Survival in the Core: I'm writing a guide for the entire server.

Lin You stood at the edge of the deep pit, looking down.

The pitch-black entrance was bottomless, like a giant maw leading to an unknown world.

"I never expected this accidental success..."

Lin You muttered to herself, her mind racing.

He originally only planned to grind monsters and level up in this underground space, while also collecting materials.

Unexpectedly, a hidden mechanism was triggered, and a passage leading to a deeper area was dug out!

"In short, it was a pleasant surprise."

Lin You crouched down, activated his intermediate-level Eye of Insight, and carefully observed the details of the cave entrance.

In the distance, a faint green light emanated from the depths of the cave entrance.

Lines of additional information appeared before my eyes.

……

[The Subterranean Passage (leading to the second level of the subterranean world)]

[Note: This temporary passage, formed by the corruption of undead power, will remain for 24 hours and will automatically close after 24 hours.]

[Additional Information: The game mechanics in level 2 are different from level 1, please be prepared.]

[Additional Information: Once you enter the second level of the Earth's core through this passage, you will not be able to return to the first level of the Earth's core.]

……

"Temporary access... will be closed in 24 hours."

Lin You nodded thoughtfully.

This means he doesn't need to rush into a decision and has a whole day to consider it.

But the information about "different game mechanics" in the second half caught his attention.

"What are the specific differences?"

Lin You focused her attention, trying to glean more information from the Eye of Insight.

The text in my field of vision flickered a few times, and then a few new lines of content appeared.

……

[Additional Information: The trading rules for the second level of the Earth's core have changed.]

When players buy/sell items from level 2 to level 1, they need to pay an additional "teleportation fee" based on the depth difference.

Similarly, when buying/selling items from floor 1 to floor 2, the buyer also needs to pay a transfer fee.

……

"Transfer fee?"

Lin You frowned slightly.

This means that the cost of cross-tier transactions will increase significantly.

For large transactions, this is no small sum.

"However... on the other hand, selling things from the second floor to the first floor can actually fetch higher prices."

Lin You quickly figured out the business logic behind it.

Since the buyer has to bear the delivery fee, the seller will naturally set the price of the goods lower.

Regardless, cross-level transactions will always earn the system a transaction fee.

Are there any other changes?

Lin You continued to stare at the pit, which resembled an abyss.

The intermediate level of forensic insight is very effective, and new intelligence is still emerging.

……

[Additional Information: Monster strength and resource availability in Level 2 of the Nether will be significantly increased]

The average level of normal monsters is 2-3, but elite monsters and rare elites will appear in some areas.

Mineral resources have also become more abundant, with silver mines beginning to appear, and iron and copper mines becoming more common.

Some areas in the Earth's core will spawn "rich ore veins," containing several times the ore reserves of ordinary mining sites.

……

"Silver mines, and 'rich veins'..."

Lin You licked her lips.

The Gold Miner's Ring's double-output effect, especially when used with rich ore veins...

The scene was too beautiful for him to imagine.

"It seems that the second level of the Earth's core truly presents both opportunities and risks."

Lin You stood up, her gaze falling on the bottomless passage.

He did not make a decision immediately, but returned to the mine cart first.

Inside the minecart, Flame Spirit was lying on the control panel, its tail swaying intermittently.

Seeing Lin You return, it raised its head and let out a soft call.

Meow~

"Don't rush, let me think about it."

Lin You sat in the chair and opened her backpack to take stock of the resources.

All the iron ore has been smelted, and the total number of iron ingots has exceeded 80.

More than 50 copper ingots, 40 pieces of coal, and 30 pieces of charcoal.

Food and water were also plentiful.

There was also a lot of earthworm meat and mushrooms in the box.

The water collector's daily output is sufficient for his and Flame Spirit's needs.

"The furnace and anvil are both placed on the minecart and can be used at any time."

Lin You looked around the carriage.

Although the space is a bit cramped, it has all the necessary facilities.

"The blueprints for the S-class mining truck 'Gold Miner' are still far from being completed; there's no rush."

"But the metal furnace and metal processing table can be made on the second floor."

Lin You made a decision.

He stood up, walked to the furnace, and threw the last batch of iron ore into it.

"We'll set off once this batch of iron ore is smelted."

Time passed by, second by second.

The ore in the furnace gradually melted, and the orange-red molten iron churned in the furnace chamber.

[Smelting complete! You have obtained 20 "Iron Ingots"!]

Lin You took out the scorching hot iron ingot and placed it in the treasure chest.

He then sat back down at the control panel and started the mining truck.

The mine cart slowly drove toward the edge of the deep pit.

The drill bit hovered above the hole, vibrating slightly, as if awaiting a command.

Lin You took a deep breath and opened the excavation direction selection interface.

……

Please select the digging direction.

【①: Dig downwards, fuel -100】

(Additional information: You will travel to the second level of the Earth's core via the Nether Portal, which will consume 100 fuel and take 60 minutes.)

【②: Dig backwards, fuel -10】

(Additional information: You will be returning to your previous location)

【③: Dig to the left, fuel -10】

(Additional information: This excavation will yield 10~15 "stones")

【④: Dig to the right, fuel -10】

(Additional information: This excavation will yield 7~15 "copper ore")

……

"Dig downwards, fuel consumption 100, time taken 60 minutes."

Lin You frowned slightly as she looked at the number.

This is the most fuel-intensive excavation to date.

But considering the substantial returns from the second layer of the Earth's core, he felt the investment was worthwhile.

"down."

Lin You pressed the confirmation button.

The drill bit of the mine car tilted downwards and embedded itself deeply into the opening.

The engine emitted a deep roar as the minecart slowly drove into the dark tunnel.

Lin You stroked Yan Ling's head and opened the forum.

Just then, a bright red system announcement appeared before all the players.

[Game Announcement: Player "Lin You" becomes the second player in the current beginner zone to reach level 2 of the Earth's Core]

[Please keep up the good work, players, and head to the deepest part of the earth as soon as possible!]

The announcement immediately caused an uproar on the forum.

"Holy crap! Boss Lin You has reached the second level of the Earth's core too?!"

"Second place... What a pity, it looks like there won't be a reward."

"There's nothing we can do, Roger was just too lucky."

"The first person gets a reward, so of course the second person doesn't. Isn't that normal?"

"It's normal, but I still feel like I've been ripped off..."

"Surely Boss Lin You doesn't need that small reward, right?"

"Who knows? I'm definitely jealous."

In the chat room, the players' discussions became even more heated.

"Lin You, please provide a guide to the second level of the Earth's Core!"

"Same here! I also want to go to the second floor, but I can't find the entrance at all!"

Lin You looked at the messages in the chat room, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

He didn't rush to reply, but instead opened his friends list first.

A new friend request came into view.

Player "Elena" has accepted your friend request.

……