C3 The First Place Reward

A few minutes later, at the Beginner Village's Resurrection Point.

"Damn, right out of the gate it's like hell difficulty. These monsters are so glitchy. How can they even dodge attacks?"

Qi Tian was visibly stunned, spear in hand, as he returned to the Lava Monster's location.

In China, numerous live streamers, big and small, had already started exploring the Game World. Their entry sparked millions of fans to dive into the game as well.

Lin Tian set out to design the game's NPCs. After some deliberation, he decided that some NPCs, such as those awarding prizes, would be better off designed by him, while Bai Li would handle the NPCs assigned to mission distribution.

NPCs would sleep when he slept and move when he moved, creating a more lifelike experience.

Other players had already joined the fray. Across the desolate wasteland, bands of Lava Monsters unleashed furious roars. With each flash of white light, another player fell victim to the creatures.

In their final moments, disbelief was etched on the players' faces.

"Damn it, who's the designer? I want to pull them out and give them a thrashing."

"Why is it so tough to beat these things? This is supposed to be just a beginner's trial. Surely, I haven't stumbled into nightmare difficulty already?"

"Not only can these monsters dodge, but they can taunt me too?"

"I must be playing a knock-off game..."

These players had their worldviews turned upside down.

They had clicked in, eager to try out a game that topped the charts across major gaming platforms.

Little did they know, this game would be so treacherous.

As if the Nightmare Difficulty wasn't enough, even the minor monsters here had taunting abilities.

"Heh, is this the human race from the center of the Whole Heaven Myriad Realms? Pathetically weak."

"No matter how many of you come at me, I can easily crush you. You're such a disappointment!"

Did you hear that? These monsters seemed to have taunting abilities, and they were getting more and more riled up.

In a flash, the players' anger was ignited. The monsters' arrogance had them hooked.

Consequently, China and the entire world witnessed an unprecedented surge in information exchange. Countless people discussed this game across social media platforms, both online and offline.

Currently, the only map that had been explored in the game was Beginner Village. Since the game's launch a few hours ago, no player had managed to leave Beginner Village to venture into the broader Game World.

This seemingly magical claim piqued the curiosity of many, prompting tens of thousands of players to sign up and dive into the game world within just a few hours.

Lin Tian observed the situation, feeling a slight twitch in his brain. Seizing the opportunity while players were still milling around Beginner Village, he quickly began constructing a new game module.

He also issued a new announcement within the game.

Following the announcement, Lin Tian immediately set to work revamping Beginner Village. He expanded it into the size of a small town, populated it with a variety of NPCs, and began issuing the world's virtual currency: game coins!

At the Resurrection Point, the white light of revival shimmered ceaselessly.

Qi Tian, one of the earliest players to join, was utterly astonished by the sight.

How much time had passed?

This many players?

"Qi Tian?"

He turned to find a familiar face.

"I knew it was you. I recognized that flamboyant name anywhere. 'Ao Hen Tian'? It just sounds so tacky."

Standing before Qi Tian was a man wielding a standard sword, his long black hair, sharp brows, and piercing eyes exuding an impressive presence.

If it weren't for the ID above his head.

"Ximen Fanzhi?"

Qi Tian couldn't help but laugh. "Chung Tianya, your name is even more old-fashioned than mine!"

The encounter with an old friend was somewhat awkward.

After a moment of silence, Chung Tianya cleared his throat and got straight to the point. "Have you taken on the Lava Monster yet?"

"Hmm?" Qi Tian scoffed, "Spit it out, what's your scheme? I'm busy grinding levels by slaying monsters, I don't have time for chit-chat."

"Come on, still on about killing monsters? You haven't even shaken off the weakened state from your last death."

Unfazed by his bluff being called out, Qi Tian held his head high and brushed the yellow hair from his eyes. "Those minor creatures are nothing to me. I've already figured out their weaknesses."

Chung Tianya and his friend had known each other for over a decade, so he was well aware of his old pal's quirks. He didn't intend to call him out, instead getting straight to the point, "How about we team up?"

"I'm all for it!"

Qi Tian immediately accepted, a mischievous grin on his face. "I knew that's what you were up to."

Chung Tianya shook his head, resigned but amused. "You figured it out, huh?"

"Please, it's obvious," Qi Tian retorted.

Exchanging a knowing look, they both understood what needed to be done.

Players were currently facing a beginner's trial, yet the level of difficulty was abnormally high.

Why had the game developers made it so challenging?

If their hunch was correct, the first player to defeat a Lava Monster and embark on their professional journey would surely receive a special reward. That was the only explanation for the grueling start to the game.

