This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 111 Hummingbird! And the Auction Event!

Chapter 111: Chapter 111 Hummingbird! And the Auction Event!

This little guy is actually a drone?

Well, that was almost embarrassing.

Looking at the silver metallic sphere in front of him with two pairs of propellers popping out and hovering, Chu Guang poked it with interest.

It can stabilize itself automatically?

"Interesting."

If he changed the propellers to wings, painted the sphere gold, and made it a tad smaller, it would look exactly like the Golden Snitch from Harry Potter.

The light blue label attached to this thing by the System read "Hummingbird Drone," along with a long string of instructions for use.

Simply put, this device could connect to any electronic device equipped with imaging technology and information transmission, requiring just a plugin the size of a thumbnail.

The universal interface on the VM just happened to fit this plugin perfectly.

But is this thing considered a weapon?

Chu Guang turned and looked at Xiao Qi.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

Xiao Qi’s response came with a wronged tone.

"But you didn’t ask me, Master."

Emmm...

Seems fair enough.

Without blaming it, Chu Guang fiddled with the toy for a while before continuing.

"What’s the use of this thing? Can it shoot?"

It better not be a one-time use explosive device.

If it’s really disposable, that would be really crappy.

Xiao Qi: "Its main function is surveillance... For such a small guy to integrate a long-life battery and a motor is already quite difficult; it certainly won’t be able to carry combat components, right?"

"Surveillance?" Chu Guang stood next to the drone and observed for a while, "How come I don’t see its camera?"

Xiao Qi continued to explain.

"The camera has already been integrated into the surface material; you certainly can’t see it with the naked eye. But don’t worry about its performance—even though the camera is very small, it’s incredibly powerful! The 60-point camera array distributed on the surface of the sphere can capture high-definition images of the 360-degree area without any blind spots, and it can even be used at night."

So even though he can’t see the cameras, the whole body is essentially covered with cameras smaller than pinholes, right?

Speaking of cameras, doesn’t that mean it can take photos?

Although Xiao Qi could also take photos, its range of activity was too limited, and the best it could do was to stand on top of the sanatorium and snap pictures of the players at work.

With this thing, he should be able to capture many interesting photos. Just add a filter, and you’ve got movie-quality game CG.

Chu Guang stroked his chin, continuing to inquire.

"What about flying altitude? And the range, working time, and... how does it charge?"

Xiao Qi quickly answered.

"Charging is very simple; the drone has a built-in wireless charging interface, just like me, it can automatically charge in the shelter, and I can also share some of my battery with it."

"As for the flying altitude, it’s recommended to fly below 100m, although theoretically it can fly hundreds of meters high, it’s suggested not to stay at high altitudes for too long, as prolonged high-altitude operation can put a strain on the engine and also bring safety risks."

"Regarding the range, if there aren’t many obstacles, it works well within a three-kilometer radius, but again, it’s not recommended to go too far from the terminal. After all, this is a short-range reconnaissance drone; its strengths are nearly 12 hours of extended endurance and overcoming obstacles in complex environments... Remote reconnaissance is a bit difficult."

Obstacles will affect signal transmission.

However, the Hummingbird drone’s control chip has an integrated automatic return-to-home program, which automatically activates AI once connection is lost. Based on cached video data and estimated flight paths, it controls the drone to return to the starting coordinates or a pre-set rendezvous point.

After understanding the little guy’s functions, Chu Guang reached out to take the drone down, holding it in his hand and liking it more the longer he looked at it.

If he threw the drone up into the sky before a fight, it would basically be like planting a true eye over the enemy’s head.

He could receive video and images through the VM.

That’s so damn cool!

"Master..."

"What is it?" Chu Guang looked at Xiao Qi curiously upon hearing its voice, "Is there any functionality you haven’t introduced yet?"

"That... Could you give it to Xiao Qi?" Xiao Qi tentatively suggested, "Your VM can directly connect to the shelter’s main server; the images I see can be transmitted to you directly. If you give it to me, Xiao Qi will be able to see farther away, and it will be more convenient to help you monitor the players’ activities."

"That’s not a bad idea." Chu Guang’s eyes lit up.

The gadget was indeed useful in combat, but he didn’t have that many opportunities to be on the front line, and now that his defenses were as solid as a barrel of iron, an extra gadget like this wouldn’t make much difference.

