We promised to develop a game called Candy Crush, what the hell is the Third Reich?

Chapter 158 Story Version [Normandy Landings], The Blue Star Players Can't Hold Back (6.2k Two-in-One)

Having played World War II: Rise of Empires for so long, and now having the official Polaris forum...

There are many posts analyzing the various battle situations inside, and even novice players have read quite a few, so they have some understanding of the current situation of World War II on 'Earth'.

The Normandy landings have long been analyzed as an Allied counter-offensive.

However, since the French occupation, there has been no news until now, in 1943, and many people have almost forgotten about this place.

Unexpectedly, news came at this time that the leaders of the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union were meeting and preparing to open a second front.

That must be the Normandy landings without a doubt.

I never expected that the starting battlefield of Polaris would be so far in the timeline.

For a while.

Many players have started discussing when it will begin.

After all, the Normandy landings were the first permanent multiplayer battlefield, and all players will experience it at least once, so there's a certain nostalgia involved.

The current situation suggests that the empire is doomed.

The news of the opening of a second front was like adding insult to injury.

With a complete defeat on the Eastern Front, a new front is about to open on the Western Front, and Italy, an ally in Europe, has openly betrayed them. It remains to be seen how this will end.

For a while.

Many streamers and gamers want to experience the authentic Normandy landings storyline.

I started skipping through the plot.

What used to be a day in reality that skipped several days and nights in the game has become a day in reality that skips about ten days in the game.

Many players and streamers have basically stopped doing quests and story missions.

I stayed in the room and skipped the pop-up prompts, but night turned into day and day turned into night.

There's no way to stop this; it's all about generating buzz.

Given the popularity of "World War II: Rise of Empires", whoever triggers the storyline first will definitely attract a large number of players to the platform.

Seeing this, Zhao Ming couldn't force the time limit.

Because the timeline in the story is only a few months ahead of the main battlefield, skipping through it all would definitely cause us to get stuck in a few days, so we opened up a six-month timeline.

Just enough to trigger the [Normandy Landings] event.

The players, of course, were unaware of this and continued to skip ahead, yet even so, it took them more than half a month.

Only then did people gradually trigger the [Normandy landings] storyline.

at this time.

Inside Yu Feng's live stream room.

After skipping over the events for more than half a month, the [Normandy Landings] event was finally triggered.

Simultaneously.

Yu Feng also pulled Fang Ming over. Although he wasn't the first streamer to trigger the [Normandy Landing] storyline, his own popularity combined with Fang Ming's popularity made him a valuable asset.

Both of them were among the first to challenge the Normandy landings speedrun leaderboard.

Now that the two are teaming up, many viewers in the live stream are commenting things like "My youth is back!"

Although Yu Feng's side has triggered the [Normandy event], they are still at sea and haven't launched an attack yet. They are still some distance from Omaha Beach.

Fang Ming was also chatting with the viewers in the live stream:

Why aren't they showing "World War II: Rise of Empires" anymore?

"It's not that we're not going to broadcast it, but the new game is just a change of pace for Polaris. The historical game [Huaxia] is really interesting."

"I'm getting tired of killing all the time in World War II. Wouldn't it be more interesting to go to China, be a rich kid, and flirt with the women of government officials?"

"what?"

"Why not harass respectable women? That's something only beasts do!"

"If you're going to flirt, of course you should flirt with the women of officials!"

"It mainly comes down to who has the better family background, but I started as a prince, so who can beat me?"

Fang Ming was chatting with some viewers, but some of them weren't interested in history-themed games, so they stopped watching his stream.

Meanwhile, Fang Ming returned and played "Normandy Landing." Hearing Fang Ming talk about various ways to play, I couldn't help but become curious and thought about downloading the game when I had time.

Let's see what role we can get at the start.

It is said that there are thousands of identities to choose from, and the branches of those identities add up to no less than ten thousand.

