This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 126: Triumph! And the Victory Celebration Banquet!

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Triumph! And the Victory Celebration Banquet!

In the evening, as the last covered wagon left the north gate of Bet Street, the survivors from Shelter No. 404 sang the songs of triumph as they headed home.

The residents of Bet Street watched in bewilderment as the victors disappeared at the end of the street, many still not recovered from the sound of cannon fire that morning.

Just...

Was it over?

No one was sacrificed.

The most seriously injured was just an unlucky guard who had his face scratched by wood splinters blown off by a shell. After breaking through the gates, those invaders didn’t loot and plunder like the Looters, but headed straight for the castle at the center of Bet Street—just as Mole Old Brother and others had said, they had come to teach the old mayor a lesson, and as long as you stayed inside and didn’t go out, you’d be fine.

As for the fate of that missing old mayor, no one cared what became of him; his end was self-inflicted. Some even wished he were dead, never to appear before them again.

And the spoils taken by those people, the residents of Bet Street had no feelings toward it, whether it was the grain from the granary or the weapons from the armory; all were the property of the old mayor.

He never shared any of it with them, so naturally, they felt no obligation to feel sorry for him.

"Where do you think the mayor went?"

"Don’t know, seems no one saw him come out of the castle."

"Maybe he dressed as a Scavenger and slipped away."

"I think those Blue Jacket guys probably killed him."

"I heard the Blue Jackets rarely resort to using force proactively. Looks like the mayor’s family really pissed them off."

"The new mayor is the old butler?"

"That’s not bad, but he’s so old... Can he handle it?"

"What I’m worried about now is the grocery store... without it, where will we go to trade for salt?"

Hearing the residents’ conversations, Old Charlie coughed and moved in front of the group.

"The grocery store will operate as normal. I will arrange for a dedicated shopkeeper so no one needs to worry. Your lives will not be affected by today’s events and may even improve."

"Celebrate this day, for the tyrant who oppressed you has been overthrown; no one will sell you inferior goods anymore. The grocery store will be operated by the street office and will no longer prioritize profit-making as its primary objective, I can assure you of that."

Street office?

What’s that?

The residents of Bet Street looked at each other in confusion; they had never heard such a convoluted term before.

In fact, it was the first time Old Charlie had heard it too.

But the name doesn’t really matter in the end.

It’s all about the actions.

After a rowdy discussion, the group of residents dispersed to attend to their own affairs.

...

Meanwhile, at the outpost base of Shelter No. 404.

Chu Guang, on his way home, instructed several Strength Type players to help unload the goods from the covered wagon and sort them into the warehouse and granary.

Several tons of grain, over a dozen fur pelts, and a heap of seasonings.

Looking at the nearly full granary, Chu Guang felt for the first time the joy of robbing the rich.

This was just too damn exhilarating!

Maybe... they could just take down the rich neighbor too?

As Chu Guang was oscillating between a lawful neutral and lawful evil stance, Old Luka, standing to the side, respectfully reported to him.

"Sir, while you were out, a messenger came from Brown’s farmstead."

Turning his gaze away from the stacked granary, Chu Guang looked towards Luka.

"Messenger? What did he say?"

Luka nodded.

"He’s brought a message from Mr. Brown, saying he’s grateful for your contributions to the survivors in the North Suburb and wishes to present you with a batch of supplies as a token of thanks. This includes 5000 kilograms of goat horn potatoes, 5000 kilograms of beets, and 5000 kilograms of corn. At the same time, he expressed a hope to establish friendly trade relations with us."

Chu Guang’s expression showed mild surprise.

"They really went all out this time."

He had been thinking about taking a stroll by Mr. Brown’s farmhouse after taking Bet Street, to subtly hint that he was in dire need of food. But unexpectedly, they took the initiative. He hadn’t even spoken yet, and they had already offered to send food.

At this moment, Chu Guang suddenly recalled the broadcast he had heard on the radio in the mayor’s office at Giant Stone City, and his expression turned slightly odd.

It looks like I should also thank that radio host who’s always shooting his mouth off, huh?

Luka nodded again, speaking with a touch of emotion, "They really did go all out, so much food... It definitely wouldn’t be cheap if we had to buy it."

In years past, merchants from Giant Stone City would come to the farm to buy grain, always by the truckload, with wholesale prices varying. But even during the cheaper times, 15,000 kilograms of grain would cost over a thousand chips.

Moreover, corn and beets are more expensive than goat horn potatoes and green wheat.

After all, the latter are "servants’" food, while the former one is a high-quality staple and the other is raw material for sugar production, with longer planting cycles as well.

Chu Guang figured that these goods were most likely prepared for the Blood Hand Clan.

Now that the Blood Hand Clan was gone and he had become the most threatening power in the area, the farm probably wanted to take this opportunity to establish friendly relations with him.

At least, they didn’t want to become enemies.

