Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A tall man (later revealed to be an NPC) arrives at the Islands, causing a catastrophic event involving ice and lava.
• Players attempt to escape the destruction, with some trying to reach the center of the Islands where the NPCs are battling.
• The environment of the Islands deteriorates rapidly, leading to the deaths of most players.
• Survivors return to the Sprawling Metropolis, and rumors spread about the NPCs appearing in the new game, Set Sail on the Azure Sea.

Character Developments

• Heroic Sniper: Shows determination and survival skills but ultimately fails the assessment.
• Flying General of Longcheng: Demonstrates curiosity and bravery by approaching the NPC battle, leading to his elimination.
• Xu Meng: Prepares for the first Brain-Computer Interface surgery, meeting with the volunteer patient.

Significant Themes

• Survival and perseverance in the face of extreme conditions.
• The consequences of curiosity and risk-taking.
• The potential impact of the game's events on the real world (Brain-Computer Interface surgery).

Character Interactions

• Heroic Sniper interacts with Water Friends (viewers) through messages, seeking advice and sharing his experience.
• Xu Meng interacts with the volunteer patient, explaining the risks and effects of the Brain-Computer Interface surgery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Meng's Brain-Computer Interface surgery is delayed due to lack of a suitable surgeon and necessary preparations.
• Xu Meng uses the waiting time to prepare for post-surgery usage of his technology.
• The [Hunter Assessment] begins its third level, involving navigating a trap-filled cube with random layouts.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng: Shows dedication to preparing for his surgery and understanding of his technology's potential.
• Huan Yue: Demonstrates strategic thinking by teaming up with other players in the assessment.

Significant Themes

• Patience and preparation: Xu Meng waits for the right time and prepares thoroughly for his surgery and post-surgery use of his technology.
• Overcoming challenges: The [Hunter Assessment] tests players' ability to navigate a complex, ever-changing environment filled with traps.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng interacts with the medical staff, understanding the need for proper preparation and a suitable surgeon.
• Huan Yue interacts with other players, strategizing to navigate the assessment's challenges together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sprawling Metropolis official account announces that Xu Meng, the game's founder, created all Hunter Assessment levels, and Matrix Kill will become a limited-time May gameplay mode after the assessment.
• Players are excited and eager to challenge Matrix Kill for rewards and recognition, despite its high difficulty.
• Li Liangcai, a four-time Organ Mutation biochemical superman known as the Northwest Hammer King, attempts to clear the Matrix using his enhanced strength and physique.
• After three days, the fourth round of Hunter Assessment, Number Plate Scramble, is announced.

Character Developments

• Li Liangcai demonstrates his resilience and determination by pushing his Organ Mutation to the "Four Dragons Body Tempering" level.
• Xu Meng shows his confidence and willingness to engage with the players by announcing a live speedrun of Matrix Kill.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance is highlighted through Li Liangcai's character and his continuous efforts to clear the Matrix.
• The theme of challenge and reward is emphasized as players strive to complete Matrix Kill for various benefits.

Character Interactions

• Players interact with each other within the Matrix, using tactics like rock-paper-scissors to determine who enters dangerous rooms first.
• Players outside the Matrix engage with each other and Xu Meng through social media, expressing their desire for him to play the game.
• Xu Meng interacts with Xiao Meng, asking for her help to post an announcement about his upcoming live speedrun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Meng, the game designer, decides to stream a speedrun of the Matrix Kill game mode to prove its fairness and challenge.
• Players initially doubt Xu Meng's intentions and suspect cheating, but his methodical and transparent approach wins them over.
• Xu Meng clears the Matrix in 59 minutes and 48 seconds, breaking the previous record by over an hour.
• He then attempts a 'True Speedrun', using a character's teleportation ability to instantly clear the Matrix, setting a new record of 1 second.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng: Shows his dedication to his work and desire to connect with players. He proves his skill and integrity by clearing the Matrix honestly and then pushing the boundaries with a 'True Speedrun'.
• Xiao Meng: Assists Xu Meng by creating visual aids and choosing the initial entrance. She also appears as a playable character for the 'True Speedrun'.