The freedom of choice is much greater than in World War II: Rise of Empires, since the starting situation here is random, except for the faction.
As they were talking, Yu Feng nudged him, gesturing for him to look ahead:

"We can see the beach, time to go."

Fang Ming also looked up, and a familiar feeling washed over him. It was the same familiar landing ship, the same familiar beach. He couldn't help but click his tongue.

"This lousy place."

"How many times did we die back then?"

During that period, he and Yu Feng led a large group of streamers to challenge the speedrun leaderboard of the "Normandy Landings" every day.

They only gave up after the troops from the various federations intervened and thoroughly defeated them.

But many people died during that period, and even now, I can tell with my eyes closed where there are steel barricades and landmines on the beach.

Yu Feng smiled and said:

"forget."

"But back then, you'd probably die at least thirty or forty times a day, right?"

Fang Ming shook his head:

"more than."

"I estimate that he would die at least 50 times a day."

"Too many died, I can't remember them all."

As he spoke, Fang Ming looked around:
"Ok?"

Yu Feng looked around as well, but found nothing unusual.
"what happened?"

Fang Ming spoke up:
"nothing."

"But now, apart from the two of us, everyone else is an NPC."

"The sense of urgency and oppression is stronger."

After listening, Yu Feng took a look and confirmed it was true.

In the Normandy landings battlefield, many players will be assigned to the same ship.

Blue Star players know this is a game, so they naturally don't feel any oppression or fear, only a slight tension.

But now, apart from the two of them.

The twenty or thirty people on the ship were all NPCs. Some were praying, some were in fear, and some were trembling all over. After all, for them, life was only one.

From this perspective, one can better appreciate the fear that war brings.

Fang Ming and Yu Feng also sighed. Although they knew it was all fake, that damned Polaris Company had inputted experiences into every NPC.

When an NPC soldier dies here, an NPC on the other side of the ocean will also be heartbroken and devastated.

Not far ahead of the two, a soldier was looking at a photo on a pocket watch and counting money.

Because they were several body lengths apart, Yu Feng and Fang Ming couldn't see the photo clearly.

However, it is clear that she is a woman.

At this moment, the soldier was looking at the photo, his lips moving as if he were saying something.

See this.

Yu Feng and Fang Ming shook their heads. Fang Ming said:
"Another one setting a flag before the battle."

"Don't these 'Earth' people know that making a promise before a war can easily lead to their death?"

"Probably his girlfriend again."

"He was counting the money, probably thinking about what gift to buy after the event."

"But it's unlikely they'll live to see the end."

The chat in the live stream was stirring things up, urging Fang Ming to go up and tease the soldier.

In addition, those who viewed Fang Ming were all looking to cause trouble.

Fang Ming looked at the screen full of comments, but didn't think much of it. There was still some time before the login, so he went over and stood in front of the soldier.

And just as it reached him.

The soldier put away his pocket watch, looked up at Fang Ming, and frowned slightly.

"What's up?"

Looking at the comments in the live stream, Fang Ming replied:

Is that your girlfriend?

"very beautiful."

When Fang Ming said it, the chat in the live stream became even more excited.

[Hahaha, Xiaomingzi is really brave! Shouldn't this guy beat him up?]

[Fight! Fight!]

You guys are so mean! But I like it though~

[What do you think the NPC's reaction will be?]

I think I'll beat Xiaoming up.

Why are you all thinking about beating him up? Can't we just give him a good beating?!

Is there a difference?!

however.

The soldier's words silenced everyone.

Seeing Fang Ming's nonchalant attitude and lack of nervousness, the soldier, though curious, answered earnestly:
"No, that's my mother."

As soon as these words came out.

The live stream fell silent instantly, and Fang Ming felt a chill run down his spine. "Ah, this..."
How do I answer this?
Fang Ming's lips twitched; he was quite embarrassed.

"Uh, I thought it was my girlfriend."

