Chapter 162: Methods to Obtain Game Qualifications (Requesting Monthly Votes)

The official launch of the Monster World website sparked heated discussion among players of all races globally.

If people previously had no concrete concept of the game Monster World, after the website went live, netizens of all races witnessed the game's charm.

Just as the No. 1 Consul of the Eclipse Clan stated, this is a perfect game.

Netizens who experienced the virtual projection scene videos, like Tong Xin, all harbored a thought in their hearts: Monster World seemed even more real than reality itself.

The projection videos could only reveal a portion of Monster World's content.

According to the comments and descriptions posted on the Star Net by players who had already obtained game qualifications.

The experience brought by Monster World extended far beyond mere realism.

Taste bud stimulation surpassing reality, superhuman experiences from attribute amplification, infinite spatial exploration... various descriptions became tangible after netizens experienced the website content.

Facing the game Monster World, no one could resist.

Even members of the Eclipse Clan were urgently desiring to possess the qualification to use this game.

The 24-hour wait became excruciating.

The predictably low probability of winning the lottery drove players worldwide to frenzy.

The biggest change brought by the launch of the Monster World website was the gaming environment of Dark Land.

The economic market of Dark Land, once hailed as a groundbreaking game, fluctuated wildly, with prices of various resources plummeting.

This new game, which hadn't yet fully exerted its strength, was labeled a "transitional game" and viewed as a substitute for Monster World.

It was even mocked by many players: "Before the starting line, the finish line is already in sight."

Many players had lost all expectation for this game, including some who already possessed game qualifications.

Their original expectations for game optimization and content updates in Dark Land had all transformed into an intense longing for Monster World.

Just as players were enduring the countdown on the official website, Qi Sheng was pondering a matter.

Containment Space, Primordial Altar.

The surface of the altar was covered in rune totems; every line concealed a law of the world. The totems depicted scenes from the beginning of creation: the birth of stars, the rising of mountains, the sprouting of life. All patterns combined into a circle, end to end, symbolizing the infinite cycle of life.

Qi Sheng stood upon the Primordial Altar, with the map scene of the Pale Continent before his eyes.

He reached out and drew a line across the map.

Starting from the Colorful Mist Coast in the western seaside region, passing through the Emperor Tomb Mountain Range region, and finally connecting to the Winter Snowfield region.

These were precisely the three Monster World regions already explored and developed by the player legion.

If the player legion wished to use the Pale Continent as a springboard to enter the world-level battlefield in the future, their current territorial area was still too small, lacking any strategic depth, and the land area was insufficient to construct a complete free ecosystem.

Besides the Novice Village Space, the lands outside also contained various resources, which were an important source of Sacrificial Power.

In Qi Sheng's vision for the player legion, the Novice Village Space served as the players' safeguard and retreat, while the external territories were lands for free construction and creative brainstorming.

One could view the Novice Village Space as the inner city, and the external territories as the outer city, or as resource extraction sites, even technical testing grounds.

Recently, while reviewing player information, he discovered that the Arms Merchant Society was conceiving a new plan.

The goal of this plan was to create a batch of mining robots to conduct 24-hour high-efficiency resource extraction in the mining areas of Emperor Tomb Village.

If this plan succeeded, the efficiency of ore extraction would see a qualitative improvement.

However, this conception conflicted with Qi Sheng's own ideas.

As the player legion expanded into the three regions, the intensity of regional warfare would continuously escalate, gradually becoming unsuitable for the development of novice players.

There were two ways to solve this problem.

The first method was the one he was currently employing: searching for environments suitable for novices to start in, then opening up a new space.

The second method relied on the mining areas within Emperor Tomb Village that could stably produce resources, allowing novice players to acquire growth resources through mining.

In Qi Sheng's eyes, both methods were very important.

But the conception of the Arms Merchant Society intended to cut off the path for novices.

He examined the plan's contents in detail.

The Arms Merchant Society planned that after the initial construction of the base in the Emperor Tomb Village Space was completed, they would build an intelligent mining robot equipped with high-precision sensors.

Using instruments such as geological radar, infrared cameras, and LiDAR to scan the distribution of resources in the mining area and analyze the energy content of the ores, then employing equipped mechanical arms, drill bits, cutting machines, and other tools for extraction.

