Chapter 4 Expert Level Character

For ordinary game characters, reaching max level is just a matter of time, but for expert level characters it's not that simple, since any death could cause all previous efforts to go to waste. So, under normal circumstances, to cultivate such a max-level character is nearly considered a feat to boast about to the average person.

"No cheating?" asked the university teacher who had been taking notes with great interest, looking up from his work.

"I never cheat when playing games," Xiao Buli said as he shook his head, not at all uncomfortable about lying. Of course, he would cheat whenever the situation called for it, sometimes even writing his own hacks to gain an advantage in games. However, when it came to playing Diablo 2, he really hadn't cheated.

"Then please show me your character."

This was naturally no problem. The player data for the Battle.net version of Diablo was stored on the server, similar to how online games felt, and Xiao Buli logged into his long-unplayed account and summoned his level 99, expert mode, Fighting Series specialized assassin.

When the university teacher interviewer saw the character clad in Dark Gold equipment actually appear before his eyes, he showed a pleasantly surprised expression, but he didn't make a decision right away. Instead, he had someone take Xiao Buli to the second interview hall for a hand speed test, using a well-known real-time strategy game, Starcraft 2. Facing the computer, Xiao Buli didn't hesitate much. Although Xiao Ge was revered as Qingyang Studio's number one player, to hold a position of authority, his own gaming skills were also substantial, and he quickly passed the first round of tests. Then, he was led to the third interview hall for a survival ability test in a very old game—Legend. Testers needed to use a level 20 spellcaster, equipped with no gear, to survive for half an hour on the third floor of Aoma Temple and kill at least 100 monsters.

To those who had never played this game, such a setup might not seem very daunting, but Xiao Buli knew the challenge well. A level 20 spellcaster only had 77 health points, the monsters in Aoma Temple hit hard, averaging around twenty-five health points of damage per hit, which meant you'd die roughly after three hits. The real problem was that there weren't just melee-attacking monsters, but there were also Dark Warriors that could attack from range. The only health potions testers had were six small golden sore medicines that could restore 20 health points each. Additionally, the game had a mechanic where running also consumed health points, although, considering the spells had been set to unlimited, there was no need to carry mana potions.

This test would be quite challenging for players who had never played this game or the spellcaster class, but for Xiao Buli, it was hardly a challenge. He was beyond familiar with this map from his time playing Legend. He knew a trick, which was to keep running clockwise and gradually lure the monsters together, thus avoiding being surrounded by enemies. While the Dark Warriors dealt ranged attacks, they had a certain alert range. By attentively avoiding entering the area range of the Dark Warriors and kiting, one could manage it.

Unsurprisingly, he completed this test too, breaking through three consecutive challenges. Xiao Buli felt a bit more relaxed. When he entered the fourth interview room, it was getting dark outside, and he was starting to feel hungry, but unexpectedly, the testers were thoughtful enough to quickly distribute boxed meals from the company to each interviewee who hadn't left. Opening the simple meal box, sushi?? Xiao Buli was amazed at the company's generosity. A downtown office building, luxurious decorations, Hacker Empire edition bodyguards—the extravagances didn't stop there. Now even a boxed meal was as luxurious as sushi, which probably cost more than fifty or sixty yuan even at wholesale prices. What kind of game studio was this, exactly?

As he pondered this, Xiao Buli silently finished his dinner. After eating, he began the final test, a game that he had never seen before on the market. With Xiao Buli's understanding of games, he quickly realized that it was very likely that this company had developed the game specifically for testing purposes. The graphics were cartoonish and even a bit crude; players appeared in a maze right from the start. The game wasn't about combat but resembled a room escape, with players encountering a series of puzzles as they attempted to flee the maze. They had to solve these riddles while simultaneously dealing with monster attacks.

Luckily, Xiao Buli was quite familiar with puzzle-solving games, having cracked them using his natural intuition and analytical abilities, even when playing Japanese or English versions in his early years, not to mention this relatively simple test game. In about fifteen minutes, he successfully exited the maze.

YOU——ARE——THE——WINNER

As the text appeared on the screen, sounds of fireworks came through the headphones, and the rough game graphics flashed with colorful spots as a celebration for the testee. Xiao Buli's mouth curved into a smile; it seemed his skills were still quite up to par.

Going back to the first interview hall, the "university teacher" extended a hand to him, "Congratulations, you have successfully passed our test. Your base salary will be set at eight thousand yuan. In addition, any virtual materials you submit during your game play can earn you additional income. Do you have any objections?"

Xiao Buli shook his head indifferently, yet inside, he was filled with wonder. A salary of eight thousand, plus other commissions? With such generous compensation, what exactly was the nature of this job?

"Alright, here is the contract. I hope you will read it carefully before signing," the university teacher handed him a folder. The contract was brief and offered excellent conditions, if one could overlook those odd clauses.

Conversations with other employees outside of work-related content are prohibited during employment.

During employment, you must reside in the company-provided employee dormitory and are prohibited from going out except on rest days.

If characters in the game die, the contract is immediately terminated.

...

A cautious Xiao Buli patiently read and reread the short list of a dozen or so provisions three times. Looking up at the man opposite him, he saw he was still looking at him with a smile, devoid of any impatience or pressure. After some thought, and finding nothing unacceptable given his penniless status, even though some of the stipulations were severe and even odd, he did not hesitate to sign his name.