Chapter 79

106 silver, 5 bronze!

The staggering amount of money shocked the entire shelter.

It had only been a little over a morning since the bounty was posted, and someone had already completed the first kill!

What kind of efficiency is this if not that of a high-level player?!

As soon as the administrator turned and left, a group of players swarmed up, surrounding the four members of the Ox and Horse Squad, asking questions with admiration on their faces.

"Bro! Where did you find the Raiders? Did you go to the tire factory?"

"Clearing them without a scratch, that's too strong!"

"Big bro, take me with you!"

Being surrounded by so many players would make anyone feel elated, let alone Night Ten, who was known for his loose lips. He rubbed his nose with his index finger and chuckled, saying,

"Sorry, guys, our team is full, no more members. But don't worry, our elder brother will update the strategy guide tonight. Just a few Raiders, anyone can do it!"

"What? You ask how we took down six of them? That's a long story! When those six fierce-looking men approached us, I pulled out my dagger without a word, ready to jump and slash..."

Fang Chang rolled his eyes, too tired to comment.

Gale looked away, pretending not to know this guy.

Only Old Bai, being straightforward, couldn't stand this guy's boasting. He gritted his teeth and pulled him away from the crowd.

"Hey, hey, don't pull me, I'm not done talking!"

"Talk your ass off!"

"Stop wasting time, let's get ready for the next round!"

As the first team to achieve the feat, the Ox and Horse Squad naturally became the focus of other players' discussions.

As for the three Raiders hanging from the gallows and the bodies sent to the active substance extractor, no one paid much attention.

After all, the administrator's image of hating evil was deeply ingrained in their minds, and it was expected that he would refine these people.

Unable to tolerate Night Ten's boasting, Fang Chang and the others didn't linger at the north gate. They pooled their newly earned silver coins to make 120 silver and headed straight to the weapon shop.

Soon, they became the first customers of Xia Yan's modified weapon shop, buying the first 7mm bolt-action rifle sold in the entire weapon shop!

Along with 6 high-priced 7mm steel-core copper bullets at 1 silver each and 10 cheaper inferior bullets, Fang Chang handed these items to Night Ten after paying.

In a situation where everyone's shooting skills were similar, having a perception-based player as the marksman was the best choice.

Old Bai could throw spears and was brave in close combat. Fang Chang himself could support with a bow, which he was already quite skilled with, and might not be weaker than a musket at medium to close range. As for the intelligence-based Gale, throwing a fire bottle or setting a trap in critical moments was enough; expecting him to deal damage was unrealistic.

At least in the current version, the intelligence class was a bit lacking, but who knows what the future holds?

Maybe in some future version, the intelligence class would become the dominant force.

"... My archery skills are decent, and this bow can still serve for a while. Good brother, this is our team's only 98K! Don't go shooting it off randomly!"

"Don't worry, good brother! I won't let you down!" Night Ten solemnly took the rifle from Fang Chang, holding it with a look of gratitude, vowing to use it well.

He cherished it so much that he almost wanted to peel the paint off the barrel.

If there was any paint on it…

Thus, the silver coins the Ox and Horse Squad had just received from the administrator were quickly spent at the weapon shop.

Not only that, to replenish gunpowder, arrows, and other supplies, the four of them also dipped into their savings.

However, none of them felt any regret.

Money is meant to be spent, and investing in equipment would soon earn them more money.

This hunt had given them a taste of success.

Apart from the experience gained in battle and the bounty and contribution rewards, the loot taken from the Raiders' bodies belonged to them personally.

Though they were mostly melee weapons and crude armor, they were still usable. Even if they couldn't use them, selling them to other players for a few silver coins wasn't a problem.

With renewed determination, the four of them set out on their next adventure, ready for the next big score.

This time, they hoped for a bigger catch.

If they could take down a few armed Raiders, they would really hit the jackpot!

A gun in the weapon shop costs at least 100 silver, and selling it to players at the market for 50 silver wouldn't be excessive, right?

As long as it works, a bunch of people would buy it!

Fang Chang hummed a tune as he walked away, while Chu Guang remained near the weapon shop, observing the players around him.

It was clear that the "wealth myth" of the Ox and Horse Squad had stirred many players, who were now hesitating about whether to spend their saved money on land or guns.

Since they didn't have enough contribution points to become citizens, they couldn't buy land even if they had the money. It was better to buy a gun and hunt bandits to earn money and contribution points!

Especially seeing the four members of the Ox and Horse Squad clear a team without guns, how much more could they do with guns?

Seeing these players' interest, Chu Guang decided to stoke the fire even more.

He waved to the weapon shop's owner, Xia Yan, and handed her a prepared wooden sign, instructing her,

"Put this sign up at the entrance later."

Taking the sign from Chu Guang, Xia Yan asked in confusion,

"What does it say?"

Chu Guang replied succinctly,

"All revolvers in the store are 10% off, discount ends at midnight. Limited to 15 revolvers, restock time uncertain."

Holding the sign, Xia Yan looked at him strangely,

"Do we really need a discount? We're the only shop in the base."