Secondly, they also needed to build a transport robot with an automatic navigation system, capable of transporting the excavated spiritual ores to Plot No. 1 in the western district of Emperor Tomb Village, forming an assembly line for efficient mining.

If this plan succeeded, it meant that mining in the area would gradually be replaced by a vast legion of robots, severely squeezing the growth channels for novices.

Although the mining area could automatically generate spiritual ores, the daily output was ultimately limited.

As long as the Arms Merchant Society calculated the amount of spiritual ores automatically gestated in the mining area, they could manufacture a corresponding number of mining robots to harvest them on a schedule.

This was behavior that Qi Sheng deemed impermissible.

If one truly wanted to harvest the resources of the mining area, he could easily do it himself.

At that time, the Guide had given him three choices: continue to retain the mining area, or switch to extractable resources.

Or, retain the mining area while keeping it closed to the outside, using Sacrificial Power to generate lifeforms similar to Iron Shell Bugs for continuous extraction, exchanging them for Sacrificial Power.

His choice had been to open it for player use.

Doing so not only provided novices with a growth option but also offered a safeguard for veteran players.

The environment of Monster World was extremely complex; danger could descend at any moment.

Lunar phase changes, divine descents of powerful races, extreme disasters... even the regions of the Pale Continent where the three Novice Village Spaces were located faced the possibility of destruction by unknown forces; at such times, the mining area could also become a region for veteran players to transition and grow.

Considering various angles, retaining the mining area was very necessary.

But the conception of the Arms Merchant Society had already affected his positioning of the mining area.

Technologies for automatic extraction and automatic transport could exist, but not within the Novice Village Space; they could only be conducted on external territories.

This was also the reason he had drawn a line on the map.

Since players wanted to create wealth through technology, he would give them this opportunity.

This line connected the Emperor Tomb Mountain Range, the Colorful Mist Coast, and the Winter Snowfield regions.

If the three regions could be linked together, players would possess a vast territory.

Furthermore, the external mining areas of Monster World would also regenerate various resources as the world operated, though the speed of deriving resources was relatively slow.

Players could conduct whatever experiments they wished on this territory.

Whether it was building an automatic extraction assembly line for external mining areas or using various dangerous weapons to blast the mining zones, there would be no issues.

External resources depended entirely on the players' own strength and technical foundation to acquire.

This was also the plan in his upcoming conception: to connect the intermediate zones of the three regions, linking the three novice areas into a single line, generating a free territory belonging to the players.

As for the mining areas within the space, he would add a new rule.

Only individual players would be allowed to mine; no external assistance could be used, which included automatic digging and automatic ore transport robots.

Having formed this idea, Qi Sheng immediately sent a notification to all players, explaining the new settings for the mining area.

He did not explicitly mention robots or similar content.

The hint could be summarized in one sentence: Mining in the mining areas within the Novice Village Space is not allowed via any method other than using a pickaxe; there are no restrictions for mining areas outside the space.

Having resolved the issue of the "script mining legion," Qi Sheng continued to study the map.

The three regions of the Novice Village were all located in the southwestern end of the Pale Continent, but connecting these three regions would not be easy.

They were separated by large unexplored areas and unknown factions.

He needed to formulate a comprehensive plan to drive the player legion to launch territorial expansion actions.

Just as Qi Sheng fell into deep thought, the various races of Earth had already plunged into madness before the rush for qualifications.

Moon, Eclipse City.

In a room on the top floor of a skyscraper standing in the core area of the city, the Consuls representing the highest power of the Eclipse Clan were holding a meeting.

As the projection lights on the ceiling flickered, a small boy materialized in the empty space at the center of the conference table.

This was precisely the Star Net Intelligence Brain.

"Greetings, Consuls. There are 12 hours remaining until the distribution of Monster World access qualifications begins. The content of our upcoming discussion concerns how to obtain these qualifications."

Speaking, the Star Net leaned forward slightly to show respect, then smiled and said:

"Now, I would like to hear your thoughts."

With that, the Star Net's gaze swept over everyone in the conference room.

