The Shelter Game: Me, Starting with a Tenfold Drop Rate

The golden light filling the sky was absorbed into every player of the Other World. They all saw the interface of this basic information bar.

Clearly displayed were the identity, profession, and equipment information of each player. The most eye-catching, however, was the player level.

Just as everyone was baffled, the system notification sounded again.

[To prepare for the upcoming apocalyptic world, the Other World will undergo three rounds of catastrophes to test each player. Two rounds have been completed, and game slots will now be issued in large quantities.]

[The third catastrophe will take place before the Dark Sovereign descends on the Blue Star, and its difficulty will far exceed the first two. Please prepare in advance.]

[The Level Growth System is now officially activated.]

[Levels 1-10, Title: Beginner Stage.]

[Levels 11-20, Title: Trainee Hero.]

[Levels 21-30, Title: Junior Adventurer.]

[…]

[Different titles correspond to different stages, and players can display them freely. After each stage advancement, attributes like strength, agility, spirit, etc. will receive significant improvements. (Killing exotic beasts is the most direct way to level up) ]

Many players in the game were curious and somewhat surprised when they saw this level growth mechanism. However, those who had played online games before quickly adapted.

Especially Irving, his greatest hobby in his past life was playing online games. However, he had less and less contact with them after getting married to make money and support his family.

He wasn't too surprised about this growth level, after all, he already knew through the[Evil Source Wand]that different exotic beasts were also divided into different levels and low, mid, and high ranks.

"Irving." At this point, Vicky came out from the shelter. She looked much better than before, "Irving, did you receive the system's notification just now? It shows my profession as a healing mage, level 4."

"I'm an ice mage, level 6." Sophia said.

Sophia had only joined the shelter for two days, but Irving's formidable ability had completely won her over. She increasingly felt that her decision was right.

"What about you?" Sophia looked at Irving, curious about his level.

"Yeah, Irving, you're so strong. You must be higher level than us. What level are you?" Vicky asked expectantly.

Both their eyes fell on Irving.

Vicky, as a healing mage, had slow level growth. The main reason she had reached level 4 was because of the consecutive two rounds of catastrophes. She had killed quite a few exotic beasts with Irving and in turn, gained experience from killing them.

As for Sophia, as an ice mage, her strength was not weak, so reaching level 7 was quite normal.

Seeing Irving remain silent, Vicky seemed to understand something and said with a smile, "Irving, you wouldn't be trying to subtly hide your strength again, would you? I know you're always low-key. Let me guess." She hesitated for a moment, "You're definitely stronger than Sophia, at least level 9, or even level 10."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a wry smile appeared on Irving's face, and he shook his head.

"What? Not level 9 or 10..." Vicky and Sophia exchanged glances, both seeing deep shock reflected in each other's eyes.

"Irving, you haven't already surpassed the beginner stage and become a Trainee Hero, have you?" Vicky asked, astonished.

Each stage consisted of ten levels. Reaching level 11 or higher would advance a player to Trainee Hero status, resulting in a significant boost to all attributes.

Most players in the game were still stuck in the beginner stage.

Vicky's speculation wasn't unfounded. Irving's power far exceeded Sophia's, which implied he should logically be higher than her.

"Alright, stop guessing," Irving said. "Both of you are higher leveled than I am. I'm only level 3."

Level 3?!

The air seemed to freeze at that moment. Vicky and Sophia stood dumbfounded, unable to process what they had just heard, even suspecting they might have misheard.

"How is that possible?" Vicky said, unwilling to accept it. "There must be a system error. With your strength, Irving, how could you only be level 3? I don't believe it!"

Even if Irving had said he had reached Trainee Hero stage, or was level 12 or 13, they would have believed him. After all, this man had repeatedly shattered their expectations.

"Are you trying to deceive us again?" Sophia asked, her eyes complicated.

Irving didn't continue to respond. In truth, he felt a wave of frustration. Through the two consecutive catastrophic events, he had no idea how many exotic beasts he had killed. Even Vicky, a healing mage, had leveled up to 4 just by assisting him. And yet?

