Chapter 244 – Extra – Online Gaming is Dangerous, Choose Your Server Wisely (Part 1)

[System] Please select your class. Zombie/Berserker/Demon Refiner/Assassin/Spirit Master/Blood Warrior/Wandering Physician/Blesscaller?

[System] Please adjust and confirm your appearance.

[System] Please enter a name. Chinese characters, numbers, letters, and symbols are all acceptable.

[System] Sorry, that name is already taken.

[System] Sorry, that name is already taken.

[System] Sorry, that name is already taken.

[System] Welcome [Zombie][What Name Works in this Game] to Huaxia Online!

[System] Congratulations to [Zombie][What Name Works in this Game] for receiving 12 hours of tourist time!

“Brother, your ID… Impulsiveness is truly the devil.”

“Shut up!”

“What’s tourist time?”

“Even if I explain, you wouldn’t understand. Go watch your Peppa Pig!”

“Mom! Brother’s secretly playing games—”

“Damn it, shh—”

“Huh?”

“Fine, tourist time means after creating an account, you don’t have to immediately choose a server. During the first 12 hours, you can visit any server you want and decide which one you’d like to play on permanently based on your experience.”

“But newbies get one-shot anywhere. What kind of experience is that?”

“Do you think the game company wouldn’t account for that? During these 12 hours, new accounts are set to Level 75—max level is 80—so they’re practically high-level already. You also get basic gear for that level, enough to wander around or even do dungeons. After the 12 hours are up, once you’ve chosen your server, you’ll be reset to Level 1 and start the actual game from the Starter Village.”

“First, I’m already in high school, not a kid. Second, you’re only a senior.”

“A two-year gap is an insurmountable chasm.”

“I—”

“Keep yapping and I’ll tell your crush’s mom about your secret WeChat chats with the class arts committee member.”

“Uh, why not just tell our mom?”

“Mom would be over the moon. Given your standards, flirting with her counts as punching above your weight.”

“…”

After finally shooing away his meddling younger brother, the newbie What Name Works in this Game saw a Wandering Physician from the Galloping Through the Yellow Sands Legion circling him and hopping around.

This was the first server he’d chosen to test—Fairy Dreamland. No special reason, just that the name appealed to him.

Clearly, this healer had been here for a while, as his private chat was filled with greetings.

[Local] Passing Master: Hello?

[Whisper] Passing Master: Hello?

[Whisper] Passing Master: AFK?

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: Here, was just talking to my brother.

[Whisper] Passing Master: New account? Tourist time?

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: You can tell?

[Whisper] Passing Master: Ah, so I guessed right! Come join our legion!

[Whisper] Passing Master: Your ID’s so long. Can I call you “What Name”? >_<

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: …

[Whisper] Passing Master: What Name, don’t go to other servers. Just stay in Fairy Dreamland. Our legion is recruiting now—first come, first served! [Earnest big eyes.jpg]

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: Served what?

[Whisper] Passing Master: Status! Join now, and you’ll be a founding member!

The high school senior behind the screen swallowed hard, an ominous premonition creeping up on him…

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: How big is your legion?

[Whisper] Passing Master: We’ve got both a commander and a deputy commander! ~\(^o^)/~

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: So… you’re the only member?

[Whisper] Passing Master: Nope, I’m the deputy. [Shy]

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: Then where are the members?

[Whisper] Passing Master: Like I said—none yet.

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: …Mom’s calling me to do homework. Bye!

[Whisper] Passing Master: Don’t be like that! Though our legion is small now, the future is bright! Our commander—

One second.

Ten seconds.

Thirty seconds.

The private chat fell silent.

Was it his imagination, or did Huaxia Online have its own unique communication style? No—this was clearly an unfinished sentence!!!

As if hearing his thoughts, the previously frozen healer suddenly moved again after a full minute—

[Whisper] Passing Master: Sorry, gotta go for now. Don’t go to other servers! Wait for me, and we’ll continue our chat later! >_<

What Name Works in this Game stared blankly as the healer dashed away like the wind.