Chu Guang didn’t feel the slightest bit sorry for accepting this "token of thanks," and he looked at Luka while posing another question.

"When do they plan to deliver the goods?"

"If the weather is clear, they’ll arrive by noon tomorrow. If it snows, it might be delayed."

At this point, Luka paused for a moment and then reminded, "Additionally, my lord, you might have noticed that our granary is full. And now that the base’s food supply is increasing, I suggest building dedicated silos for a few major reserve varieties. This would not only extend the shelf life of the crops but also save more space."

Previously, when the base had only a small amount of grain and the weather was getting colder, they just built a shed to shield from the wind and rain where they could store the grain.

But now, with the increasing population at Outpost Base and larger reserves of food, it was clear that their previous casual approach was insufficient.

To properly store food long-term, they had to consider not only waterproofing and insect-proofing but also moisture-proofing, fire-proofing, and various other issues.

After listening to Old Luka’s suggestions, Chu Guang nodded.

"Your suggestions are excellent, and I will arrange for someone to assist you. Now I have a task for you. I need you to draw 500 jin of raw meat, goat horn potatoes, green wheat, cabbage, Chinese cabbage from the granary, as well as five barrels each of beer and red wine brought from Bet Street, and deliver them to the north gate of Outpost Base."

"There will be a banquet tonight to celebrate our victory at Bet Street."

"All food and drinks transported to the North gate market will be sold at half price!"

Old Luka took his orders with a nod.

"Understood!"

...

[Event: The Victory Banquet]

[Description: The righteous cannons have ended the tyranny of Bet Street, and amid the applause and cheers of the locals, our warriors have returned triumphantly! Celebrate the victory, special discount stalls at the North gate market are offering food and drinks at half price! The proprietress of the weapon shop reminds you that while good wine is enjoyable, don’t overindulge.]

PM sharp.

A grand evening party was held at the north gate of Outpost Base to celebrate the day’s victory.

The warehouse managing NPC set up special discount stands at the North gate market, arranging half-priced food on tables for players to select and purchase.

As the first in-game event since the launch of Wasteland OL, both new and old players were brimming with excitement, pouring their two hundred percent enthusiasm into the event.

Of course, the main reason was the half-priced food!

Before, 300 grams of raw meat that would cost 1 Silver Coin could now be bought for just 5 bronze coins. Goat horn potatoes, green wheat, and the recently added cabbage, Chinese cabbage, etc., could now be bought for very little money. If not now, when would one buy?

It was thanks to the slow restocking pace of the discount stands that limited the purchasing power of the players; otherwise, the food would have likely been snapped up as soon as the event started due to its low price!

"Wow, sister, sister, the food sold at that stall is so cheap! They have vegetables too!" Autumn Leaves, who had sneaked over to join the fun, ran back excitedly to her sister’s side, pulling her arm, "I’ll go tell the folks from our clan!"

Autumn Grass looked worriedly at her younger sister.

"Can we buy those things?"

Autumn Leaves nodded excitedly.

"Yes! I asked the stall owner! As long as you have those little coins, anyone can buy them!"

"Then... go and come back quickly."

"Okay! Leave it to me!"

Having received her sister’s permission, Autumn Leaves didn’t pause for a moment and raced toward the tribe, afraid if she ran slow, by the time she returned, there would be nothing left.

Watching her sister run off, Autumn Grass counted the coins in her bag, totaling 11 silver coins and 24 copper coins.

"At half-price... we could buy more than twenty kilograms of food."

A happy smile spread across Autumn Grass’s face.

She was fortunate to have convinced the chieftain to save the earned money. Now, they could exchange it for a lot more food.

No one should starve this winter.

While the sisters Autumn Grass and Autumn Leaves were still worried about whether the folks in their tribe would go hungry, the players over there were already complaining that their stomachs weren’t big enough.

"Damn it! Why can’t tails have two stomachs!"

One hand holding a skewer, the other clutching a mug full of beer, Tails’ cheeks were puffed out like a hamster, struggling to chew and talk at the same time.

Watching her friend’s collpased image, Si Si, who had been tasting wine, gave her a sidelong glance.

"Ah Wei, do you realize you look like an uncle right now?"

Having finally swallowed the food in her mouth and burped satisfactorily, Tails turned her head, unconcerned.

"We’re already in the game world! If we still had to control our diet, what would be the difference between this and that garbage game Earth OL! It’s not every day you get to eat such delicious food, Ah Si, you’re too serious. Loosen up a bit!"

Si Si: "..."

This guy.

She completely lets herself go in the game.

And she’s quite ladylike in reality.

Not far away, a white bear was happily gobbling down a whole grilled catfish, its fervent feasting envious to nearby players.

Of course, the most envious, jealous, and hateful was a certain lizard.

Both being variant players, some revel in gluttony outside, while others can only watch longingly from within Shelter No. 404.

Garbage-kun had been idle in the shelter for a while.

