Chapter 803 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 803: Though the Lottery Price Hasn't Increased, Who Said the Drop Rate Wouldn't Change? The "Wasteland OL" official website was as bustling as ever today, especially with a sudden announcement that captured the attention of both active and passive gamers, sparking a fervent discussion. [Server Announcement: The "War of Heaven" Expansion Concludes Successfully!] [With the collapse of the Torch Church's research base and frontline positions, the battle that determined humanity's fate ended with a victory for the Symbiotic Alliance!] [Thank you to all the players for your active participation! Your heroic deeds have once again saved this dying world!] [Additionally, expansion points will be settled within half an hour. Please redeem your rewards and spoils within seven working days!] Jie Yan: "6666!" Wei Ba: "Whoa whoa whoa! Guo, you're awesome!(ω)" Silver Sword: "Holy crap! I actually got six hundred thousand points!" Silver Dad: "Pff, what's six hundred thousand? I earned a million points this time!" Professor Thunder King Yang: "Damn it, seeing you all having so much fun makes me feel worse than losing money. (crying)" Tyrannosaurus Warrior: "Is there anyone kind enough to send me a free helmet? I'm still a student, begging here." Ye Ao Nai Wo He: "Damn, is this crappy game ever going to have a public beta? It's already Beta 0.7 version plus the Nth expansion! Such a scam, if they don’t release it soon, they should just go bankrupt! Jeez! (angry)" Elena: "Wow, looks like someone got triggered. (funny)" Elf King Fugui: "Inflated much? Two million points... Damn, it feels like expansion points are completely worthless now! (crying)" Teng Teng: "But the lottery is still a hundred each time; it feels like nothing's changed? 0.0" Ya Ya: "The developers are too kind-hearted! (*≧▽≦)" The Escaped Mole from the Canyon: "Based on my past experiences, you're speaking too soon. (funny)" Ye Shi: "Ah Guang: Though lottery prices haven't gone up, I never said the drop rate wouldn't change. (funny)" Jie Yan: "Crap! Quickly delete that! Don’t let Ah Guang see it. (horrified)" Fang Chang: "Relax, with so many points, no one can avoid this cut. Better exchange your limited rewards soon. If not, swap for a title, and use the excess points for the lottery if needed. No need to thank me. (side eye)" The expansion spanned over half a year, naturally leading to astronomical expansion points for players. With the game's nearly realistic economic system, if rewards were still given based on the previous generous rate of 1 point to 1 silver coin, the alliance would be bankrupt on the spot. However, Fang Chang also noticed recently that the auction house displayed many mysterious lots with absurdly high starting bids. It seems Ah Guang already had a plan to absorb the excess game currency after the expansion ended... ... The protracted war had finally ended, and the survivors in the wasteland celebrated this hard-won victory in their ways. The survivors in the southern seas were no exception. Thirteen islands plus an underwater habitation all dazzled with celebratory lights. Not all survivors here supported the South Sea Alliance authorities' involvement in land affairs, but for most, the Torch Church's downfall was the real conclusion to the civil war. After all, the chaos in the southern seas was ignited by the Torch Church, not to mention the debts, including the "Ocean Current Power Station" and the "Golden Coast," they left behind. With the Torch Church's fall, the survivors in the southern seas could consider their revenge fulfilled. While celebrating this monumental moment, a grand press conference was held at the presidential office on North Island. In front of officials, media reporters, and cameras, Li Minghui signed his name on the executive order declaring the "end of wartime status," formally announcing the closure of this just war. Everyone present wore expressions of excitement and relief, including Li Minghui himself. He had awaited this moment for too long. Placing the pen on the table, Li Minghui turned to the cameras with a solemn voice. "At this exhilarating moment, I, as the interim president of the South Sea Alliance, announce to you all that our war has finally ended." "We have driven away Charas and the Torch Church, achieved genuine unity, and finally taken our destiny into our own hands." "I'm grateful to have worked with brave, honest, and generous people like you, and I believe our future will be endlessly bright." "Our children will live in a hopeful new era, not under someone's ambitions or an institution’s propagated fears." Li Minghui paused, surveying the cameras before continuing as if prepared. "Moreover, I have an important announcement." "Since this just war has ended, according to our joint declaration, I will resign as interim president." The room fell silent for two seconds. Faces around the desk displayed surprise, then began whispering quietly. Though expected, it happened too suddenly, leaving almost no mental preparedness. No one anticipated the president to announce something so major in such a setting. Li Minghui, however, didn’t give them time to process the substantial information. He produced a pre-prepared resignation letter and gently placed it on the desk. "This is my resignation." His voice brought everyone back, and a smattering of applause slowly emerged. The applause grew, transforming from a drizzle into a pouring rain, filling the compact room. Basking in the adoring gazes, Li Minghui stood, smiling and nodding appreciatively before turning to the secretary beside him. "...As compensation for being the shortest-serving president in South Sea Alliance history, may I take this pen as a memento?" The secretary opened his mouth, then nodded. "Of course, sir." Even he was stunned by the