Started as a comics editor

Chapter 328 Meal Replacement
Avalon's actions at the end of the Summer Game Festival were indeed unexpected.

And the promotional video is indeed good.

It's just a little too good.

The screen light shone on Zhang Da's face. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, wanting to write something, but he couldn't type a single word. His mind was filled with the cold glint of swords drawn in "Rurouni" and the dazzling halo of magical explosions on the battlefield in "League of Legends".

He abruptly closed the document, then scratched his head in frustration and sighed deeply.

"Damn it, what's the point of just showing it to people!"

Zhang Da had originally decided to take a few days off, stay away from reviews and Avalon, but those two damned promotional videos shattered the defenses he had just built up.

He really wants to play games right now.

I really want to play!
He never felt this way when other major works were announced! Never before had he felt this way, as if a million ants were crawling inside his heart...

He even wished he could travel through time!

The main reason is that... Avalon's previous three small-scale, high-quality games had very different themes.

But each one is very well made.

Their ability to handle themes and gameplay seems limitless.

This made Zhang Da subconsciously feel that even if Avalon suddenly made action games, even if the gameplay was completely incomprehensible.

That would definitely be amazing!

With this in mind, his first thought wasn't to speculate about the gameplay, the final quality of the game, or to think about the trailer being misleading; instead, he just wanted to play the game as soon as possible!

Moreover, Avalon has been announcing games too frequently lately, often before players have even had a chance to react.

Their new games have already been announced for release, such as Rusty Lake.

This further intensified Zhang Da's desire to play... because it really gave him the illusion that he would be able to play the two new games that Avalon had announced very soon!
But the reality is... not so fast; Avalon has only released a concept trailer.

The mismatch between expectations and reality.

The promotional video looks cool and fun, but you can't actually play it.

This made him feel like he was being scratched by a cat.

"Avalon...you are truly despicable!"

Zhang Da watched the promotional video again, then muttered a curse under his breath, and as if in a fit of pique, he gripped the mouse, moved the cursor, and slammed it into the Rusty Lake icon in the AG platform's library.

no way.

He can only play Avalon's 'old games' to satisfy his cravings for now.

Because at this moment, suddenly asking Zhang Da to find a game that can rival the anticipation level of "Rurouni" or LOL to play... would be simply putting him in a difficult position.

He browsed through his game library. Those masterpieces that once kept him engrossed in games now seemed utterly boring. The only game he could think of that could slightly alleviate his craving for games was Avalon's newly released Rusty Lake... After all, he had already thoroughly played Plants vs. Zombies and To the Moon.

This goes without saying for even earlier games.

Although Rusty Lake may not be comparable to the two newly announced games in terms of specifications, it is still made by Avalon, so there should be no concern about its quality.

Who knows, you might get so engrossed in playing that you'll temporarily forget about those two promotional videos...

With these high hopes in mind, Zhang Da opened the game.

Ok.

A super low-cost meal replacement.

As for his rest plan, Zhang Da decided to either rack his brains over the trailers to think about the new game until he went crazy, or find a substitute game to play and get engrossed in it, and maybe even discover some hidden production concepts or world-building easter eggs in the new Avalon game... Without hesitation, Zhang Da chose the latter.

Writing another review wouldn't be a big problem...

and many more.

Looking at the already opened "Rusty Lake" on the screen, Zhang Da suddenly thought of a possibility: Could Avalon be doing this on purpose?
Just as Rusty Lake was being released, two such explosive and tantalizing concept trailers for a new game were suddenly released... The timing is too peculiar! Could this be a ploy to capitalize on players' boundless imagination and unfulfilled anticipation for a new title, thus driving traffic to the newly released Rusty Lake? Is the intention to entice eager players to buy Rusty Lake simply to satisfy their cravings, to support Avalon, and to experience the Avalon experience?
Zhang Damo stroked his chin, feeling that it was indeed possible.

However, his thoughts were quickly pulled back by the game screen that was unfolding before him.

The world of Rusty Lake, with its unique hand-drawn texture and cold color scheme, unfolds slowly, accompanied by low and eerie background sound effects.

Although at the beginning.

Zhang Da's thoughts were like a wild horse, leaping wildly between the eerie rooms of Rusty Lake, the reed marshes of Vagabond, and Runeterra of League of Legends.

He was even playing absentmindedly, his fingers mechanically operating the machine, while most of his brain cells were still excitedly racing for those two unattainable new works.

However, Avalon's games, especially Rusty Lake, which excels in atmosphere and puzzle depth, possess a powerful, immersive magic.

