This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 151 Task "Blood for Blood!

Chapter 151: Chapter 151 Task "Blood for Blood!

Okay.

After hearing Lu Yang’s explanation, Chu Guang realized it was a false alarm.

Those two thousand were clones, and mass-produced ones at that.

According to Lu Yang, the Army had mastered black technology capable of producing clones with a developmental speed eight times that of normal humans. These clones not only had low maintenance costs and a fast maturation rate but also formed combat capabilities after just two years.

Unlike other clones, who either had to stay in their tubes for a year and a half to reach the desired physiological age before emergence or develop from zero age like normal infants.

The Army’s clones were nearly flawless as cannon fodder with vastly superior morale than the average Looter and, supported by the Army’s industrial backing, their equipment wasn’t too shabby either—at least better than that of Looters.

The only flaw was that two years wasn’t enough to establish a complete mind; these clones usually fought relying on animal instincts, driven by fear and pain.

Most could only be used as light infantry, with only a few old soldiers capable of operating slightly more complex machinery. And one couldn’t expect too much efficiency and accuracy from them.

Therefore, the Army generally required a large number of junior officers to command—or rather drive—these cannon fodder, occasionally enslaving some of the general survivors to act as laborers and build complex defensive constructions.

The true backbone of the Army was this vast number of junior officers. They were Centurions on the battlefield and small Slave Owners off of it.

On average, ten to twenty clone light infantrymen needed one Centurion to command them. Only a few Armies that adhered to the "human wave tactic" military doctrine could achieve a ratio of 1:50 or even 1:100 between Centurions and clone light infantry, overwhelming their opponent’s defenses with vast numbers and sufficient weapons.

No doubt about it.

clones were definitely cheaper than one set of power armor.

According to Lu Yang, even the pre-war Utopian Society did not possess technology that allowed a clone to possess a complete and mature mind in a short period.

And when Chu Guang inquired about the existence of clones that "can be cultivated in just a month and have full minds," Lu Yang looked at him as if he had heard something utterly inconceivable.

"Impossible! A clone with a full mind in just a month? If that were true, wouldn’t that be more convenient than a machine? I’ve traveled all the way here from the East Coast and heard many strange things, but I’ve never heard of such a thing."

"Human beings are the cells of society; you can’t create a person who can adapt to society entirely disconnected from it. Even we need to provide our staff with basic education and onboarding training, and select the best among the lower-level staff, refugees, and indigenous people through examinations."

"As for technology, at most it accelerates this process from the original fifteen or twenty years to five or eight years. A mind must be gradually constructed during brain development, it’s not as simple as plugging a memory stick into a computer."

"If someone tells you there’s technology that can give clones a full mind in just one month, they’re either mad or a scammer."

After listening to Lu Yang’s firm statements, Chu Guang fell into silence, at a loss for words for a moment.

I understand all that.

But what about my players?

...

Before leaving, Lu Yang solemnly promised Chu Guang that he would compensate the injured workers and the families of the deceased, and deal a heavy blow at eight o’clock tonight to those who claimed to be part of the Army!

The First Pioneer Regiment would not tolerate those who dared to provoke them and hurt their allies!

Perhaps to soothe an ally, Lu Yang even disclosed the exact time of the action to Chu Guang.

Truth be told, this was a big help to Chu Guang.

Two thousand people.

They couldn’t possibly fight with just sticks on fire, right?

Even if the equipment was terrible, active material was still a good thing...

After Lu Yang left, Chu Guang turned around and returned to the center of the camp.

The casualties had already been taken away.

Old Luka, who had dealt with the bodies, knew some of the inside information, so he calmly used something to cover the faces of the dead and seriously injured, preventing those on Pioneer from seeing their faces clearly. He let the security team carry them back.

The players were all very sensible, knowing that once they were on a stretcher, this bug was definitely stuck, so they all acted like they were barely hanging on, motionless on the stretchers.

Later, they simply went to a black screen.

It was, however, the players who didn’t feign death that were furious, stomping their feet and cursing as they ranted.

"Damn! Why are two shrapnel wounds in the stomach considered fatal injuries? He can still talk, can’t he? It’s not like he’s hit in the head!"

Among the 11 injured, 3 died of severe injuries, adding to the 2 who died instantly, this round of shelling resulted in a total of 5 deaths.

This was more than just a number; it represented 5 families and everyone who knew them...

The medical staff of the logistics department around were silent.

They took it as him venting his grief, using the stones on the ground to represent those despicable villains ten kilometers away.

At this time, it was better to leave him alone for a while.

As for the other 8 injured, after their treatment, their wounds were mostly healed.

Vite approached Chu Guang, who was walking from the entrance of the camp, and volunteered that the captain had already contacted him, and they would pay the compensation money to them later.

He also brought another piece of bad news—

The afternoon gathering plan was canceled.