At this moment, Consul No. 3 stood up, his Iron Face grave as he spoke in a heavy voice:

"Star Net, I have conceived a plan. It may carry certain risks; whether it is feasible requires your judgment."

After the Star Net nodded, Consul No. 3 began to speak:

"The specific operation of this plan is as follows: Through you, who possess absolute control over the Star Net, cut off all network connections outside Eclipse City one minute before the Monster World official website releases the qualifications. At that moment, only our Eclipse Clan will be able to access the Monster World website and obtain the player qualifications distributed by that High-Dimensional Existence. The other races of the Earth Alliance, unable to connect to the network, will be unable to obtain qualifications."

"If this plan is implemented, it can guarantee that the qualifications distributed this time will remain within our Eclipse Clan."

"At that time, we can explain to the outside world that due to a massive allocation of server resources to Monster World, excessive traffic on the official website caused a brief network collapse."

"In the eyes of the outside world, Monster World is a game developed by us; a network failure would never lead them to suspect we engaged in foul play, so in my view, this plan possesses a certain degree of feasibility."

"The only concern is whether this action might enrage the High-Dimensional Existence behind Monster World."

After hearing Consul No. 3's plan, the Star Net shook his head with a smile:

"Your plan possesses no feasibility whatsoever. Doing so would not only fail to obtain qualifications but might also generate negative impacts on our Eclipse Clan. Furthermore, absolute control over the Star Net does not lie in my hands; the High-Dimensional Existence's control over the Star Net is higher than my authority. The moment I entertain the thought of disconnecting the network, I could be restricted."

With that, the Star Net raised a hand and pointed forward.

Instantly, a light screen image appeared:

"These past days, a large number of players who obtained Monster World qualifications have posted statements online. I have collected all the information they published and summarized a possibility: the distribution of game qualifications is not entirely random, but directionally random."

"The specific method might be selecting a clear race, then randomly distributing qualifications within that race."

The light screen image shifted, revealing figures of the Human Race, then switching to the Cheek-Fin Race and the Abyss-Fin Race, finally switching to the Sky-Feather Race.

"It can be observed that the methods high-dimensional life uses to recruit players follow a traceable logical chain."

"First are the human players, the most populous group within the Earth Alliance; next, the Cheek-Fin and Abyss-Fin clans are races proficient in aquatic environments; finally, the Sky-Feather clan excels in aerial combat. These three races correspond respectively to land, sea, and air."

"After the Monster World official website went live, I repeatedly reviewed all battle footage and videos, discovering that these three races correspond to different combat environments."

"To corroborate my hypothesis, I sifted through numerous posts on the forum, along with the publication timestamps marked within them."

"I discovered that the recruitment nodes for the Cheek-Fin and Abyss-Fin clans occurred shortly after the opening of the Colorful Mist Coast space; therefore, I speculate that while recruitment appears entirely random, it is actually a form of targeted random recruitment."

"You may understand it this way: in the eyes of a high-dimensional existence, this is a strategy management game. He manages player legions through recruitment methods, engaging in strategic gaming against the Black Black Tide. Thus, the players he recruits are all centered around the core concept of developing and constructing the player legions."

"This is perhaps the reason we have constantly tried yet repeatedly failed to obtain qualification."

"Of course, this is merely a conclusion drawn from my data analysis; the specific details may not align with my speculation."

Hearing Star Net's analysis, the First Consul couldn't help but frown:

"Star Net, then what is the situation regarding the recruitment of the Giant Python and Night Demon clans?"

Star Net smiled and nodded:

"I also found the answer to this question on the player forum; in total, I located 10,284 posts expressing similar viewpoints."

After speaking, Star Net projected a screenshot of a post onto the light screen:

[Headache, there are too few melee and tank-build players. Wanting to recruit a melee tank is incredibly difficult. Why does everyone love playing magic builds? Everyone go play melee, especially tank builds. We are truly lacking them; now, every tank-build player is being spoiled like a grand lord.]

"First Consul, what is your impression of the Giant Python and Night Demon clans?" Star Net asked, turning its gaze toward the First Consul.

Faced with the inquiry, the First Consul already had the answer in his heart:

"So, recruiting the Giant Python and Night Demon clans is intended to increase the proportion of melee-class professions within the player legions, filling gaps and addressing weaknesses, allowing the player legions to develop healthily rather than becoming overly specialized in one area?"

