldn't recruit Vinzent, who was a UR Wisher, Vinzent was in this world. He should be able to meet with him secretly.
"Hey, can you do me a favor? I can pay as much as you request," Shan asked the attendant in a low voice.
"What do you want me to help with?"
"Can you find Vinzent for me? No need to make an appointment. Just find his address for me. I'll go meet him myself," Shan requested.
The attendant hesitated for a moment.
"Selling Wishers' personal information is against our rules. I cannot give you Vinzent's address, but I can provide you with his basic information. Vinzent is a UR Wisher in the D-Tier rank. As far as I know, he rarely participates in our activities. However, you can meet him during the Immediate Wisher League, as all Wishers must maintain their tier ranking. Otherwise, they will not receive a salary."
"I see," Shan said. "And when will the Intermediate League be held?"
"Today, oh, it's just starting," the attendant replied.
Shan's eyes widened.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go to the stadium!" he urged impatiently.
"Now?"
"Yep! Right now!" Shan insisted.
"Mr. Shan, what about your accommodation and recruiting Wishers…"
"Forget it! I've got to find my Waifu first."
"Waifu? Uh, yes sir."
And then, the futuristic floating car quickly headed towards the arena stadium, as a newbie sponsor couldn't wait to meet his Waifu.
Shan was very excited. He had been in love with his Waifu on the screen for a long time, and now he was going to meet him in person.
'Will it be like love at first sight?'
Shan was raving in his heart. He completely forgot the fact that he was in pajama-like clothes with slippers, not fully dressed up for a perfect date at all.