Gamers Are Fierce-Chapter 785 - 783 - : The Program
"Sigh."
Wang Congshan heaved a long sigh, one that held her complex feelings about the education system, her vague anxieties about the future, and her envy of her deskmate Li Ang's ability to navigate his youth with such carefree elegance.
Why must my eighteen-year-old self be destined to shed tears over exams.
Forget it, no more thinking about it.
Wang Congshan shook her head, took out her phone, and put a small, exquisite Bluetooth earpiece in her left ear (so the teacher wouldn't notice it immediately if they walked into the classroom). She rested her forehead on the desk, placed her phone on her thigh, and lowered her head to watch.
"Seven mentors, thirty-five students. They chase the footsteps of the bizarre, like pursuing a dangerous and fatal storm..."
"The underground fire incident in Centralia, Pennsylvania, in the United States..."
"The hidden Ghost Village incident in Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, on the Japan Islands..."
"The one-way ticket incident in the Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India..."
"They resolve crises, defend peace, bear their missions, and shoulder heavy responsibilities."
"Do you think you're a warrior?"
"I think I am."
The slick editing on the phone screen and the audio from the Bluetooth earpiece caught Li Ang's attention.
He leaned in close to Wang Congshan's head. "What are you watching?"
"A variety show."
Wang Congshan, without missing a beat, pulled another earpiece from her pocket, tossed it to Li Ang, and quietly explained, "This is a new online show that just launched last week. They dropped twelve episodes all at once. It's called 'Wind Chaser'. This program is spearheaded by the Global Occult Coalition in collaboration with official supernatural affairs agencies from dozens of countries. It's certified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and employs top professional video production teams to document Transcendents worldwide as they resolve supernatural incidents. It's mainstream without being preachy, down-to-earth yet classy, totally hype, and super awesome—you actually don't know about it?"
"Uh, I've been staying up late playing games these past few days; I wasn't paying attention," Li Ang admitted.
After Wang Congshan's description, Li Ang's interest was piqued, and he began to watch earnestly.
The main cast comprised seven mentors and thirty-five students. These were all mid to high-level players from official institutions or civilian organizations in various countries, and they formed seven special rescue teams. Each team traveled on an Airbus aircraft provided by the Global Occult Coalition, flying 24/7.
When a region experienced a supernatural incident that the local managing agency couldn't handle, the nearest team would make an emergency landing. They then rushed to the location to assist with the situation, acting somewhat like a mobile special operations squad.
With Li Ang's experience, he could tell at a glance that the Ghosts and aberrant monsters filmed in the show were real. The players featured were genuinely fighting these otherworldly beings, holding nothing back.
The entire show adopted a semi-documentary style. The cinematography, editing, and musical score were on par with Hollywood blockbusters—excellently produced and with a unique style. The participants featured were mostly selected for their striking looks and charisma. The overall tone was passionate and uplifting, promoting positive energy and mainstream values, occasionally interspersed with heartwarming everyday moments, so it's no wonder it became such a hit.
Various parts of the world had previously filmed TV and internet programs documenting the lives of Transcendents. For instance, the Special Affairs Bureau had authorized some video platforms to enter their strongholds and film the daily lives of Mobile Detachment members, capturing footage of teams in frontline combat—Xing Hechou himself had even made an appearance. These were intended for public education, to encourage more players to join the Special Affairs Bureau.
However, the production quality of 'Wind Chaser' was notably more polished and professional, with a richer variety of content. Coupled with its global simultaneous release, it sparked far more discussion than other programs of its type.
After a moment of thought, Li Ang understood the intent of the Global Occult Coalition. In fact, this organization, which claims to be an international coalition of supernatural organizations from around the world, has always been in a rather awkward predicament. It was established against the backdrop of the Mirage Dragon's appearance to the world. At that time, supernatural phenomena were fully exposed, leading to faltering social order and widespread public panic. Equally apprehensive, officials from various nations unanimously agreed that no single country could effectively respond to the supernatural threat—especially the enigmatic Mirage Dragon. Consequently, they authorized the formation of an international organization. This body was to have supreme authority in handling supernatural occurrences, capable of directing supernatural institutions globally, with all member organizations required to offer unconditional support. Initially, this was indeed the case. However, as time passed, the Mirage Dragon residing on the Moon's surface made no further moves. Furthermore, supernatural phenomena did not erupt uncontrollably on a massive scale, contrary to what various national authorities had anticipated. Thus, the enthusiasm of various nations for supporting the Global Occult Coalition's development gradually waned. After all, human and material resources are finite, so it was natural to prioritize resolving domestic issues before extending support to other regions. Consequently, the fledgling Global Occult Coalition found itself in an extremely awkward position. Nominally, it held authority over all other organizations, tasked with protecting human civilization and ensuring humanity's survival. However, on a practical level, neither official bodies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Supernatural Accident Place, nor long-standing Secret Societies such as the Heterodox Academy and Bell Tower, were willing to fully commit to aiding the Global Occult Coalition by sharing resources or exchanging information. Perhaps only unaffiliated civilian organizations, like the Prometheus Laboratory Company, would seek to leverage the GOC's influence and thus offer substantial support. In summary, the Global Occult Coalition's total human and material resources slightly exceeded those of any single organization worldwide. However, many of its personnel were seconded or 'loaned' from other organizations and could be recalled at any time. Personnel independently cultivated by the Global Occult Coalition, who genuinely embraced its principles and doctrines, were few. Among them, the most famous was likely Saint Michael, ranked number one on the individual combat power leaderboards... This documentary was likely produced by the Global Occult Coalition specifically to expand its own influence.
As Li Ang was pondering this, his friends' communication tab vibrated; it was a message from Mule.
[Come to the Game Square quickly! Saint Michael is taking the stage! His opponent is the vice president of Sword King Court, Ju Que, ranked thirty-seventh in individual combat power!]
"Hmm?"
Li Ang's mind stirred. Just as he was about to reply, Mule sent another message: [Wait... don't bother coming. The match is over.]
「In the Sky Fighting Arena on the first floor of the Game Square, beneath the Dueling Field.」
The burly man wielding a Great Sword stood below the stage, staring in disbelief at his body, which faintly glowed with a weak flame, as if he couldn't comprehend what had just occurred.
The figure with a Halo, clad in Silver-white Armor, had used only two sword strikes. These strikes had unleashed a sea of fire that filled the sky and had twice knocked him off the Dueling Field, causing him to lose the match directly.
And Ju Que had not a single wound on his body, nor had he felt any pain...
