Chapter 216

Chapter 216

A mission available only at Level 50...

This was the first time players had encountered a quest with a level restriction. Although quite a number of players had already reached Level 50, they were still less than one-tenth of the total player population. This possibly indicated that the Dream World was incredibly perilous.

Indeed, Lan En recalled from his past life that most players who used the Dreaming Potion to enter the Dream World would soon die and return. Thus, low-level players found it challenging to gain any benefits from the Dream World.

This was different from the previous dungeons, which didn't even require much combat power from the players. However, in the Dream World, one might not even qualify for exploration without a certain level. Hence, Lan En decided to set a level restriction.

Moreover, although Beast had mentioned that his kin could enter the Dream World without issue, considering the uniqueness of the players, it was better for fewer players to venture there initially.

Through Druid's live stream, the main storyline emerged, and information about the new map, the Dream World, instantly spread across the entire forum.

"Preparation Thread for Taming the Dream World"

Black Cat: I knew where that Druid guy went halfway through our card game... Damn, he went to accept a quest from Lan En! I'm also in Arkham, why didn't Lan En come to me? QQ

Matcha Milk Green: Calm down, big shot! You're not even trying to hide it anymore! This is a strategy analysis thread, big shot!

The Strongest Man: I'm here! Ah, the scent of a strategy guide (licks lips).

Yeyue: It's been so long since we had one of Black Cat's insightful analyses! Doing missions without them feels incomplete, but now it's all good again (joyful).

Babba: Rushing back for the mission! Speaking of which, the amount of information dropped in the live stream hints that this main quest might be huge.

Black Cat: You're right. The preliminary tasks are already out, and I suspect that by the time we've explored the dream world thoroughly, the main quest will be triggered. So, this is our last chance to act as seers! Thanks for joining me in this discussion.

Black Cat: To begin with, those who have played from the beta launch till now probably sense the significance of this mission. Yes, my thoughts align with yours. This main quest could be a grand storyline or even the one that fully reveals the game's universe. I suspect that after completing the final adjustments, the game will be nearing its final updates before the open beta test.

Black Cat: So, following tradition, let's summarize why we're here. Everyone should recall the first main storyline, the Arkham Stranger.

Druid: Of course I do, that's where I met my beloved (sending hearts).

Baba: Ah, it feels like just yesterday when I was getting caught with my pants down at Lahn's shop, and yet we've already gone through three updates since then.

Black Cat: In the end, the ultimate boss of the Stranger, Sauron, sought to return to the 'Land Where Gods Exist,' which undoubtedly refers to the Dream World. Lahn mentioned that it's the dwelling place of both malevolent gods and old deities. It seems now that this game intends to reveal its complete worldview through the final main storyline.

Black Cat: The second main storyline, the Day of Arkham's Ruin, might not have seemed directly connected to the Dream World in its conclusion. However, don't forget the Great University's recreation instance, which actually hinted at the existence of the Dream World as well.

Black Cat: Next is the darkness of the Third Main Quest, which consistently hints at the Dream World and the enigmatic presence of 'Judas.' From the end of that quest, it's clear that the 'Judas' attempting to impersonate God is an adversary of Lane. Given the symbolism of 'Judas' and the apocalyptic vision we witnessed, he must be the betrayer of the Old Gods, the direct mastermind behind the descent of the malevolent deity.

Black Cat: Now, with the recent Replicated Dungeon that just concluded, I initially thought Lane's objective was to alter the original outcome. But from the new intel, this replication was actually another covert clash between Judas and Lane. I'm truly curious about what transpired there... However, this post isn't meant to delve into that. Based on what Lane has revealed, he holds the upper hand and plans to amplify his advantage, counter-attacking the Dream World.

Black Cat: After all these build-ups, we're finally drawing near the heart of the conspiracy. The entire world view, the plot, and the final main quest will likely unfold within the Dream World.

God Among Men: Not to mention Lane's identity.

Black Cat: Absolutely, almost forgot that! Didn't we all wonder about Lane's true identity? Given the current situation, it's undeniable that Lane stands for the defense of reality, or at least against the malevolent deity. Perhaps in the Dream World, we'll finally lift the veil of mystery from my wife.

Black Cat: By the way, let me add this: based on my understanding of the game, you all shouldn't entertain the idea of retrying the main quests if they fail (shudders). When has this game ever allowed us to refresh structures after a main quest?

Beauty Is Justice: Oh, so if we fail...

Black Cat: (serious expression) Be prepared to see a world conquered by the malevolent deity after the open beta.

Juicy Peach Among Men: Gulp, the thought of a world under the deity's rule... Hmm, wouldn't cultists become the darlings of this version (deep in thought)?

Blood Acolyte: Such a unique perspective. What do we do? Suddenly, I'm feeling intrigued.

Security Guard: Well... I suppose that's true, assuming the evil deity would even accept you as followers. What a gloomy prospect.

Milk Tea Dog: You do have a point there, ORZ.

Druid: @Black Cat, you mentioned you're still in Arkham, right? Let's team up!

Black Cat: As if I needed your reminder? I'm already on my way to you!

Not just Black Cat, but after the major plotline news spread from the Druid's live stream across the forum, players scattered around the world began to secretly form groups with their friends and acquaintances. Those who qualified were making plans to head to Arkham as swiftly as possible.

This was a brand new map, one that had been teased since the game's inception, and a major storyline. Who would want to miss out on the excitement? Players were creatures drawn to fun wherever it could be found!

...

Meanwhile, in the Dream World.

It had been half a day since the Naughty Kid became the new Shepherd God.

Almost all the forest's inhabitants and tribes had learned of this development and were gradually coming to terms with their new reality.

What else could they do but accept their fate? Could they leave or resist? That would be laughable. The gap between gods and other races was vaster than that between ants and giants. It was practically impossible to move elsewhere. Besides, this was the forest left behind by the previous Shepherd God, and they refused to abandon it.

Sigh, it was just a matter of a mischievous child, wasn't it? Back then, the child had destroyed their nests, scribbled on their territory, and even played with their young. Now that the child had grown up and seemed more composed, there shouldn't be any issues, right?

The deer-horned fish comforted the hovering Soul-devouring Butterfly, "Mmm mmm mmm (Look, didn't Lord Shepherd stop doing those things after returning? Moreover, he brought back your kind's child. There's nothing to worry about.)"

"Chirp chirp chirp (But somehow, I still have an ominous premonition.)"

Lahn indeed hadn't done anything. After reviving the forest, he had followed a black cat and left. Upon his return, he had been occupied in the central clearing of the forest, issuing orders to all its inhabitants using his authority as the Shepherd God:

'After some time, believers will visit the forest. Do not harm them.'

"Mmm (I didn't expect the new Shepherd God to already have new followers and believers so quickly)," the deer-horned fish said in surprise and delight, "Mmm mmm (This must mean that Lord Shepherd has grown into a gentle and courteous god. Everyone can relax now. This is a good thing.)"

"Chirp (That's a relief)," the Soul-devouring Butterfly leader calmed down upon hearing its companion's words. It was a positive sign for the new Shepherd God to have followers—it indicated recognition of his power and charisma. Such a deity couldn't possibly be connected to that mischievous child, right? It wouldn't make sense for all his believers to behave similarly.

The optimism of the Soul-devouring Butterfly leader lasted only until its clan insects frantically flew over, "Chirp chirp chirp! (Chieftain, it's terrible! Our nests are gone!)"

Soul-devouring Butterfly leader: ??