The next morning.
The caravan, which had rested all night, was packing up and preparing to set off.
According to Lister's plan, his caravan would continue to Honghe Town, and at the same time, a small team would be sent back to Boulder City with light equipment.
Of course, the team returning to Boulder City was not completely empty-handed.
According to the contract between him and Chu Guang.
This team would bring 100 kilograms of spirit leaves and 10 pieces of cloth woven from devil silk.
A piece of cloth is a roll, about 100 meters long, weighing about 10 kilograms, mainly some backlogs of inventory.
As for spirit leaves, they are a specialty of the greenhouse ruins.
Some wastelanders like to use it to make spirit water for refreshing, or mix it with tobacco to roll into cigarettes. However, this thing is mildly addictive, and it is easy to become dependent if used in large quantities.
Before the caravan set off, Chu Guang found the canyon escaped mole and Fang Chang.
These two guys are the players who understand him best among all the players, or in other words, the players who have the strongest understanding of the version.
He needs two people to do something for him.
This task is only suitable for them.
"I have two important tasks for you."
When they heard this, the two players were stunned at first, and then excited expressions were printed on their faces.
Hidden tasks!
And it's an important task!
Thinking of this, the mole couldn't help but tremble with excitement, and said with his back straight.
"I am willing to serve you, respected administrator!"
Sure enough, this game has a favorability setting!
Don't forget his diligence all the time!
Fang Chang, who was standing next to him, was dumbfounded.
Good guy.
This guy is too good at licking!
There was no time to despise the mole, and Fang Chang, who was afraid of being left behind, quickly added a sentence with a serious face.
"Me too, respected and great administrator! For the glory of the Human Alliance and the honor of 404, I am willing to go through fire and water for you, and I will do anything for you!"
Just licking an NPC.
It's not like he hasn't licked before when playing other games.
As long as it can trigger hidden tasks, it's not bad!
Chu Guang: "..."
Although he really hopes that the players will roll up, he still hopes that they can roll up in more useful places instead of rubbing his goose bumps.
Clearing his throat, Chu Guang decided to pretend that he didn't hear anything and continued.
"Winter is over. In order to carry out the next step of work, we need to strengthen contact with the surrounding areas."
"The caravan that is friendly with us plans to go to Boulder City and Red River Town. I plan to send a representative to investigate the local situation and understand the living standards and mental outlook of the survivors there. The most important thing is to understand their needs."
In short, it is to gather intelligence and investigate the market by the way.
Chu Guang did not completely trust Lister. He said that he could leave things to capable people, but he still had to keep an eye on himself.
It just so happened that these two players were both big guys who liked to write guides.
I believe that there is no need for me to hint. As long as I throw them over, they will definitely explore the place.
Just as Chu Guang expected, after hearing his words, the eyes of the two little players wanted to shine.
Boulder City and Red River Town!
New maps!
And they opened two at once!
Obviously, the game production team has completed the design of the new map, but it has not been fully opened, so they first found two people to test it.
The two immediately guessed the intention of the planner and became more excited.
"I'm going to Boulder City!" Fang Chang reacted the fastest and spoke first.
The mole reacted a little slower, but he immediately came to his senses.
"Gan, I want to go to Boulder City too!"
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the merchants from Boulder City are obviously stronger than those from Red River Town.
After all, the caravan stationed at the door even used modified prostheses, and the style of painting was like walking out of Cyber 2077.
On the other hand, although the merchants in Honghe Town came twice, the style of the people who came each time was only at the level of the cousin in the wilderness.
Who is richer is obvious at a glance!
Fang Chang looked at the mole and tried to bribe him to give in.
"Good brother, 200 silver coins, how about giving me this opportunity?"
Mole: "Get lost, at least 300 silver coins!"
Fang Chang: "250 silver coins, if not, let's roll or rock-paper-scissors, this is the fairest."
Mole said with grief and indignation: "You guy! Didn't you agree not to compete with me next time? Do you have the nerve to roll with me?"
The main reason is that he is too shameless, and he himself doesn't believe in his luck.
Fang Chang coughed dryly.
"I was talking about an auction... I didn't say anything like that. Besides, it was obviously me who called out first, so it stands to reason that you and I should be competing."
Mole: "@#%!"
Chu Guang: "..."
These two really treat me like air.
But this is reasonable.
After all, I have often relied on my NPC identity to play dumb.
In the end, Mole weighed the pros and cons and finally chose 250 silver coins.
The probability of rolling points and rock-paper-scissors is 50-50, and if you lose, you won't have the money.
