Dream Star City sprawled over 800 square kilometers, home to more than 1.5 million players and over 150,000 AI NPCs. It was the third-largest central city in the southern region of the Radiant Federation.
The city was filled with skyscrapers adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, streets lined with traffic lights, grand shopping malls, and opulent hotels—everything mirrored reality and even surpassed it in some aspects.
If one didn't know better, they might feel as though they were living in a dream. When the developers at Lida Group designed this city, they aptly named it "Dreaming Star," which was later abbreviated to "Dream Star City," earning it the nickname "Pearl of the Desert." It truly lived up to that title.
As dusk fell and night enveloped the city, the lights began to twinkle, and neon signs flickered to life.
The moment Edward stepped out of the administration building, he spotted Hot Girl's Desert Fox parked at the curb.
She looked as cool as ever, leaning against the back seat with her gun slung over her shoulder, waving him over. "Get in, we'll talk inside."
As the vehicle started moving, Mommy, steering the wheel, occasionally turned to glance at Edward, who was still clad only in his underwear. Her hungry gaze sent chills down his spine, making him feel like a plump piece of meat in front of a hungry wolf.
"Hey, Crazy Exploder, you might be skinny, but you've got some muscle! Where are you living? Got a place here in the city? We're not heading back tonight; how about I crash at your place?" Mommy's sultry voice caused Edward to choke.
"Uh, no, I'm fine. Just, um, got a bit of a cough," he managed to stammer.
"Oh? Caught a cold wearing so little?" Mommy continued, her tone teasing.
"Not—no, I'm okay! Just something went down the wrong way!" he insisted, his cheeks burning.
"Enough flirting, let's hit the best mall in town. Can't you see Crazy Exploder's gear is completely wrecked?" Hot Girl shot Mommy a look, then turned to Edward with a softer demeanor. "Don't mind her. She's fierce with enemies but a sweetheart with friends."
The shift in her attitude was noticeable, likely a result of Edward's recent victory over Malagobi.
Though he had heard such pleasantries before, hearing "friend" from Hot Girl warmed Edward's heart. After a month in the virtual world, he still hadn't made any real friends.
"Right, right, the double-faced diva," he replied with a smile.
Mommy turned her head again, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, you got me right! I'm totally the double-faced diva type. What do you think, Crazy Exploder?"
Another cough escaped Edward.
"Geez, look at you coughing at your age…" Mommy sighed.
Hot Girl interjected, "I heard about how you took down Malagobi. I'm curious about one thing."
"What's that?" Edward asked, intrigued.
Hot Girl continued, "That lava dealt over 700 points of damage, yet you're only level 13, with a max HP of about 1500. How did you survive taking two hits from it while wearing almost no gear? Did you max out your vitality points? That seems illogical."
It indeed seemed illogical. Gunners typically focused on ranged combat, armor, and agility, following a high damage, high defense, and high-speed approach. Even snipers would usually invest some points in strength, not vitality, which was crucial for warriors.
Edward smiled, responding playfully, "Didn't you ask why you were chasing Malagobi?"
Hot Girl blinked, then nodded, understanding. "Good. I like working with people who know when to keep their mouths shut."
"You seem like a straightforward person," Edward replied.
What Hot Girl didn't know was that Edward had indeed invested all his attribute points into strength and vitality.
In Star War's game mechanics, players gained extra attribute points each time they leveled up—1 point for levels 1-5, 2 points for levels 6-10, 3 points for levels 11-15, and so on. The higher the level, the more points players earned, catering to those who struggled to obtain equipment.
With such a diverse range of specialties, choosing how to allocate points was a nuanced task.
For example, one point in vitality boosted HP by 50, while one in strength improved HP recovery by 1 per second. Many beginners preferred to invest in vitality and strength, as stronger bodies could take hits and greater strength allowed for wielding heavy weapons. Considering the challenges in leveling up, acquiring gear, completing quests, and surviving in the Star War universe—especially earning credits—adding vitality and strength made economic sense.
That's why Edward had relentlessly pumped points into these two attributes. Even after losing a level, his HP stood at 2250, making him resemble a formidable low-level warrior.
Of course, he'd never share this secret with anyone; who would reveal their strategies so easily?
As they drove, Edward found himself enjoying the conversation with Hot Girl. He sensed that she was skilled in firearms and military knowledge in real life and belonged to the spendthrift category in the game. He didn't mind chatting; the more friends, the better his chances of survival.
"Here's your reward," Hot Girl said, opening the trade interface and placing a crystal card on it.
Edward blinked, surprised to see the transaction amount: 1000 credits. "We agreed on 1000 credits?"
"Exactly. But if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have completed this mission. The extra 500 is my personal thank you," she replied.
Edward accepted without hesitation; turning down money would be foolish. He knew, however, that such generosity came with expectations.
"Honestly, Crazy Exploder, even though you're only level 13, your judgment and reflexes are top-notch. This was just a small case. If the opportunity arises, I'd love to work with you again," Hot Girl said.
Edward couldn't help but chuckle inwardly: you just lost a level, yet you're calling it a small case? Unfortunately, you didn't even manage that.
Thinking this, he kept his response polite. "Sure, no problem."
Hot Girl grinned, handing him something. "Here's my business card!"
Edward took it eagerly. It was a pink, gold-embossed card that stood out.
In Star War, players typically didn't need business cards; adding a friend via their receiver sufficed. However, a business card signified a legitimate organization with official backing and resources, protected by the Federation's military. It meant that one shouldn't stir trouble, as consequences awaited those who did.
Family, gangs, and factions might have notoriety, but crossing paths with the law usually ended poorly.
Printed on the card were the words: "Star War World, Radiant Federation, City of Illusions, Blue Ocean, Hot Girl."