This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 263: The Prototype of the Lair and the Sample Retrieval

Chapter 263: Chapter 263: The Prototype of the Lair and the Sample Retrieval

"What is that?"

On the half-collapsed pedestrian overpass.

The Spring Water Commander, wearing a gas mask and clad in heavy cavalry exoskeleton, held a telescope in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the skyscraper directly opposite.

A gray-green mist filled the street, obscuring the view into the distance.

Even so, he could still see clearly, a faint dark red trace crawling around the middle of the hundred-story building.

According to the VM map marker, this skyscraper was named "New Era Data Center," and nearby, even a subway station was named after it.

Thinking back, this place must have been extraordinarily lively over two hundred years ago.

The three young players standing beside him also took out telescopes and looked toward the high-rise building opposite.

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group muttered,

"Looks like it’s on the 41st floor."

I Max Black was struck with a thought.

"Could it be the lair?"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group turned to the team’s rookie.

"You’re the Agile system, why don’t you go take a look?"

Zhang Hai immediately expressed his displeasure.

"No way! That’s clearly a suicide mission! I’m not going, you go if you want."

I Max Black shook his head and sighed,

"This generation’s newcomers are too timid."

Zhang Hai rolled his eyes: "You pretentious big bad wolf, you’re just one version ahead of me, aren’t you embarrassed?"

I Max Black: "#@%!"

The Spring Water Commander opened the VM, compared the description in the database, and read softly.

"The mutated incubator is dark red, the spore release speed is increased, the mucor species variants in the vicinity will spontaneously gather towards the incubator, and a portion of them will enter the incubator voluntarily, serving as nutrients for the expansion of the fungus mat..."

Indeed, there were quite a few Eaters wandering the streets.

Although there was no obvious sign that they were all moving toward the incubator, their presence on the streets in broad daylight was certainly abnormal.

And the surrounding gray-green mist was almost certainly caused by those spores!

A flicker of excitement in his eyes, the Spring Water Commander immediately set a marker on the map and, using the headset around his neck, took a photo of the building.

Photo obtained!

"Done!"

After a short wait, the VM’s indicator light flickered slightly, a mission complete stamp appeared in the task bar.

Not just the Spring Water Commander, the other three players in the squad also received the mission complete notification.

"Holy crap, 100 silver coins just for taking a photo?!" Zhang Hai’s eyes bulged.

And a hundred points of contribution!

These earnings are too easy!

Although he was a player who dual cultivated in life and combat professions, mainly focusing on setting up a noodle stall near the North Gate.

Today, he had spontaneously picked the Hunter profession after seeing the version update, making a random team, and to his surprise, the mission earnings were so high!

A bowl of noodles was 5 silver coins, after deducting 2 silver coins for cost, he would have to make 34 bowls of noodles to earn this many silver coins!

Upon this busy realization, Zhang Hai couldn’t help but lament inwardly.

These combat professional players earn way too much!

Indeed, it was time to raise the prices of noodles!

The rookie players nearby were oblivious, still goofing around,

I Max Black chuckled and said, "Got it, the version answer is a camera!"

Battlefield Atmosphere Group: "Damn, your understanding is quite corporate!"

Zhang Hai looked invigorated as he turned to Old Spring Water.

"Bro, what’s next? Are there any follow-up missions?"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group had already switched off the safety on their rifle, eying the Eaters wandering the street opposite, eager to move.

"What do you say? Shall we go in and check it out?"

Spring Water shook his head and said,

"The mission didn’t specify, only shows that we can opt to stand by here, reinforcements are coming from the Outpost Base... estimated arrival time in one hour."

Zhang Hai: "What? That long?"

Battlefield Atmosphere Group: "That’s actually fast, now from the B3 layer tunnel you can move directly to the Garden Street Metro Station, previously just walking to Bet Street took an hour or two!"

The Spring Water Commander checked the task bar.

"There’s another resource point search mission nearby, coordinates 230 meters away at an office building, we should have enough time to complete the sideline mission and return to wait, how about that?"

I Max Black: "Ok!"

Battlefield Atmosphere Group: "I have no objections."

Spring Water Commander gestured grandly.

"Then let’s move out!"

...

In fact, it didn’t even take an hour.

Neither the sideline mission of searching the resource point nor the reinforcements from several kilometers away.

What the Spring Water Commander hadn’t expected was the unexpectedly lavish lineup of the reinforcements.

Not only the Manager in his blue power armor but even Miss Heya, who usually never leaves home, had come along.

Standing on the half-collapsed overpass, Heya took one look and confidently made a judgement.

"There’s no mistake... the fungus mat has expanded to the exterior of the building, if we let these mucor form continue to expand the fungus mat, in at most a month they will develop into a new lair."

Chu Guang glanced at Heya.

"Is it okay that you are not wearing a gas mask?"

"It’s fine," said Heya, her expression unchanged. "For me, this level of spore cloud is just a bit of dust."

Okay.

Bionic organs were truly convenient.