Besides, going to Honghe Town is not bad.
Although it is obvious that Boulder City is more developed, there are opportunities in underdeveloped places. Obviously, for a long time in the future, the focus of the outpost trade will be outside Qingquan City, not around the Third Ring Road.
Seeing that the two have already determined their respective jobs, Chu Guang looked at them and continued.
"I will arrange a guard to follow you, act as your translator, and help you communicate with the locals."
"Remember, you represent the image of Shelter No. 404. I hope you can pay attention to your identity when you are outside and keep our mission in mind."
After listening to the manager's instructions, Fang Chang and Mole clasped their hands and said seriously.
"Don't worry, Mr. Manager!"
"Please leave it to us!"
...
The caravan set off on the road.
Fang Chang and Mole also followed and waved goodbye to the players at the south gate.
"Goodbye, brothers! Wait for our good news!"
"Don't worry, we will bring the first-hand information to the forum!"
However, the players at the door did not appreciate it.
Especially seeing the smug expressions on the faces of these two people, the lemon in their mouths became even more sour.
"Fuck! These two European emperors!"
"MMP! A conspiracy! It must be a conspiracy!"
"I don't care! If I wasn't chosen, it must be a conspiracy! Unless I go with you!"
"There must be some unspeakable py deal behind this."
Hearing these guys plotting against him, the canyon escaped mole couldn't help but yell.
"What a conspiracy! Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared, what do you know?"
Fang Chang couldn't help but say something.
"That's right! Do you know how hard it is for us to brush up our favorability?"
Regardless of whether they were satisfied or not, the task was accepted by two people.
In this way, in the eyes of the envious and jealous players, the two little players followed the caravan with a proud look on their faces and disappeared into the woods.
After leaving the wetland park, the caravan split into two groups, and the main force continued along the original route to Honghe Town in the east of Qingquan City.
The other team took the devil silk and spirit leaves purchased from the outpost and returned to Boulder City by the same route, where they purchased the equipment needed to open the factory and recruited technicians who could operate the equipment.
As they got farther and farther away from the park, Xu Shun, who was dressed in casual clothes, looked at Qian Lai who was walking beside him and asked.
"How long does it take to get to Boulder City from here?"
Qian Lai said with a smile.
"It depends on how many people there are. If it's a caravan like ours, it will take three days if it's slow, and maybe two days if it's fast."
They actually have to spend a night outside.
Xu Shun nodded thoughtfully.
He grew up in the northern suburbs and had only heard that Boulder City was prosperous, but he had only heard about it. There were many alien species and predators along the way, which was full of dangers, and it was difficult for ordinary people to walk alone.
The guard next to him interrupted and said.
"We have to be careful on the road. We are separated too far. We encountered looters when we came. Although they didn't attack us, it's hard to say when there are few people... Let's bypass that area later."
Xu Shun said in surprise.
"Are there still looters?"
Qian Lai said with a smile.
"Just some minions hiding in the ruins. This situation is very common. Maybe some people were mercenaries or merchants yesterday, and decided to change to a more comfortable way of life the next day for some reason."
The guard on the side also said.
"They are like cockroaches. They always appear when you least expect them, and you can never kill them all."
Hearing this, Xu Shun couldn't help but tighten the rifle on his back.
Seeing his serious look, Qian Lai couldn't help but feel a little funny, so he said jokingly.
"Brother, how old are you this year?"
"Seventeen."
"Seventeen? Then I have to be a few years older than you. I will be twenty in a few months."
Xu Shun looked at this brother in surprise.
"I can't tell."
He thought this guy was the same age as Jixiang...
"If you were like me, and followed the boss around since you were twelve, you would become like an old man when you are my age."
Qian Lai pointed to his weather-beaten face and said helplessly.
"For example, if you look at our boss, just by looking at his appearance, can you guess that he is only in his early thirties?"
Xu Shun nodded as if he understood.
"I see."
"But our manager... looks quite young."
Qian Lai shook his head.
"Don't think so. The blue coat in the shelter, you can't guess how old he is just by looking at his face. Don't look at him as if he is only twenty years old. Maybe he is actually an old monster who has lived for more than a hundred years."
Xu Shun: "Can it be like this?!"
Qian Lai: "You have been to too few places. You will know when you go out more."
Fang Chang, who was walking next to him, was confused the whole time. He stared at the VM for a long time, but no subtitles popped up.
What on earth are these two talking about?
…
Shortly after the caravan set off, a group of fresh newbies finally waited for the time to unlock the game.
Floor B3 of the shelter.