Though their exchange had been brief, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the other wasn’t just messing around—he was genuinely sincere. But if he was sincere, why did he suddenly run off mid-conversation?

This was What Name Works in this Game’s first time playing Huaxia Online, but not his first MMO. In fact, he’d been obsessed with various online games since middle school—his love was deep and enduring. Even as many classmates switched to mobile games, he remained devoted to the keyboard. But as time marched on, many once-thriving MMOs had dwindled or shut down. Only Huaxia Online remained active, so he’d finally overcome all obstacles to secretly download the client.

This was the winter break of his senior year, with just 130 days left until the college entrance exams. He should’ve been drowning in textbooks, not sneaking onto servers and hammering his keyboard.

Based on his experience, abrupt endings to conversations in games usually had two causes: either the chat went sour, or something urgent came up.

A glance at the World Chat revealed the answer—

[System] Dimensional Rift has opened.

[Megaphone] Caramel MM: Come to the rift! Coords (XX, XX)! Dozens from Flame of the Gods are here!!!

What Name Works in this Game didn’t know what a Dimensional Rift was, but he knew “Flame of the Gods” was another server’s name. So the purpose of the rift was obvious.

Blood rushed from his toes to his scalp. Cross-server battles! Invasion and defense, enemies and allies—this was the exhilarating world he craved!

He opened the map at top speed, and his Level 75 Zombie charged straight for the rift!

By the time he arrived, the two sides were already fighting. At first, What Name Works in this Game couldn’t tell who was who—until he spotted the familiar legion name: Galloping Through the Yellow Sands!

He lunged forward and unleashed a Hellfire on the Blood Warrior [Guardian of the Gods], who was locked in combat with the legion member! Only after firing did he realize the person with the Galloping Through the Yellow Sands tag wasn’t the healer from earlier, but another Zombie.

[Local] March to Liangzhou: Thanks.

The Zombie kept it brief before diving back into battle.

What Name Works in this Game finally grasped the situation—dozens of invaders, most bearing the same legion name “Outer Flame,” had stormed in. Meanwhile, Fairy Dreamland’s defenders were a chaotic mix of legions, clearly united to protect their server’s dignity.

Even if he weren’t currently aligned with Fairy Dreamland, as a bystander, cross-server invasions were inherently provocative and morally indefensible. Plus, he already had a half-acquaintance with Passing Master. And even with all legions pitching in, Fairy Dreamland was still outnumbered. And most importantly, the Outer Flame’s leader was downright unlikeable—

[Megaphone] [Flame of the Gods] King of the Gods: March, just transfer servers already. My legion alone outnumbers all the small fries on your entire server. [Sigh]

March to Liangzhou didn’t respond, so his mood remained a mystery. But What Name Works in this Game found the taunt unbearable. Fuming, he tightened his grip on the mouse and sent his Zombie leaping toward the nearest invaders, unleashing an AoE poison attack!

[Combat] What Name Works in this Game used Miasma.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Ghost of the Gods is poisoned.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Mouse of the Gods is poisoned.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Fist of the Gods is poisoned.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Sigh of the Gods is poisoned.

The string of poison notifications filled What Name Works in this Game with pride.

But the enemy wasn’t helpless—it was 4v1, and even while bleeding, they could still retaliate!

What Name Works in this Game wasn’t about to stand there and take a beating. After poisoning them, he bolted faster than a greased weasel. Still, outnumbered as he was, a ranged attack clipped him, taking out over half his HP!

[Huaxia] Fist of the Gods: Stop running, you bastard!!!

Only an idiot would listen.

But while fleeing, he wouldn’t let his pride take a hit.

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: If you invade another server, be prepared to get killed! [Cool]

[Huaxia] Mouse of the Gods: First time seeing a traitor talk so righteously. [Laughs]

What Name Works in this Game frowned. Traitor? Since when? =_=

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: I’m just a tourist, no allegiances. But today, I’m in Fairy Dreamland—I won’t let you run wild here!

