Firefly turned off the player forum and sat quietly on the edge of her bed, deep in thought.
She hadn't expected to be featured in the game's promotional video by Starlight, the AI behind Star Trail. That alone confirmed what the World Government had claimed: everything in the game was operated solely by Starlight, and even it couldn't interfere with in-game events.
Still, Firefly was surprised by how much affection she'd received from players.
In any game, the most terrifying force isn't the bosses or NPCs—it's the Fourth Catastrophe Legion: the endless, immortal, ever-growing tide of players.
To be praised by so many of them was no small matter. It meant she could potentially gain their support, protection, and even assistance.
More importantly, Starlight was known to monitor player sentiment closely—especially positive feedback.
So long as she remained a beloved figure in the players' eyes, Starlight likely wouldn't allow her to suffer a premature "game over."
Just as she was pondering this, a system prompt chimed:
Ding! In recognition of your contribution to the Star Trail promotional video, you have gained 1 point of Legend Rank…!
Firefly shot upright.
Legend Rank!
Among all player attributes, Legend Rank was the most coveted.
Its effects were profound: it influenced reputation and standing within the game world, especially among NPCs. With high Legend Rank, transactions and interactions became smoother, and powerful factions might even seek you out.
That meant protection, rare materials, exclusive skills, and more.
But that wasn't the only reason Firefly was thrilled.
Legend Rank also determined your starting identity in dungeon mission worlds.
While most players entered dungeons as refugees, beggars, or cannon fodder, those with Legend Rank could begin as minor nobles, officers, or influential figures.
That difference was game-changing.
With status came access—NPCs would offer information, resources, and quest support that others could only dream of.
Firefly smiled.
She hadn't expected such benefits just from appearing in a video.
Clearly, she needed to aim for more screen time in future promos—even a cameo would help.
Suddenly, she remembered the main antagonist of the closed beta's first version: Evil Duke Cadis and his undead legion.
She'd definitely be joining that fight.
But her strength needed to catch up—Cadis was a Level 40 boss, and Firefly was nowhere near ready.
Determined, she headed downstairs, pausing only to glance at Xiya, the fox-girl, peacefully asleep on the bed.
On the inn's first floor, she ignored the front desk clerk's fawning smile and stepped into the bustling commercial street.
Shouts echoed from every direction:
"Second-hand weapons from Yunlong Trading Company—affordable prices, first come, first served!"
"Snow Spirit Stones from the depths of the Snow Mountain Range—rare materials, name your price!"
The street was packed with vendors, though half were scammers. Only items from reputable factions or renowned Mechanics were trustworthy.
For example, Yunlong Trading Company's weapons bore their insignia—guaranteed quality, but steep prices.
Firefly ignored the noise and entered a modest materials shop.
The components for the Mechanical Power Arm weren't rare—the blueprint was the real treasure. With it, she could craft multiple units for personal use or sale.
She spent 20 gold coins to purchase titanium alloy, fusion batteries, and other required materials.
Back at the inn, she laid everything out and activated the blueprint.
Ding! You have used the Mechanical Power Arm blueprint. You have acquired the manufacturing method.
You have learned Mechanical Manufacturing (Common Grade).
Ding! Under your exclusive skill, Mechanical Affinity, Mechanical Manufacturing (Common Grade) has transformed into Mechanical Manufacturing (Exquisite Grade)!
Firefly blinked.
She examined the new skill:
Mechanical Manufacturing (Common Grade):
Understands basic mechanical principles. Can create simple constructs. Low success rate.
Mechanical Manufacturing (Exquisite Grade):
Understands most mechanical principles. Recognizes a wide range of materials and components. Can create advanced constructs. Moderate success rate.
In her previous life, even top-tier Mechanics rarely had this skill above Junk Grade. Only a handful reached Common Grade, and their crafting relied heavily on luck—wasting materials and money.
But Firefly had just acquired Exquisite Grade.
The difference was staggering.
She began assembling the arm, her hands moving with practiced precision. A progress bar appeared on her panel.
When it filled, a sleek silver-white armguard materialized on the table.
Ding! Congratulations, the Mechanical Power Arm has been successfully manufactured.
Ding! Under your exclusive skill, Mechanical Affinity, the Mechanical Power Arm (Exquisite Grade) has transformed into Mechanical Power Arm (Excellent Grade)!
Firefly wiped the sweat from her brow.
She picked up the armguard—and its attributes left her stunned.