unexpected turn of events until the applause brought him to his senses. Seeing no opposition, Li Minghui gladly pocketed the pen but, spotting the pen-filled holder, lamented. "I should’ve used more pens while signing just now." The secretary coughed lightly. "...You wouldn’t need many for your name." Li Minghui paused, then laughed to diffuse the awkwardness. "True enough!" Due to Li Minghui's sudden resignation submission, the initially half-hour press conference extended by another half-hour. Journalists from various settlements bombarded Li Minghui with questions about his unexpected actions. He answered each question with a smile. He was indeed basking in glory, deservedly so. Called to duty in crisis, retreating after success—his name would be fondly remembered in South Sea Alliance's history. Watching Li Minghui wave amidst the spotlight and applause, Simen, clapping on the sidelines, wore a complex expression. As the secretary-general of the representative council, he feared Li Minghui would cling to power yet didn’t want him to leave too soon. Although unreasonable, his concerns were for the South Sea Alliance's collective interests. Truthfully, while not a specialized administrative talent, Li Minghui handled tasks unexpectedly well. Few could shine on the battlefield and contribute to post-war reconstruction. He achieved this seemingly impossible feat. From Boro Province’s labor exports boosting North Island’s infrastructure as if rocket-propelled to wiping South Sea Alliance’s towering deficits with a Xilan Empire loan. If only he could stay until early next year. If only they could seal a few hefty deals with the wealth-abundant and spendthrift Xilan before the end of his term. As it stood, at least half of the credit for the South Sea Alliance's ability to pay its salaries was owed to this fortunate fellow. After the press conference concluded. Simen approached President Li Minghui, who was beaming. With a slight cough and a touch of reproach in his voice, he said, “Mr. Li Minghui, I must have a word with you. Your timing for submitting your resignation could have been more carefully chosen…” Looking at Simen's flustered expression, Li Minghui felt an inexplicable joy, smiling as he patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, my friend. I have carefully considered this, and there is no better time than now!” Simen hesitated. “But we’ve just ended our war—” “I know, and that’s exactly why I should set an example,” Li Minghui responded with a smile. “My term was only until the war's end. Now that it's over, future matters are for you to handle.” Seeing his elated expression, Simen's eyebrow twitched involuntarily yet found himself helpless. Regardless, the timing of this resignation was terrible, leaving Simen to reluctantly attempt to persuade him further. “Though that's true, I still hope you could give us more time to prepare…at least until we select your successor.” Li Minghui chuckled. “Relax, it’s just a short period without a president. It won’t make a difference.” Simen widened his eyes in disbelief. “How can you say it makes no difference…” Li Minghui shrugged with a smile. “Of course, I have experience in this regard—whether I'm here or not is inconsequential. To me, it has always been the same.” Seeing that Li Minghui was not joking, Simen sighed deeply, wearing a helpless look. “I didn’t come here to listen to you brag about how you slacked off… Fine, let's discuss serious matters. Alliance’s leader plans to visit North Island.” “The Alliance leader is coming?” Astonished, Li Minghui stared at Simen. “... Isn't he returning to Dawn City? Why visit here?” Since a meeting in Dawn City, Li Minghui had considered inviting Chu Guang to the southern seas but never received a clear response. Thus, Chu Guang’s intention to visit caught him off guard and somewhat flattered. Simen softly continued, “Rumor has it that it involves an investment worth billions in silver coins… I don’t know the specifics. But as per that gentleman, he’ll be representing the Alliance’s people to assess the situation.” “Billions?!” Li Minghui's eyes nearly bulged out, staring incredulously at Simen. “Did you mess up the units?” Simen gazed unblinkingly, lowering his voice. “How could I get something so significant wrong? Though it sounds unbelievable, it is what it is.” Billions in silver coins! That’s an even larger scale than the Xilan Empire’s military ship procurements! Much larger! Li Minghui couldn’t fathom what an Alliance would invest such a massive budget into the southern seas. Simen, equally uninformed, simply continued, “In any case, this matter is crucial for both the Alliance’s and South Sea Alliance’s citizens. I hope you can put your resignation on hold and address this first… It’s also the representative council’s wish.” Dumbfounded, Li Minghui chuckled helplessly. “But if it’s so important, why not form a delegation to greet him instead of forcing a retired—” Simen coughed, interrupting him. “Aren’t you still technically not retired…” Not allowing him to protest, Simen quickly added, “The council has unanimously decided that as the President and Navy Commander of the South Sea Alliance, you are the most suitable person to discuss this matter… Also, a stable South Sea Alliance provides our partners with confidence, making the situation appear more dignified.” With Li Minghui stunned into silence, Simen thickened his skin and continued, “Though you’ve submitted your resignation, it requires a procedural approval. So… we’ll keep your resignation letter for now. We kindly trouble you to continue for a few more months!” Li Minghui: “…” Well, well. Holding up the process, are we? When he didn’t want to resign, these folks watched him like a hawk, as if he were a thief. But now that he’s submitted his resignation, he’s stuck and can’t retire… To be continued.