Chapter 624: The First Batch of Players Under the New Wanlian Main Network Tree
As I continued to experiment, I became more adept at the ability to interfere with dreams within the fields.
At the same time, with the increasing number of tests, I began to summarize applicable laws.
Perhaps this has little value for others, but it holds great significance for me.
If dream creatures are the “beneficial insects” helping to perfect the connection of dream veins in the Expanding Realm, then the power I now possess can be considered that of a model worker.
After all, dream creatures only create an original point of dream overlap, while with just a flick of my hand, I can create an entire area of dream overlap, and I can smooth it out, which directly accelerates the process.
Having become somewhat proficient in this “dream smoothing technique,” I flattened the dream overlap in this gathering place of earth veins.
After all, everything is for the establishment of a refuge.
However, while smoothing out the dream overlap area, I encountered several issues, such as… the “obstruction” of dream creatures.
But their obstruction held no meaning for me.
Although I knew there were many other secrets hidden within these dream creatures that I had yet to discover, and the original runes I obtained from them would only be the most superficial of gains, wasn’t the existence of dream creatures prevalent throughout the Expanding Realm?
If I ever find myself with nothing to do, I could just visit a dream overlap area or create one myself, and I might just wait for a dream creature to throw itself into my net.
Another thing I encountered was that there were bold individuals approaching this area, probably here to investigate the situation.
After all, a large tree suddenly emerging here is quite eye-catching.
Although the covered area of the dream overlap is vast, there are numerous temporary shelters scattered around outside the coverage.
I have a certain “appreciation” for those brave enough to come here.
Whether it is out of courage and curiosity or out of greed or luck, it cannot conceal the fact that they have stepped foot here.
And once they arrived, I made my decision: these people are testers of the fruits of the Wanlian Main Network Tree!
I would offer them some guidance, and if they could come to me following that guidance, I would bestow upon them power.
As for those who dared not accept the guidance and ventured deeper into this area… if they gave up halfway, then so be it.
Such people are not qualified to be among the first batch of players of this Wanlian Main Network Tree.
Before those individuals arrived, I also came beneath the tree, gazing at the enormous root systems erupting from the ground and the shattered material space around, and I finally took the time to tidy it up a bit to make the chaotic area look more presentable.
During this time, I was also constantly sensing the current growth state of the Wanlian Main Network Tree. Perhaps because it was directly planted at the gathering point of the earth veins, its size was much larger than that of the first one.
However, even so, it has a limit on its size; once it reaches a certain point, it no longer grows.
Instead, it transfers the privilege of growth to the root system, as the root system is the part of the Wanlian Main Network Tree that continually grows.
As I sensed its roots, I couldn’t help but exclaim.
Is it fair to say that it is indeed “riding the coattails” of the earth vein gathering?
With the guidance of the earth veins at the gathering point, it has not been long, and the breadth of its root system is almost catching up to that of the first Wanlian Main Network Tree I cultivated.
In fact, it might not be long before it catches up.
Understand that during these few days, the root system of the first Wanlian Main Network Tree has also been continuously spreading, which indicates its growth speed is far greater than that of the first one. Soon, this Wanlian Main Network Tree will actively establish a root network connection with the first one.
I believe that by that time, I could study the first case of mutual communication between main network trees through Sister Agnes, far away in the Disaster Refuge.
And while I waited, several figures, guided by my instructions, arrived at the foot of the Wanlian Main Network Tree at the same time.
They peeked out from among the energy crystal clusters taller than themselves, cautiously observing the surroundings.
“Alright, welcome to all of you who are willing to come here following my guidance. Why are you all so wary? It’s fine; let’s all come out and meet each other.”
As my voice echoed under the Field Order in everyone’s ears, they immediately felt their bodies uncontrollably moving forward!
Such a terrifying and incomprehensible scene caused many to let out panicked cries.
Only after they all emerged did they realize how many people had gathered!
With just a glance, they saw more than ten individuals!
Moreover, others shared similar expressions of reluctance but were still being pushed forward by an unseen force.
“A total of eighteen people, quite a bit more than I expected,” I said with a slight smile.
At least quite a few times more than the seven from the Disaster Refuge.
With my words spreading, all their gazes turned towards me.
Seeing their faces filled with numerous questions, I directly cast a silence spell on each of them, as it was now my time to speak.
“Please keep your mouths closed, I have a few things to explain. I know you have many questions, but I promise I won’t harm you, unless you willingly seek out your own suffering,” I calmly stated, scanning the crowd as if confirming that each person was listening.
“Good, no voices of dissent, so I believe everyone has heard me. Now, I will introduce myself.” I paused slightly, adjusted my collar, “I am the Catastrophe Witch. I don’t know if you’ve heard this name before; I have appeared in your civilization, and if you’ve followed the news, you should remember me. If not, that’s fine; after all, it’s just a title.”
“With the self-introduction out of the way, I’m sure you’re all curious why I brought you here and what we’re going to do?”
“First, let’s address why I brought you here. You have stepped foot into an area that was originally invaded by dreams; those things you encountered, resembling fog monsters, are called dream creatures. They drag a person’s consciousness into dreams, and your courage to step here is precisely why I value you.”
“You are lucky; I have temporarily resolved the issue of the dream invasion, and those pesky dream creatures will no longer appear before you.”
As I spoke, I observed their reactions, using Heart Sense to perceive each person’s emotional and physical changes to gauge their consciousness.
At this moment, they probably thought that even if they wouldn’t encounter those dream creatures, they had encountered me, right?
But that’s fine; I don’t mind if they hold hostility towards me.
