"Old Leaf! Ah! Old Leaf! I'm so sorry, Old Leaf! (Eggplant crying horse.jpg)"
Dylan expressed his deep guilt toward Leaf in the group chat as soon as he logged off.
"It's not a big deal. You're making it seem like I died... Well, I did die, but it's not like I can't respawn."
Leaf was very forgiving and didn't blame Dylan. He knew that even if he hadn't climbed the tree, he wouldn't have gotten far.
"Either way, thank you. If you hadn't lured the Ursaring away, none of us would have escaped."
After thanking Leaf, Ethan Carter continued typing:
"Did you feel any pain when you died? How severe is the death penalty?"
"No pain. The screen just went black, and then I was logged off. I barely even processed it."
"The penalty isn't too bad. It didn't deduct level EXP, probably because I'm still Level 0 and have nothing to lose? The respawn time is one day, and if you die multiple times in a short period, the respawn time increases."
"You also lose some Pokédollars when respawning. Pokédollars are the in-game currency you get from completing quests. Like the respawn time, frequent deaths will make you lose more money."
Leaf shared all the information he knew.
"But we haven't completed a single quest yet. How did you respawn without Pokédollars?"
"I owe them. They'll deduct it from future rewards."
After reading Leaf's messages, Ethan thought for a moment before typing in the group:
"This game's death penalty system is a bit weird."
Dylan immediately knew Ethan was about to go on a long rant.
"Got my chair and snacks ready. Begin your performance~"
"...Let me put it simply. In most games, death penalties serve a purpose. Take old arcade games, for example. Making players die means more coins for the machine."
"Or look at old MMOs. Dying made players lose levels and gear, forcing them to grind more and spend more time and money in the game."
"That's why many game companies design siege events or even hire plants to stir up PvP. The goal is to increase player deaths and squeeze more profit."
"But this game's penalty system is strange. It doesn't try to extend playtime—otherwise, the respawn wouldn't be a full day. And it doesn't try to profit from players, since respawning only costs in-game currency."
"It feels like the system just wants players to avoid dying, without any real benefit to the game itself."
Ethan voiced his confusion. He couldn't figure out why the penalty was designed this way.
"Honestly, you're overthinking it. Who cares why they set it up like this? As long as it doesn't ruin the fun, it's fine."
Ethan was about to argue but then realized Dylan had a point.
He was just a player. Why was he worrying about game design?
Maybe the impact of VR gaming was too overwhelming, making him overanalyze everything.
Ethan reflected on himself. He needed to stop evaluating the game like a critic and just enjoy it as a player.
"You're right. I overcomplicated it. Old habits. Anyway, let's try not to die. Early-game time is precious."
"Got it. If things get dangerous, just outrun Dylan~"
"Nice joke. With those short legs of yours, you think you can outrun me?"
"Then I'll just have my Spinarak tie you up with String Shot~"
"Damn! So cruel! Just because I don't have a Pokémon yet!"
The group chat devolved into chaos.
When the players logged in the next day, Leaf was nowhere to be seen.
"Looks like the respawn really is a full day. Leaf won't be back until noon."
"What should we do now? Keep doing daily quests?"
As the players debated, a servant arrived with a message:
"The lord says he's going to hunt the Ursaring today. Those who want to join him, gather at the gate. Those who don't can stay and take quests at the mission board."
The players exchanged glances and immediately made their decision.
"Of course we're going. We haven't seen real Pokémon battles yet."
"Quests can wait. A chance to watch a fight like this is rare."
"I'll avenge Leaf!"
All four players headed to the gate and followed Leon into Glowfern Forest.
Soon, they reached yesterday's logging site.
The area was a mess, with deep claw marks covering the trees.
"That Ursaring has a nasty temper. Do you think our lord can beat it?"
Dylan whispered.
"Of course he can. Have you ever seen a game where the protagonist loses to the starter boss? Just treat this as a cutscene."
"True. Too bad we don't have snacks. Watching dry is kinda boring."
"I've got popcorn and soda. Want some?"
"Really? Hand it over!"
"Idiot! Can't you take a joke? This isn't a movie!"
Ethan rolled his eyes so hard they nearly got stuck.
Leon had no idea the players had full confidence in him. Truthfully, he wasn't entirely sure he could win either.
But there was no turning back now. Leon pulled out a jar of Honey, opened the lid, and let the sweet scent drift through the air.
Soon, the ground trembled as an enraged roar echoed from the forest.
"ROAR!!"
The Ursaring emerged, its eyes locked greedily on the Honey. With another roar, it charged at Leon.
Leon stayed calm. He threw a Sticky Glob, hitting the Ursaring and slowing its movement.
Then, he released his three Pokémon.
"Scyther, use Leer, then Focus Energy!"
"Aron, use Harden, then Rock Tomb!"
"Bounsweet, use Play Nice, then prepare Grassy Terrain!"
Leon issued rapid commands, taking advantage of the Ursaring's slowed state to weaken it while buffing his own team.
The combo of debuffs lowered the Ursaring's Attack, Defense, and Speed.
"ROAR!!"
The Ursaring sensed its weakened state and furiously tore at the sticky substance binding it.
Leon didn't give it a chance.
"Scyther, use Slash!"
Scyther stopped charging Focus Energy and dashed forward, its scythe-like arms slashing down hard.
The Ursaring tried to block, but the Sticky Glob hindered its movement. The Slash struck a critical hit.
"ROAR!"
The Ursaring howled in pain.
"Follow up with Fury Cutter! Aron, use Headbutt!"
Leon pressed the attack.
"Kora!"
Aron gathered energy in its head and rammed into the Ursaring.
Already off-balance from the Sticky Glob and Scyther's attacks, the Ursaring toppled onto its back.
"Finish it! Scyther, Fury Cutter!"
Fury Cutter's power increased with consecutive hits. After two strikes, the third was devastating.
"Groan..."
With a final whimper, the Ursaring collapsed, motionless.
"Did we... win? Damn, the lord's strong!"
"That combo was insane. Pokémon battles are intense!"
"I wanna command Pokémon in battles too!!"
The players buzzed with excitement, their hunger for battles ignited.
"Is it over?"
Leon almost relaxed—until he noticed Scyther still tense, staring at the fallen Ursaring.
"Wait—"
Before Leon could react, the Ursaring suddenly stood up, eyes bloodshot, roaring furiously.
"ROAR! ROAR!!"
"Tch. This fight's far from over."
(End of Chapter)