CH 3: Shelter 404 Part 2/2
[T/L: This is a pretty long chapter.]
"Okay, I think I understand."
In other words, active substances are similar to "revival coins," resources needed for players to re-synthesize clone bodies.
Currently, the B1 layer stores 100 cultivation cabins, all in an activatable state. It seems that each cabin contains 1 unit of active substance, enough to supply the consumption for the initial synthesis of a clone body.
According to the system's "one machine, one number" setting, Chu Guang can now summon up to 100 "players" to descend into this world in the form of clone bodies.
Of course, Chu Guang is well aware that things are not as simple as they seem on the surface.
First, the official website of "Wasteland OL" currently has no traffic. Most people, upon hearing the slogan "100% real immersive virtual reality game," would either think it's a scam or still think it's a scam. After all, this kind of technology doesn't exist in reality; even the media can't come up with such an outrageous story.
Second, even if 11 players are tricked into booking, he can't be sure these 11 people will listen to him. The ability to enter and exit the game is entirely in the players' hands.
His only powers are to "forcefully kick out," "ban login permissions," and "revoke game qualifications" of troublesome players, but he can't force them to put on the headsets and log in to work for him.
Therefore, the selection of candidates for game qualifications—especially for the first batch of "beta test" players—must be done carefully. It's better to have fewer, more reliable players than to create chaos. Otherwise, it's just asking for trouble!
Moreover, and most crucially, the conditions on the wasteland side also determine that having more people isn't necessarily better at this point. Each additional person means one more mouth to feed.
He is currently as poor as a street rat and can barely support himself, let alone a hundred more mouths. Even if he could now activate all 100 cultivation cabins, it would just be delivering food to mutants and raiders, serving no other purpose.
Chu Guang returned to his computer and sat down again. After calmly pondering for a long time, his thoughts became clearer.
Logging back into his QQ account, Chu Guang opened the "Bull and Horse" game group and created a discussion group with the group owner and three admins.
Then he typed in the group chat:
【Send me the numbers generated on the official website when you book the game.】
【There are only four beta test slots, and I’d rather keep it within the group. I’m applying through the company to see if we can directly send the beta qualifications and game headsets to you.】
These were teammates he frequently played "PUBG" with, so it didn't seem out of place to take care of them.
More importantly, Chu Guang couldn't think of any reliable acquaintances in real life to rely on; these online friends with some level of interaction were his best bet.
Relatives?
Since his grandfather passed away, he hadn't kept in touch with his relatives for years. If the police hadn't notified them, they probably wouldn't even know he was missing.
The Fat Landlord? He was likely looking for him to collect this month’s rent.
Classmates? He had no contact with them since graduation.
Colleagues? Haha. They thought it was bad luck and had already ‘deleted’ him from their lives.. Besides, even if they hadn't, Chu Guang couldn't bring himself to message them since he had passed out drunk at a dinner table.
A message from a "dead" person to a living person would be quite horrifying.
Compared to these, these online friends were undoubtedly the best choice. They didn't know him in real life, and even if he hadn't logged in for five months, they wouldn't think too much about it.
White Horse Gallops: 【Boss is amazing!】
Level 8 Gale: 【Impressive!】
There will be Ample Time: 【666!】
[T/L: 666 usually means "Good luck" or "That's great", in this context Ample time is complimenting Chu Guang]
Get Up Ten Times a Night: 【Sure! Brother, you are invincible! Waiting for your game headset! (amusing)】
Chu Guang continued typing his instructions.
【But I need to clarify one thing: the equipment is only lent to you. Don’t lose it, and definitely don’t dismantle it, or I can’t explain it to the company.】
【Also, the equipment will be linked to the user's identity information. In principle, one piece of equipment can only register one account and can only be used by one person.】
In fact, he wasn't worried about the players not complying. According to the system, the headset would recognize the player's identity information, so non-players couldn't use it.
As for the equipment…he didn't worry about that either. Since the system could deliver the headsets to the players, it must have a way to handle "after-sales service," which wasn't his concern.