Significant Themes

• Communication and transparency between game developers and players.
• The challenge and satisfaction of overcoming difficult tasks.
• The importance of understanding and respecting the rules of a game.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng interacts with the players through his live stream, explaining his actions and decisions, and winning their respect.
• Xiao Meng assists Xu Meng, showing loyalty and support.
• Xu Meng and Xiao Meng work together for the 'True Speedrun', demonstrating teamwork and trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Meng performs a speedrun of the Matrix level in 1 second, breaking the record.
• The official bans the speedrun method, and Xu Meng's record is removed.
• Dream Machine pre-sales begin, with a price of 29,800 yuan (including 60 Sleep Aid Patches).
• Pre-orders reach 50 million units within an hour.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng showcases his expertise and humor during the livestream.
• Xiao Meng assists Xu Meng and demonstrates her technical skills.

Significant Themes

• The Dream Machine's potential and anticipation.
• The excitement and dedication of the gaming community.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng interacts with the livestream audience, answering questions and sharing news about the Dream Machine.
• Xiao Meng assists Xu Meng, showing a friendly and cooperative relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dream Machine's pre-order volume exceeds expectations, reaching 50 million units in just four hours.
• Zhang Yang expresses confidence in the Dream Machine's market potential and encourages Xu Meng to aim for 100 million units.
• Xu Meng realizes the historical significance of Zhu Meng's achievements and decides to focus on his current tasks.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng: Recognizes the historical impact of Zhu Meng's innovations and becomes more determined to succeed.
• Zhang Yang: Shows confidence in the Dream Machine's market potential and encourages Xu Meng to continue pushing boundaries.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and its impact on society and history.
• The responsibility that comes with success and influence.
• The potential for technology to liberate productivity or exploit labor.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng and Zhang Yang discuss the Dream Machine's success and future prospects, with Zhang Yang expressing confidence in the device's market potential and encouraging Xu Meng to continue innovating.
• Xu Meng interacts with players through social media, listening to their feedback and excitement about the Dream Machine and the upcoming game, "Set Sail on the Azure Sea."

Notable Quotes

• "This is a device that allows people to make use of their sleeping time! It's like extending life in a roundabout way!" - Zhang Yang
• "Won't happen... Probably won't happen." - Xu Meng, regarding the likelihood of creating a more powerful device than the Dream Machine.
• "Zhu Meng is creating history." - Xu Meng, reflecting on the potential impact of the Dream Machine's success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A brief gameplay scene of a player participating in a slave trade auction causes a stir, sparking racial discussions and protests among players.
• The game trailer showcases various gameplay aspects: gambling, stealing, life professions (farming, fishing, etc.), weather changes, animal companions, island exploration, and secret realms.
• The trailer introduces three major game modes: Story Mode, Open World, and Adventurer Mode (permadeath).
• The internal beta players and the public react enthusiastically to the trailer, expressing concerns about the game's scale and polish.
• The Hunter Assessment for the Sprawling Metropolis game takes place on Bear Paw Island, as seen in the trailer.

Character Developments

• Zhu Meng, the game developer, is portrayed as ambitious, aiming to recreate an era for players to experience.
• Heroic Sniper, an internal beta player, is eager for the game's release and watches the trailer multiple times, participating in the Hunter Assessment.

Significant Themes

• Racial issues and historical context in gameplay.
• The vastness and richness of the game world and its activities.
• The anticipation and concerns surrounding the game's release.

