Chapter 2

Qin Ran's backpack was not large.

Otherwise, it would not have been obscured by the corpse's torso.

The entire backpack was only the size of an ordinary school bag, divided into two compartments by two zippers.

Eagerly, Qin Ran pulled open the two zippers.

However, the result was disappointing.

Three cans of food, a bottle of purified water, and a tattered notebook—there were no game gold coins or equipment as Qin Ran had expected. However, he soon became resigned.

Even in the completely realistic 'Underground Game,' some common game rules still applied. He was now in the first dungeon, which, according to normal game rules, was the 'Newbie Village.'

And it was clearly impossible to obtain powerful equipment in the 'Newbie Village.'

Sighing, Qin Ran examined his loot.

【Name: Can of Food】

【Type: Food】

【Quality: Common】

【Attributes: Restores 25 HP and 50 Stamina in one minute】

【Special Effects: None】

【Can it be taken out of the dungeon: Yes】

【Note: It can prevent you from starving, and it tastes better when heated!】

...

【Name: Purified Water】

【Type: Food】

【Quality: Common】

【Attributes: Restores 10 HP and 20 Stamina in one minute】

【Special Effects: None】

【Can it be taken out of the dungeon: Yes】

【Note: It has more uses than it appears!】

When Qin Ran's fingers touched the cans and the purified water, such information panels appeared directly in his line of sight, matching his understanding perfectly.

Next, Qin Ran's gaze turned to the tattered notebook.

Upon contact, an information panel appeared before his eyes—

【Name: Del's Diary】

【Type: Book】

【Quality: Worn】

【Attributes: None】

【Special Effects: None】

【Can it be taken out of the dungeon: No】

【Note: Don't doubt it; he just found a random notebook to record everything. You can try reading it!】

Qin Ran subconsciously flipped open the tattered diary. The handwriting was messy, and many parts were stained, making them unreadable.

Therefore, the content of the diary was chaotic and fragmented—

October 21, Overcast

The war has lasted for four months. Food, water, and medicine are becoming scarce. The sound of gunfire can be heard from time to time, but fortunately, the rebels are not searching day and night. They have become routine, only patrolling during the day and returning to their camp! The worst part is the bandits. They take advantage of the darkness, like locusts, plundering any supplies.

October 27, Sunny

Damn! I was robbed by a bandit! My remaining cans of food and water were all taken by that guy! What should I do? What should I do?

October 29, Overcast

I can't wait any longer! I have to do something while I still have the strength!

November 1, Sunny

Hahaha, what good luck, a big haul! I not only found food but also a weapon! Call me Lucky Del!

November 11, Sunny

Lucky Del is going out again. This time, I will definitely return with a full load!

...

The diary ended abruptly.

Clearly, the person was not as lucky as they claimed.

Qin Ran's gaze fell on the corpse.

Although it was still difficult to bear, he did not turn away.

Because from the chaotic, fragmented diary, Qin Ran not only gained some basic information but also a clue: there should be a weapon on the corpse.

And a weapon was essential for Qin Ran, who was unarmed!

At least, it would give him a sense of security and the ability to defend himself.

From the basic information in the diary, the surroundings were not safe.

Surviving for seven days would not be easy.

"Hope it's not lost!"

Qin Ran thought, extending his hands to search again.

This time, the search was much more thorough.

Of course, the sticky, dried blood inevitably stuck to Qin Ran's hands, making him feel nauseous, but when he found something, it was all worth it.

【Name: Dagger】

【Type: Sword Weapon】

【Quality: Damaged】

【Attack Power: Weak】

【Attributes: None】

【Special Effects: None】

【Can it be taken out of the dungeon: Yes】

【Note: It lacks maintenance. If possible, you can try sharpening and oiling it.】

...

【Name: Lighter】

【Type: Miscellaneous】

【Quality: Damaged】

【Attributes: None】

【Special Effects: None】

【Can it be taken out of the dungeon: Yes】

【Note: Do I need to introduce this?】

...

The dagger was found at the corpse's waist, hidden by clothing. If not for the thorough search, it would have gone unnoticed.

The lighter was found in the corpse's trouser pocket.