There will be Ample Time: 【Does it cost anything?】
Chu Guang: 【There are no charges during the beta phase, but because of tight funding, there are no salaries either.】
There will be Ample Time: 【6666, I've sent you my number privately. Send me one.】
White Horse Gallops: 【Awesome, awesome, haha, get me one too. If it’s truly an immersive VR game as you say, I'll livestream myself doing a headstand and diarrhea!】
Level 8 Gale: 【Haha, count me in too.】
Get Up Ten Times a Night: 【(amusing.jpg)】
Even though these four buddies clearly didn't believe his words, nor did they believe in the existence of such a fully immersive VR game, they still sent their numbers out of curiosity and to "play along" with him.
It's just an official website-generated number. It's not a bank account number or password. Besides, they were curious about what exactly this guy was up to.
After receiving the numbers, Chu Guang didn't hesitate and immediately called up the management system, found the 【Shelter Resident Directory】, and checked "grant game qualification" next to the four numbers.
It takes three days for the cultivation cabins to synthesize clone bodies.
During this time, the system will use special means to deliver the game headsets to the players...without even needing an address.
As for what specific means, whether it would attract modern society's attention, or if it would involve illegal operations—these complicated issues were not Chu Guang's concern. He actually hoped more people would notice his official website and cause a sensation, as this would give him more options.
“manager, our official website already has 11 players booked. Why are you only granting four slots?”
Noticing the activated cultivation cabins in the next room, Little Seven expressed confusion from its corner.
“Because I can't manage that many for now.”
Closing the 【Shelter Resident Directory】, Chu Guang then opened the 【Management Allowance】 page in the system and spent all five reward points on "primary loot boxes."
There's no point in saving up for a high-level loot box. The reward for Task 2 is 100 points directly, so five points don't matter.
The holographic screen flickered with blue light, and the wall on one side of the room gently vibrated. With a light click, the alloy door of the "delivery port" opened.
Chu Guang stared at the items on the platform, slightly stunned.
"This...is the loot box?"
Little Seven answered.
"Probably."
Chu Guang steadied himself and said.
“I thought the prizes would at least come in a box.”
Little Seven tried to explain.
“Maybe the loot box is just a concept?”
But what's the point of a loot box without unboxing? Why not just draw for prizes directly?
Staring at the rewards on the conveyor belt, Chu Guang was silent for a while.
“I understand all that.”
“But why is it that when I clearly exchanged for five, only four showed up???”
Alright.
It turns out I misunderstood.
The rewards from the blind boxes indeed included a "fifth item."
The system didn't pull a "disappearing act" on the equipment, nor was there any "thanks for participating" note.
It's just that the fifth prize got covered by the other four prizes...
In front of Chu Guang now are a vacuum-sealed, 100g compressed biscuit and three 25g lollipops – in apple, banana, and mango flavors.
And a note.
The compressed biscuit's packaging is intact, no swelling, and while the expiration and production dates are a mystery, it shouldn't be deadly.
This thing is good stuff.
The ingredients list indicates it's 500 calories. Whether eaten dry or cooked into a mush, it can fill the stomach.
As for the lollipops, though they pack some calories, they don't provide a feeling of fullness.
But for Chu Guang, who is almost desperate enough to chew on tree bark, this is already quite decent.
Seriously, this system is really stingy. Are they worried he'd get too full? They gave him just a tiny bit of food.
Standing by the output slot, Chu Guang stuffed the food into his backpack, then picked up the note that came out of the conveyor belt and unfolded it.
It had some words on it, written in the language of this world.
【... What in this world could be better "crops" than players?
They not only have boundless curiosity but are always full of enthusiasm, facing difficulties head-on without despairing at their current predicament. And the most crucial part is, they can even think from the operator's perspective, helping the operator harvest themselves!
I'm a genius for packaging this device as a game!
—— First Manager of Vault 404; (Please place this note in the fifth beginner's blind box, it's an Easter egg I left for my successor!)】
Chu Guang: "......"
Honestly, he didn't feel any joy from finding an Easter egg, just a bit speechless.
