Chapter 106: Beta Testing

In the end, Ur didn't get her wish. She wouldn't be hearing Nate call her "Sensei" today. However, Nate did agree to learn Ice-Make magic from her, so it wasn't a total loss.

After that, they moved on to the real testing of the duel maps. Nate had created five maps in total: [Beach], [Desert], [Forest], [Volcano], and [Sky Island]. Each map was roughly the same size, and it didn't take him much effort to create them.

Nate and Ur battled on all five maps, and by the time they were finished, it was already late at night.

"If I didn't know better, I'd swear these places were real!" Ur marveled as they returned to the cozy cabin in the icy wasteland. "The visuals, the touch, the smells... everything feels so authentic!"

Even though she had been in the Deep Web for quite some time, she still couldn't grasp how it all worked.

"Humans are easily fooled by their senses, especially their sight," Nate said, thinking about some of the AAA games from his previous life, which had reached a level of graphical realism that could trick the eye. A virtual world created with magic was even more immersive. Unless someone had abilities like his Six Eyes or similar magic, it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference between the virtual and the real.

"So, is the test done now?" Ur asked.

"The map tests are done. Tomorrow, we'll test the app and see if others can enter this world through their rings."

The process of pulling a user's consciousness into the Deep Web via the Magic Net rings needed extensive testing to ensure stability. Nate couldn't predict whether there would be unexpected bugs. He also needed to test how quickly magic power could be collected during battles.

Although the magic used in the duels was simulated by the Deep Web, the magic consumed was real. As advanced as the Deep Web was, it still required energy to function. The magic consumed by players during battle would partly sustain the simulation, while the rest would be absorbed into the Deep Web's magic reserves.

"Tomorrow, I'll invite the guild members to help with the testing," Nate said. Then he remembered Gray and smiled. "You might even see your second apprentice."

"Gray?" Ur was surprised.

"Don't want to see him?"

"No, I do. I'll personally check to see if he's improved over the years," Ur replied, her lips curving into a playful smile. Gray would definitely be shocked when he saw her.

"You're not worried about being found out?" Nate asked, curious.

"I'm just a game avatar, not the real me. Ur is dead," Ur said with calm acceptance, even planning to disguise herself as an NPC.

Nate thought it wasn't a bad idea. Still, the problem of how to revive Ur remained on his mind. 'Why won't the system just reward me with resurrection magic?' he sighed inwardly.

Realizing it was late, Nate bid Ur goodnight and left the Deep Web.

...

Back in reality, Nate finished washing up and went to bed, but not before replying to a few messages. One of them was from Mirajane.

The Departing Traveler: "Nate, I heard from Lucy that you asked for her help in making a new game?"

The Departing Traveler: "Honestly, why didn't you tell me? Poking Face emoji."

The Departing Traveler: "Is there anything I can help with? Smile emoji."

The Departing Traveler: "I've gotten really good at Mahjong!"

Hmm? Nate was suddenly wide awake, amused by Mirajane's messages. The time gaps between them suggested she hadn't seen his replies yet.

"Did she actually go ask Lucy about it?" he thought, then replied.

Sigma Male: "It's already done… the beta version!"

Sigma Male: "I'll need your help tomorrow, Mira!"

After sending the message, Nate closed the Magic Net and went to sleep.

...

The next morning, Nate arrived at the guild's temporary tavern early. As expected, Mirajane was already there, wiping down the tables with a cloth. When she saw Nate, her face lit up with a gentle smile.

"Good morning, Nate."

"Morning."

"You were up late last night, huh? I only saw your reply this morning. Staying up late isn't good for your health, you know," Mirajane scolded softly.

Starting the day by seeing Mirajane's smile was certainly a good way to brighten it. Nate walked over to help her arrange the tables and chairs.

"It was just a one-time thing. I stayed up late to finish the new game, but normally, I go to bed on time."

Mirajane laughed lightly. "What would you like to eat today?"

She only asked out of habit, as she already knew Nate's preferences by heart.

As she moved toward the kitchen, she suddenly paused and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Nate, I forgot to replenish the ingredients yesterday. I'll have to go to the market to buy some."

"I'll go with you," Nate suggested.

"You're coming too?" Mirajane thought for a moment before smiling brightly. "Alright, let's go together."

With that, the two left the guild, with Mirajane carrying a basket from the kitchen. Nate enjoyed their early morning walk, thinking how Mirajane would make a perfect wife and mother. 'What would the kids be named?' he mused.

"I heard from Lucy yesterday that the new game is called [Magic Arena]?" Mirajane asked as she walked on the side furthest from the river, clearly interested in the game.

"I was just about to tell you," Nate smiled. "The beta version is ready, but I want the guild members to help test it out, just to be safe."

Nate explained the details as they walked, then sent her the game's app through the Magic Net. Mirajane opened it, watching as a progress bar slowly filled up.

"How can I help?"

"Just notify everyone so we can do some ranked testing together."

"It sounds like a lot of fun…" Mirajane's expression changed slightly, clearly thinking about something—or someone.

Nate noticed this shift. 'Maybe I should tell her that her sister is alive in another world?' he thought, but wasn't sure how to broach the subject. Before he could come up with a solution, Mirajane had already shaken off her melancholy and smiled brightly again.

"I've got an idea," she said, raising a finger. "Why don't we make it an event?"

"An event?"

"Yes, like a guild-wide ranking competition!" Mirajane clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "Let's find out who the strongest mage in Fairy Tail really is!"

'You, Mira. You're the true genius here,' Nate thought with admiration.