Chapter 29: Beta Player Recommendations

The group members were extremely excited when they learned they could recommend beta testers.

Wind: "Seriously Ash? When can we start recommending?"

Bell: "Finally new buddies are coming~ I'm gonna bully those cute noobs so hard!"

Leaf: "You've only played for three days yourself. Why are you talking like some pro? Also, are there any specific criteria for recommendations?"

Luna: "Bubbling up.jpg"

Everyone kept chatting nonstop, leaving Leon no chance to speak.

At this point, Ethan Carter stepped in to stop the discussion.

SilentTongue: "Everyone hold on. Let Ash explain the beta tester recommendations properly first."

The group gradually quieted down, allowing Leon to finally speak.

Ash: "OK, first, thank you all for your support of Pokémon World. Through these three days of testing, we've identified and fixed many bugs. The game is running smoothly overall, but there are still many undiscovered issues.

"So we've decided to expand the testing scale to find and fix these problems, making the game even better."

Leon first explained the reason for increasing beta testers before continuing.

Ash: "To identify game issues faster, we need testers who take the game seriously. You all have performed exceptionally well in-game, so we trust your recommendations will be excellent.

"Therefore, each of you will get two recommendation slots. As for the criteria, it's best if they have some special skills. This will help us test different aspects of the game more thoroughly."

Leaf: "Ash, are you done explaining? Can I speak now? What exactly counts as a 'special skill'?"

Leaf felt the term was too vague.

Ash: "Honestly, 'special skill' isn't that strict. For example, being good at cooking, building, designing clothes, or even being a pro in other games. As long as they take the game seriously, we'll accept them."

Luna: "Do we have to recommend someone? What if we don't?"

Luna had almost no real-life friends and didn't know who to recommend.

Ash: "Of course not. We won't force you. If you don't have suitable candidates, you can transfer your slots to others in the group. If no one wants them, we'll reclaim the slots and randomly pick from the waiting list.

"One important rule: These slots cannot be sold or traded in any way. If we discover any transactions, we'll ban the involved accounts!"

Wind: "Relax Ash, with just ten slots total, we'd never sell them.

"Luna, if you really don't have anyone to recommend, could you give your slots to me? I'll kneel in gratitude!"

Ash: "Sort out the slots among yourselves. Just DM me the recommended names and addresses by 6 PM today, and I'll send them the game helmets. Alright, I've got work to do. Have fun~"

Knowing game developers are busy, no one tried to stop him. After saying goodbye, they began discussing recommendations in the group.

After closing the chat, Leon checked the official website.

This time, he planned to summon 15 new beta testers—10 slots for Ethan's group and 5 from the waiting list. He didn't want to ignore those who signed up.

First, he checked the current registration numbers.

[Current Registrations: 188]

A lucky number, but the count surprised Leon. He hadn't expected Ethan's promotion to be so effective.

Most forum posts were from Ethan's fans.

MushroomPicker: "This is the game Ethan recommended? The website looks so cheap!"

UmbrellaBreaker: "Ethan must be getting paid for this. But couldn't he pick a better game to shill?"

GeorgePig: "What if… just what if… Ethan was telling the truth?"

NotB8: "LOL, delusional fans still defending him. A 'virtual reality game'? Who's dumb enough to believe that? If this game is real, I'll eat shit live on stream!"

Huh?

Leon was tempted to give this guy a slot just to see if he'd keep his word.

Unfortunately, the guy hadn't even registered. Leon couldn't give him one even if he wanted to.

"Keep refusing to sign up. The moment you do, I'll grant your wish to eat shit!"

Leon skimmed past the negative comments and checked each registrant's info.

The system's internet function was powerful, easily hacking any device to extract data. Leon focused on their gaming history to assess their skills.

"Wow, this guy played over a dozen strategy games and wrote guides. Good, one slot for you."

"This asshole scams kids in dress-up games? Disgusting. Forward his info to the cops!"

"Damn, this guy got stuck on the first boss in Sekiro for half a year, attempting it hundreds of times without quitting. Persistence like that deserves consideration."

After thorough review, Leon picked five suitable candidates.

"Damn, it's late already. Checking each profile takes forever. But it's just this once. Future picks will be random."

With limited Creation Points, Leon had to be selective. Once he had more, he could summon freely and ban unsuitable players without worry.

"The five players have also decided their recommendations. With my five picks, that's 15 slots total. Time to send the helmets."

Using the system, Leon delivered the helmets to the chosen 15.

"Even though I've done this before, I'm still excited for new players tomorrow."

"Might as well rehearse my welcome speech again. I've forgotten most of it."

Too energized to sleep, Leon practiced his script.

Meanwhile, on BlueStar, the 15 chosen testers stared in shock at their helmets—just like Ethan had.

Whether they believed it or not, none threw theirs away.

Instead, they all eagerly awaited nightfall.

(End of Chapter)