However…
What does "device" mean?
"Little Seven."
"What is it, manager?"
"Do you know the first manager?"
"I don't. My main program was only activated when you entered the vault. According to the vault's database, the previous manager transferred the operation rights, which was over a century ago."
Chu Guang continued to ask.
"Specifically, which year?"
Little Seven answered.
"January 1, 2157."
The war ended in 2129, and human civilization entered the Wasteland Era. 2157 is the 28th year of the Wasteland Era.
From now, that's…
183 years!
Chu Guang has always been sensitive to numbers, especially such key information. Once remembered, he wouldn't forget it easily.
"So, 183 years ago, the first manager invented this device that projects consciousness from the real world into a clone, packaging it as a game, but for some reason, it was never used?"
Maybe it was because of the nuclear winter.
Or some other reason, causing the vault to not meet the activation conditions.
Either way, a person from a hundred years ago should definitely be dead by now.
Little Seven said.
"That seems to be the case."
"What was his name? The first manager."
Chu Guang suddenly became curious about his identity.
People who come up with such quirky settings aren't necessarily geniuses, but someone who can invent such advanced technology single-handedly after the decline of civilization – genius doesn't even begin to describe him.
Projecting consciousness from the real world into this world, and placing it into a clone as a container.
Chu Guang couldn't fathom how this was achieved.
To him, technology that transcends understanding is no different from magic.
"I don't know either. The known database doesn't have detailed information about him. Could it have been deleted?"
"Forget it... asking you is like asking nothing."
Chu Guang felt slightly disappointed but didn't lose hope.
Currently, only the B1 level of the vault is unlocked.
As the tasks progress, the secrets buried in this vault will eventually be fully revealed to him.
He casually stuffed the note into the drawer of his computer desk and tightened his backpack.
Noticing his actions, Little Seven, squatting in the corner, asked.
"manager, are you leaving?"
That flat voice sounded pitiful.
"Yes, the players will only log in three days later. Staying here won't do any good; I might as well prepare."
This place is called a vault but doesn't even have food or water.
Chu Guang now has half a palm-sized biscuit and half a bottle of water, plus the compressed biscuit and lollipops he just got from the reward points.
This little bit of supply can't last until three days later.
He has a simple little nest in a nearby survivor settlement, with some supplies and usable tools.
Chu Guang plans to go there and gather everything he can.
From now on, this place will be his new base.
"By the way, Little Seven."
"What is it, manager?"
"I need you to do me a favor."
After a pause, Chu Guang continued.
"Our official website is too simple. I need you to add a forum function and data, and a manual function. Can you do it?"
Simply put, he wants players to learn more about this "game."
Trying to persuade people to join the game with just words is too hard. At least, some basic presentation is necessary.
"Of course I can. You have the editing rights for the website. Besides the reservation page, you can add sub-pages or modify existing pages."
"Great, I'll leave it to you then."
"Leave it to me!"
Little Seven seemed very happy with the task given by her manager, even raising the volume of her speaker by half a decibel.
Of course, that might just be Chu Guang's imagination.
"manager, when will you come back?"
Chu Guang thought for a moment and said.
"No later than three days."
"If everything goes smoothly, maybe by tomorrow night."
...
In the real world, the Bull and Horse Club group.
The guy in the group named "Light" disappeared after dropping the website link. It was unclear if he logged off or was lurking.
The topic of "fully immersive virtual reality games" was almost past, but the guy's recent stunt of pulling a small group chat operation a few minutes ago brought the group's conversation back to it.
Quit smoking: 【Holy crap, is this guy for real?】
Quit smoking is also an active member of the group, although not a moderator.
The white horse gallops: 【Yes, after you guys made the reservation, he created a small group and pulled all of us admins into it. (Scratches head)】
The White horse gallops is the group owner and also in that small group.
Hearing this, the group members were instantly in an uproar.
