Chapter 3: You Don't Look Human to Me

Chapter 3 You Don’t Look Human to Me

Wangyue City nestled among the eastern hills of the Green Sea Alliance, a modest city within the Kasi Principality’s sixteen territories. By all accounts, it ranked as a fourth-tier city in terms of development.

North of Wangyue lay the Emerald Plains. Crossing this expanse led to Baisa City, a famed silk-producing hub and paradise for puppeteer players. It was from Baisa that the strongest puppeteer alliance in District 9’s history had once risen.

Newbie Village 56 perched on the southern edge of the Emerald Plains. Rolling hills like steel needles loomed to the south, while endless plains stretched northward.

Lin Hanchuan materialized at the village’s chapel plaza, the bustling hub swarming with hundreds of freshly spawned players. More arrived every second, their arrival marked by flashes of milky white light.

Descent Online’s world eschewed real-world national divisions, grouping players by global servers instead. The crowd before him spanned all skin tones—yellow, black, white—their appearances subtly randomized by ±20% via the system. Yet when they spoke, the game’s universal translator rendered their words into each listener’s native tongue. No language barriers here.

Though dubbed a “newbie village,” true newcomers were rare. Most were seasoned players creating alts, dashing off the moment they spawned to hunt early advantages. First kills, level-10 milestones, class advancements, or party formations—each triggered global announcements, reputation points, and lucrative rewards.

Within minutes, Newbie Village 56 overflowed with over a thousand players. Most bypassed the awe-struck newcomers gawking at the game’s realism, sprinting toward distant quests. A few wealthy players shouted recruitment pitches in the plaza:

“Form a party! I’ll pay 100 gold hourly to escort me into high-level zones!”

“Buying currency at premium rates—talk to me!”

In this world, seizing first-mover advantages meant everything.

Yet Lin Hanchuan lingered, calmly opening his personal panel. Moments later, a friend request appeared:

[Player “Bloodhand Butcher” requests to add you!]
[Note: Captain, it’s me—Cao Renjie]

Before entering Descent Online, they’d agreed to use the Ids “Owl” or “White River” for identification. Confirming Cao Renjie’s request, two more popped up:

[Player “Dragon Descends Regret” requests to add you!]
[Player “Moonlight Chill” requests to add you!]

Grouping them together, Lin Hanchuan created a chat:

[Build-Up & Grow Group]
Voice chat activated.

“I’m at Newbie Village 56,” he announced.

“23!” Cao Renjie replied instantly.

“2!” Long Xiaoyue chirped, her voice bright.

“84,” Long Xiaochen added, barely containing excitement. “Captain, an Immortal Dynasty affiliate guild’s recruiting here. I’ll join them and sabotage their runs later!”

Lin Hanchuan didn’t stop him. “Don’t overdo it. Prioritize leveling—hit 10 and reach Wangyue Asap.”

Long Xiaochen chuckled. “Relax! Grinding comes first!”

Once coordinates were shared, Lin Hanchuan closed his panel, eyes lingering on the chapel ahead.

Wangyue hadn’t been his first choice in District 9’s early days—a decision he’d later regretted. The city harbored secrets, none more shocking than its hidden demon corruption. Its Npcs, including the village chief, were infiltrated by abyssal demons. Officially classified as special wild monsters, defeating them awarded 200% bonus experience.

The Moon Goddess had perished, her sanctum buried somewhere within Wangyue’s borders. Last time, top Green Sea Alliance guilds monopolized its discovery, but whispers persisted. Lin Hanchuan remembered forum theories—several “insiders” hinted at locations. He’d memorized them all.

Patience. Rushing meant death.

Ahead, the chapel queue snaked forward. The white-robed priest at the front assigned simple tasks—kill rabbits, catch chickens, shovel dung.

Yet below zero charisma, darker quests emerged. Approach unnoticed, and the priest or chief might offer: Kill a villager. Deliver the corpse for massive XP, rare currency, and loot.

The first District 9 player to level 10 hailed from Wangyue, later confessing his exploit of this very secret. Each slain villager became a low-level demon via sacrificial rites. The priests, comfortable in their power, dared not summon stronger demons—hierarchy demanded obedience, and no self-respecting demon wanted a superior dictating them.

Many villagers here were already corrupted. Unlike protected Npcs, they could be hunted for first-kill rewards.

Lin Hanchuan’s charisma, at 5, ensured he’d only receive standard quests. Refusal? A telltale sign.

Leaving the chapel plaza, he ducked into a narrow alley. Thatched huts of mud and straw lined the cracked stone path. Despite daylight, all doors stood open.

First stop: a white-bearded old man sunbathing.

“Elder, anything I can assist with?” Lin Hanchuan asked.

The old man squinted, then began, “I’ve recently…”

[Quest acquired: F-rank daily task…]

Lin Hanchuan backtracked instantly. “Wrong house!”

Next: a black-bearded elder in another yard.

“Elder, anything I can assist with?”

“No help needed,” the old man declined.

Lin Hanchuan stepped inside, shutting the door. “No quest for me?”

He grinned. “Grandpa… I think you’re no man at all.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end