Character Interactions

• The public reacts to the gameplay scene involving a slave trade auction, sparking discussions and protests among players.
• Internal beta players and the public engage in discussions about the game's trailer, expressing excitement and worries.
• Heroic Sniper interacts with his Water Friends in the live broadcast room, urging the Black Flag Project Group to hurry with the game's release.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players realize they need to collect 100 number plates to qualify, leading to a game of snatching plates.
• Cool Fly Head demonstrates a non-violent approach to collecting plates by running and snatching.
• Shan Gui, a wealthy player, attempts to buy number plates but faces mixed reactions.
• Teams form, and battles ensue with various weapons and abilities.
• The assessment ends at dusk, and the top 100 players qualify, with the strongest teams obtaining the most plates.
• The Hunter Association awards licenses and introduces the Nen Ability mission, which requires the Dream Machine for full unlocking.

Character Developments

• Cool Fly Head shows quick thinking and agility in snatching plates.
• Shan Gui demonstrates his wealth and willingness to buy plates but faces resistance.
• The Honest Fisherman, Xun Fei, Ye Ying, and Yan Luo form a strong team, efficiently eliminating opponents.
• Chen Zhi qualifies with the least number of plates, showing that strength isn't the only factor.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in competition.
• The role of wealth and resources in gaining an advantage.
• The value of teamwork and coordination in battles.

Character Interactions

• Cool Fly Head interacts with other players, demonstrating his strategy and evading pursuers.
• Shan Gui interacts with various players, attempting to buy plates and forming a team.
• The Honest Fisherman's team interacts with Shan Gui's team, leading to a battle and the elimination of Shan Gui's team.
• The top 100 players interact with the Hunter Association president, receiving licenses and mission details.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dream Machine officially went on sale and was delivered to pre-ordered customers on May 20th.
• Players rushed to pick up their packages, causing a temporary disruption at delivery points.
• Dream Machine usage videos and unboxing videos flooded the internet.
• Zhu Meng announced that Dream Machine sales exceeded 50 million units and activations reached 10 million.
• Players started live streaming their Dream Machine experiences, with top streamers reaching over a million viewers.

Character Developments

• Li Liangcai, the Hammer King, experiences the Dream Machine's realism and activates his Nen Ability during a live stream.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Dream Machine on the economy and society, with sales revenue reaching 1.5 trillion yuan.
• The power of technology to transform experiences and industries.

Character Interactions

• Li Liangcai's live stream interaction with his audience, showcasing his Nen Ability and the Dream Machine's realism.
• Netizens' reactions to Zhu Meng's good news poster, discussing the Dream Machine's impact on the economy and society.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Liangcai activates his Nen Ability, transforming into a stone humanoid statue for five minutes.
• He withstands a barrage of police bullets, inspiring the audience to urge him to fight back.
• Ye Ying activates his Nen Ability, causing a blinding flash and creating a stage-like effect around him.
• Players worldwide experience the Dream Machine's enhanced senses, leading to widespread excitement and enthusiasm.

Character Developments

• Li Liangcai: Discovers his Nen Ability's defensive capabilities and is encouraged by the audience to fight back.
• Ye Ying: Activates his Nen Ability, which creates a stage-like effect, reflecting his desire to show off.

Significant Themes

• The power and consequences of Nen Abilities.
• The impact of enhanced senses on gaming and daily life experiences.
• The influence of audience encouragement and peer pressure on individual actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Liangcai and the audience: The audience urges Li Liangcai to fight back after seeing his resistance to bullets.
• Ye Ying and the audience: The audience laughs at Ye Ying's Nen Ability, which creates a stage-like effect, reflecting his desire to show off.
• Players worldwide: Share their excitement and experiences with the Dream Machine, leading to a surge in enthusiasm and demand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dream Machines are stuck at customs in many European countries due to unspecified reasons.
• Players and Zhu Meng try to resolve the issue but face vague responses from customs and governments.
• Dream Machines are allowed to clear customs in countries surrounding Xia Country and Mi Country, with Mi Country purchasing them in large quantities.
• Zhu Meng releases a global sales big data map, revealing that Dream Machines have been activated in countries that claim they haven't cleared customs.
• The map also shows that government employees in these countries are the primary users of the Dream Machines, sparking public outrage.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng (Zhu Meng's CEO) is shown to be patient and strategic, waiting for the right moment to reveal the true extent of Dream Machine activations.
• Players are shown to be frustrated and annoyed by the customs situation, but also outraged by the preferential treatment given to government employees.

