Chapter 1 The NPCs' Reactions

The male host changed the subject. "Recently, a phenomenon has sparked widespread thought and discussion. The NPCs in the game are displaying immense curiosity toward the players' characteristics. Each newbie planet has different reactions, such as the Chosen One phenomenon, the Otherworlder phenomenon, the genius phenomenon, and so on. This can't help but make people feel amazed and stimulated, as if the NPCs have independent thought and are no longer as rigid as in other games."

The female host said, "If each NPC were given independent logical thought, the amount of computation would be terrifying. However, *Galaxy* uses the latest generation of quantum computers, and no one knows its performance limits."

The barrage on the screen flew by rapidly. The viewers sent one guess after another in the barrage. NPCs with independent thought, and freedom of interaction nearly indistinguishable from the real world, was indeed too novel.

The two hosts read from their scripts, summarizing the different phenomena on various planets, and only made some guesses on the show.

From the players' perspective, they could only know the attitude of the NPCs they contacted and were unaware of the secret reactions of each faction. However, Han Xiao knew that nearly all the dark web intelligence recently concerned the issue of contacting Otherworlders. The ever-increasing number of players was already putting pressure on the major powers.

The major powers unanimously believed that if the number of Otherworlders grew without end, there would be endless hidden dangers and a subversive impact on the landscape. Yet, they simply couldn't find a way to curb the growth of Otherworlders.

Fortunately, the Otherworlders were weak and easy to control.

At this time, the major powers on Aquamarine Star had not yet discovered the players' rapid growth. Before level 20, their combat strength was still within the range of ordinary people.

Han Xiao shook his head helplessly. "Once the players' levels get high, these powers will be dumbfounded."

The topic of the Otherworlder phenomenon came to an end. The male host said, "...We've invited Li Ge to be our guest. Hello, Li Ge."

Li Ge, China's second-ranked gaming god, appeared on camera, sitting between the hosts with a smile.

*Galaxy Times* often invited top players for interviews to share information and interview opinions. The female host asked Li Ge what he thought of the Otherworlder phenomenon.

"I think this is part of the game's storyline, increasing the players' sense of immersion and realism. When I play, I often have the illusion that this is a real world. I think this is the experience the developers want to give us, the feeling of being a special individual who has descended into a real world. Every experience is randomly evolved, and there are very few identical events. It's very novel and very stimulating. I'm very optimistic about the prospects of *Galaxy*."

The male host said, "Speaking of the game's prospects, our station has obtained first-hand information. The International Esports Federation has confirmed that it will host the first *Galaxy* professional league and allow countries to hold secondary events. What are your thoughts on this?"

"I guess it means I don't have to feel like I'm about to lose my job," Li Ge laughed. "Seriously, the esports giants from various countries have joined *Galaxy* and will definitely prepare feverishly. I think this will be a fierce battle. I hope I can lead China to achieve good results."

The barrage became dense. The establishment of the professional league excited the players. It would be a grand event. At the same time, the barrage was also mixed with fan comments such as "Li Ge is so handsome!" "Hubby, mwah!"

"With the league established, professional players must hurry and prepare. Do you have any experience you can share with us?"

Li Ge thought for a moment and said, "We professional players must rationally allocate experience based on our ability characteristics and improve suitable skills. We won't rush to level up. We need to be steady and familiarize ourselves with our operations at each level, honing our skills. So, there are almost no professional players on the level rankings. Oh, there are a few in Japan. As you all know, they care about face." He made a small jab.

"We professional players will seize every opportunity to grow. Recently, Black Phantom of Aquamarine Star has become very famous. I think I'll go try my luck too... provided he returns to the Southern Continent," Li Ge said helplessly.

The rest of the show was mostly idle chat.

After watching, Han Xiao thought, "The professional league is starting to be established. Major clubs will hurry to prepare, and my customers should increase."

Li Ge said he was also coming to find him. This was China's second-ranked gaming god. Han Xiao didn't even have the qualifications to contact Li Ge in his previous life.

But now, Han Xiao had the power to decide whether or not to make him his spare tire.

"Li Ge... I'll see when the time comes."

…

Mad Blade Furious Sword and Meatbun Beats Dog were doing missions in Black Pine. Black Pine was not a place they should be at their level. The missions were very difficult, but Mad Blade was, after all, a professional player, and his skill was there. Plus, he had the equipment sponsored by Han Xiao, so he was doing well and growing quickly.

Through the various missions in Black Pine, he exchanged for new equipment and new skills. But in Mad Blade Furious Sword's heart, these things could not fill his heart. Instead, they made him feel emptier.

Thinking of Han Xiao, Mad Blade felt a surge of longing in his heart.

Only by following him could he comprehend the true meaning of life. Compared to that, the attraction of these missions in Black Pine was completely incomparable.

"When will he come back..."

Mad Blade was melancholy.

Outside the quarantine zone of Black Pine, Lu Cheng looked surprised and said to Mad Blade Furious Sword, "To be honest, you've surprised me. You've successfully contained the plague."

Mad Blade Furious Sword was sullen. Meatbun pulled him from the side, and he came back to his senses and absentmindedly replied, "Oh."

At first, Black Phantom left the two to help solve the plague, and Lu Cheng didn't take it seriously at all. But soon, he discovered that these two could really come in handy. Their ability to revive meant they weren't afraid of infection, and they could do many things that researchers didn't dare to do.

With the help of the two, the plague in the settlement stopped spreading, mild patients had been cured, and the number of people in the quarantine zone had significantly decreased.

Lu Cheng had always been amazed by the characteristics of the Otherworlders. He also let the garrison personnel of Green Valley Town study those "vagrants"... now called Otherworlders. He contacted some friends from other forces and learned that the Otherworlder phenomenon was all over the world. As the scope of the Otherworlders' activities expanded, even the Six Nations could not hide it from the civilians.

As their levels increased, the players in the newbie village gradually opened up the map, and many people left Green Valley Town, some of whom came to Black Pine.

Lu Cheng tried to treat the Otherworlders as mercenaries, using the method Han Xiao taught him, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Han Xiao had pointed him in the right direction.

"That... the reward?" Meatbun Beats Dog reminded the absent-minded Lu Cheng with a cheeky smile.

Mad Blade despised Meatbun.

When doing the mission, he almost did everything himself. Meatbun leisurely recorded videos on the side, like a big shot, and even had the nerve to take the initiative to mention the reward.

Lu Cheng laughed and had his men hand over the promised reward to the two.

Counting the money and equipment he received, Mad Blade carefully studied the attribute descriptions. With the professional league established, he felt the pressure and studied combat skills whenever he had time.

Meatbun, on the other hand, was very casual, browsing the forums. Suddenly, he exclaimed in surprise, "Black Phantom has new developments again. He can even release main storyline missions... huh, why didn't he mention it to us? We triggered his hidden storyline, why don't we have this treatment?"

Mad Blade's expression tightened, and he said in a deep voice, "When he comes back, he will definitely give us the main storyline mission too."

"Where do you get your confidence?" Meatbun asked suspiciously.

"I..." Mad Blade was speechless, feeling very empty inside, but he put on a firm expression and comforted himself, "I believe in him!"