"The gathering plan is canceled? Why?" Seeing Vite’s bewildered face, Chu Guang immediately snapped out of it and explained righteously, "I mean, aren’t those so-called Army Looters in the northwest? I heard our construction site is in the north."

The more there is a war, the less production can stop!

Don’t you have the slightest sense of how fast you’re burning through your resources?

Chu Guang had people retrieve their bullets during previous battle with mutants to calculate their usage; they were firing tungsten steel bullets, 9g each.

One magazine at 30 rounds would certainly weigh half a pound!

Vite hesitated, "That’s true, but the straight-line distance between Elm District and our resource gathering point is only five kilometers; it’s hard not to attract their attention... to reduce unnecessary casualties, our chief suggests that you should temporarily withdraw to avoid accidental injuries during the battle."

When Vite said this, his emotions were incredibly complex.

Of course, they hoped to continue production.

But they couldn’t possibly expect their allies to risk their lives picking up their trash so soon after such an incident, could they?

At least give people some time to grieve and take care of the aftermath.

It was something not even their stingy department head would have demanded—pushing people back to work on the heels of a death.

Chu Guang had no qualms about the compensation, but upon hearing the afternoon’s collection plan had been canceled and that his people were to retreat, his mood instantly took a downturn.

Damn it!

Was making a bit of foreign currency easy for him?

Without money, how could he improve the players’ gaming experience? He couldn’t expect them to move bricks and burn cement for a lifetime.

If they pulled out now, the light industry wool-pulling scheme he had so painstakingly laid out would be impacted, and that was just the tip of the iceberg; the key was that his players would miss out on experiencing the content of the expansion pack.

Afraid of what?

He wasn’t scared, why should they be?

Wasn’t it perfect if their enemies came out from the forest?

Drawing them into urban combat, it wasn’t clear who would beat whom.

However, Vite had misunderstood Chu Guang’s expression, thinking he was saddened by the catastrophe that befell the residents, and a hint of guilt also crossed his face.

"We’re deeply sorry for what happened, no one could have expected... that they were hiding two mortars."

"It’s not your fault, you don’t need to apologize. Those who should pay are the shameless scoundrels who suddenly opened fire on us."

Chu Guang’s heart stirred slightly, but his somber expression remained as he gently shook his head and walked away from Vite.

Under Vite’s puzzled gaze, Chu Guang approached the players and raised his voice loudly.

"A gang claiming to be an Army of Looters has invaded our homeland from the north, attacking without declaration, attempting to make us submit with their shells."

"This is a despicable sneak attack!"

The players all quieted down, looking in the direction of the Manager.

A triggered storyline?

Was a task incoming?

Responding to those expectant eyes, Chu Guang continued with a loud and resolute voice.

"The residents of Shelter No. 404 will not submit, the blood of our brethren shall not flow in vain."

"We will make them understand the cost of provoking us!"

Almost simultaneously, all the players holding a VM received a task popup.

[Task: Blood for Blood!]

...

The southern gate of the Action Camp.

Watching those Blue Jackets retreat southward, two logistics staff members exchanged whispers.

"Those Blue Jackets are gone?"

"They should be. I heard that to avoid casualties, our head let them lay low for a while."

"Damn... does that mean no buns to eat tomorrow?"

"All you think about is eating!"

"You’ve had your fair share of eating too! But speaking of which... why do some of them have VMs and others don’t?"

"I don’t know, not all the Blue Jackets carry that thing, right?"

"Okay, I just thought it was strange because the ones who left all had VMs. Those without VMs stayed at the camp."

"Hiss... now that you mention it, it is pretty strange."

Unable to figure it out, and not seeing it as something to report, the logistics staff didn’t dwell on it.

In fact, those Blue Jackets with VMs had indeed left.

But it was not a retreat.

They were going back to grab their weapons, ready to retaliate!

A round trip of twenty kilometers couldn’t stop the players determined to complete the task. The heavy snow drifting down couldn’t extinguish the boiling blood in their veins.

An Army, huh.

Whoever you are, if you dare to bomb us, you’re dead!

Blood for Blood!

A group of them returned to the shelter, brimming with rage.

In addition to picking up their bound rifles, all the little players who took on the task also went to the warehouse to collect a woven bag, as required by the task.

Previously, while scouring an abandoned construction site, the warehouse had stocked up plenty of these bags made of polymer filaments.

Always, the scavenger players used them as a substitute for backpacks to hold collected trash, and now they were perfect for carrying loot!

If there were none.

Just gear up yourself!

In a moment, the atmosphere within Shelter No. 404 became unexpectedly solemn. Looking at their own inventories, many players were hesitating about what would be best to take into battle.

Fang Chang was also caught up in a similar dilemma.

Without a doubt, Dawn was the best choice; exploding arrows could kill targets behind cover, and armor-piercing arrows could even penetrate some light armor.