Significant Themes

• Divide and Control: The world is divided into countries that allow Dream Machines and those that don't, with Mi Country serving as a stark contrast to European countries.
• Hypocrisy and Double Standards: Governments claim to have security concerns but allow their own employees to use the Dream Machines.
• Power and Temptation: Higher-ranking officials are more tempted by the Dream Machine's ability to provide a "double life."

Character Interactions

• Players interact with Zhu Meng's customer service, customs offices, and each other on social networks to discuss the customs issue.
• Xu Meng interacts with governments through emails, providing safety certifications but facing resistance due to the unprecedented nature of the Dream Machine.
• Players interact with government employees, expressing their frustration and outrage at the preferential treatment given to the latter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Protest marches become a trend due to governments intercepting Dream Machines at customs while allowing their employees to use them.
• Zhu Meng's announcement about Dream Machine activations in government employees' hands sparks worldwide protests.
• Governments try to appease the public but fail, leading to intensified protests.
• Zhu Meng accelerates Dream Machine production, and players start a "smuggling movement" to get their devices across borders.
• Governments react with stricter border checks, further escalating protests.
• Zhu Meng announces record-breaking sales and activations of Dream Machines.
• On May 30th, Sprawling Metropolis is set to undergo a major update, with players choosing between Peace Mode and Freedom Mode.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng (Zhu Meng's CEO) remains confident and composed despite governments' actions, subtly warning them not to escalate the conflict.
• Players become more determined and resourceful in obtaining their Dream Machines, organizing a collective effort to circumvent customs restrictions.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between governments and citizens, with protests highlighting public anger and discontent.
• The impact of technology on society, with the Dream Machine's neural data collection and consciousness intervention capabilities raising concerns about safety and privacy.
• The global nature of Zhu Meng's operations, with events and protests happening simultaneously across multiple countries.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng interacts with governments through announcements and implied warnings.
• Players worldwide collaborate to obtain their Dream Machines, showing unity and determination.
• Governments react to protests and players' actions, trying to maintain control and appease their citizens.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players choose between 'Freedom Mode' and 'Peace Mode' in Sprawling Metropolis.
• A major event is expected, but instead, the trailer for 'Set Sail on the Azure Sea' is released.
• The trailer shows intense pirate battles, prison breaks, and a catastrophic tsunami.
• After the trailer, a massive flood and a Pirate Ship pour out of a giant electronic billboard, causing chaos in the city.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments in this chapter as it focuses on events and the game's trailer.

Significant Themes

• The anticipation and unpredictability of major events in the game.
• The immersive and interactive nature of the game, blurring the line between the game world and the players' environment.
• The potential consequences and chaos that can arise from such immersive experiences.

Character Interactions

• Players interact through live streams and comments, discussing the trailer and the unexpected flood event.
• No direct character interactions as the chapter focuses on the trailer and the event's impact on the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A sudden flood sweeps through Sprawling Metropolis, submerging streets and causing chaos.
• The flood is revealed to be part of a major event, "Raging Sea Surge," with rewards for killing Pirates, rescuing civilians, and stopping the flood source.
• Heroic Sniper, a player, struggles to cope with the rapidly rising water and tries to save a landlady from Pirates.
• The official live stream focuses on an ordinary player, [Pang Yun], who is trying to navigate the disaster and avoid Pirates.

Character Developments

• Heroic Sniper: Initially confident, he becomes panicked and disoriented due to the sudden flood and his failed attempt to save the landlady.
• [Pang Yun]: Though not much is revealed, he shows determination and resilience in facing the flood and Pirates.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to sudden change and chaos.
• The role of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
• The contrast between the players' expectations and the reality of the game's events.