It won't grab your attention instantly like a high-end game, but it will gradually draw you into its world like a spider web that tightens, with its exquisite details, inexplicable yet interconnected logic, and pervasive sense of unease.

As the time goes.

Zhang Da's actions gradually became more focused and purposeful.

Clearly, he began to be captivated by the unique charm of Rusty Lake itself.

Without realizing it, he began to lean forward, his eyes fixed on the screen, afraid of missing any clue.

Although the two dazzling promotional videos still shone brightly in his memory, the restlessness they brought had been temporarily suppressed by the vortex of Rusty Lake's coldness, mystery, and challenging puzzles.

He began to immerse himself, to become captivated, and to fall into another world woven by Avalon—a world that was equally wonderful, only with a completely different style.

Finally, there's no longer a million ants crawling inside my heart...

And at the same time.

Actually, it wasn't just Zhang Da.

The same anxiety and longing spread throughout the player community.

At least most domestic players share Zhang Da's thoughts!

Because they also witnessed Avalon's questionable actions during this period.

The ideas are certainly similar.

So the storm stirred up by Avalon's two concept trailers did not subside in the player community as time went on; instead, it intensified and even slowly turned into a cyber hysteria.

Forums, online communities, game chat groups... everywhere players gather, there's a frenzy of analysis and boundless imagination about "Rogue" and "League of Legends".

Players seemed to transform into the most professional detectives, meticulously analyzing each frame of the short trailer.

But the more we discuss it, the more excited we get, and the more agonizing it becomes!

The direct consequence of this big speculation is that players' expectations have been raised to an unprecedented level, and their eagerness has reached its peak.

Every new analysis post, every slow-motion detail of the footage, and every heated debate about the possibilities of gameplay is like pouring hot oil on dry tinder, making the flames of desire burn even more fiercely.

"Please! Avalon! Give us some new information! Even just a screenshot or a gameplay guide would be great!"

"Watching the trailer once increases my desire to play by 10000! Then realizing I still can't play it, my frustration increases by 100000!"

"Guys, I'm going crazy! Now I want to click on any samurai sword or magic circle I see!"

While many players were eagerly awaiting Avalon's new title, an interesting phenomenon quietly occurred. On the AG platform's real-time sales chart, a game was climbing at an astonishing speed—Rusty Lake.

"Aaaaa! I can see Avalon and play LOL but I can't get my hands on them, it's driving me crazy! I have to find something from Avalon to play and satisfy my craving!"

"I'm tired of Plants, and I've cried my eyes out with To the Moon... Wait, what's that Rusty Lake that just came out? It's also an Avalon game? A mystery? I'll buy it! Just to support Avalon and ease the anxiety of waiting for a great game!"

"Although Rusty Lake is completely different in style, it's still an Avalon product! Just consider it a super low-end meal replacement! And I heard it's of very high quality?"

"Honestly, I finished Rusty Lake. The atmosphere and puzzles were amazing! I've temporarily forgotten about those two big pie-in-the-sky games. But after finishing it and checking the forums... oh wow, my desire to play Rurouni has been rekindled!"

The players' irresistible urge to spend and their craving for something more, aroused by the two top-notch trailers, ultimately flowed like a torrent into the newly released Rusty Lake...

Players, trusting that anything from Avalon was guaranteed to be high-quality and eager to relieve their anxiety while waiting, clicked the buy button one after another.

As a result, the sales curve of Rusty Lake soared up sharply shortly after the release of Rurouni and the League of Legends trailer, like a rocket, with its rate of increase far exceeding everyone's most optimistic expectations.

It quickly overtook previous popular works, strongly climbed to the third place on the AG platform's real-time sales chart, and its popularity continues unabated.

The comments section was bustling with activity, filled with a large number of new players who had been drawn in by the trailer.

"I got curious after watching the Rurouni trailer, then got recommended it, and ended up being hooked on Rusty Lake! This game is addictive!"

"Avalon is amazing! They can make such a deep game even with a small scale! Now I'm even more looking forward to their AAA titles."

"The puzzle logic is hilarious! There are no hints, but the clues are all interconnected. The moment you solve it, you'll be laughing and crying at the same time! But the style is really different from ordinary puzzle games. It's so interesting. Playing this can really make you forget about those two pancakes for a while... well, for a while."

"Using Rusty Lake to relieve the anxiety of waiting for Rugby and League of Legends, it works for me! But after playing it, I'm even more anxious because I really want to know when Avalon will finally serve up the main course!"