But the problem was...

This battle was likely to be quite difficult.

Even if he bound his equipment to himself, he couldn’t guarantee he would be able to bring it back in one piece.

Old White, who was checking his gear next to him, saw the hesitation in his friend’s eyes. He extended his right hand, placed it on his shoulder, and said with a smile,

"Don’t waffle so much. If you want to bring it, then bring it."

Fang Chang shook his head and said cautiously,

"Everyone chipped in to buy this, and to be honest, this battle will definitely be much tougher than when we fought the Blood Hand Clan. I’m not sure I can bring it back."

The death penalty in this game was somewhat harsh.

Previously, when their pockets were as clean as their faces, it hadn’t seemed like a big deal. Now, as the game progressed, Fang Chang increasingly felt that, apart from losing some silver coins and the three-day respawn CD, the loss of equipment was actually the biggest punishment.

So, he had to carefully weigh the costs and risks, deciding what equipment to bring for which tasks.

Predicting Fang Chang would say this, Old White grinned and patted his shoulder.

"Equipment is made for use. There’s no point in being so cautious. Isn’t the point of the game to do things you want to do in reality but don’t dare to? Don’t carry so many burdens. Although it was bought with everyone’s money, it was bought for you, so don’t think of it as ours! If you think you won’t need it and thus don’t bring it, I have no objections. But if you’re afraid of losing it and end up not using it at all, you might as well go to battle with a bow and arrow and a spear."

Night Ten gave a heh-heh laugh and joined in, "Exactly, what’s there to fear? Are you planning on dying out there? I sure don’t want to die! With this bug not fixed, who knows how many days I’d be out of the game if I died? Let those beginners send their heads to the grinder, but I plan to be one of the last standing! Anyhow, I have to bring back some spoils!"

Wild Wind gently coughed, "Let’s not talk about dying yet; remember, we still have to avenge Quit Smoking Brother."

Old White laughed heartily, "That’s right, avenge Quit Smoking Brother! I almost forgot if Wild Wind hadn’t mentioned it."

Night Ten added, "That’s right! Quit Smoking Brother finally got the chance to log on, didn’t even get to experience anything, and was killed by the plot. We must take damn good revenge!"

Moved by his friends’ encouraging gazes, Fang Chang smiled and no longer hesitated.

"Yeah, take damn good revenge!"

...

Back in the shelter,

Fang Chang was no longer hesitant, but WC There are mosquitoes was still undecided.

After pondering for a long time, he finally sighed and reluctantly headed down to B2 level.

Ever since the "Winter is Coming" expansion pack ended, Garbage Kun hadn’t left the shelter. However, he still logged in regularly, doing push-ups and practicing squats in the lobby.

In his own words, this could level up his character, and after all, exercising in the game wasn’t as exhausting as in reality. It was better to find something to do when he couldn’t sleep rather than stay offline.

Everyone was skeptical at first.

But then he actually leveled up.

After that level-up, Garbage Kun was as excited as a two-hundred-pound kid. He even went to the forum to post a new guide, pioneering the fitness gameplay in Wasteland OL. Along with Midnight Chicken Killing Brother, the "Tree-Chopping Maniac," they were known as the incomparable duo.

Incidentally, because he hadn’t been doing any quests and eating required money, Mosquito was supporting him during this time.

Of course, as with buying land, this was borrowed money.

Watching the Lizard squatting in the corner, Mosquito cleared his throat and quipped,

"Are you planning to level up your squatting to 99?"

Lifting his head in surprise, Garbage Kun asked,

"Eh? When did you get back?"

Mosquito replied, "Quest. Came back to get some equipment."

"Oh, I got that too," Garbage Kun nodded with an envious look, "I’m really jealous of you guys, able to roll in the snow. The last time I went out to fight—"

"It was the last time, right?" Brother Mosquito consoled, "Don’t worry, we’re all normal people. Even if we can go out, we wouldn’t roll in the snow. We would just do quests, have a barbecue, maybe a bowl of mushroom soup when thirsty, listen to the corny jokes of the proprietress, and watch Little Fish count the money—"

"Damn it! Are you here to show off?!" Garbage Kun was visibly upset, but because of his ugly face, it didn’t quite stand out.

Mosquito chuckled and said.

"Not really... Actually, I’ve come to tell you some good news."

"No bad news?"

"There is, but it’s not important."

"???"

Ignoring the wary expression on Garbage Kun’s face, Mosquito cleared his throat again and continued with a serious tone,

"Some time ago, didn’t I help Teng Teng design a steam engine?"

Garbage Kun nodded vigorously.

"I know. I saw Teng Teng complaining about you guys on the forum, saying that you were just playing and the thing you created was nothing like what she had imagined—"

"That’s not the point!" Mosquito interrupted him without hesitation, "The point is, after exchanging experiences with Brother Toilet, I’ve improved the steel-making process. We can now cast boilers that are lighter and more durable! By the way, how much strength do you have now?"