[Huaxia] Sigh of the Gods: Since leaving Outer Flame, the four of us only represent ourselves. March was our brother then, and still is now. If you think you can bully him with numbers, think again!

[Huaxia] Milk Bottle of the Gods: [King of the Gods] Commander, I’m kinda confused. Aren’t they both siding with Fairy Dreamland? What’s the fight about? =_=

[Huaxia] Fahai of the Gods: Stop asking questions and get over here! The commander’s about to die!!!

Wait, something felt off…

After barely escaping the vengeful chase from the “Gods Faction,” What Name Works in this Game hid his Zombie in a safe corner to sort out the logic—

Flame of the Gods invaded Fairy Dreamland via the rift, with the “Outer Flame” legion as the main force.

Outer Flame members mostly had IDs like “XXX of the Gods.”

The players he’d just attacked also had “XXX of the Gods” names.

So his attacks were helping Fairy Dreamland.

This logic was flawless!!!

[Whisper] March to Liangzhou: Allies. Hard to explain. Others, attack.

The sudden whisper came from the Galloping Through the Yellow Sands member he’d met earlier… Wait, What Name Works in this Game remembered—Passing Master said their legion only had a commander and deputy. If he was the deputy, then March to Liangzhou must be the commander!

Right, only leaders… spoke in such cryptic ways!!!

[Whisper] Passing Master: Ghost, Mouse, Fist, Sigh are allies. Can’t explain much now, but these four are teammates. The rest from Flame of the Gods are fair game!

[Whisper] Passing Master: Thanks for fighting with us!

The commander was cold and sharp; the deputy was earnest and explanatory. Yeah, this legion was flawless.

What Name Works in this Game shook his head. He couldn’t figure out why only these four “Gods” IDs were allies, but whatever—now that things were clear, he’d just avoid attacking them.

A flash of red streaked across his screen.

An invader from another server, marked in red. Glancing at the ID—Today I Bomb the School. Though not part of Outer Flame, this player was from Flame of the Gods and clearly here to exploit the chaos.

Without hesitation, his Zombie unleashed a triple combo on the squishy Spirit Master: Netherworld Ghostly Claws, Hellfire, Specters and Ghouls!

But just as his attacks landed, another Zombie’s identical combo hit Today I Bomb the School from a different direction.

Today I Bomb the School was Level 77, two levels higher than What Name Works in this Game, and barely survived the six-hit onslaught—but the frustration was real—

[Megaphone] [Flame of the Gods] Today I Bomb the School: WTF, why’d you attack me?! I’m here to help Fairy Dreamland!!!

What Name Works in this Game nearly spat blood.

First, his ID was never “What the Hell Are You Doing.”

Second, didn’t Passing Master say all Flame of the Gods players except those four were fair game?!

What Name Works in this Game was baffled. Fairy Dreamland was baffled. But the Zombie who’d delivered the second combo just laughed—

[Huaxia] Zongzi of the Gods: Talk about friendly fire, huh? Hahaha.

[Combat] What Name Works in this Game used Hellfire + Netherworld Ghostly Claws + Specters and Ghouls.

[Combat] March to Liangzhou used Hellfire + Netherworld Ghostly Claws + Specters and Ghouls.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Dragon Wonton used One Cut Kill.

[Combat][Flame of the Gods] Zongzi of the Gods has died.

[Huaxia] [Flame of the Gods] Today I Bomb the School: Ever heard of a saying? “Talk too much, die too soon.” ╮(╯_╰)╭

[Huaxia] March to Liangzhou: SCHOOL THX. [What Name Works in this Game] SN, FN, TOO.

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: ???

[Huaxia] Passing Master: SCHOOL NO! FOUR NO! THE OTHERS OK!

SCHOOL legion is off-limits… Those four “Gods” are off-limits… The rest are fair game…

Thankfully, What Name Works in this Game was a high school senior at the peak of his knowledge retention.