"Don't people usually put photos of their girlfriends in their pocket watches?"

He looked to Yu Feng for help.

Yu Feng was also suppressing a laugh, spreading his hands to indicate that he was powerless to help.

The soldier seemed unwilling to say much to Fang Ming, and began by saying:

"I don't have a girlfriend, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing's wrong, let's prepare for battle."

Seeing this, Fang Ming could only say dryly:
"No, it's nothing."

"Just a reminder, we're about to charge, so don't make any wishes while looking at the pocket watch. You'd better leave some last words."

however.

As soon as he finished speaking, the soldier became very angry, his tone filled with disgust:
"Oh, what a lame joke."

"But I really don't like it, because I'm sure I'll survive."

Fortunately, Fang Ming had a thick skin. After his initial embarrassment, he quickly recovered and smiled at the angry soldier, saying:

"Don't be angry, I meant well."

These NPCs had no idea what they were about to face, but Fang Ming and Yu Feng knew perfectly well that if they were on the first landing ships, especially in the front row, they would have almost no chance of survival.

"But I hope you survive."

The soldier, with a solemn expression, spoke:
"Thank you."

"However, I really didn't like the joke you just made."

"I will definitely survive."

Seeing the soldier's insistence and affirmative tone, Fang Ming and the viewers in the live stream felt a chill. They had only treated this as a game, and didn't care whether they died or not.

But from this NPC's perspective, death is truly death.
Fang Ming and the viewers in the live stream realized that their words had gone too far. Fang Ming looked at the soldier for a moment, then said:
"Hmm, do you have any wishes?"

"For example, after the war ends?"

He didn't know if this soldier would have survived the Normandy landings in Earth's history.

However, if the soldier has any regrets or unfulfilled wishes, he might be able to help him fulfill them or go to his grave to tell him.

Just like the previous activity of finding the other side of the envelope.

Upon hearing Fang Ming's words...

The soldier paused for a moment, then spoke:
"I want to take my mother to London once the war is over."

"She spent her whole life on the farm, taking care of her grandparents and our whole family, and never saw the outside world." "She always talked about going to London, but she never even left the town."

"They always say it's a waste of money and they don't want to go."

"But now, I've saved enough money."

At this moment, Fang Ming, Yu Feng, and the netizens in the live broadcast room all had their heads buzzing.

Fang Ming took a few deep breaths, trying to keep his voice calm:
"Yes, we will win, brother."

"Your mother will be proud of you then."

"You will survive."

Seeing this, the soldier looked at Fang Ming's face and said solemnly:

"Thank you."

Afterwards, Fang Ming could no longer hold back and returned to Yu Feng's side.

Completely dazed, Fang Ming reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and, with trembling hands, took one out and put it in his mouth.
"rough!"

"I shouldn't have asked that. Does that old scoundrel Zhao want to kill me?"

Not only Fang Ming felt this way, but the netizens in the live broadcast room also felt extremely guilty.

I should have known better than to have encouraged Fang Ming to make fun of me; now things have suddenly become serious.

Fang Ming took out a match to light the cigarette in his mouth, but the wind and waves were too strong and it was impossible to light it. After failing several times, he angrily threw the matchbox into the sea.

He exhaled the smoke from his mouth and then looked at the soldier in the front row.

Seeing this, Yu Feng could only say:
"It can't be helped."

"The first batch is basically going to die; none of us will survive."

"There's nothing we can do to save him."

"And even if they survive, they only survive in my [Immersive Story] mode; they'll still die in other people's storylines."

Fang Ming nodded and stopped looking at the soldier.

This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.

Fang Ming was silent for a moment, then looked up again:

"md".

"I can't get over this mental hurdle without doing something."

Fang Ming walked straight up to the soldier, patted him on the shoulder, and the soldier turned around with a puzzled look. Fang Ming pulled him aside and dragged him to the back.

"You're in my position."

"When we charge, jump from the side and try to hide behind others."