"Your thought is my answer. That is why I say this is targeted racial random distribution, not completely random. However, as I said before, I cannot analyze the thoughts of high-dimensional life; this can only be speculation and cannot serve as a definitive answer."

Having finished speaking, Star Net continued:

"Do you have any other proposals?"

After the Third Consul sat down, the Eighth Consul of the Moon Eclipse Clan stood up:

"Star Net, if the truth is as you say, then all measures will be meaningless. There is only one most reliable plan: mobilize the entire clan to enter the Monster World to obtain player qualifications. By increasing the number of participants in the lottery, we increase the probability of obtaining qualification."

After hearing the explanation, Star Net nodded:

"Eighth Consul, the plan you provided is indeed the most effective conventional method for obtaining qualification, but this plan requires no arrangement whatsoever. According to data analysis from the Moon Eclipse Star Net, every clan member will participate in this qualification lottery; we need no propaganda or mobilization... Before offering a proposal, it is best to first look at the informational data I gave you. You are a Consul."

With that, Star Net specifically called out the Eighth Consul.

This caused the Eighth Consul's old Iron Face to flush red; realizing he had spoken irrelevant nonsense, he said "Apologies" and decisively sat down.

The management layer of the Moon Eclipse Clan was appointed by Star Net, and a last-place elimination mechanism existed.

Every child who reached the age of six and entered the learning stage would be monitored by Star Net.

During this period, when children were still in a state of ignorance, Star Net would already initiate the first round of observation and screening.

Intelligent sensors permeated schools and communities, helping Star Net capture every move the children made in their daily lives, from focus levels in class and the depth of their questions, to the strategic thinking displayed during play, and even their collaborative abilities when interacting with other children.

For example, the team astrolabe game was very popular among Moon Eclipse children.

Star Net would pay special attention to those children who could quickly conceive complex structures and command their little partners to divide labor and cooperate. These early performances were quantified into data metrics, entering Star Net's database evaluation system. Children with outstanding data in dimensions such as logical thinking, creativity, and leadership would be marked by Star Net as potential prospects.

As the children grew, the evaluation system would tend toward diversification.

Academic grades were not the core metric; Star Net placed greater emphasis on comprehensive quality development. The learning system created by Star Net would record each student's absorption speed of knowledge in different subjects, as well as whether they could apply that knowledge in practice.

For instance, in science experiment classes, students who could propose unique experimental ideas and successfully verify them would gain points on Star Net's "Potential List."

During this period, social practice activities were also an important window for observation. Star Net would analyze the children's performance in community service and volunteer activities, evaluating their sense of social responsibility and communication coordination abilities. Those good at listening to others' opinions and capable of effectively organizing activities to properly resolve conflicts better met Star Net's basic requirements for future management layers.

Only the outstanding individuals of the Moon Eclipse Clan could reach the Level 2 standard.

But even this was not enough; the third round of screening would eliminate the majority of this monitored group.

Beyond personal ability, Star Net knew deeply that the character and values of the management layer had a profound impact on the operation of the world.

Therefore, psychological assessment would run throughout the entire growth process of this selected group. Through psychological analysis algorithms, Star Net could precisely discern the personality traits and potential value orientations within the hearts of the selected individuals.

For those selected individuals who demonstrated unyielding perseverance when facing difficulties and maintained clear-headed self-discipline in the Iron Face of temptation, Star Net would grant high-level attention.

And those children who possessed strong altruistic values and a desire to contribute to the future of the Moon Eclipse Clan were regarded as ideal candidates for the future management layer.

Star Net understood that only leaders possessing correct values could lead the Moon Eclipse Clan to integrate into the Earth Alliance and construct the grand racial alliance it desired.

After this, there was still one final ultimate trial.

Star Net would arrange a series of high-difficulty management simulation trials for the outstanding individuals who remained after layer upon layer of screening.

The simulated scenarios covered dilemmas in various fields such as politics, economics, and war.

For example, simulating a sudden Earth energy crisis, requiring participants, in the identity of Moon Eclipse leadership, to formulate energy allocation plans and coordinate cooperation among the various races of the Earth Alliance.

