Hearing this, Dave took a deep breath. "Hah…"
He was startled but didn't argue. "Just make sure we're not too far ahead, but also not lagging behind the others."
Shaking off his thoughts, he entered the virtual world—his personal escape.
When Dave opened his eyes, the scene in the virtual world remained unchanged. The group was still moving toward the sect.
"Spark, what's going on? A whole day has already passed outside, did you do something?"
[Affirmative. To ensure an optimal gaming experience for the host, time was slowed down. Now that the host has logged back in, the time rate will revert to 1 Day : 1 Year.]
[Notice: The VR game is ready to be launched. Awaiting host confirmation.]
Dave's face lit up with excitement. "What's the wait for? Launch it!"
He had forgotten the conversation he just had, or he just chose to ignore it, but the seed has been planted.
[Launching the game >>> My World is online.]
Simultaneously, a discreet 20MB file was silently uploaded to servers worldwide. Within moments, My World—Beta appeared across all major digital platforms: Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Origin, Humble Bundle, App Store, and Play Store.
It appeared so inconspicuously that it escaped notice, buried beneath flashier releases and advertising banners. Even advanced monitoring systems failed to detect its arrival, thanks to Spark's meticulous execution.
"So, anyone can now access my world after downloading the game?" Dave asked.
[Affirmative.]
Dave furrowed his brows. "And how can it be a VR game without a VR headgear? Are they supposed to play it on PC?"
[Core mechanics will function on PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Full immersion, however, remains exclusive to the VR headgear.]
Spark added matter-of-factly, [This will also serve as a soft rollout. Headgear can be introduced gradually to select beta players to keep its existence discreet.]
Dave leaned back, satisfied. "Alright. This should work for now. Start developing a plan to distribute the headgear. Keep everything hidden."
[Task initialized >>> Estimated completion time: 12 hours.]
Dave was then pulled into the virtual world again.
"We're here!" Elder Hong's voice broke Dave's reverie.
Before them loomed the colossal iron gates of River Valley Sect. The gates stood tall as a three-story building, adorned with ornate designs that exuded a regal aura.
"Elder Hong has returned! Open the gates!" a disciple called from within.
KnnnnNnnng… The ground rumbled as the massive gates creaked open, their sheer weight shaking the earth.
"Welcome back, Elder Hong. The Sect Leader awaits your presence in the main hall," said the gatekeeper, bowing deeply.
Elder Hong gave a curt nod and motioned Dave to follow him through the gates.
Inside, Dave was awestruck. The sect spanned the entire mountain, stretching from its base to the peak. The leader's hall stood majestically at the summit, towering over the sprawling compound. The mountain's estimated height was more than 8,888 meters. [Guess it?]
Disciples eagerly greeted Elder Hong as they passed
"Greetings, Elder!"
"You're looking well today, Elder!"
"Elder, my mother's been asking when you'll visit again!"
"Elder Hong, my aunt hasn't eaten since you left. She misses you!"
"Elder, you have to come tonight, or my mother will come looking for you inside the sect"
"You have to promise Elder Hong, otherwise my aunt will come to the leader's hall to find you"
Dave blinked, stunned. Here he was having ADHD by just being in presence of a girl.
Meanwhile this old man was plowing through women of all ages, even mothers of some disciples weren't spared. Damn.. This old NPC was a player. No matter what happens, I must get this old man to accept me as his disciple.
And he was dead serious about it, no joking here. Future depends on it.
Elder Hong's stoic demeanor faltered, his expression souring. Of all times… These idiots…
Turning toward the disciples, he bellowed, "Alright, alright! I'll visit them soon. Now get back to your training, or I'll skin you alive for slacking! su su, run along now"
Satisfied by their response, Elder Hong hurriedly moved forward, muttering under his breath, "Lamentable youth."
Dave followed closely, still reeling from the bizarre interactions.
As they climbed higher, the scenes around the sect became progressively bizarre.
Pools with bikini-clad disciples lounging on deck chairs. Groups of men dunking hoops on a basketball court. Others smoking peculiar cigarette-like items in clusters.
"Something's… off," Dave muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Are sects supposed to be like this?"
Their journey ended at a massive, pagoda-style hall perched near the mountaintop. Towering hall keepers flanked the entrance, their presence exuding silent intimidation.
Elder Hong strode inside confidently, gesturing for Dave to follow.
Within the ornate hall, the Sect Leader awaited on his throne, visibly excited.
"Elder Hong, you're finally here!" the Sect Leader called, his voice booming with energy. "Show me the talent you found! Fast Fast"
He had been waiting since receiving the pigeon letter from Elder Hong, Talent comparable to mine.. heheh... the future of our sect is secured.
Dave glanced nervously at Elder Hong, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Hehe," Elder Hong chuckled. "Why so impatient, Sect Leader? The disciple is here—go ahead and greet him properly!"
Dave swallowed hard and took a deep breath. Stepping forward, he dropped to one knee and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.
Sigh… such drama, Spark's voice chimed in Dave's head.