Better to use it for spying.

No, to say it properly—strategic surveillance!

Xiao Qi continued.

"Master, when I was organizing materials for you yesterday, I noticed that the guard’s journal seemed to mention a signal tower? If the power supply to that signal tower could be restored, it might be able to further extend the signal coverage of Shelter No. 404."

Chu Guang placed the drone on Xiao Qi’s head, continuing with interest,

"You mean... the signal tower the guard used to communicate with the survivors on the surface? I did consider it, but according to the clues sent back by the players’ exploration maps, there doesn’t seem to be any significant findings."

Xiao Qi went on to say.

"The function of that signal tower shouldn’t be just to communicate with the surface; according to the clues from the recordings, this shelter seems to have been collecting wireless signals from the surface as analysis samples for several years after the war."

"Based on my conjecture, this signal tower should possess complete signal transmission and reception capabilities. Perhaps we can use it to provide information services to the players’ VM devices. In this way, even in areas far from the shelter, you can issue missions to the players."

Chu Guang said with a smile.

"It’s a good idea, but the problem is, where do we find this signal tower? Do you have a map?"

Xiao Qi immediately said.

"Although I don’t have a map, it’s obvious that the signal tower is nearby, right? If the players have explored the area within two kilometers around here—"

Hearing this, Chu Guang suddenly realized.

"Street No.76?"

Xiao Qi said happily.

"Yeah! Master is brilliant!"

Indeed.

Once all the wrong options are eliminated, the final answer naturally surfaces.

To the west and northwest of Wetland Park is the lake, and to the south, there are wastelands, abandoned buildings, and abandoned park facilities. Further south is Bet Street and the fifth ring road beyond it.

As for the area north to the abandoned tire factory, players from the shelter have long been familiar with it. The only unexplored area was right across from the east gate, Street No.76.

Speaking of which, the Greenhouse Ruins seemed to be right at the entrance of Street No.76.

The range of the players’ activities was getting closer and closer to the territory of the mutants.

Chu Guang, looking at the map, fell into deep thought.

"Tsk."

"We need to figure out a way to wipe out those green-skinned muscleheads all at once."

...

The next morning, after a slight pause in the heavy snow, it seems today is a rare sunny day.

At the doorstep of the weapon shop, a large crowd of people had gathered.

The players who arrived later stood on their toes, peeking over the crowd, grabbing nearby players, and asking what was going on.

"What’s happening? Why are so many people crammed in here?"

"It’s the weapon shop auction!"

"Auction?! When was there a group battle again, how come I didn’t know about it?"

"It’s not a group battle, just a normal auction! I also don’t know what’s going on, seems like a temporary event in the Game, haven’t you checked the official website?"

"No! The moment I got home, I didn’t even strip before slapping the helmet on my head!"

"Dude, you don’t even shower?"

"I shower when I wake up in the morning! What’s reality compared to the Game?"

"This is madness."

Chu Guang glanced at the crowd around him, and seeing that enough people had arrived, cleared his throat, raised the bow in his hand, and said in a solemn and serious tone,

"...This is a mechanical composite bow from the deepest part of the shelter. As for its legends... well, in fact, it’s yet to create any legends."

"But that’s not important!"

"Brand new limbs, shiny bow string, a scale-marked variable focal-length sight, and with a battery, you can even use electric power to energize the pulley system! It will help you deliver a lethal blow! It is unquestionably the latest model, born for hunting. As for its legends, they’re waiting for you to write them!"

"The starting bid is 100 silver! Each bid must increase by at least 1 silver coin!"

"No upper limit!"

No upper limit!

Exciting!

The moment these words were said, the atmosphere at the scene immediately erupted.

"101 silver!"

"I bid 102 silver!"

"Damn! What’s wrong with you? I bid 110 silver!"

"I’ll take that, 120 silver, this bow looks way niubi than guns, if I use triangular arrowheads, maybe I could shoot right through—"

"130 silver! You talk too much!"

"180!!"

That shout was almost a screech.

The place went quiet instantly.

Everyone turned towards the person who made the bid, thinking it was Mosquito, who never goes to the front lines, but it turned out to be the one "Brother Mole who was personally banned on the forum by the planner"—Escaped Vole in the Canyon.

Can he even use a bow and arrow?