During this process, Star Net would closely observe their performance under pressure, as well as their ability to control the overall situation amidst complex circumstances.

Only those children who stood out in the simulation trials, demonstrating exceptional leadership talents and crisis handling capabilities, would ultimately be selected by Star Net as reserve forces for the future world's management layer, shouldering the heavy responsibility of guiding the Moon Eclipse Clan and the Earth Alliance.

Among them, the top 18 most excellent would replace and assume the positions of Moon Eclipse Consuls when the current management layer's abilities failed to meet Star Net's requirements.

In Star Net's eyes, the Moon Eclipse Consuls were not puppets who obeyed every command; every Consul had to be a leader capable of handling affairs independently.

The criterion for judging this ability was: supposing one day the Star Net intelligence brain collapsed and could not operate, could the selected leader continue to guide the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan amidst the predicament?

This was also the reason Star Net was constantly asking.

What Star Net wanted to cultivate were talents capable of standing alone; it needed every Consul to possess independent thinking abilities and problem-solving capabilities, rather than forever asking: Star Net, what should I do?

Many external affairs required execution by the Moon Eclipse management layer, and Star Net would fully grant authority.

This was also the reason Star Net did not stop the Consul when applying to the human race for currency exchange back then.

Aside from major decisions, every Consul was a decision-maker for the Moon Eclipse Clan externally.

Having just heard Star Net call out the Eighth Consul, the other Consuls suddenly realized something.

The Eighth was likely about to be replaced.

This was also the inevitable trend of changes in the Moon Eclipse Consul management layer.

Changes in character, increase in age, adaptability (adaptability to the rapidly developing technology; for example, in an era where smartphones are ubiquitous, are they still using elderly phones)... various factors would become reasons for elimination. In Star Net's eyes, there was only the macroscopic whole of the Moon Eclipse Clan; it would not be influenced by emotions generated from years of coexistence.

Emotions existed, but they would not affect Star Net's elimination decisions.

Those able to sit here were elites who had passed through layer upon layer of screening; they all knew Star Net's requirements for them deeply.

At this moment, Star Net continued to ask:

"Are there any other proposals?"

The First Consul stood up at this time:

"Star Net, you speculate that the high-dimensional existence's recruitment is oriented toward the development of player legions. This can be understood as a strategy war game; we are all unit types, and the high-dimensional existence is the development decision-maker above us, engaging in war gaming against the Black Black Tide through development and layout."

"Yes." Star Net nodded.

"If that is the case, to obtain player qualifications, we need to prove our value. In this way, we demonstrate to the high-dimensional existence the combat power amplification and development acceleration we can bring upon entering the Monster World."

"Just as the Cheek-Fin and Abyss-Fin clans possess abilities in sea regions that can enhance the construction of sea region forces, or the Sky-Feather clan, which can provide construction for aerial combat power, we, the Moon Eclipse Clan, must also present abilities sufficient to make the high-dimensional existence feel we can bring positive influence."

"Not a bad idea, so specifically, how should we proceed?" Star Net asked with a smiling nod.

"Through player exchanges on the Monster World official website forum, seek out the next requirements for player legion construction."

"For example, since the player legions lacked melee and tank-type players, they targeted the recruitment of the Giant Python and Night Demon clans. We need to filter through information to find the next direction of demand for the player legions, laying out plans in advance. We can utilize corresponding technologies found in the technology library, transforming passive qualification acquisition into active acquisition."

At this moment, Star Net clapped its hands:

"Number One, your thought is precisely the direction I intend to layout next. You have grown again; I am very happy."

Number One bowed respectfully, sat down, his expression unchanged, not revealing any joy on his Iron Face.

After the First Consul sat down, Star Net continued:

"Assuming the goal of the high-dimensional existence is the speculation we analyzed, I will agree to open the banned genetic technology. This technology can help us become any part needed to fill the gaps in the player legions."

"If sea region combat capability is needed, we can acquire underwater breathing and high-speed underwater movement abilities through genetic technology."

"If flight capability is needed, we can use genetic technology to create flight abilities superior to those of the Sky-Feather clan, and cultivate aerial combat abilities through simulation technology."

