"Leaf! Ah! Leaf! I'm so sorry, Leaf! (eggplant crying meme.jpg)"
As soon as Bryan logged off, he expressed his deep regret towards Leaf in the group chat.
"It's not a big deal. You make it sound like I… Okay, fine, I did die, but it's not like I can't respawn."
Leaf was quite forgiving and didn't blame Bryan. He knew that even if he hadn't climbed the tree, he wouldn't have made it far.
"Regardless, thanks. If you hadn't drawn away the Ursaring, none of us would've gotten out."
After thanking Leaf, Vrix continued typing:
"Did you feel any pain when you died? Was the penalty harsh?"
"There was no pain. First, everything went black, then I was just logged off. I didn't even realize it at first."
"The penalty's not too bad. No loss of levels or experience—probably because I'm still level 0, so there's nothing to lose. The respawn time is one day, though, and if you die frequently in a short period, the respawn time increases."
"Respawning also requires a deduction of some PokéCoins. It's a game currency earned by completing tasks, and just like with the respawn time, frequent deaths mean more coins will be deducted."
Leaf shared all the information he knew.
"But we haven't completed a single task yet. How will you revive without PokéCoins?"
"I'll owe it, and the amount will be deducted from future task rewards."
After reading Leaf's message, Vrix pondered for a moment before typing in the chat:
"This game's death penalty mechanism is kinda strange."
Bryan saw this and immediately knew Vrix was about to go on a long-winded analysis.
"I've got my popcorn and soda ready. Go on with your performance~"
"Actually, I'll keep it simple, so you understand. Most games' death penalty mechanisms serve a purpose. Take early arcade games, for instance, where player deaths meant earning more game coins."
"And in older online games, death would result in losing levels and equipment. Players would then spend more time and money grinding back what they lost."
"That's why many game companies designed siege gameplay or even hired people to encourage players to fight each other—anything to increase player death rates and thus generate more profit."
"But this game's penalty system is odd. It doesn't seem aimed at extending playtime since the respawn time is a full day. It's also not about making money off players, as revival uses in-game currency."
"The way it looks, the system is just there to encourage players to avoid dying, without really benefiting the game itself."
Vrix shared his thoughts, clearly puzzled as to why the penalty system was set up this way.
"If you ask me, you're just overthinking it. Who cares why they designed it this way? As long as it doesn't interfere with the fun, it's fine."
Vrix was about to argue with Bryan but then reconsidered. He wasn't wrong, after all.
"I'm just a player. Why should I worry about the developers' intentions?"
He realized that the impact of the virtual reality game had been so profound that he kept feeling like the game was more complex than it seemed.
Vrix decided to reflect on his mindset. He shouldn't approach the game as a reviewer but rather enjoy it as a genuine player.
"You're right. I was overthinking. Occupational habit kicking in. Anyway, let's try not to die. The early game is pretty valuable."
"Got it. If there's danger, I'll run faster than West Wind~"
"Kidding me? With those short legs of yours, think you can outrun me?"
"I'll just have Spinarak tie you up, then~"
"Whoa! That's vicious! Bullying me because I don't have a Pokémon?"
The group chat soon filled with laughter and banter.
The next day, when the players logged back in, there was no sign of Leaf.
"Looks like the one-day respawn time is real. He won't be back until noon."
"What should we do now? Keep doing daily tasks?"
While the players were still discussing what to do for the day, a servant arrived with a message:
"The Lord said he's heading out to hunt Ursaring today. Those who wish to join him should gather at the city gate. Those who don't can stay and complete tasks in the territory."
The players glanced at each other and made a unanimous decision.
"Of course, we're going! We haven't seen a real Pokémon battle yet."
"We can always do tasks later, but chances to watch something like this are rare."
"I'm going to avenge Leaf!"
Thus, the four players headed to the city gate and set off with Ryan towards the Firefly Forest.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the spot where they had been logging the previous day.
The area was a mess, with claw marks all over the trees.
"Ursaring sure has a temper. Do you think our Lord can take it down?" Bryan whispered.
"Of course! When have you ever seen a game's protagonist lose to the starting boss? Just think of this as a cutscene."
"Yeah, but it's a shame there's no popcorn or peanuts. Just watching is kinda boring."
"I've got popcorn and cola. Want some?"
"Really? Pass it over!"
"Get lost! You serious? Think this is a movie?"
Vrix rolled his eyes almost to the back of his head.
Ryan, unaware of the players' confidence in him, didn't feel completely assured about defeating the Ursaring.
But there was no turning back now. Ryan pulled a jar of Sweet Honey from his inventory and opened it, allowing the fragrance to waft through the air.
Soon, accompanied by the rumbling ground and growls, the Ursaring emerged from the depths of the forest.
"Roar!!"
Its gaze locked onto the Sweet Honey in Ryan's hand, eyes filled with greed and fury, and then it charged at him with a roar.
Ryan remained calm in the face of the raging Ursaring.
He quickly took out an Orb and hit Ursaring, successfully restricting its movements.
Then he released three Pokémon.
"Scyther, use Leer and then Focus Energy!"
"Aron, Harden up, then use Rock Tomb!"
"Bounsweet, follow up with Sweet Scent, and prepare to set up Grassy Terrain!"
Ryan issued a series of commands, aiming to weaken Ursaring's battle capabilities while boosting his side's strength.
After that sequence of moves, Ursaring's attack, defense, and speed were all weakened to some extent.
"Roar!!"
The Ursaring, feeling its strength diminish, struggled to tear off the white sticky substance binding it.
Ryan wasn't about to give it the chance and ordered:
"Scyther, use Slash!"
Scyther stopped focusing, buzzed its wings, and flew in front of Ursaring, slashing down with its scythe-like arms.
Ursaring tried to block, but the Orb hindered its movements, leaving it exposed to Scyther's attack.
"Roar!"
The Slash hit a vital spot, causing Ursaring to roar in pain.
"Now, follow up with Fury Cutter! Aron, use Headbutt!"
Ryan showed no hesitation, instructing his Pokémon to continue the assault.
"Clang clang!"
Aron gathered energy in its head and then slammed into Ursaring.
Already unsteady from the previous attacks, Ursaring fell backward.
"Finish it off, Scyther! Fury Cutter!"
With each successful hit, Fury Cutter's power increased. Having already landed twice, the next strike was incredibly powerful.
"Roar~"
With a final wail, Ursaring collapsed and lay motionless on the ground.
"Is it… defeated? Wow, our Lord is so strong!"
"That combo was insane. Pokémon battles are intense!"
"I want to command Pokémon in battles too!"
The players excitedly chatted amongst themselves, the battle sparking their desire for Pokémon combat.
"Is it really over?"
As Ryan prepared to breathe a sigh of relief, he noticed that Scyther hadn't relaxed but was still staring intently at the fallen Ursaring.
"Could it be…?"
Before Ryan could react, the Ursaring suddenly sprang up, its eyes blood-red as it glared at him, growling furiously.
"Roar! Roar!"
"Looks like we're in for a real fight!"