Character Interactions

• Heroic Sniper and the landlady: Despite his initial intention to save her, he fails and is subsequently killed by Pirates.
• [Pang Yun] and the Pirates: He tries to avoid them, showing a deep-seated fear or hatred.
• The players and the official live stream: They express confusion and frustration at the focus on an ordinary player, expecting more exciting action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pang Yun, paralyzed after an accident, loses hope until Xu Meng, a miracle worker, helps him regain mobility.
• Pang Yun logs into the Sprawling Metropolis game via a Brain-Computer Interface and experiences the game's transformation due to Zhu Meng.
• A massive flood and pirate attack occur in the game, and Pang Yun, now an NPC, tries to help other NPCs escape.

Character Developments

• Pang Yun: Initially hopeless and depressed, he regains hope and determination after regaining mobility. He becomes courageous and helpful, risking his life to save NPCs.
• Xu Meng: Revealed to be a miracle worker in the medical field, creating a neural bridge for Pang Yun to experience the game.
• John Waker (NPC): A skilled marksman NPC who helps defend against pirates.
• Long Hao (Player): A Mighty Man who tries to stop a pirate ship using his physical strength.
• Xun Fei (Player): A skilled blade user who joins the fight against the pirates, using a new technique.

Significant Themes

• Hope and determination in the face of adversity (Pang Yun's character development).
• The impact of technology on human experience (Pang Yun's ability to log into the game).
• Heroism and selflessness (Pang Yun's actions to save NPCs).

Character Interactions

• Pang Yun and Xu Meng: Xu Meng gives Pang Yun hope and the ability to experience the game.
• Pang Yun and NPCs: Pang Yun risks his life to save NPCs from pirates.
• Long Hao and Xun Fei: They work together to fight against the pirates, showcasing teamwork and coordination.
• Pang Yun and Players (Long Hao, Xun Fei): Pang Yun, as an NPC, interacts with players, seeing them as Supermen due to their extraordinary abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The live broadcast camera is locked onto an ordinary player, Pang Yun, providing a unique perspective of the event.
• Pang Yun struggles to escape from pirates and navigate the flood, relying on NPCs and other players for help.
• The audience becomes engrossed in watching the event from Pang Yun's perspective, noting the lifelike NPC behaviors and reactions.
• Players start seizing Pirate ships to rescue NPCs and other players more efficiently, with the goal of obtaining Event Points.
• Players express no intention of blocking the event's outlet, focusing instead on acquiring free ships.

Character Developments

• Pang Yun: Initially portrayed as useless, he becomes a symbol of the ordinary player's experience, showcasing the game's NPC intelligence.
• NPCs: Display unexpected agency and lifelike behaviors, deviating from their original programmed actions.

Significant Themes

• The game's NPC intelligence and advancements in AI.
• The contrast between the ordinary player's experience and that of powerful star players.
• The players' opportunistic behavior, prioritizing personal gain over event objectives.

Character Interactions

• Pang Yun interacts with various NPCs, who help him and react realistically to the crisis.
• Players collaborate to seize Pirate ships, demonstrating teamwork and shared goals.
• The Sprawling Metropolis operations team feels puzzled by the players' lack of interest in blocking the event's outlet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sprawling Metropolis Operations Team's plan for a major event goes awry as players, instead of following the intended course, focus on killing Pirates and stealing their ships.
• The operations team struggles to find a solution to redirect the players' actions, considering various options like increasing seawater corrosiveness or adding shark attacks.
• Lu Jiahe, the team leader, decides to ask for help from Wu Xiaoyang, the head of the War of Kings team, to block the flood source.
• Wu Xiaoyang and his team attempt to block the flood outlet but are attacked by other players who mistake them for rule-breakers.