Every day after logging in, he did nothing but wander aimlessly around B2, touching here, looking there, either training or waiting for friends to feed him, logging out promptly at six to wash up and head to work.

When in the game, the body in reality was in deep sleep. Putting on the helmet at ten and waking up energized at daylight, ready to head to work; even if he couldn’t accomplish anything else, the ability to fall asleep instantly was excellent.

To boost the festive spirit, Mosquito ignited homemade fireworks on the open space at the north gate.

However, due to either a problem with the formula or the lighting technique, a Vaulting Monkey soared onto Teng Teng’s stall.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Only Mosquito was chased for a few hundred meters by an angry Teng Teng, wielding scissors.

In the end, Mosquito tearfully bought all the singed fur coats to settle the matter.

Aside from this small interlude, most players enjoyed the banquet in a more standard manner, the lifestyle occupation players taking advantage of the discounted ingredients to concoct Wasteland specialties into consumable dishes.

Normal dishes included roasted white oak deer leg, while abnormal ones comprised pine squirrel tail soup and salt-roasted Devil Moth pupae.

Alright, the Devil Moth pupae were actually edible, but eating insects still required some courage.

The entire aroma of delicacies permeated the north gate market.

Not just food but also fine wine.

Ten barrels, half as tall as a person, placed next to the discount stall, with several wooden mugs hanging beside them, and a sign standing nearby read—

"Beer 1 Silver Coin per cup, wine 5 Silver Coins per cup, now selling at half price!"

"Note: Each person is limited to one cup at a time, and you can buy again after finishing. Wasting is prohibited! Violators will be fined!"

The cups were wooden ones scavenged from the old town mayor’s castle, and as for the amount per cup, it was roughly 330ml.

Like the discounted food on the special price stalls, all the drinks were half off. Players who had participated in the day’s "Hit the Rich" operation even got a free cup.

Even if you didn’t drink, it was fine; you could sell your cup to other players.

However, I believe no one could pass up the opportunity to taste fine wine in the game. Even if you got blind drunk here, it wouldn’t affect tomorrow’s work.

A few younger players were knocking drinks back till they were stumbling all over, some even lying flat on the ground. Every now and then there was a flutter as one struggled with their network connection.

"Damn! I suggest the game company opens up a pain sensation adjustment feature!"

"Exactly! You can’t fully experience the feeling of being drunk! What’s the point of drinking then?"

"Belch..."

Two totally plastered young players were making a fuss, not far off Crow stuck out her tongue, holding her cup with a bitter look on her face.

"Ew, I didn’t know wine was this bitter!"

Teng Teng glanced at her: "Haven’t you ever drunk in reality?"

Crow shook her head like a rattle-drum.

"Allergic to alcohol... but now that it tastes so awful, I guess I’m not missing out."

Autumn Leaves, who had run back to the village to call people earlier, had now brought the gang back again.

They marveled at the festive bustle and splendor of the celebration, their eyes filled with curiosity, astonishment, and deep envy!

Barbecued meat!

Baked pancakes!

And booze!

It was simply too lavish!

Not far away, the Bull and Horse team that had grouped to sweep the "Greenhouse Ruins" and high-level players like Mole Old Brother were returning in canvas-covered wagons, hauling their spoils of war.

Seeing the bustling scene at the north gate, everyone was startled at first, but soon their VMs strapped to their arms received a pop-up about the event, and they were dumbfounded.

"Holy shit, what’s happening?"

"A victory feast?!"

"War?! What the hell, it’s all over by the time I get back?!"

Seeing the baffled looks on the faces of old acquaintances, Spare people under the knife, who was eating skewers and drinking beer at the North gate, chuckled and said.

"It’s over! Bet Street is now our turf!"

Night Ten regained his composure and quickly asked,

"Our turf now? Gosh, did any top-notch equipment drop?"

Spare people under the knife shook his head.

"No, but the quest rewards are decent—50 Silver Coins. Not sure if the rules for wars have changed, or if the rewards for invasion and defense are different by default. No auction this time; just got some money and contribution points, along with a chance to draw a lottery. The lottery was kind of interesting, but there wasn’t anything good. I guess it’s the planners testing the lottery system forcibly, don’t really understand it myself."

Old White glanced at the big bunch of skewers in his hand, which was obviously too much to finish in a short time.

"Don’t you work during the day? Why haven’t you logged off yet?"

Spare people under the knife said with a smile,

"Tomorrow’s Saturday, no bloody work to do."

"You guys have weekends off!" Old White said, envious, "That’s too awesome."

"Few tasks, little money, not much fun. Sometimes I even feel like it doesn’t matter whether I’m there or not." Spare people under the knife suddenly let out a long sigh while indulging in drinks and meat, voicing the sentiment of many players, "I wish I could be online 24 hours a day!"

-

(Next Chapter will be updated before 10:30, OCD, I’ll check for typos twice more QAQ)