“You are very fortunate; do you see the tree behind me? That is the Wanlian Main Network Tree you are familiar with. Although it’s a pity that the original tree carrying the Plant Network can no longer serve you, I have modified it for you.”
As I said this, I gestured, and a fruit manifested in my hand.
“You should know that the Wanlian Main Network Tree does not bear fruit, but now it can. I have bestowed upon it a kind of power—once you eat this fruit, you will also obtain extraordinary strength. I believe some of you have encountered beings similar to me, right? They wield powerful, unmatched strength, a power that surpasses all beings. Do you desire that?”
My voice was filled with undeniable authority; even though it was a question, it felt as if saying “no” would plunge them into an abyss of suffering!
However, the last few words were laced with temptation, causing them to hesitate.
Seeing them moved, I timely gestured again, and 18 fruits appeared beside me. With a wave of my hand, these fruits neatly presented themselves in front of each person.
“Choose: will you eat it yourselves, or shall I feed you?” As I lifted the restrictions, everyone loosened up; some dropped to the ground, overwhelmed and limp due to the tension fading.
Everyone stared at the fruits before them, hesitating over whether to eat.
Just then, a sudden crunching sound emerged as one person in front seemed to go mad, grabbing the small fruit and finishing it in just a few bites.
The speed stunned the others.
“Catastrophe Witch! I, I recognize you! I was the first to finish eating; can this really give me power?” The one who finished spoke excitedly, approaching as if a fervent believer, filled with a yearning for power.
“Yes, I like your passionate gaze for strength.” I smiled.
Though this person was a typical “slave to power,” he wasn’t on the same level as me. If he were my roommate, I would reprimand her, but to me, he was merely a stranger, so I considered him an excellent “model.”
“Eating this fruit will grant you a path to obtain power. You see? Someone has already set an example. I have no need to harm you; why would I waste words if I wanted you dead?” I scanned the crowd and continued, “I will give you one minute. If you haven’t eaten, I will help you eat. Afterward, those who wish to leave may do so, while those who want guidance to gain power should stay and listen to me. Choose.”
As my words ended, faced with such a decision, some understood clearly and chose to eat.
Watching as more and more began to eat, many also followed suit.
The fruit had a sweet taste, which provided a rare satisfaction for those accustomed to occasional feasts in this desolate wasteland.
Soon, a minute passed, and all 18 people had consumed their fruits.
Moreover, none chose to leave immediately.
“Great, it appears you all know how to take the right opportunity. Now let’s proceed to the next stage. Do you remember what I just said? Eating this fruit grants you a path to extraordinary power.” I smiled as I spoke. Not long after eating, their individual information panels would likely appear before them.
They could see it now; they just weren’t asking questions.
“Before we continue, I need to ask something: Have you… played games?”
With my prompt, some looked puzzled while others suddenly became alert!
“What you see before you is a game panel. I have presented extraordinary power in a relatable format for you through a special method. Please remember this: it is extraordinary power, not the kind of cheat codes you find in light novels. To use a metaphor… players. The invaders that once attacked your civilization wielded power somewhat similar to this. I created this based on their inspirations; I hope you enjoy it.”
When I mentioned the concept of players, many of the individuals showed significant emotional fluctuations; it seems they had stories, but I was neither interested nor inclined to learn.
“Everyone plays games, right? Follow the guidance on your panels to cultivate; that is the only way for you to gain power.” I explained, “Your future strength will come from this Wanlian Main Network Tree, so your first task after acquiring power will be to protect this Wanlian Main Network Tree from harm. And the second task, which I require of you… is to establish a large refuge here.”
Hearing my words, everyone was startled. After experiencing so many things that exceeded their understanding in such a short time, many needed a moment to digest, but a few sharp thinkers quickly grasped my intentions upon hearing the rest.
Bestowing power and establishing a refuge… it’s a call to support this Catastrophe Witch as a queen!
However… they gazed at the panels before them; although they had yet to fully comprehend what this extraordinary power entailed, a thing called ambition began to blossom in many hearts.
Moreover, they did not want to merely survive in this chaotic world. Who wouldn’t want to engage in a grand venture under someone who could guide the establishment of a stable social order?
“Now, meditate on the spot according to the novice guidance task to cultivate your mental power, and you can begin your class transfer. After the transfer, you will truly grasp extraordinary power,” my voice continued. As for whether they could quickly adapt to the new reality, that was no concern of mine.
“I will take care of the food issue during this period. As for those with urgent matters to attend to… you may decide for yourselves. If you wish to bring friends or family, that’s fine, although I still suggest completing your transfer before returning,” I stated.
In truth, I could easily ignore these trivial matters, but to have them work tirelessly for the civilization’s construction, I naturally had to consider their families.
What if someone among them had a dependent elder, child, or sibling who couldn’t care for themselves?
If they were to die, they would likely resent me. Although I am not afraid of such retaliation, it’s just a hassle, wasting my time.
However… if they still had attachments, they likely wouldn’t dare gamble their lives by coming here, so none of the 18 individuals left prematurely.
Seeing their determination, I felt quite pleased; they were all individuals passionate about extraordinary power.
While all of them meditated, I also began to do my own tasks, as I had promised to resolve their food situation.
And my method of fulfillment was… planting vegetables.
After all, I had just raided a seed vault and collected many food sources that could serve as staples.
For instance… breadfruit, a fruit with flesh similar to bread and nutritional components akin to bread, is a “man-made plant” induced through Plant Technology.
It perfectly meets the current need.
As for ripening the fruits, I can just use a ripening spell. Even if I don’t have the corresponding spellbook, I have an entire library from the Witch Academy; I can learn on the spot and conjure spells by hand.