Holding the slightly rusted dagger, Qin Ran flicked the lighter's flint. After a few tries, a flame appeared.

By the light of the flame, Qin Ran could see more clearly that the dagger was not just rusty; the bright red substance on it was clearly something else.

As for what it was?

Qin Ran, who had read the diary, knew all too well.

The civilians trapped in the city, under the threat of hunger, had lost their former order and had become extremely dangerous. When they encountered the rebels, they were powerless civilians, but when they encountered other struggling civilians, they became bandits.

Just like the corpse before him!

Taking one last look at the corpse with its eyes wide open, Qin Ran organized his backpack, putting the cans and water back in and slinging it over his shoulder. He put the lighter in his shirt pocket. His clothes, which had already become as dirty as those of the civilians in the dungeon, were fortunately not torn.

Qin Ran, holding the dagger, was ready to leave.

The empty room offered no reason for him to stay.

The setting sun, visible through the cracks in the nailed-up windows, urged him to move.

Nighttime was when the bandits would come out.

Qin Ran did not plan to confront a group of bandits head-on.

So, he would not stay in such a conspicuous place as a house.

Because any house could become a target for the bandits.

"Drains, sewers, and the like would be suitable for hiding!"

Qin Ran thought about where to stay.

It didn't need to be comfortable, just hidden enough.

The underground, out of sight, was the first choice.

Of course, there might be others hiding there!

But compared to the constantly plundering bandits, those hiding were much safer in Qin Ran's view.

Pushing open the door, Qin Ran saw a horizontal corridor in front of him. On the opposite side was another open door, clearly already emptied.

The corridor led through an empty hall to the outdoors.

Just as Qin Ran was about to step out—

Bang!

The door leading to the outdoors was violently kicked open, and a figure fell onto the floor of the hall. Another figure appeared with a low, excited laugh.

The moment the door was kicked open, Qin Ran retreated into the room, tightly gripping the dagger and listening intently.

"Hehe, a big find! It's actually a woman!"

The laugh was filled with unbridled excitement.

"Get lost!"

A hoarse voice shouted, accompanied by the sound of movement. Qin Ran imagined the figure using its arms to push itself backward on the floor.

However, Qin Ran's face changed.

Because the voice was getting clearer!

The figure was approaching him!

At the end of the corridor, besides the room Qin Ran was in, there was another room. Once the figure reached the end, they would inevitably enter one of the rooms.

Either the one Qin Ran was in or the empty one.

A fifty-fifty chance.

This made the sweat on Qin Ran's palm holding the dagger increase.

Closer!

Even closer!

Qin Ran swallowed nervously.

But this unease did not change the impending reality.

When the figure, still on the floor, backed into the room Qin Ran was in, his breath caught.

Similarly, the figure on the floor, pushing itself backward, was momentarily stunned.

Clearly, they did not expect anyone else to be there.

However, the next moment, they returned to normal.

Continuing to back away, they did not even look at Qin Ran, let alone call out for help.

This surprised Qin Ran.

But the approaching footsteps quickly brought him back to his senses.

The person on the floor might not be dangerous, but the one following was definitely a threat.

If they discovered him, they would not hesitate to fight.

And such a fight would end in a massacre.

Qin Ran was well aware of his limitations.

His body was not strong, and he knew no combat techniques. Compared to a bandit who had survived four months of war, he was completely helpless.

However, there was still a chance.

Qin Ran's gaze turned to the woman on the floor, who was still backing away.

Her expression was calm, and her eyes held a deep meaning, which Qin Ran understood. He held his breath and pressed his body further into the shadows.

Tap, tap, tap!

The sound of leather shoes on the wooden floor was clear and forceful. The pursuer was like a hunting beast, both pursuing its prey and showing off its power.

"Don't come any closer!"

The woman, crouched in the corner, her voice hoarse, seemed filled with despair.

This only increased the pursuer's excitement.

They did not notice the other person in the room.

Because their attention was completely on the woman.

Their eyes roamed over the prey, their back fully exposed to Qin Ran.

Qin Ran, who had been holding his breath, did not hesitate. He slowly and silently raised the dagger.

Then, he struck.

Puff!