The square in front of the elevator was full of people, and the noisy voices were crowded.
"Holy crap?! Is this really virtual reality?!"
"Awesome! I almost went to see a brain doctor, but I didn't expect it to be real!"
"Am I dreaming? I'm not dreaming, am I? Woohoo, if it's a dream, please don't wake me up!"
This light!
This wall!
And this realistic touch!
Many people have not recovered from the shock.
At this time, a player shouted in the square.
"Brothers, I am Silver Sword! Where are my two brothers?"
Someone answered him soon.
"Silver Hand is here!"
Silver Sword stepped forward happily and shook his hand.
"Good brother, have you seen Silver Shield?"
Silver Hand shook his head: "No, I don't know where Silver Shield went. I searched for a long time but didn't see anyone calling this ID."
Silver Sword was stunned and said: "Did he get the reservation qualification?"
Silver Hand: "Yes, I just asked him specifically! But after entering the game and shouting for a long time, I didn't hear anyone respond."
At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the side.
"Are you Silver Hand and Silver Sword?"
Looking back, I saw a short-haired man standing there.
The two recognized him at a glance because of the smug smile. He was their good brother.
"Fuck, where have you been?"
"I've been looking for you for a long time."
The man smiled shyly and said embarrassedly.
"Well, actually my ID is not called Silver Shield."
Silver Hand was stunned: "What's it called then."
Silver Daddy: "Silver Daddy."
Silver Hand: "???"
Silver Sword: "Fuck you! Didn't we agree to call it Silver Shield before registering the ID?"
Silver Daddy: "Hehe, good son."
Silver Sword: "Boil!"
Silver Hand: "Spicy next door!"
The entire B3 floor hall was filled with noisy sounds.
Since the way this game is spread is mostly word of mouth in various groups, many people know each other outside the game.
As soon as the server was opened, everyone went around to recognize their relatives.
Standing next to the elevator, Tail touched his chin and nodded in a mature manner.
"Oh, good, the newcomers this year are very energetic!"
Sis: "Has Ah Wei decided which one to choose?"
Tail: "Don't worry, don't worry, Tail decided to wait and see!"
Sis: "Wait a little longer, the high-quality newcomers will be snatched away."
Tail: "Damn, then I can only choose the biggest one!"
Sis: "...?"
The old players are all looking for candidates to "pass on the fire", which is an old tradition of "Wasteland OL".
As for the newcomers, most of them are still confused.
Although PV and game g have been released on the official website, the urban legend of "Wasteland OL" has always been a very controversial topic.
It is easy to understand if you put yourself in their shoes. If a company claims that it has mastered the controllable nuclear fusion technology, and then releases a lot of PPTs, and poses for a few videos about controlled fusion power generation, but just doesn't connect the generator set to the grid, I guess everyone will doubt whether it is a liar.
The helmet only works when you wear it. Others can't even see the countdown when wearing it, so even those who have obtained the closed beta qualification can hardly prove it to others in a simple way.
Everyone has different information, different values, and different perspectives on the problem.
But is it important?
Obviously not important.
If someone doubts something, naturally someone will believe it.
And the many players standing here at this moment, as well as the reserve players who filled out the reservation form, are all the believers without exception.
Even if they are just half-believing.
However, for them who have their feet here, all doubts have disappeared in an instant.
The countdown to zero is like a key, opening a whole new world in front of them.
A door is opening to them.
Looking at his hands in disbelief, and then looking at the walls around him, Wang Haiyang stretched out his hand and knocked on the wall, with an expression on his face like dementia.
"I didn't lie to you?"
A strange voice came from the side.
Wang Haiyang looked back and saw a thin man with a mechanical arm replacing his right arm standing there, looking at him with a smile.
Wang Haiyang was stunned.
His intuition made him recognize the identity of this man.
"Are you... Yanfeng?"
Kuangfeng coughed lightly.
"Don't call me by this name in the game..."
Wang Haiyang reacted immediately and touched the back of his head embarrassedly.
"Sorry, this game is too realistic... I didn't even realize it was in the game."
Kuangfeng said.
"It's normal, everyone is like this at the beginning, your reaction is already relatively calm."
Wang Haiyang asked in confusion.
"How did you recognize me?"
"Habitual movements, expressions, and various aspects, such as the movement of scratching your head just now." Kuangfeng thought for a while and said, "It's hard to describe this feeling specifically. Maybe it's intuition. I have 7 points of perception now."
Wang Haiyang said blankly: "Perception?"
Kuangfeng explained patiently.
