Charlie logged in to the game, entered the main interface, and carefully reviewed the available options. Besides the "Start Game" button, there are also "Store" and "Settings" options below.
In the settings, you can adjust the game volume, screen brightness, control keys, and other details. These are general settings and nothing out of the ordinary.
But the store is more intriguing.
Charlie visited the store yesterday when he first played the game, but it was empty at that time.
Today, there are some changes.
First, his "Owned Characters" column, which was empty yesterday, now features Batman's avatar. Selecting Batman reveals a small introduction:
"Batman, real name Bruce Wayne, is a billionaire from Gotham City. After witnessing his parents' murder as a child, he vowed to prevent such tragedies. After extensive training around the world, he returned to Gotham as Batman, the Dark Knight."
Additionally, a new option has been unlocked in the store:
"C-level Teleportation Array: Use hero points to activate this array, which randomly summons a superhero or hero's equipment from another world. Each activation costs 50 hero points."
Charlie immediately recognized this as the card-drawing mechanism common in mobile games.
The upper right corner of the store interface shows his current hero points, which are just over five hundred, allowing ten draws. This is the reward for completing the first mission last night.
Classic novice bonus: ten free draws.
It's intriguing how card-drawing games have become so prevalent. Game developers have seemingly found a winning formula: there is no need for elaborate graphics or hefty investments—just interesting character IPs, and it's a hit.
Despite complaints and criticisms, players dive in enthusiastically.
While some might think it outrageous for such games to gain popularity, Charlie finds it predictable.
It's no surprise when gambling elements are involved, and superhero themes are no exception.
However, while gambling elements can be replicated, the superhero theme adds a unique twist.
Snap!
A flash of white light appeared on the screen, and the teleportation array made a sound like an engine starting. A stunning figure materialized amidst the teleportation effects—an alluring figure in a purple-black mask and high boots, revealing long, snow-white legs and a bust reminiscent of the Mariana trench.
Charlie: "..."
It seems he underestimated the industry's approach to character design. These companies have mastered the art of attractiveness.
"Hero introduction: Huntress, formerly Helena Bettinelli, daughter of a Gotham mafia boss. Proficient in combat, marksmanship, and vehicle operation. Iconic weapons include crossbows and long sticks."
[TL Note - she seems to be flat in most of the images I've found, so I'm a little confused]
The arrival of this new hero was initially surprising, but the excitement quickly faded. After settling down, Charlie assessed the role's pros and cons.
Despite the card-drawing element, the game remains an action-adventure in which players control one character at a time. Thus, new heroes simply offer more choices.
The Huntress seemed less appealing because her role overlaps with Batman's.
Both are mortal heroes without superpowers, but Batman is the epitome of this type of hero.
She excels in combat, but not as much as Batman. She is skilled in shooting, but not as skilled as Batman. Her equipment is good, but not as good as Batman's.
Her primary advantage seems to be her physical appeal.
The panel description highlights her unique skill in vehicle operation... but does this skill have a vehicle range limit?
As a serious gamer, Charlie had no ulterior motives; he was just curious if this vehicle skill affected the player.
If he were only playing the game and got such a capable hero, he might consider it a win. However, given his suspicion that the game might be more than just a game, repeating Batman's role suggests that new heroes with low allocation could be less valuable.
With one round and nine left, Charlie took a deep breath and continued drawing.
"Thank you for participating...
Thank you for participating...
Thank you..."
He soon realized the hero shipment rate might not be high, and Huntress might be a rare pull in the first round.
After seven consecutive draws, Charlie wondered if he had bad luck and started feeling uneasy.
Fortunately, something came out of the last draw.
It was...
...Green Arrow's mask?
Charlie: "..."
What's the use of this?
The description is straightforward: an eye mask made of special fiber, concealing identity without affecting vision or movement...
Honestly, Charlie doubted its effectiveness.
He recalled a scene from the Green Lantern movie where a similar blindfold was used, and the heroine immediately recognized the protagonist, questioning the disguise's effectiveness.
Still, Charlie was curious. This item is game equipment, so maybe it adds some attributes or benefits?
Despite this, he didn't want to waste free items. Seeing a "Summon" button under the item, he clicked it, and the green eye patch appeared in his game backpack.
At the same moment, his phone dinged with a text message from an unknown number.
"Your package has been delivered to the door. Please check it as soon as possible."
Charlie was stunned.
Package? What package? Which door?
His gaze quickly shifted to the small green eye patch in his game backpack.
Could it be...
He was struck by an absurd idea and immediately got up, walked across the living room, and opened the security door.
He found a small package lying quietly in the corridor outside the door.
—
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