"If everyone in front of you falls down, you should lie down and pretend to be dead."

"The first thing to do after getting ashore is to look for cover, which is those steel barricades."

"Understand?"

Regardless of what the soldier was about to say, Fang Ming simply pressed him to the back of the line and then turned around and walked to the position of the soldier in front.

Seeing this, Yu Feng patted the soldier on the shoulder and gave him an encouraging look. Then he stepped forward and walked behind Fang Ming, and the whole team moved back a little.

As the landing ship advanced, the beach ahead gradually expanded, and the familiar commands of the warship's commander echoed in their ears:

"Don't block the pedals, land in three minutes!"

"Everyone get off the boat from both sides!"

"May God bless you!"

Whoosh whoosh!
Before we even landed, bullets were already flying from the opposite beach, getting closer and closer to the sand.

Bang!

With a violent tremor, the landing ship crashed into something.

The front panel opens from both sides.

"GO! GO! GO!!!"

Chug tug tug——!
The charging soldiers fell like wheat being harvested. Fang Ming and Yu Feng had fought on this battlefield countless times, though their individual strength could not reverse the overall situation.

However, they were familiar with almost all of the Imperial garrison's firing positions, so they tried to fire at the Imperial positions as much as possible to buy themselves some time.

"Old Yu!"

"Stop shouting! We're aiming! Damn! The firepower is too much!!!"

boom! boom!
"Bunker! Bunker!!!"

There weren't that many inexperienced players, but these native NPCs didn't seem to perform much better than the Earth players who were going to the battlefield for the first time.

Surviving here is purely a matter of luck.
evening.

Under the sunset.

The blood-red sunset shone on the beach. Yu Feng slumped against a sandbag at a firing point, with the bodies of two Imperial soldiers lying beside him.

Yu Feng himself had five or six gunshot wounds in his abdomen and legs.

At this point, he could barely move his body, and surviving seemed highly unlikely.

Looking down from the angle of the firing point.

The wreckage of the damaged landing ship blended into the scorched sand, where the bodies of many soldiers lay piled up and repeatedly washed away by the sea.

The sea turned red, indistinguishable whether from the setting sun or from being stained with blood.

Fang Ming was hit by a shell shortly after landing.

The steel barricades were useless; they were blown apart, and people were torn apart. However, Fang Ming did not leave but watched Yu Feng's live stream from his own live stream room.

Yu Feng, Fang Ming, and the viewers in the live stream all looked around.

Let's see if we can find that soldier.

Numb soldiers carried the bodies of their fallen comrades on the beach, while medics moved about, bandaging the wounded and injecting sedatives to relieve pain and stop bleeding.

A medic came over to bandage Yu Feng.

But Yu Feng waved his hand and said:
"Leave it for those who need it."

He had lost too much blood; his intestines had been pierced and ripped apart by the bullet. He was beyond saving.

The medic wanted to say something, but Yu Feng pointed to the wounded not far away, so he could only go over and treat them.

Yu Feng, Fang Ming, and the netizens in the live stream searched for a while longer.

Still haven't found it.

Yu Feng sighed and said:
"It looks like we won't be able to find it."

"I hope that brother survives."

Although it's just an NPC.

But for that simple and pure wish, no one in the live stream wanted him to die.

However, Yu Feng's side couldn't hold on any longer.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Feng's head slumped down, and he lost his breath.

This is just a common scene on Omaha Beach.

Yu Feng's screen went black, then returned to the game's streamer interface. Looking at Fang Ming in the room, he said:
"Are you coming again?"

"Want to continue experiencing the rest of the story?"

Fang Ming rubbed his temples:

"I won't be coming now."

"Let me take a moment."

"Damn it, why does that old scoundrel Zhao always come up with plots like this?"

"You play first, I'm going to play [Huaxia] for a bit, then I'll end the stream."

Yu Feng nodded:
"Row."

"Go."

