Gamers of the Underworld

As this was an administrator’s post, it received an overwhelming number of replies.

[Jiaoqiu: The gamers are all talents. Imagine obtaining an alias by blowing up a bladder.]

[Spinning leaf through the forest: We are now the producers too (Manual Houndhead)]

[Doubling the money: Gamers are producers.]

[Waiting for extramarital affairs: Eh? The game producers were playing the game all this while?]

[Pining for him: The game producers snuck in with the Beta Gamers to play?]

[Sunrider: No, the previous time he appeared was to request a sandbox strategy game.]

[ywwy: Since the game producers have made the request… The Explosive Team should get ready, light up the powder kegs, and detonate. Let Sherlie experience agony!]

…

There were many replies discussing how to blow up the Dungeon.

Very few gamers followed Sherlock’s advice to discuss the invention of new items and styles of gameplay.

It was obvious that these gamers preferred destruction over construction.

Sherlock looked at the gamers sharing their thoughts on how to blow up the Dungeon. He activated the program “WORD” and started editing the contents of the next update:

“Update content: Dangerous experiments are strictly forbidden in the Dungeon. They should be carried out outside the Dungeon…”

…

Sherlock watched the gamers interact with each other on the forum. They were discussing gameplay for the next Update Patch.

Meanwhile, experienced Lich invigilators and the assistant tutor, Brainiac, gathered in Training Ground No.25 of Specter College.

In front of them was a badly burnt, empty space. The floor of Level 2 had a huge pit.

“It’s Mana.”

One of the Lich teachers looked at the devastated place and said, “Examination candidate 65685 flouted the rules by bringing in a Skeleton Magician. This kind of damage is due to fireballs.”

Another Lich teacher quickly disagreed. “Not likely. If it were caused by Mana fireballs, the edge here would be in a melted state from the high temperature. Mana fireballs have an extremely high temperature, and it looks like the damage was created by physical smashing. So, it was created from physical combat!”

The other Lich teachers at the side started to debate.

“The pit is too big, so it couldn’t possibly be from smashing unless it was done repeatedly. How could such a situation happen during the examination?”

“I agree, it’s Mana. Look at the obvious scorch marks over here. As for why it wasn’t in a melted state, I think it’s a good topic for research. My research team will look into this topic today, ‘The relationship between Mana transfer and Mana effects’. I think this is a good research example.”

“Impossible. Though candidate 65685 created the Skeleton Magician, according to my initial questioning, he didn’t create the Magician himself. He is a novice Lich, and the Skeleton Magician was created with another Lich’s help. How could he control the Skeleton Magician effectively? I believe the pit was caused by passive weapons. As for the scorch marks, they are the products of the student’s Mana, which caused the mutual destruction of the Skeleton Magician and the Goblins.”

“I feel that this argument isn’t valid. If it was the Skeleton Magician, the Goblins wouldn’t have the chance to get near, especially since they are Goblins.”

“I think it’s this situation…”

The group of Liches was furiously debating when Professor Bacon raised up his hand to stop them and said, “I’ve listened to your opinions. Since the Director believed in me and handed this matter to me, I’ll investigate the truth. We’ll hold a special discussion meeting this afternoon. Summarize your opinions, and we’ll have a detailed discussion during the meeting.”

“Great, I agree with Professor Bacon.”

“I agree too.”

The Lich teachers agreed, and Professor Bacon said, “Good, please go back first. I know a famous private investigator in Winterfell. He’s a good combat analyzer. As this situation is special, I think it’s necessary to seek professional help. After the meeting, I’ll contact him.”

The Lich teachers were concerned about Professor Bacon.

“Aiya, Professor Bacon, you just came back from a business trip. Take care of your bones’ health.”

“You are too hard working and professional. You are our role model.”

“Professor Bacon, I have some bone-strengthening powder. Bring along this powder on your trip. With your current health, you are still going on this business trip. I’m… Oooo, I’m moved. What about the rest of you?”

“Professor…”

Seeing everyone’s concern, Professor Bacon was moved, and tears welled up in his eye sockets.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. For the college, the Spiritual Faculty’s Mana research, and to protect the fairness of the examination, this hardship isn’t a great deal. Everyone, carry on with your duties.”

Everyone said their farewell and dispersed.

Brainiac, who was the assistant tutor, had been recording the Professors’ opinions. After everyone dispersed, Brainiac caught up with Professor Bacon and said, “Professor, Professor, I have a query.”

“Eh? Brainiac, what is it?” Professor Bacon waved to the other teachers, then he looked at Brainiac and asked.

“Professor, as the other teachers were present, I didn’t speak my mind. I believe that what the two students said was true.”

“What you’re saying is that the Training Ground was destroyed by the Goblins?” Professor Bacon looked at Brainiac and asked.

“They threw a few bladders, then there was a loud booming explosion that killed the Skeleton Magician? Have you seen an exploding bladder? Thrown by the Goblins? I know that you had some personal matters to attend to, so you weren’t observing the examination. Even if you’re just blaming yourself, you can’t possibly believe the two students just because you want to obtain the reason quickly,” Professor Bacon sighed and said.

“The students nowadays aren’t as good as the previous students, and they have many gimmicks. After cheating during the examination, they tried to push the blame to the Goblins and made up a story about exploding bladders. If they told me that Goblins could shoot out fireballs, I might have believed a little. These students are hopelessly ill-disciplined!” Bacon said furiously and showed his disdain of the ill-disciplined students.

Afterward, he said to Brainiac, “Brainiac, just do some self-reflection, I still have high expectations of you. I will explain your negligence during the invigilation. You’re my favorite student and are talented, hardworking, established in Mana research, and have a bright future. Don’t brood over this small matter. You will achieve more than I have. Definitely more than an Academic Department’s Deputy Director. I think highly of you.”

“But…” Brainiac couldn’t resist saying it, though he was interrupted by Professor Bacon.

“No buts! Brainiac, you are good in all areas except tact. You are acting immature. As your teacher, I just told you to listen to me and stop meddling. Don’t you find it absurd that the Goblins were able to detonate bladders with a flaming arrow? Especially when the Goblins are brainless?”

Seeing Brainiac about to retort, Professor Bacon quickly said, “That is impossible. Don’t say anymore. If the Goblins could kill a Skeleton Magician by using a bladder, I, Professor Bacon, could become the Principal of Specter College!”

Professor Bacon smiled mockingly and patted Brainiac’s shoulder.

“Enough, don’t think too much. Work hard and fight for your future, young lad. You have a bright future. I’m going to pack my luggage. After the discussion, I’ll leave. Pay more attention to teaching and Mana research. Talents with dual skill sets are highly sought after. Okay, enough idle chat,” Professor Bacon said earnestly and placed his hands behind his back as he walked away.

Brainiac was left standing there holding his notebook while he mulled everything over in silence.

Brainiac turned to look at the explosion scene. In his heart, he had made a decision.