Mystery Descends: My Exchanges Are Not Equal Chapter 1, Awakening! Unequal Exchange!
[The mysterious arrival of the 3000th phase is about to commence!]
[This presents your exclusive opportunity for self-redemption!]
[Designated Location: No. 4399, the colony planet known as Fertile Continent.]
[Initiating deployment into instances...]
[Deployment into No. 4399, Fertile Continent, finalized.]
[Enter the various instances where danger and opportunity intertwine; you might perish at any moment, or achieve immortality. Best of luck!]
...
Deep within the frigid, dark expanse of the cosmos, a space probe intercepted an ethereal and chilling auditory signal.
This broadcast resonated within the consciousness of every individual on Blue Star...
Utter astonishment gripped the populace!
On the Fertile Continent, within a humble rented dwelling in Yan City, Wang Teng prepared to savor his steaming instant noodles. Just as he lifted them to his lips, this mechanical voice intruded.
'(ˉ▽￣～) Huh~~'
With nonchalant ease, he retrieved his smartphone, accessing a certain anti-fraud notification application.
'Hold on, the broadcaster’s designation tickles my memory – the Continental Scientific Research Cosmic Space Center!'
In the ensuing moment, an astonishing spectacle unfolded before Wang Teng's very eyes.
A luminous halo abruptly expanded...
Congealing into a semi-transparent data interface!
[Name: Wang Teng]
[Game ID: 440***********2868]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Vitality: 100/100]
[Physique: 10 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Strength: 8 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Agility: 9 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Spirit: 15 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Comprehension: 2 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Destiny: 100 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Talent: Unawakened]
[Martial Arts: None]
[Overall Combat Strength: 44]
[Assessment: Possesses the might of a mere chicken]
As the array of data flooded Wang Teng's perception, a flicker of curiosity sparked within him.
His assessment read 'the strength of a chicken' – what caliber did that represent?
Wang Teng absently rubbed his ear, irritation mounting as further voices continued to chime in.
'Which game developer crafted this masterpiece? It’s astonishingly lifelike, wouldn’t you agree?'
'Upstairs, we’ve been forcibly enrolled in ‘The Mysterious Arrival.’ Peril surrounds us; we could meet our end at any second!'
'What?! I haven’t even secured a boyfriend yet, I truly don’t wish to perish, sob sob...'
Who is speaking these words!
Reveal yourselves!
Wang Teng scanned his surroundings, observing that within the confines of the rented room, his presence was the sole one.
Could this perhaps be... an integrated chat system?
Arriving at this thought, each disembodied voice in his mind became accompanied by a materialized, dynamic avatar.
These avatars perfectly mirrored the current, real-life appearance of their respective speakers.
'Hmm!'
A nervous, muffled sound escaped Wang Teng as a familiar avatar materialized within his mental space.
Hmm~ still as undeniably handsome as ever!
However, his attention did not linger unduly on the avatar; his gaze redirected back to the ongoing chat discourse.
At this juncture, a palpable sense of apprehension regarding this abrupt game, mingled with curiosity and nascent hope, permeated the collective consciousness.
'Have you all observed your respective data panels? My overall combat strength registers at 50; what does yours indicate?'
'Mine is marginally lower than yours, standing at 47.'
'I have 43; my assessment reads: lacking the strength to even prepare a chicken for cooking ╮(╯▽╰)╭.'
'Whew! It seems this game operates with a degree of fairness, as our disparities appear confined within a 10-point range.'
'Your observation is inaccurate! My overall combat strength is a formidable 99, merely one point shy of reaching the century mark.'
'How could such a feat be possible! Could you single-handedly vanquish two individuals such as ourselves?'
'Heh heh...' A fellow with rigidly cut hair chuckled, offering no verbal reply.
'An overall combat strength of 99? You must be deliberately exaggerating; what are your foundational attributes?'
'Exaggerating? Cast thine eyes upon my data panel.'
