The people's reactions were as I expected: screams, whining, and individuals refusing to accept what was happening.
Many were desperately trying to find a way out of the game, while others were panicking and breaking into tears. A few players left the "Respawn" area in search of a quieter place to process the situation or to read the mysterious manual provided by GM Logan.
I was one of those players who moved away from the chaos. I found a quieter spot behind some barracks and sat down. With trembling hands, I took the manual out of my inventory.
The manual materialized in my hands. It wasn't an extensive book but more like a magazine with just a couple of pages. Despite its brevity, its content might provide some answers and, hopefully, help calm my anxiety-ridden body.
Without much thought, I started flipping through the magazine in search of any information that could help me get started in the game.
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Welcome to the beginner's manual for starting in Galactic Conquest.
This manual will help you take your first steps into the vast universe of Galactic Conquest. If you're a level 1 novice player without any credits or a ship but eager to join the ranks of the Galactic Federation and confront the fearsome Yoters, you're in the right place.
This manual contains essential information to kickstart your exciting journey and provides you with the necessary steps to obtain your first ship and crew, as well as how to find missions and progress in the game. Keep reading to uncover the secrets of Galactic Conquest.
Number 1: How to join the ranks of the Galactic Federation?
To join the Galactic Federation, you need to head to their offices located at the center of the main Earth base. You won't miss it; it's an imposing skyscraper in the heart of the base.
Once you arrive at the offices, you'll find large screens at the reception where you can register. After completing your registration, you will be transported to a brief course that will teach you how the Federation's army system works. This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge to navigate your new role as a member of the Galactic Federation.
Number 2: How to obtain your ship and command troops?
After successfully completing your brief course on how to operate within the Galactic Federation, you will undergo additional training on how to command your ship and lead your troops. During these courses, you will learn to lead your forces in both space battles and ground combat.
Once you've completed this training stage, you will be teleported to the large space station orbiting Earth. At this station, you will be provided with your first corvette-type ship along with its crew and troops. This is where your exciting journey to command your own ship and battle the Yoters begins.
Number 3: How to complete missions and earn credits?
Once you've completed the course and acquired your ship, you will take on the responsibility of maintaining it, which includes managing supplies and ammunition for your troops, paying your crew, and yes, even paying taxes, as taxes exist in this game.
Earning credits is relatively straightforward, as the Galactic Federation will provide you with missions in exchange for a generous payment.
You can also choose to undertake missions for other players or seek opportunities in cities and space stations. However, keep in mind that some missions may be high-risk and expose you to attacks, or they may take place in Yoter-controlled territory, where you won't be under the protection of the Federation. The choice is yours, but always remember the safety of your crew and your ship.
These are just the primary options for earning credits in Galactic Conquest, but in this game, there are many other ways to make money without necessarily risking your life. As you progress in the game, you'll discover more opportunities for generating income safely and creatively. Explore, experiment, and take advantage of all the possibilities that this galaxy offers you.
Remember that the safety of your crew and the maintenance of your ship are priorities, so manage your resources wisely and choose missions that match your abilities and risk level.
Number 4: Planetary Siege (The Most Complicated Task)
Planetary siege is one of the most significant but also the most complicated tasks of all. As the name suggests, you can attempt to siege a planet, either solo or with other players. However, keep in mind that it is highly dangerous if you try it on your own, especially if you are at a low level.
Planetary sieges can last for days or even weeks, depending on how the player manages their troops and strategies. After taking control and ousting the enemies, the Federation will reward you generously, and the planet itself will provide you with a reward.
It's essential to note that after conquering a planet, Yoters will continue to appear, but in small areas of the planet, so that players can face them and level up without too much risk.
Remember that planetary siege is a risky and complicated feat, so make sure you are well-prepared and in a solid group if you decide to attempt it. The reward can be significant, but so is the risk.
End of the Manual: Welcome to Galactic Conquest!
That concludes this guide to getting started in this exciting game. Good luck, player! I hope your journey is filled with thrilling adventures, that you forge new friendships, build a formidable army, and, above all, stay alive!
Enjoy every moment in this fascinating universe, and remember that in Galactic Conquest, the possibilities are endless!
See you later!
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The manual was surprisingly brief, more like a two-minute tutorial on how to get started before setting you free.
No matter, I knew what to do at least, and I quickly joined the Federation. I stored the manual in my inventory and got to my feet. It was better to act at that moment than to lament like the other players. The time had come to move forward.
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I was still terribly terrified, engulfed in fear, but if I hoped to get out of here, I had to progress in the game. At least, I wouldn't have to go through those annoying tutorials like "Look up, look down" or the typical "Doing this gesture or pressing this key will allow you to pick up a weapon."
I took a deep breath before taking the first step. The situation overwhelmed me in biblical proportions, but I had no other choice. I wanted to live, I needed to get out of this game. It was an overwhelming experience, but I had to keep moving.
Women, men, and children were crying desperately, while others simply stood still, as if they were trapped in an endless nightmare. I understood them perfectly; I would be in a state of shock too if I didn't have a strong will.
Being trapped in a video game was an extremely difficult experience to come to terms with. I wondered how the hell Kirito had managed to endure all of this and defeat the final boss. It was a thought that crossed my mind as I watched the distress around me.
Each step became an agony, as if time were slowing down as I moved, trapped in a whirlwind of overwhelming thoughts and emotions. At that moment, all I wanted was a comforting drink or a slice of cake to drown my sorrows.
I cursed my trust in Logan, I wondered why the hell I had decided to buy this game. Regrets and doubts tormented me as I continued forward.
