These days, Morano's life has changed considerably since discovering Michael. Due to his Secret Realm's immense potential, the sect rewarded him greatly.
This could be seen by the increased amount of cultivation resources he was granted. Furthermore, the sect master personally rewarded him with a Tier 3 Foundation Shattering pill, allowing him to become a Golden Core cultivator after polishing his cultivation base for a couple more years.
The importance the Bright Moon sect placed on this young man could be seen by Elder Brad's presence during this second testing.
As the son of the sect master, Elder Brad was both incredibly talented and influential within the sect's territory.
That's why even someone wearing the title of 'genius,' such as Elder Melinda, had to act in a sycophantic manner before the man, hoping not to attract his ire.
It wasn't as if the man was a bad apple or anything. On the contrary, as long as one doesn't push him, he couldn't be bothered to push back.
Shaking his head to chase away the useless thoughts, Morano finished watching the promotional video for the second time and couldn't help but sigh in resignation.
It was painfully obvious to him exactly what sort of existence geniuses were. Elder Melinda was only one such example, while Elder Brad was similarly acclaimed as one due to his mastery over the sword.
As for himself? With Advanced-grade spiritual roots and a cultivation base at the late levels of the Foundation realm, one could throw a stone in a crowd and have a high chance of hitting someone with better potential.
His only saving grace was the talent he showed in crafting Secret Realms. He thought that after reaching the Golden Core realm and advancing to a Tier 3 Programmer recognized by the sect, he would have an easier time purchasing more resources to improve his constitution and cultivation base.
But all these dreams were shattered after encountering Michael. The young man's fresh perspective and ingenious use of the Secret Realms stunned Morano.
And it wasn't only the project itself, but even this promotional video stood out.
Yes, there wasn't anything particularly impressive about the graphics, content, or the fights showcased. Any half-baked A.I. could create a hundred such short videos per day.
It was the purpose this video served: to shock the market.
Once that happened, his name would be known instantly across the city and even beyond, attracting a large audience for his work.
It would make selling his Secret Realms that much easier.
[Creative, smart, and manipulative, on top of being a genius. *Sigh* How are the rest of us supposed to live?](Morano)
[ Welcome, player, to The Battlefield of Heroes! As this is your first time here, it is recommended that you start the Tutorial. Through it, your understanding of this world will deepen. ]
[A Tutorial, huh?](Morano)
Like Elder Melinda, Morano scanned the island within a few minutes, his 'research' into the Concept and Intent being more shallow.
He noticed the Towers, Ancients, the Soldiers' Quarters, as well as the deep jungle and the vast savannah.
Unlike Melinda, he didn't notice anything wrong with the two caves as he watched them from afar, considering them simple decorations.
He was overall pleased with the progress Michael made. Not only did the island feel more real, but the Intent infused into it was something even veteran Tier 1 Programmers had trouble doing.
Not wanting to waste any more time since he might be the last one to exit the test at this rate, Morano returned to the space above the island and gave his consent.
[Start Tutorial.](Morano)
As soon as the words escaped his mouth, a large virtual screen similar to the one he had previously watched the promotional video reappeared.
Stunned, Morano curiously watched to see what tricks this lad still had up his sleeves.
[ Fought on by millions for the past thousands of years, The Battlefield of Heroes is an adventure that requires cunning, courage, and strength! ]
Showcasing the beautiful island, the video zoomed in on the middle path where a large number of soldiers and heroes were fighting savagely.
Then, the video cut to a different frame, presenting the images of ten heroes, separated by a line in the middle of the screen.
[ Two teams of five heroes, Radiant and Dire, face off in a vast battlefield. The first one to destroy the opposing team's Ancient will emerge victorious.
However, there are many steps on the road to the Ancient! ]
The soldiers and the heroes who used their abilities to demolish buildings slowly faded to black as the image on the screen returned to the Selection Phase, where 124 icons appeared.
As the A.I. moved between icons at random, various heroes appeared, showing off their weapons and abilities.
[ Before the adventure can start, each participant chooses a unique hero from a pool of over 100 potential fighters, each with their own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Teams then enter the battlefield and compete to slay opposing players, or A.I.-controlled forces called 'creeps.' ]
The video returned to the middle of the island, where three heroes were fighting—two against each other and the other against the enemy's soldiers.
[ By slaying enemy heroes or creeps, the player can earn cultivation base to upgrade their hero's abilities and gold coins to purchase items that increase their power.
As players climb to higher cultivation realms, they will lead their forces to destroy the enemy's defensively-placed Towers. ]
The towers appeared, and Morano's mind was shaken after seeing the powerful-looking soldiers - ah, no! They should be called creeps - dying after only two to three hits from these imposing structures.
[ Towers are present in each one of the three lanes crossing the battlefield. Destroying one of these structures allows your Ancient's influence to advance into the enemy's territory while also granting the team who accomplishes such a feed a sizable amount of gold coins.
If a team wishes to gain an additional advantage, they may also choose to face the Immortal Shenlong. ]
Seeing the video focus on the caves he previously considered as decorations, Morano curiously wanted to see what this 'Immortal' being looked like.
Just like Elder Melinda, he was scared into almost being disconnected from the deep-dive space by the colossal dragon.
Luckily for him, this was only the video and he did not meet the 'real' thing in the caves; otherwise, there would have been two people complaining to Michael about his lunacy rather than one.
Watching the four heroes fearlessly assault this divine beast, Morano felt cold sweat forming on his forehead.
[ Immortal Shenlong guards the Pill of Immortality, a unique item that allows a slain hero to instantly revive.
After the Towers are eliminated, players may begin sieging the opposing team's city. ]
Speechless at the audacity of this young man to name a pill that reconstructs the fleshy body as the 'Pill of Immortality,' Morano watched as five heroes led a large number of soldiers and war constructs to lay siege to the enemy's base.