[Name: Su Qiang]
[Citizen Identification: 440***********6654]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Vitality: 100/100]
[Physique: 30 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Strength: 33 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Agility: 8 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Spirit: 18 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Comprehension: 10 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Destiny: 35 points (click for detailed breakdown)]
[Talent: Unawakened]
[Martial Arts: None]
[Overall Combat Strength: 99]
[Assessment: A formidable chicken, possessing immense power]
'My word! Upstairs... Big Bro’s physique and strength are truly exceptional, surpassing mine by more than double.'
'Our esteemed Big Bro Su Qiang exhibits the potential for achieving a chicken dinner victory!'
'Terrifying indeed! A mighty chicken, wielding great power; tonight’s chicken dinner is assured, I shall henceforth follow your lead!'
'Heh heh, every one of you offers adulation; does that young lady still lack a romantic partner?'
'Brother Qiang~ I find myself particularly attracted to fellows of your caliber, hehe.'
'And me as well, Brother Qiang; let us unite~'
...
After remaining a silent observer for a period, Wang Teng gained a rudimentary understanding of the unfolding situation.
The current chat system seemed restricted to the confines of Yan City; the broader national and even global chat channels had not yet been activated.
Furthermore, it became apparent that overall combat strength was intrinsically linked to the Five-dimensional Index.
Enhancing these Five-dimensional attributes served to augment one's combat prowess.
While an extraordinary individual boasting a combat strength of 99 had now emerged, Wang Teng did not succumb to undue discouragement.
Although his own five dimensions were comparatively modest, there existed one particular facet that seemed to have escaped everyone’s notice – Destiny.
Across the entirety of the chat interface, he discerned that the highest recorded Destiny value was merely 48, falling short of even half of his own substantial endowment.
The mysterious arrival meant individuals like Su Qiang, blessed with an imposing physique and formidable strength, would possess a clear advantage in the initial stages. However, should he manage to persevere, his Destiny might just grant him the power to ascend to great heights.
At this precise moment, the disembodied mechanical voice resonated once more.
[Notice: Within the span of one minute, based on each individual's Luck Value, an epiphany will be granted, thereby awakening their unique Talent Ability. During this period, it is strongly advised to refrain from strenuous physical activity; any deviation from this instruction will be at your own peril.]
[Note: Talent abilities are categorized into nine distinct tiers: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and the ultimate SSS.]
As this announcement echoed, the chat channel erupted into a frenzy of activity.
"Awakening talents based on Luck Value! My Luck Value is a staggering 30 points, haha!"
"Damn it! Why is my Luck Value only a measly 8 points? Should I perhaps take a spiritual cleansing bath?"
"You there, upstairs, do be careful and avoid any intense exercise. The game has barely commenced, and losing your life would be truly tragic!"
"What in the actual heck! I'm absolutely certain I'll hit the ultimate jackpot! It's got to be an SSS-level Talent!"
"Even with just a few peanuts, one cannot indulge in such excessive drinking..."
Listening to the fervent discussions swirling around him, Wang Teng couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.
With a full 100 points of Destiny, what caliber of talent might he possibly awaken?
Boom!
A dazzling golden light enveloped Wang Teng instantaneously. A formidable force pressed down upon him, compelling him forcefully to the ground, even tearing his clothes asunder.
This sensation was far from a gentle epiphany; it felt akin to Mount Tai itself descending upon him. Under such immense pressure, the notion of engaging in strenuous exercise was laughable – even attempting to move a single finger seemed an insurmountable task.
Does anyone truly believe the inhabitants of the Fertile Continent are all superhuman!?
Even as Wang Teng grumbled internally, a distinct prompt chimed within his mind.
[Congratulations... You have successfully awakened an SSS-level Talent—Unequal Exchange.]
[Note: SSS-level talents are characterized by their inherent uniqueness.]
Tsk!
He had actually awakened an SSS-level Talent! And it was a unique one at that!
A burst of wild, unrestrained laughter emanated from Wang Teng...