But—

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: I wanted to say this earlier—can you stop speaking in code?!

[Huaxia] [Flame of the Gods] Sigh of the Gods: That’s not code. It’s Zombie language. Don’t you know it?

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: Should I?!

[Huaxia] [Flame of the Gods] Sigh of the Gods: You’re a Zombie, aren’t you?

[Huaxia] What Name Works in this Game: I’m just a clueless newbie in your esteemed land TAT

Two hours later.

The invasion ended with Outer Flame’s retreat. Though they’d come aggressively, Fairy Dreamland was their home turf. As the battle dragged on, more defenders arrived, and the invaders were overwhelmed.

This was expected, so What Name Works in this Game wasn’t surprised. Now, he just wanted to understand the tangled web of relationships…

[Whisper] Passing Master: …So Ghost, Mouse, Fist, and Sigh left Outer Flame. Though they stayed on Flame of the Gods, they sometimes come through the rift to hang out with us.

[Whisper] Passing Master: As for the SCHOOL legion, we’ve met them IRL, but we’re not that close. Didn’t expect them to actually help this time—gotta thank Blood Bull. Today I Bomb the School is Blood Bull’s fanboy, and Blood Bull is Little Lucky Charm’s teammate, and Little Lucky Charm used to be Passing Sorrow, my friend, and I’m in Fairy Dreamland, so Dragon Wonton and Bomb the School came to help…

[Whisper] What Name Works in this Game: …

Server shortlist: [Fairy Dreamland] and [Flame of the Gods] (PASS).

The interpersonal drama was more convoluted than Empresses in the Palace. As a straight guy, he wouldn’t survive half an episode TAT

[Local] Wandering Monk: Even I’m getting a headache listening to you.

[Local] What Name Works in this Game: Right? Mentally and physically exhausting. Attack one—wrong. Attack another—also an ally. Is this guild warfare or spot-the-difference?!

[Local] Wandering Monk: Our server’s pretty chill. Look around—sunny skies, birds singing, flowers blooming.

[Local] What Name Works in this Game: The vibe is peaceful, maybe too peaceful =_=

[Local] What Name Works in this Game: Why’s no one talking about dungeons in World Chat? Just merchant alts?

[Local] Moriarty: Who says there’s none? You ignoring me, a living person?

[Local] Wandering Monk: Hey, Old Mo.

[Local] Moriarty: Why aren’t you running dungeons? What’re you doing here?

[Local] Wandering Monk: Watching Old Lu’s stall for him.

[Local] Moriarty: Where’s Old Lu?

[Local] Wandering Monk: Someone’s selling rare materials—he’s negotiating over QQ.

[Local] Moriarty: Oh. I need HP potions.

[Local] Wandering Monk: [Golden Trauma Ointment] [Hemostatic Paste] [White Jade Life-Saving Powder] [Band-Aid] [Gauze] [Hemostatic Forceps] Take your pick, ancient or modern.

[Local] Moriarty: You’re pretty good at this.

[Local] Wandering Monk: Honestly, after watching his stall for a while, I think being a merchant alt isn’t bad. When business is good, it’s super satisfying…

What Name Works in this Game yawned. These two were practically putting him to sleep.

No, the entire Wandering the Four Seas server lived up to its name—so laid-back it was infuriating.

He wanted PK, combat, adrenaline, brotherhood—not this Farmville-level tranquility!!!

[System] Dimensional Rift has opened.

Thank heavens, finally!

His Zombie sprang up, claws ready for battle!

The previously lounging Wandering Monk and Moriarty also stood, though not in combat stance, while the Silk Road Merchant remained AFK vending.

Two red flames streaked across the top of the screen.

Watching the two locals still standing casually, What Name Works in this Game couldn’t help but panic—

[Local] What Name Works in this Game: They’re invading! Get ready!!!