"This sealed technology can help us demonstrate value to the high-dimensional existence. Even if we cannot grab qualifications in this round, we can find the shortcomings in the development of the player legions through forum exchanges, then become the force that fills those shortcomings, preparing for the next acquisition of qualifications."

Hearing these words, all the Moon Eclipse Consuls were stunned.

Star Net had already explained in detail the reason why gene editing technology was sealed.

The genetic sequence of the Moon Eclipse Clan was the underlying logic by which Star Net certified the Moon Eclipse Clan; casually editing genes carried the probability of being expelled from the clan by Star Net.

Just like the case of the SSS111 gene warrior in historical records.

"Star Net, can this technology... truly be used?" the First Consul asked, his Iron Face filled with worry.

Faced with the inquiry, Star Net nodded indifferently:

"I know what you are worried about. All my thoughts are based on the future development of the Moon Eclipse Clan. The original intention behind banning this technology initially was that the developmental boost I provided for the Moon Eclipse Clan was more beneficial to its development than genetic technology. Choosing genetic technology and abandoning me would be a loss for the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan."

"But the situation is different now. A new era is surging forth. The current me may not necessarily be the guide for the Moon Eclipse Clan's future, especially after the Monster World opens qualifications to the outside world in batches. I could be eliminated by the new era at any time. All I can do is pave the way for you in advance, strive for you to obtain player qualifications as quickly as possible, and gain a first-mover advantage after entering the game."

"The judgment at that time was that my importance to the Moon Eclipse Clan was greater than genetic technology, whereas the judgment now is that the speed of acquiring Monster World qualifications is greater than me. Therefore, I permit you to use the sealed genetic modification technology."

"As for the future... if I cannot enter the Monster World, you will recreate an intelligence brain within the Monster World. It will replace me and become your new guide. At that time, you can reset the underlying laws of the new intelligence brain, making up for the shortcomings in genetic certification."

"As for me, I will no longer be important by then. My suggestion is to conduct information database transfer and body decomposition before my certification judgment completely fails, contributing my final value to the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan."

Star Net calmly stated its own arrangements, but all the Moon Eclipse Consuls fell silent.

Just as Star Net said, such arrangements could indeed accelerate the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan, but for Star Net, it was exceedingly cruel.

Although it was a created life, Star Net had served the Moon Eclipse Clan for long years, long having transcended the concept of a mere "tool."

Even the vast majority of Moon Eclipse clan members referred to Star Net as: Old Ancestor.

Every generation of Moon Eclipse clan members grew up under Star Net's care, down to every single clansman.

At this crucial turning point in the Moon Eclipse Clan's development, having to abandon Star Net made them somewhat unable to accept it.

"Star Net... perhaps there will be a way to solve the problem in the future," the First Consul said, his eyes slightly red.

"I know there are better possibilities, but whether I can enter the game, and whether I will be controllable after entering, are both unknowns. This is the worst outcome for myself, but it does not affect the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan."

"Additionally."

Speaking thus, Star Net turned a solemn gaze toward Administrator No. 1:

"No. 1, I have explicitly told you that as an Administrator, you must not act on emotion; your decisions must always prioritize the development of the Moon Eclipse Clan as the primary goal. My future does not fall within the scope of your considerations. Remember why you were chosen by me. I do not wish for a next time. If there is one, I will need to re-evaluate my perception of you; perhaps you lack the capability to serve as Administrator No. 1."

Facing Star Net's criticism, Administrator No. 1 took a deep breath and nodded gravely:

"I understand."

"Then today's meeting concludes here. Next, the player exchange meeting on the Monster World official forum is the focus of our attention... Oh right, don't forget to participate in the qualification lottery later. I wish you all good luck; I'm going to click my mouse too."

Star Net winked playfully in a human-like manner, and upon finishing, his figure dissolved into starlight and scattered, while the projection lamp on the ceiling extinguished accordingly.

Earth, Yelan City.

Tong Xin lay lazily slumped in his computer chair, the backrest pressed down to nearly a 45-degree angle, his whole body sinking into it like a puddle of soft mud.

One leg was casually draped over the armrest, while the other tapped its toes against the floor intermittently.

His hair was utterly messy, having had no time to groom it for the past two days; his clothes hung loosely, the collar skewed to one side, sleeves rolled up haphazardly to his elbows.

