Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

Chapter 79: The Legend of Earth Dragon Village

Upon hearing KP Snail's introduction, Liu Xing raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected to encounter such a cooperative KP in his second promotion game.

Typically, most KPs are transformed from PCs who have suffered oppression. These KPs often join the ranks of evil and chaos, harboring a mindset of perpetuating revenge, thus creating a vicious cycle.

So, Liu Xing considered KP Snail to be a good person, at least probably.

KP Snail began the background briefing. "All of you players, though of different identities, have become members of the same aid team due to various reasons. You are dispatched to Earth Dragon Village for earthquake relief efforts. To assist, I've provided each of you with a backpack containing enough food and water for three days. Players with a doctor profession will also have an emergency medical kit, usable twice, enhancing your First Aid skill by 10. If you complete this promotion game, the medical kit is yours. So, give it your all," KP Snail said in a relaxed tone.

Liu Xing glanced at the bedside, noticing a backpack and an emergency medical kit. He wasn't overly pleased though, realizing the three-day supply of food and water implied the promotion game could last three days or more, potentially leading to a wilderness survival scenario. Otherwise, they could have easily dined at some local's house in Earth Dragon Village.

Liu Xing was also suspicious of Earth Dragon Village. The initial story mentioned a terrible secret hidden there, and the earthquake seemed peculiar. He suspected the village might be a congregation site for zealots, with the earthquake resulting from their ritual.

Thus, Liu Xing had some idea of the troubles he might face in the storyline.

"OK, you can now decide which personal items to carry. Whatever you choose will appear in your backpack," KP Snail announced. As soon as the words were spoken, Liu Xing's chosen items materialized in front of him, floating in mid-air.

After pondering, Liu Xing decided to bring nothing. While he felt he might succeed in the game, he didn't want to gamble, especially knowing the scenario's boss. From the clues of the earthquake and Earth Dragon Village, it was likely a mythical creature, more powerful than a Formless Offspring. Liu Xing doubted he could escape unscathed from such a creature.

Therefore, Liu Xing chose to forfeit this promotion game, bringing nothing to avoid waste.

Liu Xing couldn't help but grumble about the second promotion game. True to its reputation as a formidable challenge, it had introduced a terrifying mythical creature as the boss. He mused that only if players could bring armed helicopters and tanks might they stand a chance after encountering this beast. Otherwise, in any other scenario, they would be mere prey.

"Now, let's proceed with the storyline integration. All players, please leave your dorms and gather in the lobby on the first floor," announced kp Snail. With that, Liu Xing regained his ability to move.

Loosening up his body, Liu Xing packed an emergency medical kit into his backpack for easy carrying before heading downstairs.

In the lobby, he saw a young man in mountaineering gear holding a sign that read "Earth Dragon Village Rescue Team."

Approaching the man, Liu Xing smiled and said, "Hello, I'm a member of the Earth Dragon Village Rescue Team. My name is Liu Xing, and I'm a doctor."

The young man, Wang Wei, a private detective and a villager of Earth Dragon Village, greeted him in return. Wang Wei had left the village over a decade ago but rushed back upon hearing of the disaster. He would lead the team to Earth Dragon Village.

Liu Xing chuckled to himself, realizing Wang Wei must be an NPC. Players typically wouldn't play such pivotal roles or possess extensive knowledge. Like himself, they knew little beyond their immediate mission.

"By the way, Wang Wei, could you tell me why your village is named Earth Dragon Village? I assume there must be a legend behind such a name," Liu Xing asked casually.

After a moment's thought, Wang Wei began, "Ah, the name 'Earth Dragon Village' does have a history. When I was a child, I heard from the elders that our village, originally named Gao Shi Village, was once terrorized by a dragon. This dragon, unable to fly but incredibly powerful underground, caused earthquakes and devoured livestock and even humans. It was known as the 'earth dragon'. Fortunately, a highly enlightened monk subdued it and taught the villagers a sacrificial ritual to keep the dragon sealed. However, my parents told me the village hadn't performed the ritual in decades, so I always thought it was just a legend. How could earth dragons exist in our world?"

Liu Xing nodded, his suspicions about the identity of the mythical creature growing stronger.

After chatting a bit more with Wang Wei, Liu Xing noticed a handsome man in a suit approaching. The man introduced himself as Xue Ba, a government spokesperson for the earthquake and a member of the rescue team. Liu Xing noticed the Patek Philippe watch on Xue Ba's wrist, hinting at his wealthy background.