Chapter 81

In Chapter 81: Could Bai Fu Be the New Version’s Protagonist? [5k]

Not long after the official launch of “Above the Stars,” video content creators began releasing videos similar to “Game News Brief” and “Above the Stars News Broadcast.”

These videos compile interesting events both inside and outside the game, presenting them in a news report style.

Such videos have gained immense popularity among players.

Each new player planet in “Above the Stars” is unique, even different newbie villages on the same planet provide vastly different experiences for players.

How different?

Some players might be battling corporations in a cyberpunk world, others might be engaged in steam-punk and wuxia adventures, while some could be playing as heroes in a world where spiritual energy and psyche intertwine, fighting against demons.

Most players are curious about what other players are doing on different newbie planets and the recent events they encounter. However, many are too lazy to actively search for game guides or community posts sharing personal experiences.

This creates an opportunity for informational content creators. The most popular one garnered 100,000 followers in just three days.

Jiujiao saw this potential and decided to shift her focus from digging into the game’s plot to creating content about game news.

But she was still nervous because she only covered news from Silent Courtyard. She wasn’t sure if this niche would have a future or if there would be enough news for her to create videos.

For now, her plan is to make two trial videos. If they don’t resonate well, she’ll follow the example of the once-renowned gaming industry leader, G胖.

3?

What is 3? I can’t count.

After Bai Fu opened the video released by Jiujiao, a cheerful tune and a meticulously edited montage of gameplay clips appeared as the intro.

Following the intro, Jiujiao appeared in the center of the screen.

She sat at a table with a game guidebook, a custom figurine of Xiao Xiao Bai Fu, and the Silent Courtyard’s Heavenly Eye badge.

As a seasoned content creator with over two years of experience, Jiujiao remained calm.

“Hello, players! I bet you haven’t seen me in live streams for a while. Actually, these past few days I’ve been…”

After about a minute of introduction, she transitioned to the main topic.

Since it was her first episode, she focused on introducing Silent Courtyard, Goli Desert, and her and Bai Fu’s escape to Goli Desert.

These contents laid the groundwork for future videos, providing enough material for a 20-minute episode.

While introducing Silent Courtyard and Goli Desert took only a few minutes, Jiujiao spent more time comparing Silent Courtyard with other factions.

To do this, she interviewed many players from other factions.

“Now let’s see what these players have to say.”

The screen showed players with their names hidden and eyes obscured by black bars.

“I come from a newbie village in the Former Republic…”

“I’m from the Alliance…”

“I’m from the Railway Guild…”

These players came from various newbie villages, joined different factions, but had similar complaints.

“I thought I wouldn’t be seen as a savior, but at least I’d be seen as a promising newcomer. But no, they didn’t even treat me like a human!”

“Do you know what I was assigned to do? Office secretary! My daily task was fetching tea and water. After two days, I ran away. In real life, fetching tea and water, and in the game, fetching tea and water? Isn’t that pointless? When I left, the Railway Guild’s affinity towards me dropped to -20. That’s ridiculous!”

“This game is very realistic, which I love, but it’s too real. Life-based players like me have a terrible experience in large factions. They have their own logistics personnel, and our skills aren’t appreciated; we’re looked down upon.”

These complaints received a lot of support in the comments.

For skilled players, it doesn’t matter much which faction they join initially, but for those not good at combat, things are tough.

Cut back to Jiujiao.

“Recently, factions have become a major topic for many players. The most notable discussion is about which faction to join.”

“Here, I want to introduce Silent Courtyard. Though it’s a new faction, it offers unique gameplay experiences that most other factions lack.”

Joining the faction directly promotes you to a core member, and the faction leader personally takes you through tasks. Due to the small number of members, joining now allows you to enjoy exclusive ceremonies!

While introducing, Jiujiao also played interviews with Silent Courtyard players.

Including Sword Aura Sky Piercing, Convert to Me Fu, and several new recruits.

These players who benefited naturally praised Silent Courtyard.

“Good times are yet to come!”

The stark contrast between smiling and sorrowful faces was striking.

Bai Fu watched the video and nodded in satisfaction.