As he typed, the two “intruders” arrived. Simultaneously, four replies popped up—

[Local] Moriarty: Huh?

[Local] Wandering Monk: What?

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Iron Abacus: ??

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Spring Field Blossom: He must’ve misunderstood.

The Zombie stared, Hellfire burning in his palm, but he couldn’t bring himself to attack.

Not because he was merciful—but because the “enemies” were too nonchalant TAT

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Spring Field Blossom: Hi, we’re not here to fight. I’m buying potions; he’s here for business.

[Local] Wandering Monk: A Dragon Soars Tiger Roars player coming to Wandering the Four Seas for potions?

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Iron Abacus: He’s bought all my HP and MP potions. Given his “deep friendship” with a certain someone, I think he needs to open his own pharmacy to survive.

[Local] Moriarty: Friendship—such a mysterious thing. [Sigh]

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Spring Field Blossom: Is he thinking about 715?

[Local] Moriarty: Shouldn’t we switch to whispers for gossip, especially with the person involved here?

[Local] What Name Works in this Game: Interrupting—so no one’s PK-ing?

[Local] Moriarty: PK who?

[Local] Wandering Monk: Why PK?

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Iron Abacus: Harmony brings wealth.

[Local] [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] Spring Field Blossom: My wish is for world peace and tranquil days.

Server shortlist: [Dragon Soars Tiger Roars] and [Wandering the Four Seas] (PASS).

He wanted blood-pumping battles, passion, heroism, and brotherhood —not an afternoon more peaceful than Farmville!!!

What Name Works in this Game pushed aside his soda, stole his dad’s tea to brew himself a cup, and after calming down slightly, carefully selected his next destination—

[Huaxia] 17 Moon Street: Do you dare to come with me~~to the ends of the earth~~ Your boyfriend might mind but I won’t force you~~Even if the sky’s not blue~the sea’s not wide~Maldives is too far~~As long as I kiss your face~~Beidaihe is paradise~~

[Huaxia] Blue Skeleton: Shh. Actually, that person died long ago. Their lingering resentment possessed the doll, turning it into a haunted toy.

[Huaxia] 17 Moon Street: You tight-lipped folks ever heard real rock music?

[Huaxia] Left Eye Sees Ghosts: Finish watching “A Nightmare on Elm Street” 1-7 and the remake first, then come talk to us.

[Huaxia] Silent Hill: Y’all got nothing better to do, huh? Not rushing endgame dungeons, huh?

What Name Works in this Game didn’t know this speaker’s coords, or he’d have run over to kiss them. Finally, someone sane!

[Huaxia] Brother Eastwind: Can’t find the key item—no hope for max level.

[Huaxia] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Stop being so pessimistic.

[Huaxia] Brother Eastwind: Why’s a merchant alt butting in?

[Huaxia] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Who knows? Maybe this merchant alt has valuable clues. [Shrug]

[Huaxia] Deep Mountain Old Well: Damn, almost forgot you’re shady with the ghost server’s Demon Refiner. Spill the beans! Name your price. We’re from the same server—closer ties. The Level 70 first kill is history, but the Level 80 first kill can’t go to Huaxia Summit again! This is about Silent Fortress’s honor!

[Huaxia] No. 4 Coffin Shop: First, explain the 14th and 15th characters you typed.

[Huaxia] Deep Mountain Old Well: Out of all that, you’re nitpicking two words? =_=

[Huaxia] Silent Hill: Coffin Shop, whisper me.

[Huaxia] Rock N Roll Will Never Die: Coffin Shop, whisper me. I won’t lowball you.

[Huaxia] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Fixed prices, fair deals. Endgame dungeon key clues—three in total. Package price: 1M Huaxia Coins.

[Huaxia] Silent Hill: Let me tell you a ghost story.

[Huaxia] Rock N Roll Will Never Die: Wanna hear some rock?

[Huaxia] No. 4 Coffin Shop: …

Server shortlist: [Silent Fortress] (PASS).

Too broke.