Fang Ming then left the room, but after he left, Yu Feng stood there, losing interest in playing for a moment.

The impact of that NPC was still too great.

Yu Feng was lost in thought in the live broadcast room, and he couldn't help but wonder what that mother would think if she knew about her child's sacrifice.

However, the more he thought about it, the more upset he became. Yu Feng rubbed his face and said to the live stream:
"Bros."

"I'll log off now; I need to rest for a bit."

"Today's plot is a bit intense."

"We'll postpone the broadcast."

Yu Feng has ended his broadcast, but the scene from that conversation has already circulated online.

This was the first time many people had noticed the soldier's perspective.

They thought that the envelopes found in the arms of NPCs who died on the battlefield were just a result to be considered.

But only this soldier's own account.

That simplest wish—to survive, to take my mother to London after the war ends—and that phrase, "I've saved enough money," brought tears to the eyes of everyone on Earth.

I've saved enough money, but the chances of surviving this battle are extremely slim.

Those politicians really do talk a big game, making it seem as if the tens of thousands of soldiers who died on the North African battlefield never existed, turning former enemies into allies.

This contrasts with the simplest wish of this soldier at this moment.

A profound sense of irony and absurdity washed over the viewers of the live stream.

The debate over who benefits from the war is intensifying.

This even caused some staunch fanatics to waver, realizing that the soldier's simplest wish was that they, too, had families of their own.
Many players in the game's "Normandy Landings" storyline have spontaneously started searching for that soldier, wanting to know the ending.

However, the war within the game will not stop just because the Earthlings are discussing it.

The battle continues.

As the empire's end drew near, everyone could feel the impending madness.

And the opening of the second front on the western front.

The Empire is now caught in a pincer movement. Although the Allied forces on the western front are not strong, they can threaten the Empire at any time as long as they exist.

This forced the empire to divert a portion of its focus to the western front.

The already difficult situation on the eastern front became even more challenging.

At this time, the European theater was in full swing on both the eastern and western fronts, and the Empire's only ally in this area had defected. The Atlantic theater was also beginning to suffer defeats due to the Allied forces' technological upgrades.

Currently, only the Pacific Theater and the Asian Theater remain.

Although the Asian battlefield is not yet open, we can roughly infer from the CG of the previous Polaris [China] series of games that Japan is in a tough spot.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific theater...

Japan was no longer able to maintain the situation and was suffering repeated defeats in the face of the offensive by the American Free Federation. However, the Japanese soldiers seemed to have been brainwashed.

His frenzied behavior caused trouble for many soldiers of the American Freedom.

However, there are rumors that the U.S. Freedom Federation is researching a 'weapon of mass destruction', seemingly to counter suicide attacks in Japan.

However, no one is sure whether it actually exists.

The battle situation on 'Earth' changes every day.

however.

The rapid shift in the battle situation caught even the players on Earth off guard.

At the same time as the Normandy landings took place, the Soviet Union launched a counter-offensive, which resulted in the recapture of Kiev.

Even the main force of the Soviet Federation had reached Poland.

Initially, Poland was the country preceding the Soviet Federation and the Empire, meaning that at this time the Soviet Federation had not only recovered lost territory.

Once Poland is conquered, the empire's homeland will be directly threatened.

The empire collapsed too quickly.

On the Blue Star side, because they skipped through the information quickly, they missed a lot of details and couldn't understand how things had changed so much in just six months.

Fortunately, many of these streamers skipped the storyline.

Many others didn't skip too much, and their storylines were much slower than those of the Normandy landings.

As a player in the Empire faction, Cheng Yu naturally knew that the Empire's fate was sealed, but he didn't want to skip the storyline and experience the defeat prematurely, so he continued playing the game step by step.

But on this day, I received a shocking message from the [Immersive Story] mode:

"Manstein has been dismissed?"

"What's going on? Has the Empire given up?"

(End of this chapter)