"Do I care about the few coins in their pockets? How shallow!" Chu Guang said impatiently, "Stop talking and do as I say. Hurry up, hurry up."

Perhaps his tone was a bit too harsh.

Xia Yan visibly flinched, not daring to argue, and obediently took the sign away.

Satisfied with her compliance, Chu Guang nodded approvingly and continued to admire his work from the side.

As expected, as soon as Xia Yan returned to the weapon shop and hung the sign, the hesitant players, seeing the tempting discount, no longer hesitated. They immediately took out their silver coins and started a frenzy of purchases for the weapons they had long desired on the shelves.

The price of the revolvers was quite cheap, 110 silver before the discount, and only 99 silver after the discount, less than 100!

Most importantly, the revolvers were semi-automatic, and could be used as automatic if the trigger was pulled fast enough!

Wasn't this better than a bolt-action rifle?

Buy now, earn now!

Chu Guang couldn't help but suppress a laugh as he watched these players go wild with their purchases.

They would soon realize…

Sometimes, shooting too fast isn't a good thing.

There was a reason this item was cheaper than the bolt-action iron-barrel rifle from Jushicheng!

Of course, even with the 10% discount, the number of players who could come up with 99 silver coins at once was still few.

At least half of the rifles sold were bought by groups of three or four fixed teammates who pooled their money to buy one together.

For a standard three-person team, one gun was enough.

They could take turns using it, with the other two supporting with bows, crossbows, and melee weapons. Once they got the hang of it, they could upgrade the whole team later.

In the early stages of the business, conditions were tough, and they had to save where they could.

Everyone would have one eventually!

The 15 revolvers were quickly sold out.

Under the promotion, not only were the old guns seized from the Raiders sold out, but even the non-discounted Jushicheng iron-barrel rifles were sold, leaving only one 9mm rifle on the shelf.

Those who didn't get a gun, though disappointed, didn't lose heart and started thinking of other ideas.

Some resourceful players even started selling DIY weapons at the weapon shop's entrance, turning it into a large flea market.

"Does anyone want a sapper's joy stick? Super useful! Only 1 silver coin each, buy now!"

"Bro, you dare sell a stick with some wire for 1 silver coin? At least attach a blade!"

"You don't understand, this is piercing and blunt damage! Attaching a blade would make it slashing damage!"

"Sorry, I'll take an axe!"

"Does anyone want a crossbow? Made by the Carpentry Hut, originally 20 silver, now 15 silver, includes 5 bolts. I'm switching to a gun, so I don't need this anymore. Message me if you want it!"

"Can you lower the price? I only have 14 silver."

"Alright, fine, consider it a favor."

"Steel chest armor! Want a Raider-style chest armor? No 99, no 88, just 2 silver coins, a melee god's treasure!"

Mutual transactions among players were encouraged, but the timing and place mattered.

Seeing that these players selling and bargaining were obstructing traffic, Chu Guang stepped forward and cleared his throat, addressing the group,

"Street vending is prohibited within the outpost. If you need to trade, please go to the market at the north gate."

"This is not a place for setting up stalls!"

With the administrator's words, the players dispersed, heading to the north gate outside the base to continue their transactions.

As these players left, the weapon shop's entrance finally quieted down.

"Can I take a break now? There's only one gun left on the shelf." Xia Yan asked hopefully as Chu Guang approached.

The weather was getting colder, and even with a deer skin coat, she was shivering, making it hard to nap.

Compared to staying outside, Xia Yan preferred the warmth of the shelter.

Sleeping there was much more comfortable!

"Of course not, your job isn't just selling guns," Chu Guang rejected her innocent request without mercy, smiling as he continued,

"I need you to make at least 100 bullets before you clock out. If you can't, I'll have to make you sleep in the weapon shop tonight."

Xia Yan's eyes widened in shock,

"You can't do that, I'll freeze to death!"

"Don't be so dramatic. It's not even below zero yet, how did you survive before? Luca also sleeps in a small house next to the warehouse. Don't worry, I'll provide you with warm blankets and enough charcoal. Just remember to leave the door slightly open when burning it for safety."

Looking at the pitiful Xia Yan, Chu Guang maintained an innocent expression, "Don't look at me like that, I'm doing this for your own good, to prevent you from dozing off and catching a cold."

"You're a big villain! A heartless boss! I don't believe you!"

Seeing that acting pitiful didn't work, the usually fierce Xia Yan gritted her teeth but couldn't do anything about Chu Guang.

Her intuition told her he would really do it.

"Fine… 100, right? I'll do it!"

"That's the spirit. Life is about working. Think positively, at least making bullets isn't dangerous… if you're careful," Chu Guang reminded her with a caring tone, seeing her dejected face, "By the way, I'll check the quality. I advise you not to try to get away with it."

"Of course, if you do an excellent job, like… making an extra 50 bullets of acceptable quality, I'll give you a reward."

At the mention of a reward, Xia Yan, who had been dejected a moment ago, perked up, looking hopeful.

"What reward? Chocolate?"

"No chocolate, but I have a few chocolate-flavored lollipops."