Character Developments

• Fang Haoyu and Lu Jiahe, colleagues in the operations team, display their dynamic and humorous interaction.
• Wu Xiaoyang, the War of Kings team leader, shows his willingness to help and his leadership in rallying his team.
• Players are portrayed as competitive and eager to gain advantages, even to the point of attacking others without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between game design and player agency, as the operations team's plans are subverted by players' actions.
• The blurring of lines between game developers and players, as developers find themselves in the midst of a game event they're trying to control.
• The consequences of unchecked competition and aggression among players.

Character Interactions

• Lu Jiahe and Fang Haoyu's banter highlights their camaraderie and shared exasperation with the situation.
• Wu Xiaoyang's interaction with his team shows his command and their willingness to follow his lead.
• The encounter between Wu Xiaoyang's team and the aggressive players demonstrates the intense competition and lack of communication among players during the event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players successfully blocked the water outlet, but a massive whale burst through, causing further destruction.
• The Electronic Display Screen shattered, revealing a portal to the Caribbean, with Pirates and the Navy rushing through.
• The water level began to recede, and the Sprawling Metropolis emerged from the sea.
• The event [Raging Sea Surge] concluded successfully, and players received rewards.
• Zhu Meng announced the upcoming release of [Set Sail on the Azure Sea], with pre-download enabled.

Character Developments

• Wu Xiaoyang, leader of the War of Kings development team, challenged Lu Jiahe to a real-life PK after his in-game defeat, but his attempt was laughed at and mocked by Lu Jiahe and the office.
• Players demonstrated teamwork and determination in blocking the water outlet and defending the Sprawling Metropolis.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and unity among players in facing a common enemy and disaster.
• The consequences of one's actions (the War of Kings team's wipeout led to players taking action).
• The power of nature and the struggle for survival.

Character Interactions

• Wu Xiaoyang and Lu Jiahe's rivalry and conflict, with Wu Xiaoyang's failed attempt at a real-life PK.
• Players working together to defend the Sprawling Metropolis against the Navy and Pirates.
• The whale's friendly interaction with players and NPCs, helping in rescue efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pang Yun, a paralyzed player, undergoes Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) surgery.
• The surgery is successful, allowing Pang Yun to regain mobility.
• Xu Meng announces that BCI technology can also be used to log into the Sprawling Metropolis game without dreaming.
• He hints at future possibilities of dream and memory sharing.

Character Developments

• Pang Yun: Initially bedridden and dependent, he regains mobility and independence after the BCI surgery.
• Xu Meng: Demonstrates his genius and innovation by developing BCI technology for gaming and potential dream/memory sharing.

Significant Themes

• The impact of technology on healthcare and gaming.
• The potential of consciousness upload and dream/memory sharing.
• The ethical implications of such advancements.

Character Interactions

• Xu Meng and Pang Yun: Xu Meng performs the BCI surgery on Pang Yun, transforming his life.
• Global Players and Xu Meng: Players are amazed and excited by the BCI technology's potential, eager for more developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Meng unveils brain-computer interface technology, sparking global excitement about "Consciousness Upload" and "Eternal Life."
• Dream Machine packages stuck in customs worldwide are cleared rapidly, indicating a shift in government policies.
• Set Sail on the Azure Sea's official launch date arrives, with players eagerly awaiting the game.

Character Developments

• Xu Meng gains global recognition and influence due to his groundbreaking technology.
• Players worldwide, like Qi Huahua and Heroic Sniper, create their game characters, with Qi Huahua choosing to use her real appearance.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of eternal life and its implications.
• The impact of technology on society and government policies.
• The importance of immersion and detail in gaming.

Character Interactions

• Netizens worldwide discuss and react to Xu Meng's revelation, expressing excitement and skepticism.
• Qi Huahua interacts with her Water Friends, who persuade her to use her real appearance in the game.
• Players around the world create their game characters, with some receiving prompts to shorten their IDs for better immersion.