With the new version imminent, Jiujiao’s promotion couldn’t have come at a better time. Many new players would likely be attracted to the game and join the 11th Shelter, becoming top-quality ‘crops’ in her field.

However, not all players agreed with Jiujiao’s comparison.

Both the live chat and comment section were in uproar.

“Compared to many lesser-known small factions, Silent Courtyard is indeed a good choice, but saying it’s better than the five major factions is laughable. If Bai Fu weren’t a game NPC, I’d suspect Jiujiao of being paid off by Bai Fu.”

“Of course, I understand why Jiujiao is promoting Silent Courtyard. It’s Bai Fu’s faction, and any player following the story knows that Jiujiao is deeply connected to Bai Fu.”

“Now, let me address Silent Courtyard’s disadvantages that Jiujiao conveniently ignored. First, Silent Courtyard is located in Goli Desert. Ordinary players need at least two days to get there, and the travel cost is at least 1000. Can you accept that?”

“Second, Bai Fu isn’t a main quest character. Joining Silent Courtyard means you won’t have main quests to do. Many think it’s fine, as you can do daily and side quests, but that’s overly optimistic.”

“Small factions have fewer tasks and lower reward caps. With fewer people in Silent Courtyard, upgrading is fast now, but if a large group joins, there will be a shortage of tasks and slow progression.”

The top comment hit the nail on the head.

Bai Fu noticed Jiujiao in the comment section but couldn’t respond directly to the issues raised.

Though she had analyzed that Bai Fu was a key plot character multiple times, and some of her guesses had been confirmed, her predictions were still just guesses until the official announcement. Facing these doubts, her guesses struggled to stand firm.

However, as a thick-skinned person, Jiujiao had her tricks.

“Just wait and see!”

During her days digging into game plots, she had used this tactic countless times to respond to player doubts.

Despite her repeated failures, she remained fearless.

“Aha, this is the treasure hunting I know!”

Seeing this, the players watching laughed, especially the troublemakers who enjoyed the chaos regardless of who was right.

Bai Fu shook her head.

What a pity.

If she could post in the community, she would jump in to provoke and criticize herself and Silent Courtyard, stirring up the debate even more. This way, when the official update announcement comes, she and Silent Courtyard would gain more attention and popularity.

At the same time, Sword Aura Sky Piercing received a private message from the leader of Zhongyi Hall, Black Warrior.

“You were so smug about telling me to check the rankings and arena before, now the new version is about to open. There’s no point in hiding anymore. Tell me, what did you do?”

Sword Aura Sky Piercing’s lip twitched.

“What did I do?”

Just to show off.

He originally planned to join the Truth Society, monopolize all its tasks, and climb to the top of the level rankings while also making a name in the arena. But the Truth Society proved unreliable, and his plan fell apart. Even though he regained his levels by rejoining Bai Fu, he couldn’t dominate the level rankings anymore.

Damn, he couldn’t reply.

Sword Aura Sky Piercing could only learn from the veteran of Silent Courtyard, Jiujiao.

“Just wait and see.”

Black Warrior: “Oh, I can’t wait to see what you’re hiding.”

Sword Aura Sky Piercing: “…”

Play dead.

Recent rumors suggest Bai Fu is actually a key agent of the Gene Progenitor, and the claim that she’s an alien is just a lie. He didn’t know the truth, but he believed Bai Fu’s true identity was far from simple. Even if he didn’t benefit now, the situation might turn around in a few versions.

Personal strength matters, but the version decides the ceiling!

Sword Aura Sky Piercing closed the conversation with Black Warrior and then received a message from Old Dog.

“The update details and promotional video for the new version are out. Hurry and check them out.”

This message drew the attention of countless players.

They all opened the game’s official website, crowding the comment sections of the update announcement and the promotional video’s comments.

Before this update, the developers had teased the 1.1 version, “Dark Moon Tide,” but a line in the detailed updates caught many players’ attention.

“Newbie Village added in 1.1 version”

“Source Star – Goli Desert, 11th Shelter”

Every newbie village has a mandatory main quest, a lesson learned by players who experienced version 1.0.