Feeling a bit embarrassed by everyone’s gaze, Mole turned red and argued.

"I’m an agility type, is there a problem?"

Silence fell over the crowd.

Feeling pressured by his aura, a nearby newbie whispered timidly,

"No..."

"Right—"

"Cough, I bid 188, let’s round it up for good luck."

"!"

Just as the Mole had started to feel smug, he turned abruptly to look at a hand raised in the crowd. The onlookers sighed, accepting that Mosquito was, as expected, making his move.

Once the price broke 150, it was like gods clashing in combat.

Third-tier players had already dropped out of the bidding, while the second tier watched and waited.

To be honest, Chu Guang didn’t care to whom he sold the weapon, but he particularly didn’t want to sell it to Mosquito. Whenever that guy won an auction, he never used the item; he just hoarded them like collectibles.

Like that Scorpion Submachine Gun, or the double-barreled shotgun dropped by the Blood Hand Clan’s big BOSS, Chu Guang had never seen him actually use them.

What’s the point of hoarding them?

Could they reproduce or what?

Just then, a righteous hand shot up.

"200 silver!"

"What the fuck?!"

"Two, two hundred?!"

Both Mole and Mosquito’s eyes bulged instantly.

Turning sharply, they saw that the person raising his hand was none other than Brother Fang Chang, who had started playing the game even earlier than them.

Whispers broke out among the players nearby.

"200 silver for a bow?!"

"He’s gone mad; that money could buy two guns!"

"But I think it might be worth it, like if you tie dynamite to triangular arrowheads... Have you guys played Graphics Card Crisis? It’s like that."

"MMP, stop talking, you’re making me - an intelligence type player - want to buy it!"

"Wuwuwu, when will I ever have this much money."

Brother Fang Chang ignored the whispers of the other players and looked at Mosquito Brother, sheepishly grinning.

"Bro, do me a favor... I actually have a use for it."

Probably no one among these players knew how to use a bow and arrow better than he did.

Mosquito spread his hands in resignation, signaling surrender.

"We’re all friends here, I fold."

He had no choice but to fold.

Although he had indeed made a fortune selling wooden bows to newcomers, his own expenses on "inventions and innovations" were also huge. Furthermore, after a recent buying spree, he was left with only 190 silver in his pocket.

Mole grumbled in annoyance.

"Damn! Where do you guys get all this money? You must be embezzling!"

Before Fang Chang could respond, Night Ten popped out.

"Heh, you think we just make bricks and do nothing else? Not to mention, just by increasing the brick factory’s daily output to over 5,000, you get a direct—"

Before he could finish, Old White covered Night Ten’s mouth.

"Alright, alright, no more talking."

We don’t want the developers to hear us, or we’re done for.

However, that said, these 200 silver were indeed all the funds that the Niubi Squad had. The reason Brother Fang Chang hadn’t bid before was that he was discussing with his teammates.

Cutting to the chase, he wanted that bow.

His archery accuracy rate was now high enough to hit a moving target beyond 50 meters. If he could get his hands on this bow, his combat power would multiply severalfold, and the team’s DPS would soar!

His three teammates had no objections. They had played other games together as a team, and it was the same deal in this game.

Why worry about making money with increased team damage output?

Especially Night Ten, who was most supportive of Elder Fang. After all, the bolt-action rifle he was now using was something they had all chipped in to get for him, on Fang Chang’s suggestion.

Escaped Vole in the Canyon: "Sigh, you guys are really loaded. I’m crying."

Fang Chang chuckled and said, "Sorry, bro. Next time there’s good loot, I won’t compete with you!"

Escaped Vole in the Canyon: "I’ll remember that promise!"

And so the fight among the wealthy players came to an end, and everyone dispersed to attend to their own business.

Brother Mole was doing the same as yesterday, leading a convoy organized on the forum to rush to the Greenhouse Ruins instance. As for the two guys in the team who had been feigning death, they had been replaced by two strength-type newbies.

Insect-type instances were rare places where perception-type players struggled to make an impact, as most insect-type variants seemed to have innate stealth bonuses that made them virtually undetectable.

The official forum has already reached a consensus that when running copies like these, it’s better to bring two more tanks than scouts.

If they can hold the line, there will be output.

