The New Mode of the Game is a unique anniversary for everyone.
In this world, there are too many holidays to celebrate.
But those holidays do not completely belong to oneself.
Except for birthdays, which are entirely one's own special day.
It's not just about aging.
It's a chance to reflect on oneself and be grateful for life.
Unfortunately, many people have forgotten this precious gift or do not pay special attention to it.
Hua Yu is one such person.
She has long been accustomed to viewing her birthday as just another ordinary day.
She even forgot the special nature of this day.
So, when she received Tao Yao's birthday wishes, her heart was deeply touched.
"Woo! Tao Yao is so nice, you might not believe it, but I usually don't celebrate my birthday..." Hua Yu's voice was a bit choked, her eyes shimmering with tears of emotion.
The barrage immediately flew like snowflakes:
"Happy birthday, Hua Yu!"
"Don't cry, streamer, we're all here!"
"Damn it! I also want Tao Yao's blessing, but I was born on February 29th in a leap year, what do I do?!"
Watching the screen filled with blessings, and a few individual barrages expressing dire lamentations.
Hua Yu wiped the corners of her eyes and revealed a warm smile.
Her gaze fell on the cake sent by Tao Yao, and she curiously began to inspect it.
[Peach Heart Cake]
Description: This is a heart-shaped cake filled with love, emitting a faint peach blossom fragrance. The surface of the cake is adorned with pink peach petals, as if telling Tao Yao's intent. Strangely, no matter how much time passes, this cake always retains the freshness and warmth of when it first came out of the oven. Perhaps... Tao Yao has cast some magic on it?
Attribute: After consumption, the stamina consumption while moving and sprinting in the Great World is permanently reduced by 20%.
Hua Yu looked at the cake pattern on the screen.
It seemed to evoke the warmth Tao Yao had poured into it.
Especially after seeing the attributes, she was slightly taken aback.
"Everyone, this item provides many attributes that can enhance the gameplay experience in the Great World."
Hua Yu then firmly said: "However, no matter how many attributes it gives, I will absolutely not use this item. This is a precious gift from Tao Yao, and I want to cherish it; I also suggest everyone keep it safe."
After saying that, she carefully put the cake and the enchanted flower into her backpack.
Meanwhile, the barrage was lively:
"Tao Yao is really great! She gives us gifts in every version!"
"Tao Yao seems incredibly generous!"
At that moment, a barrage caught everyone's attention:
"By the way, Tao Yao is so nice to us, yet we don't even know her birthday…"
This statement seemed to trigger a switch, sparking a series of discussions:
"Indeed, Tao Yao understands us so well, but we don't really know her…"
"There's nothing we can do... Compared to other characters, Tao Yao's storyline is simply too short. She's clearly the first character we encountered, yet she feels like the one with the least story so far…"
"We don't really understand her at all…"
"Yeah! It would be nice to have some storyline supplements later on."
"Damn! Why can't Tao Yao have more screen time? I really want to see her again!!!"
Just as the discussion was getting heated, another barrage drew attention:
"By the way, wasn't Hua Yu going to make a new video about Tao Yao? Why haven't we seen it yet?"
Hua Yu saw this barrage and smiled a little awkwardly, explaining:
"Ah, about that... I had originally planned to make a new video about Tao Yao. However, I've been delayed by some things recently, so it's been postponed."
"And now that the new version has been updated, I thought… after I experience the version content, I'll make the video about Tao Yao, how does that sound?"
She rubbed her slightly reddened eyes and said with a smile:
"Alright, everyone, let's go through the main storyline first."
After finishing, Hua Yu completely focused her attention on the new main storyline of the game.
The main storyline of version 1.3 primarily revolves around the Twin Cities.
…
After the protagonist group experienced the turmoil of the Twin Cities, they began to address some lingering issues.
Among them, the most noteworthy was the storyline of the protagonist Hiyakura.
After leaving the Twin Cities, she worked with her companions to resolve the conflicts between the two cities, bringing hope for reconciliation to the long-divided city.
As the storyline progressed, the game also opened up some new areas of the Twin Cities, allowing players to gain a deeper understanding of this complex city.
