Winning Big

Spirit Candle Official: "We have received all your suggestions, dear players. After careful consideration and sacrificing another balding programmer, we have decided to release 10 special 'friendship' slots!"

"These friendship slots allow players already participating in the game test to obtain a game slot by meeting certain requirements, which can then be granted to a designated account."

"To get a friendship slot, simply have a friend in the game offer 150 candle oil to our handsome NPC Candle Keepers!"

"Those of you who want to join the game and sail the mysterious seas, hurry up and spur your friends on!"

It was still nighttime in the real world, and many people were surfing the web with their virtual reality helmets on. As a result, quite a few players were actively waiting in anticipation on the Spirit Candle Forum.

The moment they saw this announcement from Spirit Candle Official, they became excited.

Bees Don't Like Flying: "First row, first place! Looking for spicy pics, and while I'm at it, looking for a game slot too. Thanks!"

Lightning Puppy: "Holy crap! My friend works hard and I get to play this game? Then I'd better whip my dear son into shape!"

My Son Failed, I Went Ashore: "Received. Currently urging my friend on. If he doesn't get me a slot, I'm solo-killing him immediately. (threatening jpg)"

Nan Nan: "What if I don't have any friends in the game? But I really want to play. (crying)"

This Venerable One Suppresses All Enemies: "What kind of bullshit friendship slots are these? You might as well let us top up! Screw the planners, screw this game! I f***ing—!"

Peace Year After Year: "Hehe, someone's mad! (Jerry laughing)"

Failed Man: "He may be an idiot, but I agree with him. You might as well let us top up! It's not like we can't afford it! (angry) (angry)"

Jie Men Third Master: "Gotta say, this game is way too generous. It doesn't even want money-making opportunities, only in-game currency. It really... I'm crying."

"..."

After seeing Spirit Candle Official's announcement, the players who had yet to enter the game reacted in all kinds of ways.

Some were so excited that they immediately went offline to encourage their friends. Others were deeply disappointed because they had no friends in the game. Still others were moved by Spirit Candle Official's refusal to open a payment channel.

As for the players already in the game, most of them had received "encouragement" from their friends.

"Miao, haven't you been going on all day about how fun this game called Spirit Candle is, and how awesome you are in it?"

"Your chance is here!"

"Hurry up and get your daddy here a slot so I can see what it's all about. Otherwise... heh heh."

Li Miao's roommate spoke in a friendly tone.

"..." Cold sweat beaded on Li Miao's forehead as he said bitterly, "Bro, it may not cost money, but 150 candle oil isn't easy to save up..."

It'd be better to just buy it with money... Li Miao felt his balls ache.

"Quit talking and go grind the game!"

Besides that, quite a few players received encouragement from their friends.

This gave the entire Candlewood Island a fresh new look. Many casual players who had previously fished for three days and dried their nets for two were now grinding, either willingly or under pressure.

But 150 candle oil was no small amount.

Even veteran players like Li Miao would need to grind for several consecutive days to save that much.

This had them groaning endlessly. Some players even began begging Spirit Candle Official on the forum to open a channel for purchasing slots. They were willing to pay...

But Rogue naturally remained unmoved. What did he need money for?

Grind hard and earn candle oil for me!

Of course, most players asking to pay were only joking, though most of them truly did not lack money.

But in their view, being able to grind out a precious game slot for their best buddies without spending money was also a great thing.

So...

For a time, the whole of Candlewood Island brimmed with vigorous life, as though all creation were bursting forth.

Rogue could not help but smile at the sight.

He only needed to make a slight move, and these players who had yet to enter the game would motivate their friends to voluntarily earn more candle oil for him.

And after all that, the players would still praise him and thank him!

Just think about it.

The players who had yet to enter the game were happy because they had a chance to join this insanely fun game.

The players already in the game were also happy. Grinding out precious slots for their friends meant their efforts would be recognized, and that would definitely earn them some serious face.

As for Rogue, he was even happier.

The leeks were saving candle oil faster, and the 10 slots would bring in another 1,500 candle oil. It was practically a huge windfall!

Rogue won, the players' friends won, and as long as the players suffered a little, they won too.

This was simply killing three birds with one stone—no, four wins. Rogue won twice!

It was like Qin Shi Huang eating Sichuan peppercorns—he was winning so hard he went numb!

The players miserably saved up candle oil.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the time when most players logged off at night, Rogue went to Spirit Fire Port and boarded a Spirit Fire Raft toward a certain direction.

Naturally, he was going to find the manta ray that had seemed rather unusual to his senses.

The moon and stars scattered faint glimmers of light across the near waters of Candlewood Island at night.

The distant Dark Boundary still radiated its terrifying aura of darkness. Before it, the night within this tiny world seemed utterly insignificant.

Using the senses granted by the power of Spirit Candle, Rogue easily avoided the vast majority of monster groups in the sea.

Before long, he arrived in a seemingly calm stretch of water.

Rogue took out the Fishing Rod and attached Sandworm Meat Bait.

Most of the monsters in these near waters could also be lured by Meat Bait, making it perfect for attracting monsters.

After casting the line into the sea, Rogue began to wait quietly.

Before long, his target took the bait.

Rogue swiftly lifted the rod and hooked it, while a pulling force in the opposite direction came from beneath the sea.

At the same time, an eerie red glow lit up in the dark waters, as though some power were gathering!

Rogue's gaze sharpened.

The next instant, the water's surface split apart, and a red beam carrying a dangerous aura shot straight for Rogue's chest.

Fortunately, he reacted quickly and dodged with a sidestep. Then, without hesitation, he increased the force with which he pulled the Fishing Rod.

The red attack, like a bolt of light, continued onward without losing momentum, rising dozens of meters higher into the air before gradually dissipating.

Rogue's battle, meanwhile, was nearing its end.

As the owner of Spirit Candle, Rogue had already raised every aspect of his Candle Spirit Physique to its limit, strength included.

The monster beneath the water, meanwhile, did not seem particularly suited for contests of strength.

Very soon, Rogue let out a low shout and exploded with force. A giant manta ray, just as large as his senses had indicated, was dragged from the sea with a strange cry!

Seizing the chance, the long-prepared Rogue swiftly drew the Worn Sword and swung it with ferocious speed!

Azure flames filled the sword's body as it swung, extending its blade and striking the giant manta ray with terrifying destructive force!

In an instant, the manta ray monster was cut in two by the flaming blade...

With a splash, the mangled monster corpse fell into the sea, turned to ash, and left behind only several faintly glowing drops.

[You have killed (Unnamed)]

[Obtained: Candle Oil ×12]

[Obtained: Unknown Bone Staff ×1]

[Obtained: Unknown Glowing Stone ×1]

The battle ended. Rogue let out a breath, unsurprised that all the drops were listed as unknown.

Any drops that had not been identified by the power of Spirit Candle and recorded by him would be like this.

A new book sets sail! Please bookmark, recommend, and vote with monthly tickets!