Capítulo 2: Chapter 2: Packaged as a game
Over an hour later, Meng Yuan walked out of the first trial illusion with a thoughtful look.
Can Shang asked with concern, "How did it go?"
As his guide, she could have entered the trial illusion to observe, but she chose to wait outside to avoid putting too much pressure on Meng Yuan and potentially affecting his performance.
Meng Yuan said nothing and entered the second trial illusion.
Nearly two hours later, he emerged from the second trial and immediately went into the third.
This time, he lasted less than half an hour before leaving and entering the fourth illusion.
After about an hour, Meng Yuan finally came out of the last trial.
Can Shang rushed forward with anticipation, "How did it go? Did you pass them all?"
Based on the time, Meng Yuan had spent quite a while in the four trial illusions – five hours in reality, which equated to fifteen hours in the illusions.
The previous Order Restorer had completed them in that time.
If Meng Yuan truly possessed remarkable talent, as previously suspected, he should have successfully passed by now.
Meng Yuan was silent for a long time, then, in a tone that questioned the meaning of life, he asked, "Are these trials even meant for humans to pass?
"Pass all four? I couldn't even get through one!
"In the first two trials, I couldn't even figure out what I was supposed to do, and in the last two, I died like a dog!"
Can Shang frowned slightly. "How could you not know what you're supposed to do? You seem reasonably intelligent…"
Meng Yuan's mouth twitched slightly. "Hey, some things are best kept as inner thoughts, you know."
Can Shang studied Meng Yuan closely for a moment, then suddenly realized, "Could it be that you know nothing about the history of this world?"
Meng Yuan was a bit taken aback. "Would that affect my ability to pass the trials?"
Can Shang sighed softly. "Of course, it would! Both the trial illusions and the historical fragments are deeply connected to history. How can you expect to pass without any knowledge of history?
"As for the last two illusions… well, it seems you lack any combat aptitude.
"So does that mean you're entirely unqualified to be an Order Restorer?
"…This world is doomed. Just let it be destroyed."
The little girl looked disheartened, and Meng Yuan was even more so.
Where was his chosen one storyline?
Instead, he got a "weak protagonist" start! The worst part was, while weak protagonists typically have a wise mentor, he only had a little girl, who didn't seem very reliable when it came to helping him grow stronger!
The two of them stood in silence.
After a moment, Meng Yuan's eyes lit up as he came up with a new idea.
"Say… is there a possibility…
"That I could recruit talented people from reality to help me complete the Order Restorer's mission?"
Can Shang looked surprised. "You want people from reality to help you with the Order Restorer's mission?
"Well…
"As the Order Restorer, you do have the power to share your abilities with people in reality.
"There have been previous Order Restorers who brought allies into historical fragments to assist them."
"But the key issue is that fighting demons requires an extremely strong will, which most people don't possess."
Meng Yuan was surprised. "Aren't there plenty of people with strong willpower among regular folks?"
Can Shang shook her head. "Not the kind of willpower you're thinking of.
"Demons are unique beings that subtly affect people's minds. They amplify every negative emotion within a person, including fear, guilt, and shame.
"When ordinary people know that their actions could determine humanity's fate, it's challenging to stay rational for long.
"The only reason Order Restorers can remain rational is due to the protective nature of their powers."
Can Shang raised some tough points.
It seemed there was a good reason previous Order Restorers had always taken matters into their own hands against the demons, rarely seeking help.
But Meng Yuan didn't have that luxury now.
With his weak combat abilities, even if he had the powers of an Order Restorer, he could only use a fraction of them. Entering a historical fragment would be like serving himself up to the demons.
Moreover, the demons could appear in reality in just seven days. Time was tight.
Getting ordinary people to help came with challenges, but it was Meng Yuan's only viable solution now.
After pondering, he asked, "Then… what if the people don't even know they're fighting demons?"
Can Shang was taken aback; it seemed she hadn't considered this possibility before.
After a moment, she replied, "That could work. If they're unaware they're fighting demons, they wouldn't have many negative emotions, making it harder for demons to influence them…
"But how would you make that happen?
"People entering historical fragments, even fighting demons directly – how would they not know what they're doing?
"Moreover, the Order Restorer's story has already been made public, and it'll be validated in seven days.
"Do you plan to erase everyone's memories? That's beyond our current capabilities."
Meng Yuan shook his head. "No need to erase memories; we just need to guide their perception in a different direction.
"You know… virtual reality games?"
Can Shang didn't respond immediately, as if she were searching for information through some means.
After a moment, she said, "An entertainment form simulating the real world?"
Meng Yuan nodded. "Exactly. We'll package the Order Restorer's trials as virtual reality training levels, and the historical fragments as in-game content.
"If they think they're just playing a game, they won't feel fear, nor will they generate significant negative emotions, making it hard for demons to influence them.
