On the other hand, the youths were buzzing with excitement. Because in front of everyone, there was a floating screen!
Ding!
[ Quest Activated! ]
[ To ascend the path of cultivation, one must prove their worth. ]
[ Defeat 100 elemental wolves located on the mountain within 3 days. ]
[ Reward: become a Disciple ]
However, some of the more keen-eyed players have a nagging feeling.
"Isn't this too sudden? Most games usually start with killing slimes as a beginner's quest. But we're thrown to the deep end and asked to defeat so many monsters?"
"Isn't this a good thing? The game developer wants to subvert the genre and start with the core gameplay mechanics!"
"Hmm, I suppose you're right… the game did boast that the gameplay will subvert expectations."
The few remaining players stood watch, continuing to read the quest information. At the bottom of the screen, there was a brief explanation of the monster.
[ Elemental wolf: A feared beast capable of controlling one of the basic elements; fire, water, earth, and air. ]
A few keen-eyed players instantly caught on a crucial piece of information— 4 basic elements? Awesome!
Without further hesitation, the players quickly scattered around the mountain trying to find the so-called elemental wolf.
One of these players was very particular. He had the name: MuffinTop floating above his head, and he was constantly talking to himself.
"Chat! We're checking out a hidden gem today! A true hidden gem! The game is called Murim World, and it's an eastern martial arts MMORPG game."
"Currently, the game is in closed beta and only a selected few participants have access to the game. I've counted the beta testers, and including me, there are only 10! Yes, only ten beta testers! Haha, I'm really lucky today, chat! Let me show you how I will easily clear the Beginner's Quest!"
MuffinTop was a small streamer. He wasn't the most popular out there, but he had a very small, but loyal fanbase. Because in the gaming community, his fans often hail him as the king of trolls.
A few viewers quickly typed in the chat:
"Easy Clear? Don't jinx yourself. Brother's gaming skill is worse than my grandma's!"
"Pull down your pants Muffin! Let's see that big PP you always boast about!"
"Go lick your shoe! If you do, I will donate $10."
"Please, Brother. Pull down your pants!"
+1
+1
…
There was a visible vein on MuffinTop's forehead. "Mods! Ban those guys in chat! Ban them. Permanent Ban!"
The moderators followed suit. Many of the viewers who spoke ill or inappropriately were quickly banned from the channel. But no matter how many people the moderators banned, the number of viewers kept increasing.
"Big Brother stop banning! This is the 3rd account I created today!"
"Haha. Only your 3rd account? I'm currently using my parent's phone to watch MuffinTop's live-stream! If I get banned again, I might have to use my granny's Nokia."
"Big Brother, have mercy! I'm running out of emails to register new accounts with! 😭 "
In the face of all these comments, MuffinTop only has 2 words: "Permanent Ban!"
Whilst there was chaos in the chat room, MuffinTop was scouring the entire mountain, trying to find his target. It wasn't long before he found one.
In a small clearing, a lone wolf was drinking from a small pond. It was about two meters in length and one meter in height. The spirit beast had sharp canines in his mouth. Across its mane, there was a rainbow colour.
"Okay chat! We've found our target. This must be the elemental wolf we're seeking. Based on my various gaming experiences, the monster should be distracted. If we manage a sneak attack, we have a chance of delivering critical damage. What should we do, chat? Type 1 for a sneak attack. Type 2 for wait."
"1"
"1"
…
"Haha. It appears the viewers are wise! Sneak attacking the elemental wolf in such a state is indeed a wise choice! Let me show you daddy's prowess."
Saying this MuffinTop pulled out a random wooden sword that he found and charged towards the unaware elemental wolf.
The viewers quenched their butt cheeks, wanting to see something epic.
MuffinTop dashed at top speed, branding his wooden sword in a domineering fashion. But just before he entered attack range, the wolf suddenly perked up, glaring at its enemy!
The wolf was so realistic, that MuffinTop could even feel the murderous intent of the monster! This game… so immersive!
However, MuffinTop couldn't even swing his sword before the elemental wolf lunged forward! Fire spewed out of the beast's mouth, catching him by surprise. The spirit beast bit Muffin's neck! And fire engulfed his body!
The player instantly lost consciousness, and his vision went dark.
The chat went explosive.
"What the heck! That monster was way too strong, right?"
"He was instantly killed! Did you see it? Instant kill!"
"Haha. Skill issue. Bro is trash."
…
At the login screen, MuffinTop stared at the messages with a dumbfounded expression.
[ Welcome, player MuffinTop ]
[ As your character dies, you should restart and create a new character. ]
The system's mechanical voice sounded, and the streamer quickly concluded.
This game is trash!
What the heck?! The monsters from the beginner village can kill me in a single strike!?
Is this game even balanced? I'm complaining to the development team!
The game was plotting against him!
However, watching the viewers in his chat steadily climbing, MuffinTop suppressed his anger. His viewers were continuously mocking him, and even challenging him to continue this trash game!
Although he was a gamer, he earned a living through live-streaming! How could he go against his viewer's demands?
Despite him outwardly presenting as an easily enraged person who bans his viewers on a whim, this was in fact planned! It's all part of his "internet persona".
"Okay… I, MuffinTop, will wholeheartedly challenge this beginner's Quest! If I fail, I will eat my shoe!"
"666, that's the big brother I know!"
"Seeing daddy's resolve. I have gifted you $10!"
"Big Brother must not go back on his words! Failure = eating shoes."
"Haha, no problem, chat! I will never go back on my promise!"
Seeing this, MuffinTop created a new character, and quickly entered the game! For the next few hours, he went monster hunting!
Whilst the players were busy challenging the elemental wolf on the mountain. In the distance, an old man was quietly observing.
Laotou watched as the mindless "Players" repeatedly attacked the elemental wolf, but were quickly and mercilessly killed without hesitation!
Those people can't even last 5 seconds before meeting their death!
Laotou smirked. What talented youths? These "Players" are blind fools charging towards their deaths!
The only redeemable thing was the fact that these players would… continuously revive!
When Laotou asked the origins and powers of these summons, the evil spirit explained to him in a convoluted manner. But Laotou understood a few key points.
These youths were from a realm called "Earth".
They call themselves "Gamers".
And they possess a unique talent called "Respawn".
The evil spirit proclaims he is a deity that can connect the Murim and "Earth" realms, allowing these "Gamers" to be summoned at will.
Although Laotou don't know how much of it is true. What's the point in trying to understand all of it?
These lower dimensions, idiotic creatures from a different realm could never understand the profoundness of Dao, let alone enter the path of cultivation.
With a snort, Laotou retreated to his abode and resumed meditation. Once he recovers his Chi, he will dispel the evil spirit possessing his body!
But whilst this was happening, a player suddenly shouted. "Wait! Guys! I have an idea!"