LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 2: 88 players
[Summoning from another world… Creating a game… Launching an official website… Game forum online… Shortlisting the first batch of disciples… Distributing VR helmets and login devices…]
After six hours of waiting, the system concluded the first batch summoning.
All 88 players had been shortlisted, and the VR helmets were delivered.
He Yiming looked at the slightly crude official website created by the system. After a moment of hesitation, he wrote a line on the blank space left for the title of the game:
["World's first all-virtual reality online game—'Heaven-Defying Devil Immortal'—now officially open for beta testing!"]
["Follow Sect Master He Yiming and start your journey as disciples of the Yan Huang Sect in the absolute real world of cultivation. Choose who you want to be, reach the summit, and become a Devil or Immortal through cultivation!"]
["Friendly reminder: Only 88 slots available for the first beta test!"]
With He Yiming's input, the words automatically appeared on the game's official website. After some thought, he recorded a short video via the system.
The video panned across the dilapidated ruins of the sect, lingered on the breathtaking mountains and rivers in the distance, and finally focused on He Yiming himself.
He raised his hand and declared, "Want to make the Devil beg? Want to become an Immortal? I'll wait and see how you fight for it!" Then, with a dramatic flair, he ended the video.
He clicked 'upload,' leaving the rest of the technical work to the system.
Now, all he had to do was wait for the 88 players to log in.
---
Earth, Year 2032
"A VR helmet? What the…?" In a small rented apartment, Ding Hao stared at the VR helmet in his hands, completely baffled.
He had received an unexpected package labeled "VR helmet." As a curious tech enthusiast, he signed for it without hesitation. When he opened it, he found a sleek, high-quality VR helmet that looked far more advanced than anything on the market.
The craftsmanship and design were impeccable, and the promise of "100% real simulation" printed on the box made Ding Hao's heart race.
VR technology had been around for a few years, but most devices were clunky, buggy, and far from the "real virtual world" experience they promised. Yet, this helmet dared to claim that perfection.
Curiosity piqued, Ding Hao logged into the game's official website. The site was quite barebones, with a crude design and an empty forum. But when he clicked on the video He Yiming had uploaded, his jaw dropped.
"Thi- this is insane! Is this even real? No graphics card on Earth could render something this detailed!" Ding Hao muttered, his excitement growing.
An irresistible urge took over. Ding Hao lay down, put on the VR helmet, and pressed the power button.
In the next moment, his surroundings transformed. He found himself floating in a void, surrounded by swirling runes. In front of him was a mirror, reflecting a figure that looked just like him.
[Welcome, Player 1]
[The game uses a real-world simulation paradigm. Pain settings are defaulted to 5% and can be adjusted later. You may alter your appearance to a limited extent. Once you choose your character name, it cannot be changed. Step into the mirror portal to begin your legendary journey in the world of cultivation!]
A mechanical voice echoed around him.
"Holy crap, what kind of tech is this? This is next-level!" Ding Hao exclaimed.
The login interface alone was more immersive than any VR game he'd ever played. He quickly tweaked his appearance, making himself slightly more handsome, and chose a name.
[ID: Beef Noodles]
(lowkey best character fr)
With a deep breath, Ding Hao stepped into the mirror.
---
Meanwhile, in the cultivation world, He Yiming stood in the square outside the Great Hall of the sect, staring at a shimmering vortex. Suddenly, it began to tremble.
"It's happening!" He Yiming's eyes lit up. "The players are here!"
The first figure emerged from the vortex. He Yiming glanced at the player's attributes:
[ID: Beef Noodles]
[Cultivation: Body Forging – First Stage]
[Talent: None]
The attributes were simple but informative. The cultivation realms in this world ranged from Body Forging to Spirit Veins, Foundation Establishment, Sea Wheel, and Heavenly Pills. He Yiming himself was only at the peak of the Tenth Stage of Body Forging.
More players began to step out of the vortex, each one looking around in awe.
"What the hell? Is this real? This feels way too lifelike!" one player exclaimed.
"Can we fart in this game? Does it simulate wind? Can I feel pain?" another asked, poking his own arm.
"This is insane! Did aliens make this game? The realism is off the charts!"
"Brother Ming looks even hotter in person! What do I do if I fall for him?"
The players were buzzing with excitement, testing the limits of the game's realism. Some pinched themselves, others threw stones, and a few even jumped around to feel the impact of landing.
Ding Hao, now fully immersed, looked around at the scene that matched the video perfectly. "Is this really a game? Or did I just transmigrate for real?" he wondered aloud.
---
He Yiming counted the players. All 88 had logged in, just as the system promised. They were a lively bunch, full of energy and curiosity.
"Alright, it's showtime," He Yiming muttered, taking a deep breath. He stepped forward, ready to welcome his new disciples and guide them into the deadly, unpredictable world of cultivation.