Legend of the Devil Fox
06 Hunting events
The Secret research center is monitoring alpha test subjects in the MMORPG World of Yggdrasia.
At the 48-hour mark, 20 percent had logged out. As soon as the subjects began to reach their first evolution, the number of failed victims rose.
Now is the 2nd day since the start of the experiment. 2 subjects died from cessation of brain activity. A total of 4 people were in a coma after their mental breakdown and forced logout.
"Oh wow, the victim began to grow new also 2 days," said Jhon felt confused.
This man is the deputy director of the research center of Rahaia Negara . The actual director was a former politician appointed to the position, so the facility's own leader was Jhon.
His secretary nodded and replied gently,
“psychologists we propose the following theory to explain this event: these particular subjects have chosen to start with demihuman avatars and animal-type monsters programmed basic actions.
However, after evolution and reaching the second stage, their avatars lost most of their programmed actions, it only maintains the basics that are natural due to their shape and range of movement that are incompatible with normal living things. Mental stress increases by increasing their difficulties and fears, and this can speed up their psychiatric disorders.”
"really. So, did the doctor mention a solution?"
"According to the medical team, the easiest solution is to either treat or remove the subject and stabilize their mind. The game development department suggests to analyze the action feedback of the subject to update the programmed movement for the monster avatar as soon as possible.”
"So, just an impractical solution." Jhon just a cynical smile.
Investigating the limits of mental stress that the human mind can handle is one of their goals, it is true, but not the most important.
Put someone with a strong mentality into the monster body and the possibility of high avatar operation would be close to optimal. To investigate how much mental stress results from these actions, pushing the subject's mind as much as possible is the most efficient step. Almost 20% have logged out after only 2 days although the original plan was for one month. At the same time, the results they obtained were worth it. The higher-ups were very satisfied with their progress.
The next project test subject is the actual army. Partly to prepare them and partly because the center has managed to acquire test subjects without an official presence in the community. Jhon plans to extort every last drop of 'knowledge' from the orphans, even if it is cruel but for the advancement of a new technology there must be sacrificed.
"Oh, yes, aren't there still some that are quite stable?"
"Yes, Deputy Director. We supervised 17 relatively stable and active subjects. However, the majority of them are silent, far away from human civilization, just barely moving.”
"Well, don't we have any ideas for tackling the problem?"
“Reports from the data processing department said they had leaked Alfa's location into the local Adventurers Guild, plus several online forums and wikis anonymously. Should we continue?”
"Yes that's good. Forward. This reminds me, what happened to the Beers who happened to the avatar monsters?”
“There have been several killed by beta testers. There are 6 subjects who have deteriorated starting mental damage for fear of being hunted by humans."
"Is there still enough of them that are stable, active, and evolved?"
"Yes. Their stability varies, but Number 01, Number 08, Number 13, and Number 17 have actively entered the battle and also reached the third stage,” the secretary said. He looked at the screen showing the surviving subjects and continued, a hint of admiration at his words.
“Twenty-three people first really live up to expectations. Only four were logged out, and it seemed like they were making use of their 'innate ability'.”
******
"That's it! 300 Meters ahead!"
"Alright, the mini boss is ours!"
"Yes!"
"That's amazing!"
Within the northern range of the central continent lies the Principality of Trendeux. A country formed around the 32nd Young Tree.
The Young Tree has blessed the land with its grace. Despite its latitude, the climate is still relatively mild. But as soon as you entered the mountains, the greenery instantly turned white, a field of snow that stretched unbroken all the way to the top. A view of the best splendor.
There was a silver-colored troll there, its fur fused with the snowy mountain. He was busy with his food.
At first glance, the subspecies looked just like with the yeti. It was over three meters tall and about two meters wide, with arms as big as tree trunks.
The troll looked at the bear he was eating and suddenly fell silent. Then, suddenly he started tearing up the carcass. He started hitting a large rock nearby, smashing his own arm without a care and roaring in pain.
Such madness spooked the beta players, so real that they even forgot that they were in the game for a moment. Their faces paled. Some people gasping.
To the south of the Principality of Trendeux was a large country - the Kingdom of Trestan - which was the chosen base for these players. They were rank 3, or in other words, players who had reached level 20 in their combat skills.
There was a rather popular announcement on the game's VR board, where two parties of the player ranked 2 of the player's leaderboard reported their defeat at the hands of this raging monster. So, this group of players came here after several train rides overnight to challenge the trolls.
“Total Combat Power is 499 points. No wonder. That's pretty hard to rank 2."
“Okay everyone, gather! I'll tidy up the defensive buff!”
Player beta number 5 people was starting to prepare 2 attack.
"All right, let's start. Remember to draw his attention with the arrow."
"Can I use poison?"
"Did anyone say 'poison'? Take this, try this neurotoxin I made. It will last a long time.”
"Damn it, he's so vicious."
Poison arrows found their target. The excruciating pain made the Troll go berserk.
In a one-on-one fight, the troll was almost certain to win. So the group increased their teamwork. Magic diverted the monster while the sword blade sliced through its flesh. Nearly thirty minutes later, the leader, a swordsman wielding a great sword, decapitated him.
"Yeah!"
“Hah ~ ... regeneration and high strength. It's definitely the troll that's boss.”
“But he is still no match for us! What prize?"
"Eh? Did the body just disappear?”
“Maybe because this is a monster event? Hey, he dropped something. Cristal blue?"
"Is that the prize? It's impossible, isn't it? "
"Oh, hey, there's a system message."
"Whoahoh?! A year ticket is free to use any transportation and can also gineb geratis in the hotel there are striptease dancers for 1 day !"
Equivalent to 30 gold coins, this annual pass allows you to ride free transportation. Moreover, there were flying ships that reached any country in Yggdrasia in just half a day.
Party members receive one item. Once this info is posted on the forum, the event begins. An event to hunt the remaining 20 boss mini monsters is spread all over the world.