[The following game mechanics will be unlocked in large-scale trial mirages:]
1. Identity Selection
When an Order agent defeats enemies, they will receive a certain amount of "identity points," which can be used to change their identity when entering a trial mirage.
Each time an Order agent dies, a fixed amount of identity points will be deducted, with a minimum of zero.
When an Order agent learns key information about critical figures in the trial mirage, more identity options will be unlocked.
2. Correction and Fixation of Character Image
In large-scale trial mirages, characters or events may have been altered by demons. Altered characters, especially critical ones, could become significant obstacles to the Order agent's progress.
Order agents can play the role of altered characters to correct them to their true form. Once corrected, the character's image will be fixed, and even if the agent switches identities, the character will continue to act in their corrected state.
"Huh? So there are new mechanics?"
Zhao Haiping read through the prompt carefully, pondering over its implications.
The information was substantial and needed thorough digestion.
"Large dungeons are complex with numerous characters, so using a single identity would make it much harder to clear. Allowing players to switch identities seems reasonable.
"You gain points for defeating enemies, and death reduces points, meaning identity selection requires careful planning.
"Reasonable, since players have four different classes. If they could only use one identity in a dungeon, it would be unfair to some classes.
"And the new mechanics are interconnected.
"The previous four trial mirages were beginner dungeons; player identities were fixed and unchangeable, and the dungeon content closely followed historical records, with no alterations.
"But now, in the official dungeons that unlock along historical lines, signs of demon interference are present.
"This means that historical figures recorded as good may not always be trustworthy; some might be in altered states. Relying solely on history for answers could lead to pitfalls; careful judgment is required…
"But there's still a solution. If you identify an altered character, you can assume their role and correct their behavior to normal, fixing their character image. After that, they'll remain corrected even if you switch identities.
"Interesting."
After the prompt disappeared, three different initial identity cards appeared before Zhao Haiping: [Laborer], [Small Merchant], and [Troupe Member].
Each card had an embossed image representing each identity's appearance.
Zhao Haiping furrowed his brow. "Hmm… there doesn't seem to be much difference between these identities.
"All three can be selected without consuming identity points.
"Got it; these are all initial identities, not critical ones, so the choice probably doesn't matter much.
"The goal is to use an initial identity to get close to key characters, which will unlock critical identity options."
After some thought, Zhao chose the Laborer identity.
The reason was simple: the laborer appeared physically stronger and might have a higher combat capability.
The advantages of the Small Merchant and Troupe Member identities were uncertain at the moment. Better to test the waters with one identity and switch if needed.
After selecting his identity, the talent cards finally appeared in his view.
[Gui · Opera Mastery (White)]: Your knowledge and singing skills in opera are enhanced.
[Ren · Sea of Corpses and Blood (Blue)]: Battle-hardened, you are more likely to unleash potential in extreme situations, allowing you to ignore pain to some extent and unleash powerful strength when injured.
[Ren · Keen Observation (Blue)]: Your observational skills and memory for details are improved.
Zhao Haiping gave it some thought.
"I've seen Sea of Corpses and Blood before, but I remember it was a Gui-level skill back then, whereas this time, it's Ren-level.
"So the same Order talents can have different levels and rarities, with higher levels offering better effects.
"But for now, Keen Observation seems more useful since you can't brute-force your way through these dungeons; you need the correct solutions.
"Observational skills help notice overlooked details, and memory aids in research and finding breakthroughs outside the game.
"This talent would clearly help with puzzles.
"So I'll choose Sea of Corpses and Blood!
"First, I'll try to brute-force my way through and gauge the dungeon's difficulty.
"As a combat talent, Sea of Corpses and Blood should pair well with my warrior-exclusive talent, 'Encampment Resolve,' for an even stronger effect.
"I'll leave puzzle-solving for later."
He took another look at the Opera Mastery talent.
At first glance, it seemed useless. What good is singing when facing Eastern Yi raiders? Singing them away?
But based on past experience, the Order talents generated in trial mirages are usually relevant to the dungeon's content.
No talent is completely useless; it's all about how you use it.
Plus, it could pair with the Troupe Member identity.
"Maybe there's something related to opera in this dungeon?
"I'll keep an eye out; there might be a hidden mechanic related to it."
After selecting his talent, the trial mirage began to shift.
He looked down at his clothes, which were indeed those of a laborer—plain clothing, no armor, and no weapons.
"Starting with a low-tier identity means no weapons, no armor, and little authority…
"This means the initial stages will be tough. Hopefully, I can defeat enough enemies soon to switch to a better identity."
Based on his experience in the warrior trial, he expected the early stages of this dungeon to be challenging.
Leaving the earthen walls of the town, Zhao Haiping walked into the county. He didn't see any soldiers along the way; the small county seemed peaceful, with citizens busy with their daily lives.
But Zhao knew this peaceful scene might soon shatter. Once the Eastern Yi raiders attacked, this place would likely become a brutal battlefield.
He wasn't sure when these raiders would invade according to the dungeon settings—maybe in the next second, maybe in a few hours.
But he'd best prepare for it.
Instead of asking for directions, Zhao decided to find the market and county office on his own.
Asking for directions might reveal his unfamiliarity with the area. The NPCs in this game were smart; what if asking for directions led to him being mistaken as a spy?
The county wasn't large, so heading towards the center wouldn't lead him too far astray.
Soon, he noticed more people gathering, indicating he had arrived at the market.
On both sides were vendors selling various items, with calls and bargaining sounds filling the air. The scene was lively.
As he made his way through the market, Zhao curiously observed his surroundings.
Dark Sands truly impressed with its realism; the market details were well-crafted, with each vendor's expressions vividly rendered.
The four initial trial dungeons were realistic too, but each was set in a single scene with relatively straightforward objectives.
This official dungeon was much larger, with interactive characters numbering in the thousands, covering various walks of life and adding layers of complexity.
As he walked, Zhao came to the most crowded spot in the market.
"This is… an opera house?"
Although Zhao had never seen an ancient opera house, he could guess from the singing and accompaniment emanating from within. Outside the opera house, people had gathered, likely those who couldn't afford tickets but wanted to listen.
The melody was pleasant, though the lyrics were incomprehensible to him, a modern person unfamiliar with traditional opera.
Originally, Zhao had intended to go directly to the county office and warn them about the imminent Eastern Yi raid. Whether it meant summoning soldiers or rallying local braves, these matters could only be handled by the county magistrate.
However, he decided to pause temporarily.
The opera-related talent he'd seen at the start suggested the opera house might hold importance. Given the size of this establishment, it probably played a central role in this small county. Zhao speculated that the trial's content might be closely tied to the opera house's people or events.
He decided to stay a bit and see if he could pick up any useful information.