Kingdom of Corrosion
Chapter 553 - 274 Partner_2

Chapter 553: Chapter 274 Partner_2

Stone called Lin Wu over, "Have a chat with your secretary."

Lin Wu complained. Little White Rabbit clearly told Lin Wu that Siege Zombies would destroy everything. Zombies attack based on priority, they attack players first upon seeing them. If they can’t find any player, or can’t approach a player, they’ll prioritize attacking buildings and vehicles. The command center in the buildings is the lowest priority.

That is to say, Maya’s idea was wrong. Zombies would consider the artificial walls as part of the command center. Maya said, "In that case, defending is going to be very difficult, we must abandon the Sawmill."

Stone said, "We discussed it during the dinner meeting just now, and most people are in favor of defending the city." One reason is that even if we can’t hold the Sawmill, we can still get a lot of points. Lin’s secretary Little White Rabbit told everyone that the longer we hold out, the more points we get. Killing Siege Zombies also earns points. The value of each Seven-Star Siege common zombie is double that of each Six-Star common zombie."

Shana said, "Even if we have to give it up, we should retreat in an orderly manner, holding an exit and retreating at the right moment."

Stone said, "The rougher the sea, the more expensive the fish. After the Threat Value rose to Seven-Star, no one was afraid, instead, there was an eagerness to try, and everyone was full of anticipation for defending the city. If it were up to me, I would definitely give up the Sawmill, but these are young people, they won’t be content without giving it a shot."

Shana said, "Lin Wu thinks the same, he has defended against Four-Star, Five-Star, and even Six-Star levels in the early stages of the game. To be honest, I also want to see what a Seven-Star Siege is like. Of course, safety comes first."

Maya nodded, "To ensure safety, we can use armored vehicles and choose to defend the North Gate."

"The North Gate? There is only one gate there. Once entered, it’s the factory building." Whether it’s the East or West parking lots or the backyard, there is a buffer zone. Only after charging through the buffer zone can zombies enter the factory building. Unlike the others, the North Gate is different. Ten meters outside the North Gate is a highway without any fencing protection, allowing zombies to charge directly into the factory.

Maya pointed at the blueprint and said, "Armored vehicles would run back and forth, crushing as many zombies as possible to reduce the number hitting the North Gate. We’ll establish positions at the entrance of the North Gate, where we can shoot the zombies entering the factory. According to what Dawn said about priorities, the zombies will first attack facilities like dormitories and workshops inside the factory. We’ll try to eliminate them with our firepower. Moreover, the command center is directly opposite the North Gate, within sight and shooting range."

Maya said, "Once we can’t hold out, armored vehicles will lead the way, and we’ll retreat north to the safe zone. But we must adhere to one principle: we should not attempt to rescue any comrades who are in trouble."

Stone hesitated, "I don’t know how many points constitute a high score. Since we can’t hold it, why waste bullets?" Maya’s tactics were clearly an attitude of abandoning the Sawmill, using the buildings to delay the zombies, creating time and opportunities for players to score points. The worst part was the inability to use the command center, which meant we couldn’t call for bombardment. Why waste two free rounds of artillery cover?

Is it wise to exchange bullets for points? Indeed, the essence of the game is still points, but bullets are also the foundation of survival.

Maya said, "I have an idea about the bullet situation, I’ll think of a way. To be honest, I’m not willing to give up such a good base so easily. There may not be many hardcore players, but there should still be a few thousand. We have no reason to miss the opportunity to score points."

Stone and Shana nodded, Shana said, "You’re in charge of the arrangements, it’s tough on you."

"No problem, we should be going." Maya switched to the apocalypse channel, "Return to base." With that, she walked towards the Shadow command center on her own, borrowing the radio for external communication.

...

Starlight was driving, with Peanut sitting in the passenger seat. Lin Wu disliked the cramped back seat of the pickup, so he sat in the truck bed instead. Upon entering Highway 99, Maya pushed open the door from the back seat and climbed into the truck bed. Lin Wu was startled, "Did you increase your Agility?"