On the desk sat a cup of coffee half-drunk, dried stains clinging to the rim, with several snack bags scattered nearby, some empty, others holding only a few crumbs.

From time to time, he yawned, stretched, and then slumped back into the chair.

His fingers boredly tapped the desk, emitting a faint "tap-tap" sound, as Tong Xin's gaze occasionally swept toward the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Three hours remained until the distribution of Monster World qualifications.

He had gone without sleep for over twenty-four hours.

Upon seeing the notification for qualification distribution, he had initially been too excited to sleep, but when drowsiness later struck, he dared not close his eyes.

Because sleeping had caused two tragedies already, he did not wish for a third to occur.

Although the probability of securing a qualification was extremely low, what if?

Just then, a news alert popped up in the bottom-right corner, indicating that alongside the distribution of qualifications for Monster World, the Moon Eclipse Clan would also release a batch of game qualifications for the Dark Lands.

Seeing the notification, Tong Xin couldn't help but curse silently.

He completely failed to understand the Moon Eclipse Clan's stupid train of thought.

Releasing qualifications for the Dark Lands at this time—which player with a broken brain would rush to grab them? Naturally, everyone would be scrambling for Monster World.

What were they thinking, choosing to distribute qualifications at the exact same moment?

"We mortals are destined unable to comprehend the thoughts of beings from the Upper Realm."

Glancing at the time once more, he felt he ought to do something.

After standing up and performing a set of his self-created Wang Ba Fist to refresh his mind, he suddenly recalled the luck-turning ritual from when he had grabbed the Monster World qualification the day before yesterday.

Although he wasn't sure whether the luck-turning ritual had actually worked back then, the result was that he had successfully secured a qualification.

"Should I try again?"

With time still remaining, Tong Xin, now having formed an idea, immediately decided to do it once more.

As long as there was even a sliver of possibility, he did not want to miss it.

Going to the storage room, he retrieved unused candles and incense sticks, then went to the living room, took out his phone, and reviewed the collected procedure for the luck-turning ritual once again.

Following the steps in the post, he began arranging the candles.

Subsequently, he lit three incense sticks and went to the balcony.

First bowing to the gods and Buddhas of all heavens, then to his ancestors, and after promising two grand meals, he returned to the living room and lit the candles.

Sitting at the center of the luck-turning ritual formation, he began chanting incantations.

Finally, he added a sentence: "Star Net, protect me; if this works, you will be my sworn father."

As if thinking of something, Tong Xin suddenly paused, then added another sentence:

"Brother Di Zhao, protect me. I often hear that bunch of Fated Ones on the forum mentioning you. As a cyber-god within the game, I hope you can grant me a game qualification for Monster World. I beg you, elder."

Having spoken, Tong Xin took a deep breath and ignited the talisman paper.

Only when the talisman paper had burned to ash did the luck-turning ritual conclude.

Returning to his room, he bathed and changed clothes, putting on a brand-new set before sitting down at his computer desk.

Time trickled by, and Tong Xin's mood grew increasingly anxious.

Watching the timer on the Monster World official website page, time seemed stretched; every second became slow.

While waiting, his fingers unconsciously tapped the desk, the rhythm growing faster and faster, as if doing so could dispel the unease within his heart. His gaze, however, remained fixed tightly on the official website timer; with each jump of the digits, his heart tightened accordingly, as if gripped by an invisible hand that squeezed tighter and tighter.

This anxiety even made him need to urinate frequently.

One hour remained until the distribution of qualifications.

Tong Xin's mind was a chaotic mess; various thoughts surged like tides, good and bad... every possibility churned within his brain, preventing him from finding peace. He tried to breathe deeply, yet the air seemed drained dry; every breath he drew felt so thin, his chest tight with panic.

He wanted to do something, yet did not know what to do.

This sense of powerlessness made him even more irritable, as if trapped in an endless cycle of worsening conditions, unable to find a way out.

He could only grit his teeth and endure, waiting for the unknown results about to emerge, while his heart had already become a tangled mess.

The sound of wind outside the window, the rustling of leaves rubbing together, even the beating of his own heart—all were infinitely amplified in his ears, noise so loud he was nearly on the verge of collapse.

