This morning, at the entrance of Miracle Dungeon, twenty-seven Adventurers gathered.
A rotund Adventurer known as "Pig King" grumbled, "This Underground City looks shabbier than my bathroom. Are you sure a Lord so poor can make a playable Secret Realm?"
John Stone, exasperated, replied, "We've been good friends for years. Would I lie to you?"
Several others chimed in support.
"I trust John's judgment!"
"It's been ages since I played an interesting Secret Realm!"
"I hope this brings something fresh!"
"Yeah, most Underground City scenarios are poorly made, with monotonous monsters and no creativity. They're getting tiresome."
Not far off, a female Adventurer, "Moonlit Snow," stood with Mandy and her friends.
Moonlit Snow asked, "Is this where the chocolate came from?"
Mandy replied, "Exactly!"
Yesterday, she found a box of chocolate, and sharing it with her friends instantly captured their hearts. The dreamlike sweetness was a taste they had never experienced.
"Besides chocolate, there are many other delicious treats, and the Secret Realm is fun. It won't disappoint you!"
"Really?"
"That's exciting!"
"I just want a box of chocolate today!"
The girls were eager, clearly more interested in the loot.
On the other side, Lone Blade accompanied a handsome young man called "Wind's Edge."
Wind's Edge remarked, "If this Secret Realm is as you say, we must seize this chance."
Lone Blade assured, "Trust me, you won't be disappointed!"
New Adventurers today were all introduced by regulars, showing that Raging Tide Secret Realm was well-received by returning players.
John Stone complained, "Why isn't the gate open yet?"
Mandy cupped her hands and shouted, "Open the gate! Open the gate!"
Finally, Miracle Dungeon opened its gates. Boss Jack hadn't expected such an early and large turnout.
Lone Blade declared, "I'm here to challenge the Secret Realm again!"
John Stone teased, "You were 10 seconds late today, Lord Jack. Please be punctual next time. My hands are itching like crazy!"
Mandy laughed, "We even brought friends to support you. Isn't that thoughtful?"
Jack welcomed them warmly. "This Underground City currently has four Secret Realm crystals. Please queue in an orderly fashion!"
Only four Secret Realm crystals? This city seemed too humble!
Despite their grumblings, they understood the rules and lined up obediently.
Wind's Edge secured a spot in the first batch but gave it to Lone Blade, opting to watch and gain experience.
Lone Blade entered the Secret Realm, noticing new options on the character selection screen: Novice Mode, Solo Mode, Multiplayer Mode, Story Mode, Faction Versus Mode, Battle Royale Mode… Only "Novice Mode" was selectable.
Wind's Edge asked, "What do these modes mean?"
Lone Blade was puzzled too. "I'm not sure. Let's ask the Lord."
Jack explained, "This Secret Realm is under continuous development. These modes will gradually unlock once you complete Novice Mode."
Mandy asked, "What's the difference?"
Jack replied, "Both types of zombie monsters and gameplay will change significantly."
"What?"
"There are other monsters!"
"That's exciting!"
"Amazing, there's more to discover!"
"Interesting, this Lord has something special going on!"
Although inspired by Left 4 Dead, Jack could develop various gameplay modes using these assets, including CS, battle royale, and Biochemical versus modes.
These innovative modes were classic favorites. Adventurers had never seen anything like it.
Once they got hooked, harvesting them would be easy!
After selecting his mode and character, Lone Blade re-entered the Secret Realm. He scavenged supplies skillfully, using axes and firearms to fend off zombies. The experience was tense, thrilling, and dangerous, until a zombie ambush ended his run.
After exiting, he commented, "Ugh, I died again. Zombies have fixed locations, but some appear randomly, adding unpredictable variables to every game!"
"This Secret Realm is indeed interesting!"
Wind's Edge had visited many Underground Cities, finding most Secret Realms to be monotonous mazes, poorly designed and filled with uninspired monsters. But he had never encountered a Secret Realm as detailed, vivid, and thrilling as this!
Finally, it was his turn to experience it.
Wind's Edge entered the Secret Realm crystal.
The immersion was incomparable. Although the art style was unique, its rich details made it feel like a real, atmospheric Otherworld!
"Interesting! Novel!"
These were Wind's Edge's first impressions.
He had never experienced such strong immersion!
Whether it was the vehicles, signs, or buildings and roads, everything felt authentic, suggesting a once-vibrant world not long ago.
He felt a strong urge to explore.
As for the Secret Realm gameplay?
It was exceptional!
The firearm designs were ingenious, the vast number of frenzied zombies, and the exhilarating satisfaction of combat made for an unparalleled adventure!
With limited Secret Realm crystals, Adventurers lined up obediently. While one challenged the realm, others watched, gaining experience and enjoying the interaction.
"Be careful, the zombies are fierce. Headshots only!"
"Nice shot!"
"Sister Moonlit has great aim!"
"Don't waste bullets! Use an axe if you can, or you'll run out later!"
"Turn left ahead, and you'll find a pistol and ammo in the drawers!"
"Ah, died again, what a shame!"
"There are too many zombies, it's overwhelming!"
"Hahahaha, you're just too noob. Watch me!"
"So satisfying! Kill, kill, kill!"
"I'm going to kill fifty this time!"
"Then let's see who kills more zombies!"
Whenever someone made a flashy move, the Adventurers cheered, providing a wealth of emotional value. It felt like being in an internet café with friends, playing games after school.
The Adventurers were having a great time.
This scene brought nostalgia to Jack.
How long had it been since he saw such joy?
Anyone who experienced this pure joy understood it.
And during this, spiritual power and soul crystals were abundant.
[Adventurer "Mandy Bright" generated 1 point of spiritual power!]
[Adventurer "Mandy Bright" has died, spiritual power +1, soul crystal +1!]
[Adventurer "Pig King" has died, spiritual power +1, soul crystal +1!]
[Adventurer "Moonlit Snow" has died, spiritual power +1, soul crystal +1!]
[…]
[Adventurer "John Stone" generated 1 point of spiritual power!]
Boss Jack was thrilled as a constant stream of rewards filled the screen!
Better than expected!
If this trend continued, the territory's facilities would soon be built.
It wouldn't take long to upgrade and draw new games.
Boss Jack felt he was one step closer to becoming the greatest Dungeon Lord!