蛟龙过江

Chapter One: Beginning

On March 8th, XXXX, today is my birthday, and also the first day I officially left school (according to the regulations of the Earth Unified Democratic Alliance, individuals become adults at age 20 and are free to choose their future careers, whether to continue their education, find a job, or even live on social security). To be honest, with current technology, although we haven't reached communism, the government covers everyone's basic living expenses, so unemployment doesn't really matter anymore. Of course, high-end consumption is beyond the reach of ordinary people like me, which means the gap between the rich and the poor has widened.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, I noticed an advertisement. To provide an outlet for people with excess energy and to pass the boring time, virtual networks have become the best tool. It's said that this time, it's a new game called "The Second World," jointly launched globally by China's Dragon Soaring Company and the Western Goddess Company, two giants in the online gaming industry. It's rumored that the game has received official support, and items and currency within the game can be directly exchanged for international currency, which was previously prohibited in games (although private transactions were tolerated). Watching the lively promotional activities, I couldn't help but feel tempted. Since I have two months of vacation time, playing this game sounds like a good idea. I don't have any grand ambitions; all I want is to find a good wife and live happily. Heh heh, my great-grandmother (a strange old lady) said I was a bit slow before turning 20, but I'll hit the jackpot starting at 20. No wonder I'm so handsome and charming... yet still single and broke. Oh well...

I ordered a set of "The World" gaming equipment and headed back home. My dad and mom are both archaeologists, a profession with no moneymaking prospects. They're never home, and if it weren't for the holographic images they send every day, I wouldn't even recognize them. "Beep" "Happy birthday, good son. Mom and Dad are on an expedition in the Amazon and can't come back to celebrate with you." (They're just traveling and calling it an expedition, leaving me alone here.) "Your gift has already been sent to you. It's something special from your great-grandmother." "Good boy, be obedient at home." Oh, Mom, I'm already an adult. Stop calling me by my nickname. "Beep" I hung up the video call and assembled the gaming equipment. Wow, it's a Dragon Soaring VIII holographic helmet, a great gadget. After struggling for a while, I finally got it set up. Now, let's see what gift Dad and Mom sent me.

I opened the package and found a necklace engraved with a magical pentagram. Oh no, an antique! I wonder how much I could sell it for at an antique shop. Heh heh, but if Dad finds out, he'll kill me. I decided to try it on. Wow, it felt like I was taking a sauna; every pore on my body was rejoicing. It seems my great-grandmother really had some good treasures.

"The Second World" officially launches on March 10th, with a free trial week to attract players. I prefer solo play and don't like teaming up with others because it's too much trouble. Although I've played many games, I don't know many people and can't be considered a pro. Xiao Mao is one of my closest friends, and we've played many games together. He's been trying to get me to join him for days, but I haven't agreed yet. I should tell him.

"Xiao Mao, it's me."

"Hey, boss, I've been looking for you everywhere. What do you say? Let's conquer the world together and pick up some chicks."

"Come on, old bachelor. Should we focus on leveling up or making money first? Have you decided on a development goal?"

"Let's stick to the old rules. I'll make money, and you focus on leveling up. Then you can carry me later."

"I knew you were lazy. Alright, then. What profession did you choose?"

"Seriously, haven't you read the introduction on the official website? This time, the game's professions are directly recommended by the computer based on each player's DNA, selecting the most suitable one. If you choose freely, you might encounter problems later. If their promotion is true, I dare say this will spark a revolution in online gaming. Online games thrive on a large number of players. Just thinking about it makes me excited."

"Heh heh, I just got back and haven't had time to read it yet. We'll talk about it tomorrow. Bye," I logged off and quickly checked the introduction. I almost got outdone by that guy. It doesn't suit my status as the boss. (The beginning of the online game novel may be a bit ordinary and clichéd, but please bear with me. Maybe the plot later will suit your taste!)