C2 Your Worlds First Test!

"The world's first VR game boasting 100% environmental realism has launched its beta test, and we're now recruiting players for this groundbreaking experience!"

"Be one of the first to dive into the inaugural 100% holographic simulation game, where you can live out your second life to the fullest."

"Shocking revelations! Why would a young girl... What about an eighty-year-old woman... And a middle-aged man... Find all the answers in the world's premier VR MMORPG."

"If you're faint of heart, stay away. If you lack the skill, step aside. This realm calls for courageous warriors to rise up against monsters and save the world. Your actions will shape the future!"

Faang Qiubai may not be a professional in advertising, but after witnessing the ingenuity of various ad campaigns, he quickly saturated the internet with buzz about this so-called first-of-its-kind holographic simulation game.

Naturally, the textual hype was complemented by promotional videos and a website. As the creator, Qiubai effortlessly conjured up all the necessary elements, including an untraceable official website with impeccable credentials.

The website's design was straightforward, featuring a video on the homepage that showcased Qiubai's view of the world through the Book of Creation. The drone-like perspective revealed a world overrun with terrifying monsters, evoking a sense of horror and desolation.

Qiubai had also crafted the game's premise: a world besieged by monsters, with players stepping into the role of the Brave One, embarking on a quest to battle for this ravaged world.

Below the video was an application form for the beta test, followed by a simple discussion forum with no additional sections, just a space for comments.

"Steve and HIM: Your world? I'm still not done with mine!"

"Blind Man is the coolest: What's this, a monster invasion? The graphics are top-notch, as realistic as a movie!"

"Beloved Arad: These promo shots are stunning, but I've got Kelly's business to run. You all go ahead!"

"Fake Pioneer: 100% realism? Does this company not realize there are rewards for reporting false advertising?"

"Professional Scapegoat: It's 2019, not 9012. How could there possibly be a game with 100% simulation? Remember those browser games with their dragon-riding maiden CGs? Don't be fooled!"

"The King: This ad cracked me up. Holographic simulation? If I hadn't just had a VR-induced vomiting session, I might have fallen for it."

"Even in my dreams: I wish the owner of that sham ad agency would drop dead."

"Puff, puff: Easy there, hot-headed bro, let's not conjure horses out of thin air."

"Foolish Turtle: Guys, you're being way too harsh. The game isn't even out yet; how can you accuse them of false advertising? I'm going to pre-order and support them. If it turns out to be true, I'll stream whatever the fans want."

"Cross-dressing a mistake?: Foolish Turtle, skip the fan act—just show us how you rock those stockings!"

The witty banter on the website brought knowing chuckles to those lured in by the ad. In 2019, this kind of marketing felt archaic; the company was likely shooting itself in the foot. While it's true that most major players in the industry have dabbled in exaggeration, this level of blatant false advertising was unprecedented. Even those completely clueless about gaming wouldn't fall for such nonsense.

If such technology did exist, it would surely be applied first to military and scientific fields, becoming nearly obsolete before trickling down to consumer use. And even then, only powerhouses would likely have access. Yet, there was a consensus: the CG was impressive, surpassing even the heartfelt CG efforts of companies known for their lackluster games.

Faang Qiubai remained unfazed by the online mockery. Without an ad copy, game design, or even a storyline, he wasn't worried about attracting players. After all, his promise of a 100% simulation and absolute realism wasn't just an empty slogan.

Despite the prevailing sarcasm, the allure of novelty and curiosity was too strong for many. Within just an hour, pre-orders had surged past ten thousand, far exceeding Faang Qiubai's predictions.

"Regrettably... our current energy only allows us to control fewer than two hundred souls crossing dimensions, and we need to reserve some for emergencies..."

This minor hiccup didn't faze Faang Qiubai in the slightest. He had bigger fish to fry, like finding a safe haven for these 'players' to land. It would be a real joke if they were wiped out by monsters the moment they set foot in the game, completely ruining their experience.

Thankfully, it seemed the previous Creator had anticipated this scenario. Directly beneath Faang Qiubai's arrival point, in the far northwest of the shattered continent, lay the ruins of a village.

The term 'village' was generous, given the few dilapidated wooden house remnants, a fence reduced to mere posts, and a muddy path leading to what was once the village entrance.

The village spanned just seven or eight hundred square meters, long abandoned by humanity. On the upside, the closest black crystal was several kilometers away, and the area was only populated by the occasional skeleton or zombie.

With the spawn point set, Faang Qiubai waited an hour before launching the first test player draw and revealing the winners, announcing that the beta test would kick off promptly at noon the next day. Naturally, this sparked a frenzy of discussion among the players.

"Seeing the Lord: Impressive! How long has the promo been running? Two hours and you've already announced the draw?"

"The King must die: I snagged a beta slot, and they say they're shipping me a game helmet for free. Can that be real?

"Fake Pioneer: Honestly, I'm hoping the game's legit, even though I didn't win!"

"Brave One, who is a high school student: Looks like I truly am the Brave One, making the cut out of a hundred!"

"Love even when you die: Is this game handing out beta accounts too haphazardly?

"Big eyes: Any VIPs who got into the beta? Don't forget to stream the whole thing once you're in!"

"Monk washes his hair: I'm all bathed, dressed, and ready, just waiting on that virtual helmet!"

"Have you heard of Amway: Is the guy above a shill or what? Some people haven't even finished entering their shipping info, and you're already this quick?"

"I'm so sleepy and hungry: The helmet in the announcement looks so cool! I want one too!"

Faang Qiubai's incredibly efficient actions once again set the internet abuzz. At that moment, he was diligently mailing out gaming helmets to the fortunate recipients, using their provided information. In a world devoid of a creator, Faang Qiubai had no concerns about becoming a target.

Regarding the so-called helmet, it was actually quite a redundant piece of equipment. Aside from its striking appearance, which was good for deceiving people, wearing it would render one completely sightless. Any other features that seemed high-tech were purely for show.