【Damn! This is shady! Why did he pick only you guys?】
【Does anyone know which company Brother Guang joined? I want to report him for under-the-table deals! (Funny emoji)】
【Bullshit, company! Last year, a VR company on the stock market lost so much money that even the boss got jailed! VR isn't the trending thing anymore!】
【Keep it down, Light might be lurking. (Funny emoji)】
【What’s his motive? Just for a joke?】
【Who knows, maybe he’s redirecting you guys to some gambling site, planning to scam a bunch of you!】
【I don't think this guy is up to any good! Kick him out already.】
The topic gradually turned unpleasant.
It even escalated to personal attacks.
Ye Wei frowned as he watched, just about to say something, when he saw the group owner step in to cool things down.
(Group Mute)
The white horse gallops: 【Everyone, calm down. New members might not know Light well. He's actually a decent guy, though his aim is poor, eyesight bad, and skills terrible, but otherwise fine.】
There will be ample time: 【Indeed, I believe Light isn’t involved in shady activities. We’re just not sure if his account got hacked. If it did, we admins will handle it. I’ll delete the messages shortly, let’s change the topic. (Smile)】
(Group Mute Released)
With the group owner and admins stepping in, everyone gave face and stopped discussing the topic, quickly shifting to the European Cup.
Ye Wei doesn’t follow soccer.
Glancing at the time in the bottom right corner of his screen, it was already 6:00 PM, time for dinner.
Uploading his unfinished project to the cloud, Ye Wei pushed back his chair, went downstairs to the cafeteria, ordered a spicy chicken fried rice, and enjoyed his meal.
When he leisurely returned to his dorm, he was surprised to see a cardboard box on his desk.
A delivery?
"Ah Wei, what did you buy? This thing is huge!"
His roommate came over, and the other two also turned their attention to it.
They are all decent guys.
They didn't touch Ye Wei's things while he was away. Now that he was back, they were curious.
"I didn't buy anything... Who sent this?"
The three roommates exchanged glances.
"I didn't notice..."
"Me neither."
"I don't know, I just went to pick up my takeout."
Strange!
Usually, packages are left at the dormitory's delivery station downstairs, but this one got delivered to his room.
Even stranger, Ye Wei didn’t put his exact seat number in any online shopping address.
Are delivery guys this good nowadays?
Opening the box, inside was a helmet.
This thing looked like a motorcycle helmet, painted black inside and out, not much to look at.
If there was anything special about it, it was that it had no front face. Once worn, it covered the entire head, leaving you blind.
At first glance, Ye Wei thought it was a pot.
"What is this thing?"
A roommate fiddled with the helmet, put it on, then took it off, looking puzzled, and handed it back to Ye Wei.
"You ask me, who do I ask?"
Could it really be a pot?
Ye Wei, just as confused, tried putting it on.
His vision went completely dark.
Just as he was about to take it off, a pale blue light shone through the darkness, reaching his retinas.
【Waiting for game activation: 71 hours 19 minutes】
This…
Could it be that game helmet?!
Damn.
The delivery was that fast?
Ye Wei was dumbfounded.
"Didn't you see anything?"
Taking off the helmet, Ye Wei looked at his roommate who had worn it earlier.
The roommate was equally puzzled, shaking his head.
"See what?"
Ye Wei hurriedly said, "The countdown! It says 'Waiting for game activation'!"
"What? This thing is a game console?"
"Move over, Liu's eyesight isn't good, let me take a look."
Another roommate put on the helmet, but after a while, took it off looking just as confused.
"Nothing."
"Let me try."
This time, all three roommates tried it, but none of them saw anything.
Exchanging glances, they looked at Ye Wei with strange expressions.
"Bro."
Ye Wei: "...... What?"
"Maybe... you should see a doctor?"
"Get lost!"
Ye Wei cursed, grabbing the helmet again, refusing to believe it, and put it on once more.
The pale blue text appeared on cue.
【Waiting for game activation: 71 hours 17 minutes】
The countdown had advanced by 2 minutes.
Not only that…
At this moment, he suddenly realized, no matter how he moved his head, the countdown always appeared in the center of his vision.
Even with his eyes closed.
Ye Wei took off the helmet, his face pale as a ghost.
Damn!?
What the hell did he just see?
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