"As for the information already revealed about the Order Restorer…
"That could be used as promotional material for the game."
Can Shang looked puzzled. "I don't fully understand, but it seems possible given the Order Restorer's powers. And you seem confident."
Meng Yuan asked, "The only concern is, will these people be safe in the historical fragments? What happens if they die there?"
Can Shang replied firmly, "Nothing will happen, because only you possess the true ability to traverse historical fragments. Even if you bring others along, their souls are deeply linked to your powers.
"Even if you die, their souls will be safely returned to reality under the Order Restorer's protection.
"The only one at risk is you."
Meng Yuan nodded. "Good, then I feel relieved. Though I can't help but feel a bit cold inside…"
"Time is short. What's next?" Can Shang asked.
Meng Yuan thought for a moment. "First, we need to package and promote the game.
"We'll have to list the game in VR stores so we can draw in as many players as possible.
"Is that doable?"
Can Shang nodded. "Yes, but with our current power, we can't make it flawless.
"I can use the Order Restorer's abilities to mask some of the inconsistencies, making most people overlook them.
"But as time goes on, people will inevitably notice something's off. The secret won't stay hidden forever."
Meng Yuan wasn't concerned. "That's fine. If it gets to that point, there'll be people in reality to help us keep it under wraps.
"After all, revealing this kind of information would cause widespread panic and weaken humanity's defense.
"The priority now is to get this groundbreaking VR game up and running."
…
Five hours later.
In a small apartment in Sky City.
Zhao Haiping, a self-proclaimed hardcore action game enthusiast, had just finished watching movies for the day and was mindlessly scrolling on his phone.
Naturally, he came across today's hottest topic: every top global news and social media platform had been flooded with the same information.
By now, the online discussion about the so-called "Order Restorer's Notes" had reached explosive levels, with endless speculation.
Still, no one had been able to provide a convincing explanation.
But as Zhao Haiping refreshed for the latest news, he noticed a new development.
There was a website link below the information!
Curious, he clicked it, discovering it was a game's official site.
"Based on the 'Order Restorer's Notes,' the VR game *Dark Sands* will launch tonight at 10 PM! Closed beta recruitment is now open, with limited spots available. Click the [Reserve] button below to join!"
The page was simple, immediately displaying a promotional CG video, with only two buttons.
One was the [Closed Beta Recruitment] button at the top right, and the other was the massive [Reserve] button at the bottom.
The promotional CG automatically started playing.
…
It began with a high-altitude perspective, piercing through layers of clouds to reveal the Nine Provinces below.
Mountains stretched endlessly, rivers flowed eastward to the sea.
The view swept over the beautiful landscape as a deep female voice seemed to speak right beside the viewer.
As she spoke, an epic, stirring soundtrack filled with a sense of grandeur began to play, rising and falling with her tone.
"The vast land of the Nine Provinces, where life thrives.
"This is the homeland of successive Order Restorers, and the dreamland of demonic intruders.
"In the turbulent tides of time, the ancient sages foresaw the demons' schemes and left warnings."
The scene shifted to show an ancient battlefield between humans and demons.
Though defeated, the demons went into hiding, waiting to rise again.
"Time passes, but the Order Restorer's mission only grows heavier as the days go by.
"The demons lie in wait within the fragments of history, ready to strike.
"History has already changed, yet people remain oblivious."
Images appeared before Zhao Haiping, showing historical scenes altered by demons, victories replaced by defeats,
honored figures wrongly condemned...
"The sun is setting, and the usurpers hope it never rises again.
"Find the altered historical fragments amidst the chaotic tides of time and restore them to their rightful state.
"This is the mission of the Order Restorers!"
The promotional CG was incredibly well-made, surpassing the quality of any AAA game on the market.
As a hardcore action game fan, Zhao Haiping was thoroughly excited by the CG.
He immediately clicked on the closed beta recruitment.
"A VR game with over 100% realism, *Dark Sands*, is now recruiting beta players!
"Game Genre: Eastern Fantasy Historical Theme, with Souls-like difficulty and roguelike gameplay elements.
"Requirements: Good mindset, quick reflexes, strong resilience, basic historical knowledge, and excellent physical condition.
"Bonus: Top-level acting skills preferred! Or, if you fit the character's traits, authentic portrayal will also work.
"Special Reward: The beta player with the best simulated completion performance can undertake a final trial, and if successful, have the game or movie made into a film, fulfilling your dream of becoming a star!"
After watching the promotional CG and recruitment notice twice, Zhao Haiping finally understood what was going on.
"So… this isn't an April Fool's joke, but a creative marketing tactic for a game?
"The so-called 'Order Restorer's Notes' was just a teaser for the game?
"But who on earth could buy out the top trending spots on global news and social media platforms just to promote their game?!
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