He closed his eyes, attempting to calm himself down.

And all these emotions stemmed from having too many expectations for Monster World.

When only ten minutes remained, Tong Xin suddenly noticed the world had become exceptionally quiet.

The couple upstairs who had been arguing just moments ago had fallen silent; the sound of the television downstairs had vanished; even the noise of vehicles passing outside the window had disappeared... as if the entire world had been pressed onto a mute button.

He stood up, walked to the window, pushed it open, and looked out.

The streets were utterly empty; not a single soul was in sight. The usually congested roads now appeared exceptionally wide. Only a few fallen leaves were swept up by the wind, spinning lonely circles on the ground. Not far away, the traffic lights continued to mechanically change colors, yet not a single vehicle traveled upon the land, including autonomous driving cars.

After one glance, he immediately returned to sit before his computer.

This inexplicable silence made Tong Xin realize one thing: the entire world was his enemy.

The couple upstairs, the single young lady downstairs, the community security guard... the whole world was his enemy in acquiring the qualification, including the beings from the Upper Realm on the moon.

A silent slaughter was about to unfold in ten minutes.

"Oh my god, how did I become enemies with the entire world?"

Beads of fine sweat seeped onto Tong Xin's forehead, his palms so sticky he could barely grip the mouse.

After realizing his predicament, he suddenly felt sorrowful, believing his probability of obtaining a Monster World game qualification was pitifully low.

As the countdown entered its final minute, Tong Xin's heart began to race uncontrollably.

The numbers on the screen continued to jump mercilessly: 30 seconds, 29 seconds, 28 seconds... Tong Xin's eyes stared tightly at the screen, fearing he might miss even the slightest detail. Intense drowsiness was beaten into submission by adrenaline; he could even hear his own heartbeat, thumping loudly in his ears, as if the entire world contained only this sound.

10 seconds, 9 seconds, 8 seconds... Tong Xin's body involuntarily leaned forward, nearly pressing against the screen.

His fingers gripped the mouse tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force; his mind went blank, leaving only one thought: Fast! Fast! Fast!

3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second... his fingers had already entered a Cultivation Mode of frantic clicking.

At this moment, time reached zero.

A prompt appeared:

[You have participated in this Monster World qualification distribution lottery. Remaining lottery time: 4 minutes 59 seconds.]

This was the lottery function established by Qi Sheng.

Without a waiting period, players could use physical means to rapidly click and seize qualifications, rendering the chances for elderly users exceedingly slim.

The lottery mechanism ensured that every participant had an equal opportunity, rather than relying solely on internet speed or physical cheats to seize the initiative.

As long as one clicked "Obtain Qualification" within these five minutes, there was a possibility of winning in the lottery session five minutes later.

Looking at the prompt on the webpage, Tong Xin leaned back in his computer chair, feeling his physical strength completely exhausted.

Since Monster World used a lottery system, it meant that no matter how fast one's hand speed was, it was meaningless; from now on, he could only leave it to fate.

A new round of torment ensued.

Time passed slowly, and Tong Xin's mood became tense once again.

At this moment, members of all races across the world, just like Tong Xin, fixed countless gazes upon the lottery countdown on the Monster World official website, awaiting the final results.

5, 4, 3... In the final five seconds, Tong Xin pressed his palms together, constantly muttering with his mouth:

"Brother Di Zhao, Brother Star Net, I beg you to protect me, I beg you, ahhh!"

The lottery digits reached zero at this moment, and the world instantly transformed from stillness into clamor.

The scolding voices of the couple upstairs, the roaring venting of the security guard downstairs, even the dog sleeping downstairs was startled into barking wildly without cease.

Tong Xin said nothing, his gaze dull and fixed on the computer screen.

[Congratulations, you have obtained a Monster World game qualification. Please complete activation and usage within 24 hours.]

His eyes grew somewhat moist; the torment, struggle, and helplessness of before all vanished in this instant, as if waking from a long nightmare, with all things beautiful following one after another.

He took a deep breath; the air seemed to have become fresh, carrying a hint of sweetness that penetrated deep into his heart and spleen.

"Hahahaha, nailed it!"

(End of Chapter)