Maya ignored Lin Wu’s joke and took off a necklace from around her neck to give to Lin Wu, who dared not accept it, hugged Wai tightly, and looked at Maya in horror, "What are you trying to do? Don’t come over."

After a punch to the head, Lin Wu accepted the necklace, which was named the Shaman Amulet. Its effect was to negate one death penalty. Meaning, attributes and skills remained unchanged after death, and even exclusive items such as Beast Trap, drones, and lucky suits wouldn’t vanish. However, the 24-hour revival time after death remained unchanged (changed due to a misunderstanding), and all non-exclusive items would still drop.

Maya said, "Nightmare gave it to me, she doesn’t need it."

Lin Wu remained suspicious, "I know I am handsome, but you’re pretty too. Why would you give it to me?"

Maya glanced at Wai, and Lin Wu had an epiphany. Everyone else’s death was a big loss but acceptable. Only Lin Wu’s death would be unacceptable to many, including Lin Wu himself. Everyone had already regarded Wai as a part of Shadow, and though Lin Wu could revive, without Lin Wu, Wai would be gone.

Realizing his bond with Wai, Lin Wu suddenly felt a sense of responsibility. Annoyed and embarrassed, he pinched Wai’s head, and Wai licked his palm in response. Holding the amulet, Lin Wu asked, "Is defending really that dangerous?"

"Just in case," Maya replied, "I’ve made an arrangement with Nightmare."

Lin Wu was puzzled, "Don’t tell me you’re going to betray a friend for love?"

Maya said, "Nightmare is our partner, and what you did really wasn’t very nice."

Lin Wu replied, "I’ve been waiting for Nightmare to die before raiding her safehouse." Unspoken words: I don’t think I’m being unfair.

Maya said, "Maintaining a good relationship with a partner has its benefits. If there’s no benefit to the partnership, we wouldn’t be able to become partners."

Lin Wu said, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

"Think longer term," Maya tapped on the vehicle hood and said through the headset, "Starlight, please pull over."

The car stopped, and the two got out. Starlight didn’t ask why they were getting out but instead asked, "When should I come pick you up?"

Maya said, "Tonight isn’t the night of bit-light, and we don’t have far to go, we can walk back."

Lin Wu added, "What she means is: we’ll call you later."

Starlight laughed, "Alright, bye."

"Bye."

...

Nightmare’s temporary base was located by the side of Highway 99, in a roadside pizza shop, perhaps the last source of food along Highway 99.

Lin Wu stayed outside the safe zone, while Maya went into the burger joint to talk with Nightmare for about five minutes, then signaled Lin Wu to come in. Lin Wu entered the burger joint and greeted with a polite smile, "Hey, Nightmare."

Nightmare looked at Lin Wu coldly, "How much stuff did you take from my safehouse?"

Lin Wu sat down leisurely and said, "You should be thankful I didn’t take everything. Besides, you never admitted to having a safehouse or a warehouse."

Nightmare stood up, drew her gun, and aimed it at Lin Wu. Lin Wu spread his hands indifferently, thinking, after all, I have a Death Exemption Token, the one you gave me.

Maya pressed down Nightmare’s gun and said, "I’ve told you both, we’re partners."

Lin Wu stated, "Our partnership is on a per-case basis." During a partnership, we’re allies; outside of it, we’re not.

Maya asked, "For a long-term partner, we have airdrop equipment, and we need honor points. Nightmare, your missions are tough, and you need our help too. Sure, we can choose not to cooperate, but we’re all adults here, and the basic logic is that working together is a win-win."

Nightmare lowered her gun and asked, "So what about the bullets?"

Maya replied, "You’re not that petty."

Nightmare said, "Fine, I’m generous, but I only have this one safehouse. Who knows when he might sneak in to steal again."

Maya assured her, "I trust he will follow the principle of not violating a partner’s territory."

Maya looked at Lin Wu, who hesitated for a few seconds, then reluctantly nodded, "Yes." Inwardly, he was somewhat irked and resented Maya for taking liberties on his behalf.

"Can we shake on it?" Maya asked.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and finally, Lin Wu was the first to extend his hand, barely touching hers before quickly letting go, a gesture to save Maya’s face.