“Goli Desert, 11th Shelter. Isn’t this where Silent Courtyard is located? Only this one newbie village opened on Source Star. Wow, this must be specifically for Silent Courtyard. Does this mean Bai Fu is related to the main plot?”

Sword Aura Sky Piercing and Jiujiao widened their eyes.

When they started watching the newly released promotional video, they became even more excited.

The first half of the video introduced features like rankings and arenas, while the second half showcased breathtaking scenery in “Above the Stars” and some popular NPCs. Among them were the Gene Progenitor, the Railway Guild’s capital, Goli Desert, several plot NPCs from the Gene Progenitor and Railway Guild, and Bai Fu.

“Woah, Fu!”

In the video, Bai Fu, with her hair dyed black, drove a car along a road gradually swallowed by sand, entering deep into Goli Desert. The car kicked up dust, and behind the dust, sand worms pursued relentlessly.

Undoubtedly, this was promotional material for the new newbie village in Goli Desert.

But most players wouldn’t think so simply.

Especially after Jiujiao’s counterattack.

“Haha, I said Fu’s storyline is complex and likely related to the main plot. Do you believe me now? Official video confirmation!”

“To be honest, I think Fu might not just be related to the main plot but is actually the protagonist of this version!”

“Don’t doubt it. Do you know what the 11th Shelter is? Yes, the headquarters of Silent Courtyard is right here!”

With Jiujiao’s analysis, the comment from earlier was buried.

All the doubts turned into jokes.

Instead, Jiujiao’s analysis was revered as divine. Many players began believing Bai Fu is the new version’s protagonist.

“Great job, Jiujiao!”

Bai Fu felt great.

Jiujiao’s statement that she might be the new version’s protagonist was a stroke of genius.

Initially, Bai Fu estimated she could attract hundreds of players through the newbie village, but with Jiujiao’s words, many players chasing the main plot would likely pour in from elsewhere to join Silent Courtyard.

One thousand, two thousand…

Bai Fu didn’t know when she would reach her limit.

She knew that with 100 players, she would dare to cause trouble with Graham, and with 10,000 players, she would dare to clash directly with the Truth Society!

“Who do you think you are, Truth Society?”

Now standing in front of you is Bai Fu, the Apprentice Soul Painter, the New Regional Boss, the Guide of the Fourth Catastrophe!

Bai Fu wasn’t worried about players drawn by the ‘protagonist’ label being disappointed when they arrived at Silent Courtyard.

She wasn’t a protagonist now, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t grow into one as she got involved in more plots.

Besides, she still held the new regional main quest, “Guardians’ Lament,” in Goli Desert.

The series of “Guardians’ Lament” quests featured either Elder Nissen or Youlia. Now, one joined Silent Courtyard, while the other’s original body was imprisoned by the Truth Society, and her clone was in Bai Fu’s pocket.

Holding the largest faction in the newbie village and the regional main quest, she wasn’t a protagonist, who else could be?

Before the players arrived, Bai Fu immediately contacted Gao Yuan, instructing him to open several shops for players in the 11th Shelter and to send representatives for issuing commissions and acquiring sand worm materials to the 11th Shelter.

“Stop hesitating! Miss this chance, and you’ll miss your opportunity to shine across the entire world!”

Bai Fu urged urgently.

Gao Yuan gritted his teeth and agreed.

He was the current head of the Gao family, but he had assumed the role recently. To gain the trust of others, he needed to achieve something significant. He decided to take a gamble on Bai Fu.

One day later.

On the rooftop of Elder Nissen’s tavern in the 11th Shelter, Gao Yuan stood alongside Bai Fu.

With the official launch of the 1.1 version, “Dark Moon Tide,” a large crowd of players suddenly flooded outside the 11th Shelter. At a glance, there were at least two hundred players, and this number kept increasing.

“How did these people appear?”

Gao Yuan quickly turned to Bai Fu, finding her as calm as ever.

He couldn’t stay calm. His heart was filled with awe and speculation about Bai Fu’s true identity.

Who is she?

“Welcome to the 11th Shelter!”

Anya, acting as a newbie guide, approached the players entering the game for the first time.

P.S.: These days my back hurts, so I can’t sit for long, hence fewer updates.

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