"..."

This dramatic surge in sales became the most direct and also the most laughable result of Avalon's grand finale strategy.

of course.

This has become the most infuriating thing for their peers...

No.

This works?!
……

Rusty Lake, the second day of its release.

night.

Avalon.

Inside the office.

Tang Yao's long, shapely legs were curled up, one hand casually wrapped around her knee, the other hand holding the mouse. She nestled in her office chair, looking at the screen with exceptional pleasure.

On the computer screen, the sales curve for "Rusty Lake" was soaring straight up like it was on drugs, and it was about to reach number one on the real-time sales chart of the AG platform next to it.

This was truly unexpected.

Tuk Tuk.

A knock suddenly sounded, neither too loud nor too soft, carrying Li Xue's characteristic restraint.

Then the door was gently pushed open, and Li Xue appeared in the doorway carrying a large stack of documents.

Today, she wore a well-tailored off-white suit that perfectly accentuated her shapely figure. Her long, flowing hair was pulled back, revealing her graceful swan neck and delicate earrings, making her appear both capable and gentle.

She wasn't surprised to see Tang Yao acting so unseriously.

Tang Yao does this when she's happy.

It's probably because they know that only Li Xue will come at this time.

So she was exceptionally relaxed.

"What are you looking at? Why are you so happy?"

Li Xue's voice was gentle and soft, like a breeze brushing against a window screen.

She approached, carrying the documents, her high heels clicking softly on the floor.

"An unexpected surprise has indeed arrived."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yao looked up and, upon seeing Li Xue, immediately reached out and pulled her to her side.

Li Xue bent down slightly following her momentum, her gaze lingering for a moment on the graceful lines of her long legs and delicate, snow-white ankles. She pursed her glossy red lips, then regained her usual composure and looked at the screen.

When I saw the comments from players on the screen, and the soaring sales curve of Rusty Lake...

She smiled gently and said softly, "I was just about to tell you that the two promotional videos have also received a very good response overseas. The atmosphere and concept of 'Rurouni' are particularly popular and have generated a lot of discussion among core gamers. They feel that the realistic and cold samurai style really resonates with them."

"As for the world view and hero settings of LOL, needless to say."

"As expected."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yao smiled sweetly, loosened her arms from hugging her knees, and prepared to stretch her legs slightly, saying, "Good things transcend geographical boundaries..."

But halfway through.

Her pretty face froze, and she gasped sharply. Her relaxed, curled-up posture turned into one of utter tension, as if she dared not move.

I had been in one position for too long, which affected my blood circulation. Now, my leg, which was only halfway out, felt like it was being pierced by countless tiny needles from the thigh to the slender ankle. It was numb, painful, and the soreness rushed straight to my head.

Li Xue immediately noticed her unusual behavior: "What's wrong?"

"My legs... my legs are numb..."

Tang Yao frowned, biting her lower lip, wanting to move but not daring to. Her small, delicate foot trembled slightly, and her snow-white ankle gleamed under the office lights.

then.

Before Li Xue could react, she suddenly pulled her in front of her, half of her body touching Li Xue's flat stomach, and abruptly lowered her legs, sending a tingling, numbing sensation straight to the top of her head.

Tang Yao grimaced in discomfort.

Li Xue looked at Tang Yao, who was clutching her clothes, her face contorted in discomfort from numb legs, and who was practically half-lying in her arms. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

She raised her hand, her slender, fair fingers naturally running through Tang Yao's soft hair, gently soothing her. Her warm fingertips carried a hint of coolness: "If you want to rest, go sit on the sofa."

"..."

Tang Yao wrinkled her delicate nose, hummed and mumbled without saying a word, letting Li Xue's hand gently comb through her hair.

The tingling, numbing sensation that shot straight to the top of one's head seemed to finally begin to recede slowly under the support of Li Xue's warm embrace.

She carefully tried to move her stiff toes. Her snow-white ankles tensed and relaxed slightly under the light. The pricking pain was gradually replaced by a tingling sensation, which eventually turned into a strange warm current that spread along the nerves in her legs.

Tang Yao finally calmed down and, without rushing to get up, casually replied, "I just didn't expect..."

Because she was still lying face down, her voice was muffled, and her warm breath soothed Li Xue's skin through the thin fabric.

A blush crept onto Li Xuerou's beautiful face as she felt the soft touch of Tang Yao's hair. Suddenly, she asked softly, "Shall I rub it for you?"

"Miss Li...you really can't lie."

(End of this chapter)