"Activate hardware installation mode. Authorization code: Gti77439."
Holding the chip, Li Si stood before the full-version game pod, which was connected to a power source, and quickly recited a string of numbers.
Unlike the crude beta-test gaming helmet, the full-version game pod wasn't so easy to take apart. In fact, it couldn't be disassembled at all. Its entire casing was molded as a single piece, and it was so tough that it couldn't be damaged with the level of technology Earth currently had. Even if someone managed to pry it open, it would self-destruct.
Fortunately, the game pod had a hardware installation mode. It required an authorization code, but he had looked it up in his previous life when the full-immersion virtual mode was introduced.
[Beep! Command confirmed. Checking this device's authorization code... Verification passed. Hardware installation mode activated.]
A mechanically stiff prompt sounded from inside the game pod.
As the verification passed, ripples suddenly spread across the pod's originally cold, silvery-white casing. It turned into a liquid metal substance, like quicksilver.
Li Si gently placed the blue chip on the quicksilver. It was soon swallowed up and vanished without a trace. After ten seconds, the quicksilver returned to its solid metallic form.
[Hardware installation complete. Beginning device self-check...]
[Hardware compatibility confirmed... Checking drivers...]
[Drivers operating normally. No functional modules missing. Hardware installation successful.]
"It worked!"
Hearing the confirmation, Li Si finally let out the breath he'd been holding.
This step was crucial. His plans depended on it.
There was no time to lose. Li Si quickly opened the game pod, injected the nutrient solution, and lay down inside. As the sedative in the solution took effect, he soon fell asleep.
A moment later, his consciousness gradually cleared. His dark surroundings slowly lit up, and soon Li Si found himself on a metal platform suspended in the void.
[Hello, valued player. The game will officially launch in fourteen hours and five minutes. You may create your character in advance. Would you like to proceed?]
"Create."
[Please name your character. Names must follow the naming conventions of the real world. You may also choose to log in using your real name.]
"Name: Lee Stein."
[Please select your character's starting template. Your template will affect your gameplay experience and playstyle, so choose carefully!]
[Currently available free starting templates: Office Worker, Student, Unemployed... Browse the paid templates section for more options.]
"Templates..."
When it came time to choose, Li Si, who had so far moved through the process with familiar ease, hesitated.
Templates were an important part of the game, combining elements such as identity and profession. Players could have multiple templates in-game, but when creating a character, they could choose only one starting template.
The starting template determined the character's initial identity upon entering the game. Different templates also came with different attribute and special-effect bonuses.
He didn't care much about attributes and special effects. He could get those basic templates after entering the game. But his starting identity was crucial.
He had three options in mind: the paid Soldier Template, the free Student Template, and the free Office Worker Template.
The Soldier Template needed no explanation. It was the one he'd chosen before his rebirth. Since he'd paid for it, naturally, it came with plenty of missions and decent attributes. With his previous experience, he could make steady progress.
But that was the first option he ruled out. The military offered good opportunities for advancement, but there was a low ceiling and limited potential. Most importantly, it offered far too little freedom.
The choice now came down to the Student Template and the Office Worker Template.
Gaining access to full-immersion virtual mode early was an advantage, but he could only maximize it by pursuing a technology-focused path.
To pursue that path, he first needed to get the Scientist Template. It wasn't one of the basic templates available for selection; he couldn't even buy it. He could only obtain it in-game, and the requirements were extremely difficult.
If he chose the Office Worker Template now, he could set up a company right away. That would make obtaining the Scientist Template much easier, and he'd also start with considerably more money.
But the Student Template had its merits too. It would unlock the Knowledge tab early and give him a substantial amount of experience in a specific field. It would also let him meet some of the main characters and better predict how the plot would unfold.
However, choosing the Student Template would make obtaining the Scientist Template much more difficult.
"Select template: Student."
After much deliberation, Li Si still chose the Student Template.
Obtaining the Scientist Template would be difficult, but understanding the plot was more important. After all, his greatest advantage was his familiarity with the story.
Besides, unlocking the Knowledge tab early would let him shore up his basic knowledge and build up some combat ability, even without the Scientist Template.
Once he could protect himself, he could take a few risks and try to obtain the Scientist Template. It shouldn't be too difficult.
[Template selected: Student. Please set your place of birth and background. Note: Your background cannot provide additional assistance. The default basic setting is locked to orphan.]
Hearing the system prompt, Li Si, who had already planned what to do when he chose the Student Template, answered without hesitation:
"Setting: An orphan from a random New York orphanage, a new transfer student in the graduating class at Midtown School of Science and Technology. Generate all other background details by default."
[Identity set successfully. A memory video has been generated. Please review it yourself. The system accepts no responsibility for consequences resulting from actions inconsistent with your identity or background.]
[Character creation complete!]
"Open status panel!"
Li Si didn't rush to open the memory video. In practice, it wasn't much use beyond handling the occasional inquiry or investigation.
----Character Panel---- Name: Lee Stein Strength: 6 (Muscle strength) Constitution: 7 (Resistance to damage/Recovery ability) Intelligence: 3 (Logical thinking/Agility of thought/Learning ability) Spirit: 1 (Willpower/Mental strength/Sensory ability) Note: The standard attributes for a normal adult man are all one. These basic attributes are the result of a scan of the player's body. [Talent Skills]: None [General Skills]: None [Knowledge]: None [Owned Templates]: Commoner (Basic), Student (Starting). ---- [Template]: Commoner (Basic) Lv: 0/18 Attribute Bonus: +1 to all attributes per level Special Effect Bonus: None Template Skills: None Experience required for next level: 0/1000 Evaluation: You're just an ordinary citizen, though perhaps you could try becoming a stronger one. ---- [Template]: Student (Ordinary) Attribute Bonus: +1 Intelligence Special Effect Bonus: +5% learning speed Template Skills: None Evaluation: Having received a basic education, you possess some knowledge, along with sound logical thinking and good study habits. ----------
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