In addition, the brand new map "Manju Academy" was officially opened to players.
This magical academy is a massive floating island hovering above Dawnland.
And then, players can explore various unique scenes.
With the unfolding of the main storyline.
The important character, Little White Lotus, who had been hidden behind the scenes, finally appeared in the players' view.
As an important figure in Manju Academy.
Little White Lotus showed great concern and sympathy for the protagonist group's experiences.
Particularly for Hiyakura, Little White Lotus exhibited extraordinary tolerance and understanding.
Even though Hiyakura had gone through uncontrollable experiences and had already been confirmed to be the embodiment of the fairy vessel.
Little White Lotus still chose to unconditionally accept her.
This kind of tolerance and kindness also made players feel a strong affection for Little White Lotus.
…
Hua Yu was deeply immersed in the game, and time quietly passed. After a few hours, she finally completed the main storyline of the new version.
She let out a long breath, rubbed her slightly sore eyes, her face brimming with a satisfied smile.
"Finally finished! Everyone, to be honest, this time's main storyline feels pretty good! Hiyakura gradually calmed down and subdued the raging Abyss Dragon, and resolved the conflicts of the Twin Cities quite well."
Hua Yu gave her evaluation of version 1.3.
The barrage immediately surged like a tide, with everyone expressing their feelings:
"This storyline is truly heartwarming!"
"To be honest, it does feel a bit toned down, but this vibe perfectly suits my taste, I like it!"
"Am I the only one who finds it boring? Damn it! Without Tao Yao's storyline, I feel so bad! What to do? My mind is full of thoughts about Tao Yao…"
Seeing these barrages, Hua Yu spoke up:
"While I want to see Tao Yao too, the other storylines are actually not bad, and everyone shouldn't be too impatient. What if there are indeed details about Tao Yao? Just like I said, I believe Tao Yao will definitely appear later on."
Just then, a barrage caught Hua Yu's attention:
"Isn't there a new mode? Streamer, hurry and try it out!"
Hua Yu replied slightly confused: "New mode? I don't remember anything about that?"
Another barrage explained:
"It seems the new mode is in the side quests. You need to go through a certain storyline to unlock it."
"Right, streamer, hurry and do that side quest!"
Hua Yu suddenly understood: "Oh, I see! Then, let's go check out this side quest now."
She followed the barrage's instructions and found that side quest.
Then, as the quest unfolded, Hua Yu gradually realized.
This seemingly ordinary side quest seemed to contain something extraordinary.
"Everyone, I feel like this quest isn't so simple."
Hua Yu pondered and said:
"Although it's a side quest, it feels connected to the main storyline. And this quest revolves around Hiyakura, so it must have something special."
Just as Hua Yu expected.
The quest quickly guided her to Little White Lotus.
Little White Lotus looked at Hiyakura with a gentle smile and said:
"Little Hiyakura, the academy has recently obtained something that is extremely important for us, and for all humanity. If you're willing, could you help me with an experiment?"
Hiyakura asked somewhat puzzled: "What is it? What kind of experiment do you need me to do?"
Little White Lotus smiled as she took out a shimmering crystal from her pocket and placed it in front of Hiyakura.
This crystal had an irregular shape.
Its surface had complex patterns that refracted colorful light under the illumination.
"What is this?"
Hua Yu couldn't help but ask, and the barrage was filled with the same question.
Little White Lotus gently stroked the crystal and explained:
"This is a wonderful shard, which I've temporarily named 'Memory Crystal.'"
"According to my attempts and speculations, this thing likely… is a memory left by the ancient civilization for future generations. It contains experiences and memories of the ancient civilization battling Disaster Beasts and calamities, an incredibly precious treasure."
"You're not sure yourself, right?"
Hiyakura looked at the seemingly unreliable little loli in front of her, feeling somewhat speechless.
"That's why I want you to try it!"
The Little White Lotus in the picture shot Hiyakura a glare.
Then after pausing for a moment, she continued:
"It is said that if we can find all the shards and piece them together, the past of the ancient civilization will hold no secrets in front of us, and our understanding of fairies might not be limited to the scarce information we currently have."
