396 The Sins of Online Games (1/2)
A large erupting volcano with thick black mist was drawn on a poster. In the middle of the poster were two laughing Orcs. The bottom of the poster had the words, ”Experience the active Black Volcano! The last experience of your life!” written on it.
There was a line of fine print below that:
”Are you feeling hopeless? Do you feel that life is hard? Are you feeling anxious about your current situation? Come to this famous tourist attraction. The active Black Volcano has the answers that you want!”
Below the fine print was some very fine print:
”Death rate is as high as 90%. Our agency isn't responsible for any deaths.”
”Hmm… isn't the Black Volcano the safest tour route?” Brainiac pondered over the poster and asked Sherlock.
”As it's in the active stage, it will spurt out lava. The more frightening aspect is the poisonous gas that's emitted. Any normal race that gets near the gas will die. The active stage just started recently. When the Winterfell Merchant Band traveled via the Black Volcano, it was in a dormant stage, so it wasn't that dangerous.”
Sherlock sat in a chair in the Dungeon Lord Main Hall. In front of him were Brainiac, Eggface, Evelynn, Yoda, and Polio, who was in the kitten form.
”This is the information on the Black Volcano. I spent a lot of money to gather information. Take a look. In the coming future, we'll survey the area. It's important to know more about the location.”
Sherlock passed the posters to everyone. Besides Eggface and Evelynn, who were studying the poster seriously, Brainiac and Yoda were befuddled. Polio said, ”Meow! What a joke, meow! How can such a poster cost a lot of money? Anyone can get them from the tour agency entrance…”
Polio was going to use his claws to shred the poster and throw it to the ground, but after seeing Sherlock, he nodded and said firmly, ”I see. There's a death rate of 90%, meow. That's very dangerous, meow. Are there fewer tourists during the active stage of the volcano? This makes it more convenient for us to deploy and investigate, meow, meow,”
”Yes, Yoda will fly the Airship near the Black Volcano. I have signed up for a free tour at the Winterfell tour agency, so a tour guide will follow the Airship to the Black Volcano tourist spot. Polio will be the Mercenary Captain. Remember to disguise yourself as a Knight Mercenary Captain and create a mercenary's resume and name. Brainiac will be the highly-paid consultant of the mercenary group. Tomorrow, we'll pay a visit to Lassie. I thought it over for a long time and gritted my teeth before I loaned you out to the mercenary group.”
Sherlock said, ”Eggface, once the Airship arrives at the location, you'll visit the Black Volcano. You'll be the Logistics Officer at the Black Volcano. You're responsible for exchange the equipment and goods of the citizens and supervising the construction of the outpost. Evelynn, you'll produce the promotional posters and place them at the Adventurer's Guild. The citizens have to spend game currency to participate in this special Black Volcano Mission. After completion of the mission, they can obtain Adventurer's Reputation Points and upgrade their Adventurer's Medals. I'm sure you are familiar with these gimmicks. We don't have to motivate them, and I'm not worried about that. It's all about rituals, poetic feelings, and a sense of purpose. Within three days, the promotional materials have to be completed. If you can't cope, you may use the Adventurer's Missions to obtain the help of the citizens. They are actually quite talented in publicity matters.”
”Can I use the computer?”
”No.”
”If I don't bring along my computer, won't I be unable to perform my customer service duty?”
”No, your intention is to play computer games. We can stop the customer service for a period of time. I'll announce your sick leave.”
”I'm the Commander-in-chief of the Azeroth Faction, the Field Marshal of Red Alert, the Civilization Tutor of Age of Empires, Friend of P Society, King of Assassins…”
”No.”
Sherlock interrupted Eggface's wild imagination, and the meeting ended. Brainiac was the only one who stayed in the office.
Brainiac was going to discuss something with Sherlock.
”Lord Sherlock, I feel that it's better not to get involved in this matter.”
Brainiac stood in front of Sherlock, looking very solemn.
”Are you worried about the dangers?” Sherlock asked.
”No, I read in the newspaper that the missing Merchant Band was sending goods to the Northern Dukedom. Lord Alexandria seems to be plotting against Lord Sherlock. During the Winterfell invasion of the Ancient Gods army, Alexandria suggested putting Eternal Fire and Eternal Kingdom together at the frontline,” Brainiac said respectfully.
Sherlock nodded and said, ”You're right, Brainiac. But…”
Sherlock stood up and walked to the window. He looked gently at the rowdy gamers and said, ”Sometimes, even if it's difficult and dangerous, we may have reasons not to back off. Though I'm unable to tell you the details, you'll understand why I'm doing this one day. This is youth, Brainiac. There are many things that you have to learn. Leave now, and do your work. Tomorrow, we'll visit Dungeon Lord Lassie.”
”I understand, Lord Sherlock.”
Brainiac bowed to Sherlock and left the Dungeon Lord Main Hall, then stood at the Dungeon Lord Main Hall entrance and stared out in a daze.
”Youth…”
…