[ Within each city, three sets of Soldiers' Quarters exist, which, if destroyed, will strengthen the forces of the attacking team.
Beyond the Soldiers' Quarters lies the Ancient itself, protected by a final group of defensive Towers.
The adventure ends if either team's Ancient is destroyed. ]
Watching as the Dire's Ancient collapsed and a wrathful voice echoed through the Heavens, Morano swallowed his saliva.
[ This is The Battlefield of Heroes. ]
Taking a couple of minutes to recompose himself, Morano reviewed the relevant information and found out that in this 'demo' version, only one versus one 'adventures' were permitted, and the players' area of activity was reduced to only the middle path.
Selecting the option 'Continue Tutorial,' the Tier 2 Programmer was instantly transported back to the Radiant city.
He found himself sitting atop a fearsome mount similar to a panther beast, looking around in wonder.
The experience would've been even better if he wasn't in a woman's body, but he kept that complaint to himself.
Swinging the odd weapon in his right hand around, he was caught off-guard by the sudden voice of the A.I., scaring him quite a bit.
[ Dear player,
In this Tutorial, you will be controlling Luna, a swift hero who throws blades at her enemies from a short distance and summons damaging beams of concentrated moonlight from the sky.
You will be participating for the Radiant team against the enemy Dire team. ]
Hearing the words 'beams concentrated moonlight,' Morano shook his head and wondered if the sect master would slap this boy silly after seeing this hero.
Their sect has been trying to create a spell using moonlight for over a century now, with no visible progress. With their names as Bright Moon sect but having no signature spell involving the celestial body, they were too ashamed to participate in the large tournaments hosted by the World Cultivator Alliance.
A strange feeling of comfort, as if he was sitting in the middle of a Tier 4 Spirit Vein, engulfed his body, almost making him moan.
[ You are now near the Fountain of Qi.
Your hero begins each match at your team's fountain. If you fall in battle, you will be resurrected here as well.
Being near your team's fountain will quickly restore your health and Qi. ]
Nodding, Morano appreciated this world mechanic. Just like in the real world, if a cultivator was injured, they could cultivate and repair their physical body near a place brimming with Qi.
[ Your first task has been assigned!
Task 1: Move to your Ancient! ]
A green arrow appeared on the ground, pointing him in the general direction he must travel.
Nudging the mount between his feet gently, it pounced forward at a moderate pace.
Approaching the Ancient, Morano noticed a small detail even Elder Melinda failed to see, mostly due to her inability to approach the giant tree.
Between the upper branches weaving themselves into a majestic and lush crown, a white ball the size of a small apartment encased something within.
[That should be the imprisoned divinity shard, huh? How intriguing...](Morano)
[ This is your Ancient, and it must be defended at all costs!
In this Battlefield of Heroes, in order to win a match, your team must destroy the enemy's Ancient before your foe can destroy yours. ]
As he was listening to the narrating voice, a Spatial Pouch silently appeared on his waist, making Morano curse in fright.
It seemed that this brat really enjoyed scaring people out of their minds!
[ Starting funds!
At the start of every adventure, players are given a small amount of starting gold coins. Always remember: spend this gold on items from the Shop before heading into the field.
The Shop is available back at your team's fountain. Head there now. ]
Helplessly ordered around, Morano could only return to the fountain. There, following the A.I.'s instructions to use vocal commands, the Tier 2 Programmer curiously inspected the interface, showing two separate pages.
The first one had about fifty or so items, while the second one held a similar number.
However, the second page's items appeared to be powerful artifacts able to enhance the players to an incredible level.
The prices for these items were similarly incredible.
[ The Shop! The only way of equipping your hero for victory.
Items have several uses in this world. Some items heal, several passively increase a hero's power, and some provide unique abilities.
Notice that the Shop displays a list of Suggested Items for your hero. We recommend that you purchase items from this list as you learn how to survive on this island. ]
A new task was established, asking Morano to purchase an item called 'Leaves of the World Tree.'
Sending his senses into the Spatial Pouch at his waist, he counted 625 gold coins hidden inside.
Then, curiously inspecting the highlighted item, a new window interface appeared before his eyes.
[ Item Name: Leaves of the World Tree
Description: Leaves plucked by the Merchant from the World Tree. Eating them can benefit one's health.
Active Ability: Heal
Ability's Description: After ingesting the leaves, the hero gains 7 Health Points Regeneration for 20 seconds. Consuming two leaves at the same time doubles the healing amount.
Charges: 4
Price: 110 gold coins ]
Touching the interface and selecting the 'Purchase' option, Morano was instructed to 'deposit' his newly acquired goods in his Spatial Pouch, while 110 gold coins magically vanished from his possession.
Next, he had to buy a Healing Potion, a Qi Recovery Potion, a Circlet that gave +2 to All Attributes, and a pair of oddly green shoes that improved his Agility attribute by 3 points.
Left with 70 gold coins, Morano pondered his grim future as his finances appeared quite tight.
[ Starting Items! Your only way of survival on this island.
Some of your Starting Items can be consumed to heal or restore your Qi:
- World Tree Leaves: Ingest to slowly heal
- Healing Potion: Gradually heals a large amount of Hit Points
- Qi Recovery Potion: Slowly recovers a large amount of Qi
Important reminder: Healing Potions and Qi Recovering Potions can have their effects canceled if you take damage from an enemy hero. ]
Morano felt that it made sense. In the real world, no matter what pills you took, if the enemy continued hitting you, it would interrupt the healing process.
Of course, higher-realm pills are a different story.
Unbeknownst to the Tier 2 Programmer, he would lose track of time as he experienced the Tutorial, ending up having to be forced out of the Secret Realm by his two colleagues many, many hours later.