"Little Hiyakura, if everything goes smoothly, we might be able to find clues related to you."
After hearing this, a hint of surprise and anticipation flashed in Hiyakura's eyes:
"Really? This crystal can really help me understand myself better? Let me know who I am?"
Since the Twin Cities incident.
Hiyakura had been deeply troubled.
She really wanted to understand why Tao Yao helped her back then.
Who exactly is she?
Why is she worth such help from Tao Yao?
And thus, she desperately wanted to know her past.
She knew too little.
So, she wanted to learn more.
Seeing Hiyakura's reaction, Little White Lotus smiled and said:
"You have been chosen as the vessel of the fairy, and there must be some reason behind it. Exploring the relics of the ancient civilization is currently the best method I can think of."
In the game scene, Hiyakura hesitated slightly.
But soon, Hiyakura agreed.
"Okay, I can do it."
Little White Lotus also appeared very happy.
"Yay, let's not delay, let's start now!!"
Little White Lotus smiled as she guided Hiyakura to lie down on a uniquely shaped device.
This device looked like a soft bed.
But it was surrounded by twinkling lights and complex circuits.
Hiyakura nervously lay down, feeling a slight vibration.
Little White Lotus stood next to the device and softly explained:
"Don't be nervous, Little Hiyakura. Next, you will enter a special dream."
"This dream is actually information recorded by the ancient civilization; you can think of it as a virtual reality game. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or want to exit, just silently repeat 'exit' three times."
She paused and continued:
"In the dream, you may encounter some strange events or characters."
"Don't panic, these are all part of the memories. Your mission is to explore this world as much as possible and gather more information."
Hiyakura nodded and took a deep breath: "I understand. I will be careful."
Little White Lotus gently pressed a button on the device.
Immediately, a soft light enveloped Hiyakura's entire body.
Hiyakura felt a wave of dizziness, and soon her consciousness began to blur.
When Hiyakura opened her eyes again, she found herself in a completely unfamiliar world.
It was an expansive plain, with rolling mountains far in the distance.
The sky presented a peculiar light purple hue, and two enormous moons hung in the sky, radiating a soft glow.
Various strange plants bloomed across the plain.
Hiyakura stood up.
She looked around, trying to find something familiar, but everything was so strange.
At that moment, a familiar voice rang in her ear: "Hey, can you hear me?"
Hiyakura breathed a sigh of relief and responded: "Little Principal, I can hear your voice."
"Great, contact established!" Little White Lotus's voice sounded excited but then turned a bit annoyed, "Wait, why do you add 'Little' in front?! I'm a serious Principal!"
Hiyakura couldn't help but laugh:
"Sorry, Principal. This world is really peculiar; what should I do?"
Little White Lotus's voice returned to calmness:
"Alright, let's not dwell on that. Let's focus on the main task. There are some special rules in the Memory Crystal; you need to listen to me. First..."
She suddenly paused, "Huh? Where are my notes? I remember taking notes when I was researching."
Hiyakura patiently waited.
But Little White Lotus's voice became intermittent:
"Uh... wait a minute, let me see..."
"Okay, found it, listen carefully…"
"Beep beep beep…"
Suddenly, accompanied by a burst of static noise, the communication was cut off.
No matter how Hiyakura called, she could no longer hear Little White Lotus's voice.
At that moment, a low growl echoed from afar.
Hiyakura turned alertly, seeing a group of variously shaped Disaster Beasts surround her from all directions.
Next was Hua Yu's control time.
She controlled the character and engaged directly.
The battle lasted for a while.
Finally, the last Disaster Beast fell, transforming into a cloud of black mist and dissipating.
At that moment, several shimmering cards suddenly appeared before Hua Yu.
Each card depicted a different pattern, seemingly representing some special ability or attribute.
Hua Yu saw this scene and hesitantly spoke: "Meat pigeon mode?"
The barrage responded:
"That's right, streamer! This is the new meat pigeon mode!"
"Be careful, streamer, the number of monsters in this mode is super high, almost filling the entire map!"
"I just checked out another stream, and I must say, the impact of this mode is really well done. My review is pure fun!"
"I don't know if it's fun or not, but my computer just exploded…"