Without hesitation, they set out to find a Lava Monster. With the influx of players, the monsters had been spread thin, leaving many isolated.

"Old tactics: I'll take the front, you flank," Qi Tian directed.

Their teamwork was seamless. With their strategy set, Qi Tian, spear in hand, charged at the Lava Monster.

As a seasoned game broadcaster, Qi Tian's prowess was unquestionable. Having learned from previous encounters, he understood the Lava Monster well. He swiftly sidestepped, evading a burst of flames.

Seizing the moment, he lunged with his spear.

The spear's red tassel traced an arc through the air, aiming straight for the red gemstone on the Lava Monster's forehead.

Clang!

The spear's tip sparked against the creature's hide, and suddenly, a lifebar appeared above the Lava Monster's head, the full bar diminishing ever so slightly.

"Holy shit, I broke through its defense!"

Qi Tian couldn't help but realize the significance of what had just happened.

Initially, no matter how they attacked the Lava Monster, its lifebar remained unseen, indicating their attacks were ineffective. Now, the lifebar only became visible upon inflicting damage.

"It's targeting the weak spot!" Chung Tianya chimed in from the side. "The red gemstone on the forehead is its vulnerability!"

Having pinpointed the weakness, the duo coordinated flawlessly, successfully subduing the boisterous Lava Monster.

From their vantage point above the wilderness, Lin Tian and Bai Li felt a wave of relief wash over them as they witnessed the scene unfold.

The plan was showing promise.

The pair below had uncovered the Lava Monster's vulnerability, and its defeat was imminent.

"Is the professional pathway ready?" Lin Tian inquired.

"It's been ready for a while. Once these two defeat the Lava Monster and secure the Lava Core, I can draw out the Cultivation System from the Lava World and integrate it into this realm. Then, every player can specialize," Bai Li responded confidently.

"That's excellent."

"We must ensure the professional pathway, a critical element of our plan, goes off without a hitch!"

Observing the now favorable battle below, Lin Tian's lips curled into an affectionate smile. "The gamers this year are quite impressive! Let's get ready to reward these youngsters."

Meanwhile, Qi Tian and Chung Tianya's teamwork quickly whittled the Lava Monster's lifebar down to a sliver.

With a resounding crash, Qi Tian plunged his spear into the Lava Monster's forehead, and the creature collapsed thunderously.

A crimson gem emerged from its forehead, twirling in the air before ascending into the sky.

In the Reincarnation World, all players heard an icy voice announce,

"Congratulations to player Ao Hentian for successfully slaying the Lava Monster and being the first to unlock the professional pathway. A Lava Orb is your reward."

Following the announcement, an NPC dressed in work attire, with an unremarkable appearance yet unmistakably a programmer, materialized above the wilderness.

Qi Tian internally swore, suspecting this NPC was modeled after himself by that accursed designer.

Of course, Lin Tian had no intention of revealing that the NPC was, in fact, his own likeness.

With a goofy grin, Lin Tian approached Qi Tian and handed him a scarlet orb.

A flash of white light later, the orb disappeared into Qi Tian's backpack.

At that moment, Qi Tian finally laid eyes on his character's stats.

Ao Hentian — Level: 1, Profession: Spear Warrior

Strength: 10, Attack Speed: 8

Agility: 5, Movement Speed: 5

Spirit: 8 Casting Speed: 7

Stamina: 6

Intelligence: 3

Physical Attack: 15 Magic Attack: 6

Physical Defense: 8 Magic Defense: 3

Life Value: 200

Magic Value: 80

Anger Value (Not Activated)

Experience Value: 0/200

Lin Tian had Bai Li create this interface for players to quantify their personal strength. It reflects their real-world abilities, which can be enhanced as they progress in the game. However, these enhancements are exclusive to this mini Game World and offer a more convenient way to review one's stats.

After examining the stats, Qi Tian's attention turned to the orb in his hand.

Lava Orb — Green — Precious

Strength: +10

Attacks inflict an additional 10 points of Burning Damage, stackable up to three times, lasting three seconds.

Exquisite!

Qi Tian's breath quickened with excitement.

His extensive gaming experience told him just how valuable this treasure was.

An absolute gem.

The 10-point strength bonus alone was impressive, but the additional special effect was truly envy-inducing!

Watching Qi Tian nearly weep with joy upon receiving the orb, Lin Tian shook his head, unamused by the display. What a dull fool. But no matter, he thought, it's time to move on and further refine the game's framework.