Finally, after a long and tortuous journey, I arrived at the imposing skyscraper that, under normal circumstances, would have been an architectural marvel worthy of admiration. However, in my current state, this steel and glass colossus meant nothing to me. I had no reason to stop and admire this structure when my sole purpose was to progress in the game and survive.
The entrance opened automatically, revealing an elegant reception area decorated in white tones. The walls were adorned with screens broadcasting news and advertisements, while holographic ads invited people to join the Federation. It was a modern and flashy environment, although in my current mood, I couldn't afford to be distracted for too long by the aesthetics of the place.
On one of the walls, a bright hologram with the word "Recruitment" and an indicating arrow caught my attention. Following the direction of the arrow, I found a set of more than twenty screens, of which only three were currently in use. It seemed that most people weren't ready to take the plunge yet, or perhaps they were still in shock from the situation. I understood their fears and doubts, but I couldn't afford to lag behind.
Without wasting any time, I approached one of the screens and activated it. Within seconds, text appeared on the screen, ready to begin my recruitment process.
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Welcome to the Galactic Federation, future soldier!
Currently, the Federation is open for enlistment due to the emergency humanity is facing against the race known as the Yoters.
The Federation is looking for brave, loyal individuals willing to give their all for humanity.
If you believe you possess all these qualities, please press the 'Next' button...
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Enlist in the ranks of the Galactic Federation
Thank you for your decision to join the Galactic Federation. Below, you will find a brief registration form. Please complete the following fields with accurate and truthful information to process your application.
Full Name: Arnet Lowhelm
Date of Birth: March 23, 2005
Gender: Male
Nationality: ******
Previous experience in military simulation games (if applicable): Arma 3, Arma Reforge, Squad, Hell Let Loose, Command And Conquer, Operation Flashpoint.
Once you have filled out these fields, press the 'Submit' button to complete your registration and become a soldier of the Federation.
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Welcome, soldier.
Thank you, Arnet Lowhelm.
You have taken the first step to join the Galactic Federation and fight in defense of humanity.
Soon, you will be transported inside the base to begin your training and prepare for the missions that await you. Good luck on your journey, soldier!
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I stopped touching the screen, and it restarted. I took a step back, and then a bright light began to gradually envelop me. It was as if I was being absorbed by a swirling vortex of blinding light, and for a few seconds, all I could perceive was intense brightness.
Then, in the blink of an eye, the light disappeared abruptly, and I found myself in a new place.
The sensation of being dematerialized and transported was disconcerting, even though I knew it was just a game. It was as if the world faded around you and threw you into a completely different place. I took a deep breath, trying to get used to this strange feeling.
When the light had completely faded, I found myself in a room that vaguely resembled a university classroom, but with a futuristic touch. The spacious desks were equipped with virtual reality goggles, ready to be used by new recruits. In the center of the room, a large screen projected images and relevant information, while in one of the corners, a flashy Federation hologram flickered with advertising.
As I observed the rest of the room, I noticed there were about ten players, a mix of men and women. Their faces reflected a blend of confusion, fear, and desperation, feelings we all shared at that moment. It was evident that we were all caught up in a similar internal conflict.
"We're in a pretty messed up situation, but we're not going to stay here doing nothing," seemed to be the thought that united us all at that moment. We knew we had to take action to face the challenge ahead, even if we had no idea what the future held.
Some of the players present gave me sidelong glances, their looks conveying a mix of curiosity and distrust, but they quickly turned their attention to the front of the room as if they were waiting expectantly for something.
Perhaps they were awaiting the arrival of a teacher or some tutorial popup that would provide us with information on what to do next. The classroom was in tense silence.
I moved with determination and took a seat next to one of the players who, like me, preferred to remain silent. It didn't seem like the right time to socialize, and everyone in the room was clearly affected by the situation we found ourselves in.
The classroom remained in an uncomfortable silence, and the air was filled with tension and anxiety. I looked around and noticed that the gazes of the other players were directed towards the front of the room, eagerly awaiting some signal of what would happen next.
Time continued its slow and unchanging march, and it felt like a long 10 minutes had passed since we entered the virtual classroom. The sense of tension and anxiety lingered in the air, and I wasn't the only one beginning to grow impatient. No one else had joined us in that time, and the idea that we might be the only 11 players willing to face this deadly game was starting to haunt my thoughts.
I wondered if there would be more players willing to join this adventure, or if most people were simply refusing to participate in this game of death.
As I got lost in my thoughts, I realized how absurd the situation was. How on earth was I going to explain this to the military? What would happen with my life insurance? The likelihood of there being more military personnel trapped in this game must be extremely low, perhaps one in a million. I might even be the only soldier in the entire game.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. At this moment, worrying about my previous job or my life insurance seemed like foolishness. The most important thing was to survive and try to find a way out of this deadly game.
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the classroom door swung open, and all eyes, including mine, turned in that direction. The classroom, which had been silent until now, was finally filled with anticipation as we waited to see who or what had arrived.
The man who entered the virtual classroom looked impeccable: gleaming boots, a uniform without a single wrinkle or crease, a pistol holster on his right leg, and shiny medals on his chest. His head was completely shaved, and his imposing presence filled the classroom. He was clearly a character from the game, an NPC, as there was no name above him, nor a visible HP bar.
Instructor Nolan's voice echoed in the virtual classroom, and his initial remark sent a shiver down my spine. His tone was dark and threatening, which further heightened the tension in the room. No one dared to respond to his words.
"I am Instructor Nolan," he continued loudly, his imposing presence filling the space. "And I will be in charge of turning your useless butts into butts that can fight and die for humanity."