This girl was really hooked on chocolate…

Seeing Xia Yan quickly pick up her tools and start working, Chu Guang nodded in satisfaction and left with peace of mind.

On the other side, the players at the north gate, after completing their transactions, wasted no time and, driven by the bounty, headed out to the Linghu Wetland Park.

They spread out along the elevated road to the north, searching for the Raiders' tracks.

The hidden pigs in the abandoned construction site to the north were scared, fearing that the players would alert the Raiders and affect their night attack. They retreated a kilometer before stopping.

Although they didn't find any Raiders, only catching some mutated rats, cockroaches, and hyenas, these players weren't entirely empty-handed. They still managed to hunt a lot of prey before nightfall, replenishing the food supply.

Compared to a week ago, hunting was now much harder.

Signs indicated that the migrating deer herds were leaving the northern suburbs of Qingquan City, moving south along the city's edge.

The cold weather had even driven the hyenas to hide in their dens.

Expecting to encounter wandering mutated hyenas by just wandering around was no longer realistic.

In the city, players mostly encountered scavengers with no hunting value.

As the nights grew longer, these light-sensitive mutants became more active, making hunting more difficult for the players.

They would emerge from the shadows like zombies, locking onto their prey and swarming them, making it hard to deal with them in the narrow urban and ruinous terrain.

The night grew deeper.

The city outside the wetland park was the first to be enveloped in darkness.

The players who had ventured out returned one by one, and the outpost became lively again.

As before, these players set up stalls at the north gate, loudly hawking and trading their day's harvest.

Some resourceful players had even started catering services.

For example, Ya Ya, who sold mushrooms.

This player was getting better, buying a large pot and starting a fire with charcoal, stewing mushrooms right at her stall at the north gate.

Priced at 2 copper coins per skewer of grilled mushrooms and 3 copper coins per bowl of mushroom soup (bring your own bowl),

"Selling mushrooms! Fresh mushroom soup and grilled mushrooms, come and buy!"

A crowd gathered around her stall.

"Ya Boss, do your mushrooms dance?"

"Do they chant the Great Compassion Mantra?"

"Can you release them after cooking?"

"Can you stew a Paimon in the pot?"

"Ya Boss, can you perform a self-stew in an iron pot?"

"Do you want me to die?!"

Admittedly, the mushroom soup smelled delicious, even Chu Guang was tempted and couldn't resist buying two bowls, bringing one to Xia Yan.

After rubbing bullets all day at the weapon shop, Xia Yan's fingers were red, her stomach growling, and she was feeling quite wronged.

Seeing the hot mushroom soup Chu Guang handed her, the little girl was moved to tears, gulping it down in one go.

"What is this soup! Sob, it's so delicious!"

Chu Guang smiled kindly,

"Just a simple mushroom soup, don't mind it, I bought it for you."

"Are you really that nice?" Xia Yan held the bowl, looking at him suspiciously, "I feel something's off, are you hiding something from me?"

"Am I that kind of person?"

Seeing her lick the bowl clean, Chu Guang waited a moment before taking a small sip of his own bowl.

Hmm…

It was indeed quite tasty, with a chicken broth-like flavor. Could it be the legendary chicken oil mushrooms? The forest had many good things.

Just a bit too salty…

…

Outside the wall…

Forty new players, after completing the final shovel of the trench, finally received their day's wages.

10 silver coins and 100 contribution points.

For new players, this was a considerable income.

Shovels stuck in the ground, "Spare the Blade" stood by the trench, excitedly addressing the new players with a passionate voice,

"Congratulations, you have proven your loyalty through action!"

"Look at our feet and behind us, this trench will be our strongest first line of defense, a result of our joint efforts!"

This brother had eloquently expressed what Chu Guang had intended to say.

Thinking there was nothing to add, Chu Guang approached the dirt-faced but joyful new players and gave a brief summary,

"Welcome to the wasteland."

"From now on, this will be your second home."

He announced the dismissal.

The new players rushed to the market at the north gate, eager to spend their money.

Many were already hungry.

No one provided meals while digging trenches, and in the real world, no one would do this job!

The noise continued until late at night, gradually subsiding as the gate closed.

Guards stood on the wall.

Inside the wall, the industrial area was bustling with activity.

Sitting on the third floor of the sanatorium, Chu Guang yawned, glancing at the time on Xiao Qi's back. Unknowingly, it was already midnight.

Midnight…

The first shift change of the night had begun.

Chu Guang stood up from the chair made by Mosquito, stretched, and picked up Xiao Qi.

"Let's go, I'll take you to recharge."

"Master?"

"What is it?"

"About 11 people are 521 meters to our north. Another 10 are circling to our northwest, moving west, 611 meters away in a straight line."

"…What?" Chu Guang, holding Xiao Qi, was taken aback and instinctively looked out the window, "I don't see anything."

Xiao Qi tilted her camera and replied matter-of-factly,

"Because my camera can capture infrared light, most cameras can do this, right?"

"…?"

What the hell?!

A sneak attack?!

Chu Guang, who had been a bit drowsy, was instantly wide awake.