"I’ve leveled up to 4... with 14 points of strength," Garbage Kun replied tentatively, then suddenly realized something and his eyes widened, "Wait, are you suggesting—"

Seeing that his good brother understood him so well, Mosquito smiled.

"I need you to carry 40 kilograms of heavy armor, a 10-kilogram boiler, and 60 liters of boiling water, charge into the forest in your fiercest stance, jump into the trenches, and tear apart the enemies in front of you! Or simply splash the boiling water directly onto their faces! In short, do everything possible to take them out!"

Mosquito’s eyes were shining as he looked at him.

"Art is an explosion!"

"I often think about how the power of explosions isn’t enough, and they never produce effective damage... but now, I’ve got a new idea!"

"Do you want to be my spark?"

...

At 7 p.m.

Next to the steel platform of the Pioneer, 10 power armor units had completed assembly.

In addition, there were 15 exoskeleton-clad light infantry and 5 mechanical dogs carrying dual-load drone beehives.

Everyone’s morale was high.

Even the mechanical dogs with four legs were rubbing their metal paws on the ground.

Lu Yang, standing in front of the troops, held a Gauss rifle and was clad in bulky alloy armor, giving his troops the final peptalk before battle.

This was almost all the ground weaponry that Pioneer could deploy.

As for the four-wheel off-road vehicles, they were of little use in the complex jungle and ruin terrain, prone to getting stuck in snow pits and easily becoming targets for focused enemy fire, better off not being brought along.

Anyway, with the exoskeletons, the light infantry could carry enough ammunition to fight this battle, and their mobility wouldn’t be too compromised.

Although compared to the Army’s side, their numbers were a bit inferior.

But it wasn’t a big problem.

Besides the ground forces, there was a light fixed-wing drone overhead, armed with 600 electromagnetic accelerated mass bullets, two 50-kilogram metal hydrogen high-explosive bombs, and one variable-yield tactical nuclear bomb, with a maximum yield of 10 tons, ready to be deployed.

Air supremacy was entirely on their side!

At the same time, in a forest several kilometers away.

Vanus sat silently in a dark temporary command post, facing an old paper map.

The map was dotted with numerous points, like chess pieces on a sand table.

Because they couldn’t use lights, nothing could be seen here.

But it didn’t matter.

Although the communication channel was silent, and intel about the enemy was pitch black, Vanus’s heart held no trace of panic.

This wasn’t his first time engaging in asymmetric warfare, and during his year fighting the Grand Canyon, he and his subordinates had already experienced the power of technology.

But so what?

They themselves were the crystalization of technology.

Supreme numbers were also a form of quality.

All deployments were completed.

He trusted his subordinates to bring him the glory of victory.

It was then that a light appeared in the distance, and a mushroom cloud rose from the plains, the shockwave from the explosion even subtly reaching the door of the tent.

The communication signals in the radio were flickering like a dying candle in the wind, issuing a crackling electric sound under the influence of the electromagnetic pulse.

Finally showing a hint of fervor in his otherwise placid eyes, Vanus stood up from his chair, his fist resting on the map.

"They’ve finally come!"

Explosions kept roaring, with flames from gun muzzles and blasts lighting up the edge of the forest and ruins.

On the command of the Centurion, the clone light infantry crawling in the trenches pressed the syringe, injecting themselves with anti-radiation drugs.

The scorching light roasted their backs, burned their cheeks, their skin began to rot, bone marrow necrotic, organs gradually failing, their mouths as if filled with rusty metal—

But even so, it wasn’t enough to kill them immediately.

Even though hundreds had died in an instant just moments ago, it still wasn’t enough to shake their resolve. The slight pain of an ant’s bite at the nape of their necks kept awakening fearful memories in their brains.

No looking back!

No retreat!

"Fire!!"

Orange-yellow trajectories wove a net above the forest and ruins, and the overture of the collision between steel and flesh rang out beneath the snowy night.

With the cover of drones, power armor, exoskeleton infantry, and quad-rotor drones, pierced the side of the Army like a sharp armored lancehead.

The defensive line was instantly torn open, as if toppling a snowman.

However, the Army wasn’t about to just sit back and take it.

Clone light infantry rushed forward tirelessly, while rocket launchers shuttled through the silent forest and ruins, accompanied by fragmentary grenades launched from grenade launchers, blasting rubble and debris everywhere.

The snow was painted red by the fire.

The night burned in the north wind.

Lu Yang’s face was grave as he turned off his helmet’s night vision function while replacing the rifle’s barrel because it was no longer needed.

Unknown to anyone,

at this very moment, a group of Blue Jackets, carrying lances and short guns, were silently approaching from the east side of the battlefield, under the cover of the night...