His level was still lower than Vicky's...

"Could it really be a system error?" Irving wondered internally, but quickly dismissed the idea. "If the Blue Star's will can create the Other World game, it absolutely wouldn't make such a basic mistake."

This meant that Irving was indeed a paltry level 3, comparable to the lowest-tier players who could only survive by clinging to stronger guilds.

"Alright, that's enough for today. I'm a bit tired and logging out now." Irving said, unwilling to discuss the matter further.

Since entering the Other World game early that morning, he hadn't had a sip of water or a bite to eat, and he was now utterly famished.

The second catastrophic event had ended, and players could exit the game at any time.

In the room, Irving stood up and stretched. Vicky also logged out of the game.

"Irving, there must be some mistake somewhere. With your strength, you should be much higher leveled." Vicky quickly tried to comfort him, thinking he was upset about his level.

Irving didn't know what to say for a moment and then laughed, "It's alright. I'm just hungry. Let's order some takeout."

"Really?" Vicky found it hard to believe. For a normal person, receiving a level that didn't match their strength would be infuriating, if not depressing. Yet, she saw none of these negative emotions on Irving's face.

"Alright." Vicky nodded and continued, "Always eating takeout isn't healthy. I noticed a supermarket near our complex. I will go there and buy some ingredients to cook for you."

"Sounds good." Irving agreed.

Ever since Vicky moved in, Irving's meals have significantly improved. There was a large supermarket just across the street below their building, so he wasn't worried about her safety.

Looking out the window, he saw the sky had already darkened. Although it was just past seven in the evening, Irving settled on the couch and turned on the television.

News was playing on the TV, but it was clear his attention wasn't focused on it.

"Where did it go wrong... could it be because of my profession as a Necromancer?" Irving muttered, his brows knitted in thought.

His extensive experience from past online games told him that levels didn't mean everything. Some players may have high levels, but their combat effectiveness was still weak. The most typical example was Vicky, a healing mage, followed by Irving himself.

Given Irving's strength, he far surpassed Sophia, yet his level was much lower... And apart from different awakened talents, the greatest difference between players was their profession.

"Could it be because the growth attributes of the Necromancer profession are different?" Irving seemed to have a sudden realization, a glint flashing in his deep-set eyes.

If, as the system had indicated, killing exotic beasts could raise levels, then this didn't align with Irving's current situation. He had killed at least a thousand exotic beasts in the two cataclysmic events... It was absurd that he was only at a meager level 3.

Every advancement in stages significantly boosts a player's attributes.

A rookie player and a trainee hero were on completely different scales. Even though real strength was paramount in the game, levels were still an essential component.

While Irving was deep in thought, his attention was drawn to the news broadcasting on the television.

"Good evening, viewers. Welcome to tonight's city news broadcast..."

"Today, our city's central hospital suddenly received a large number of critically ill patients. The hospital has initiated emergency procedures, striving to save everyone, but medical resources are limited, and we are still seeking external assistance..."

""The recent international situation has become increasingly tense. According to information from our foreign correspondent, a faction in Genosha, which borders our country, is attempting to seize power by force. The airport in the capital of Genosha is now closed. Our station advises Chinese citizens in Genosha to contact the embassy as soon as possible.""

Watching the news, Irving's brows furrowed even deeper.

The influx of critically ill patients in the hospital was most likely due to the players whose shelters had been destroyed in the second cataclysm. They had all suffered backlash from the Blue Star's will.

When the apocalypse arrives, the Blue Star's resources will deplete, and even if these people survive the game, it will be impossible to survive then.

Survival of the fittest was the unchanging law of this world.

As for the chaotic situation abroad... Irving had heard some rumors. The assault in the park last time was proof of this. Although the incident was ultimately suppressed by the authorities, the threats still existed and were expanding.

"Why is she taking so long?" Irving glanced at the time. Over half an hour had passed since Vicky went downstairs to buy groceries, and she hadn't returned yet. A wave of unease swept over him, "Could something have happened?"