Closed beta players fall into three categories: casual players who secured spots through lottery draws, professional players employed by major guilds or clubs, and thirdly, professional players who obtained access through various channels. The latter two groups aim to pioneer new territories and gain a head start over all other players.
'With only twelve days of beta testing, completing newbie quests holds little value. You've likely noticed the high player freedom. To establish a lead, you should explore uncharted territories—that's the true essence of pioneering. This golden period lacks competitors; areas beyond the newbie village remain untouched frontiers brimming with opportunities.'
Mad Blade Raging Sword grasped the point. With the limited beta window, lingering in one spot grinding quests was a waste. They might gain a few levels ahead of the official launch players, but as everyone levelled up, that slight edge would become negligible.
This vast world lay like an untouched goldmine. So many locations and factions—being the first to arrive meant securing an endless stream of follow-up quests and resources.
For players, being confined to one spot grinding quests was naturally less thrilling than pioneering new frontiers.
Mad Blade Raging Sword asked in puzzlement, 'Why are you telling me all this?'
Weren't they all competitors? By giving him this advice, wasn't he just creating another rival?
Eternal Moonlight smiled. 'The major guilds will inevitably realise this too. With their numbers, they'll easily pool enough for the map. That's why we need to band together. Fried Rice, Yuluo and I have already formed a party. What do you say? Join us.'
No need to hesitate over such an opportunity. Mad Blade Raging Sword agreed decisively.
Flash Fried Rice inquired curiously, 'Three thousand coins split between four of us? How do we divide it?'
Eternal Moonlight: 'As the initiator, I'll cover the bulk.'
'I dislike owing favours. I'll contribute a thousand. That's final.' Jiang Yuluo's tone was icy as she turned away to tackle quests, unwilling to waste a single moment.
Eternal Moonlight scratched his nose with a wry smile. They'd known each other for years—why insist on such formality? It only gave others a chance to pursue her... ...
A day later, the four regrouped, pooled their funds to purchase the map, and studied it. Numerous regions lit up on the interface, and the fog of war was significantly reduced. The map also provided basic societal information about Blue Planet, revealing factions like the Six Nations, the Sprout, and the Warlord faction.
After reviewing it, Eternal Moonlight frowned and analysed, 'Based on this, the largest factions are the Six Nations and the Sprout. The Six Nations seem to have official academies and various dojos, plus they're recruiting. It's easier to obtain a main profession there, so we need to choose a faction... Hmm, I think Star Dragon looks decent.'
No one objected, as it was the closest.
The Great Horn Mountain settlement lay within Star Dragon territory. A public railway interchange lay not far away. Such interchanges dotted the wilderness—some state-run public facilities, others transport hubs for rival factions. These stations served as the wilderness's swift and secure transport network, accessible for a fee.
Those unafraid of encountering beasts could drive their own vehicles or ride beast mounts over mountains and valleys.
Eternal Moonlight nodded. 'Time is precious. If we're going, let's head straight for the capital. We should reach it in about three days.'
Mad Blade Raging Sword felt a twinge of regret. Three whole days wasted like this. Yet he couldn't back out now – money spent, how could he give up halfway?...
The train was packed. Passengers occasionally triggered minor quests, better than nothing. But travel time couldn't be skipped, making the journey unbearable for the four professional players. Fortunately, they could pass the time browsing forums, lest boredom kill them.
Players from various beginner planets shared their experiences on the forums. The group read with relish, save for Mad Blade Raging Sword. He was tense, counting every second, his heart bleeding. To him, this was nothing but a waste of precious beta testing time.
Three days later, the train pulled into the station, arriving at Western Capital.
Gazing through the barbed wire barriers at the bustling cityscape of Western Capital, new notifications appeared on everyone's interface panels: "Discovered Star Dragon Capital. Rewarded with a small amount of experience."
'So exploring maps grants experience too.'
Flash Fried Rice glanced around curiously, astonished by the realism of the passers-by. Even their disdainful glances felt vividly lifelike—impressive.
The four followed the crowd forward, undergoing inspection at the checkpoint. Soldiers scanned them with various instruments; all readings lit green, indicating smooth passage.
After clearing the checkpoint, the guards issued them a new item: a temporary Star Dragon ID card.
Flash Fried Rice halted abruptly, his voice brimming with delight. 'The faction prompt has appeared!'
Even without his prompting, Mad Blade Raging Sword noticed the interface notification: New Faction Unlocked – Star Dragon Nation. Affinity: 0. Current Relationship: [Cold]. Status: [Temporary Citizen].
Eternal Moonlight surveyed the group. 'Shall we continue as a party, or go solo?'
'I'm with you,' Flash Fried Rice chuckled. Being from the same guild as Eternal Moonlight, teaming up was natural.
Jiang Yuluo also chose to form a party with Eternal Moonlight. As acquaintances, travelling together was more convenient. She tilted her head, her expression earnest. 'No bullying me.'
Eternal Moonlight found himself both amused and exasperated. Having known Jiang Yuluo for years, he recognised her knack for deadpan cuteness—utterly unintentional. After a few light-hearted exchanges, he turned to Mad Blade Raging Sword and casually inquired, 'And you?'
Watching the three veteran players banter effortlessly, Mad Blade Raging Sword felt a pang of self-consciousness at being merely a newcomer. He'd struggled to join the conversation throughout their journey, existing in the group as if he were neither here nor there—his presence felt superfluous. This sense of being an afterthought made him uncomfortable. He waved his hand awkwardly and stammered, 'N-no thanks. I prefer to go solo.'
'Very well then. Perhaps we'll play together another time.'
Eternal Moonlight paid it no mind, and the trio departed together.
Watching the three masters' retreating figures, Mad Blade Raging Sword felt a pang of resentment. He muttered to himself, 'Sooner or later, I'll break into your circle.'
The closed beta was his chance to rise. Now that he'd arrived in the Western Capital—clearly a high-level zone brimming with quests—he stood on equal footing with Moonlight, Fried Rice, and Jiang Yuluo. With his own abilities, he was certain he could make a name for himself!
Mad Blade Raging Sword steeled himself, ready to stride forward, when suddenly he noticed a masked youth beside the checkpoint exit. The man stared intently, his gaze piercingly deep.
Mad Blade felt uneasily watched, a chill running down his spine. Instinctively, he cast a detection spell.
[Based on your level, you can only obtain the following information.]
[Xiao Han - ?] (Yellow Name)
[Level: ?]
[Attributes: ?]
[??]
[Danger Level: Extremely Lethal!]