"Wasteland OL has set five attributes, namely strength, agility, constitution, intelligence and perception. The player's initial character corresponds to the five sequences, but there are a few lucky ones who can choose special characters, such as the stupid lizard next to me."
Garbage Picker Level 99: "Gan! You keep saying that I'm stupid! I already have 4 points of intelligence, okay?"
Kuangfeng nodded and continued to use him as a sample to introduce.
"The baseline value of the attribute is 5, and 4 points of intelligence is equivalent to 80% of the average intelligence level of normal adult males. This has nothing to do with IQ, it's purely the activity level of nerve cells."
Wang Haiyang was stunned: "How is this kind of thing reflected in the game?"
"It's hard to describe," Kuangfeng thought for a while and said, "Anyway, wait for the novice guide to pass the opening animation. By the way, by the way, what is your ID?"
Hearing this question, Professor Wang Haiyang smiled embarrassedly and said with a dry cough.
"That, uh... Lone Wolf of the End of the World."
Kuangfeng: "..."
Picking up garbage 99: "..."
Seeing the two people's reactions, the Lone Wolf brother suddenly became anxious.
"Is there anything wrong with this name? I use this name in other games."
Kuangfeng sighed: "Nothing, a name that has a sense of age."
I thought it was an ID that was difficult to talk about when I saw him hesitating, but I didn't expect it to be this.
Picking up garbage 99 also sighed.
"Yeah... I really miss it, and I remember the past when I played Legend of Mir."
Lone Wolf: "???"
At this time, Ye Shi suddenly came over.
"Honestly, what is your relationship with the Lone Hero of the End of the World?"
Lone Wolf said with a blank face.
"What is that?"
"Nothing, this friend is relatively young and often says strange things, don't take it to heart."
Kuangfeng coughed dryly, quickly changed the subject, looked at him and continued.
"Anyway, wait for the cutscene. After the process is over, I will tell you some basic settings and how to play this game."
Lone Wolf nodded excitedly.
"Okay."
...
The process of the cutscene is very short.
To put it simply, everyone is a resident of the shelter sleeping underground, shouldering the expectations of everyone to come to the surface and complete the great cause of reviving the Human Alliance.
Standing next to the Lone Wolf, Kuangfeng continued.
"The background setting of the game is science fiction, but in most cases, you may have to fight with primitive methods."
"But the recent battles have been fought, and the content of the version is mainly farming, which is when you come in handy."
Lone Wolf looked at a face that didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Damn, am I being treated as a tool just after entering the game? I'm a newbie, how can I help?"
Kuangfeng smiled.
"This is about the characteristics of this game. Level is not the only factor that determines strength, and the gameplay is not limited to upgrading. You can farm, do handicrafts, and even develop industry."
Lone Wolf was stunned: "Develop industry?!"
In the game?
Kuangfeng nodded.
"Well, this is also the most special part of this game. The design that can be realized in reality can also be realized in the game."
Lone Wolf: "How is this done?!"
Kuangfeng shook his head and said.
"I don't know. My understanding of this technology is no different from that of ordinary people. But according to the official website, they have adopted some kind of dream interference technology and used the users' cognition to establish an almost completely simulated physical system. For example, some players know what the gravity acceleration is and have reached a consensus on it, so the gravity acceleration in the game is the same... at least they claim so."
Lone Wolf then asked: "What if there are controversial points?"
Kuangfeng: "Maybe they will verify it by consulting experts, or maybe treat it as a black box. They didn't explain much about the technical details of the game. To be honest, I am skeptical about some of the statements made by the game production company... Many of the terrifying things that are thought about carefully have proved another guess of mine. However, unfounded suspicion is meaningless. Maybe there will be an answer after the game is publicly tested."
Lone Wolf nodded without asking any more questions.
"Okay... Anyway, is there anything I can do?"
Kuangfeng continued.
"First, you should accept the task of passing on the torch. I will help you reach level 3 and get the VM first."
"In this game, you basically have a certain self-protection ability when you reach level 3. For intelligence, you may need to reach level 5 or more. But if you want to experience the complete part of the game, you must first reach VM."
Lone Wolf asked curiously: "What is VM?"
Ye Shi, who was standing aside, answered.
"In simple terms, it is your game menu, including the character interface and so on. After reaching the citizen level, you can buy it with some money. It seems to have increased to 100 silver now? But it doesn't matter. Now the mission income has also increased. It's not too liver-intensive. You can naturally afford it by raising the contribution points to the citizen level!"
WTF?
The system interface of this game still needs to be purchased with money?
Lone Wolf was confused.
This is too real...