As for Team NiuMa, Chu Guang specifically observed them with a drone and found out they weren’t staying at the brick factory. Instead, they had gone out through the north gate of Wetland Park and headed over to a collapsed department store located between the tire factory and abandoned construction site.

Was there something valuable there?

Chu Guang was curious but didn’t send the drone to follow them. After all, going forward would exceed three kilometers, and the signal was likely to be affected.

In any case, if they found something good, they would still bring it back to him. Later, he could just look through strategies on the official website, and he would naturally understand.

...

All the combat professional players had dispersed to do their work, leaving only the rookies running errands and the life-skilled players who treated Wasteland OL as a recreational game.

When Chu Guang walked into Teng Teng’s cottage, Miss Teng Teng, who was skilled with her hands and mind, was standing on a stool, teaching three novice Intelligence System players how to use the remnants of fur coat materials to craft leather goods like gun holsters and scabbards, using a charcoal-smeared wooden board.

"There are no two identical leaves in the world, and there are no two identical pieces of fur either, you must remember this phrase."

"If you want to become a qualified designer, you first need to learn to distinguish the subtle differences between nearly matching fur materials. Only by choosing the right materials can you proceed to the next step of your work."

"Do you understand?"

Miss Teng Teng, standing on the stool and teaching, was like a kindergarten teacher for an older group of children.

The three players stared at each other, clearly not understanding, but still dazedly nodded their heads.

"We understand!"

"Great!"

Seeing her students showing such astuteness, Teng Teng nodded her head in satisfaction, patted her grimy hands, and hopped down from the stool.

Just then, she spotted the manager standing at the entrance and her eyes immediately lit up.

Was a hidden quest coming her way?!

"You guys just work it out amongst yourselves for now!"

Dropping those words, Teng Teng immediately headed for the entrance, excitedly saying,

"Respected Manager, do you have any orders for me?"

Chu Guang went straight to the point.

"Recently, Outpost Base captured a batch of Devil Moth’s Cocoons. The Devil Silk drawn from these cocoons is high-quality material. I was wondering if you have a way to weave it into usable fabric."

"Weave fabric?" Teng Teng looked bewildered, "I remember before weaving fabric, we need to reel the silk, right?"

Truthfully, she didn’t know how.

If it was just about fashion design, she didn’t need to bother with such "basic" knowledge. Even her current work with fur processing was self-taught through online materials downloaded after playing Wasteland OL.

The Manager had just given her a hard task.

While it wasn’t too difficult to find some public information with the help of the internet, she was unsure whether the information she found would still be applicable to Devil Moth cocoons.

Did anyone actually use cocoons from these mutated moths to make clothes?

It sounded weird.

Chu Guang continued.

"Whether it’s reeling silk or whatever else, I need it turned into usable silk thread and fabric. If we can make use of these materials, we could produce lighter and more durable armor, and the surplus products could be exchanged for the food that we urgently need... Do you have any good ideas?"

Although not very confident, Teng Teng’s spirits were still high after realizing the importance of the task from the Manager’s explanation, and she nodded her head vigorously.

"I’ve never tried it before, but I think we can give it a shot!"

As soon as her words fell, her VM received a task popup.

[Task: Textile Crafting]

[Briefing: Outpost Base has obtained a batch of Devil Silk, which is excellent material. But before turning this material into silk threads and fabric, we first need to solve the problem of production tools.]

[Request: Construct a spinning wheel and a loom.]

[Reward: 100 Silver]

[Note: Although a manual spinning wheel and loom would suffice for the task, if you can come up with a more efficient production machine that meets the current needs of Outpost Base, it might trigger additional hidden rewards.]

Silver!

When she saw the task reward, Teng Teng’s eyes immediately turned the color of silver coins.

Especially because of that note at the end.

If she could produce an efficient production machine, she might be able to trigger additional hidden rewards!

"Don’t worry, revered Manager!"

Her index finger tapped on the VM screen, and Teng Teng looked up excitedly, swearing confidently, "Teng Teng will certainly not let you down!"

"Good, I’m counting on you."

Chu Guang nodded in satisfaction.

These troublesome affairs would be difficult to figure out alone; he would probably be pondering over refining steel alone until next year.

But with these diligent and brave little players...

Chu Guang suddenly felt that life in the Wasteland wasn’t as hard as he had imagined.

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