Chu Guang thought to himself that he should get a set when he had the chance.

Standing on the other side of Chu Guang, Vanus, dressed in an orange hazmat suit and wearing a gas mask, was also staring intently at the building ahead.

After a moment of thought, he spoke.

"I suggest demolishing the building."

Chu Guang looked at him and asked,

"Would collapsing the building take care of the incubator?"

"Not necessarily," Vanus said succinctly, "but it will simplify a complex problem!"

"Slime fungus struggles to survive in open spaces. Aside from a few natural caves, it’s almost impossible to see Eaters in the wild. The only way to completely eliminate the hidden dangers of slime fungus breeding is to thoroughly clear out this concrete debris."

Vanus paused, then added,

"That’s what we did on the western side of the continent!"

Heya looked at him in shock, having never heard of such a crazy thing.

"That’s too crazy... Have you considered the potential chain reactions this could cause?"

Demolishing a high-rise building was not as simple as just talking about it.

These were concrete buildings that had survived nuclear blasts and stood firm for two centuries; their robustness could be imagined.

Even if enough dynamite was prepared to completely destroy the load-bearing structures, the falling chunks of reinforced concrete were unlikely to crumble like tofu but were more likely to form a "three-dimensional maze" tens of meters high and hundreds of meters long.

This could potentially make the situation even more complicated!

At least before demolishing the building, safety passages and elevator shafts could directly reach the 41st floor.

As for Heya’s astonishment, Vanus remained indifferent.

"First, we perform concentrated demolitions on a block-by-block basis. Second, of course, we won’t just walk away after detonating the explosives."

"After the demolition, we will bombard it with heavy artillery, drop incendiary bombs from airships, and send out our clone soldiers... until the infection source is completely destroyed."

"Not just these concrete debris, but also the paralyzed underground transit and drainage systems, we will also demolish and remove them."

Heya couldn’t help but say, "Maybe you’re just burying the problem out of sight."

Vanus shrugged.

"Maybe so, I’m just providing a solution. This work has been going on for two centuries, and at least in the areas where these strategies have been implemented, the results have been pretty good."

In the Wasteland, there was no need for such high-density housing, and the massive maintenance costs yielded a population concentration effect that was worthless here.

At least in Vanus’s eyes, the only difference between these unusable things and garbage was that the latter could still be recycled.

And these high-rise buildings, after recycling the usable resources inside, left nothing but endless trouble.

Heya looked at Chu Guang.

"I do not recommend demolishing the entire building unless you are one hundred percent sure that the demolition will completely eliminate the slime fungi inside, otherwise the complex environment could make the problem even more tricky."

"Anyway, whatever decision you make, please at least provide me with a tube of samples! I need to understand the biological process from the incubator to the lair of these mutated slime fungi. It’s crucial! It could help us understand our enemy!"

Chu Guang did not immediately respond to Heya but turned to look at the chief contractor of the Outpost Base, Spare people under the knife.

Among all the players, he was probably the most knowledgeable about engineering.

"How many kilograms of dynamite are needed to demolish such a building?"

Spare people under the knife frowned and thought for a long time before speaking.

"1.1 tons of TNT and 3,500 detonators should suffice."

Chu Guang was slightly moved.

"That much?"

Spare people under the knife said with a wry smile,

"That’s a conservative estimate... The actual amount of dynamite needed might be even more."

High-rise buildings hundreds of meters high were common in Qingquan City, especially towards the city center, where entire district areas penetrated the clouds, any of which could easily surpass the world’s tallest building if placed in reality.

Of course, Spare people under the knife also admitted that games and reality were incomparable, and only a fool would seek full realism in a virtual world, although most operators would claim so.

However, assuming that the physics engine of Wasteland OL was professional enough, he tentatively analyzed from a professional perspective that if these skyscrapers were to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, not only would the strength of the concrete be two grades higher than in reality, but the steel investment would probably be astronomical.

As Spare people under the knife calculated in his heart, Chu Guang was also doing his calculations.

1.1 tons of dynamite could make three thousand 100mm shells!

Too expensive!

And that was just a conservative estimate...

If the explosion resulted in a dangerously unstable building, partially collapsed and left there, it would be like a time bomb.

Conversely, if players were dispatched to specifically clear the mutation incubator located on the 41st floor, the cost might merely be some active substances, a few thousand bullets, and a few liters of fuel.

With this in mind, Chu Guang made his decision and issued the mission through VM.

[Primary Objective: Destroy the slime fungi incubator located on the 41st floor of the New Era Data Center!]

[Secondary Objective: Collect mutated samples!]

After issuing the mission, Chu Guang turned to the small group of players nearby.

"We now have enough evidence to confirm that the spore clouds gathered in this area were released from the 41st floor of the New Era Data Center."

"To prevent further expansion of the fungal mat and to avert a greater threat in this area, we need to completely clear it before the Tide arrives!"

"This task is crucial as it affects whether we can more comfortably face the threat of the Tide, and we have only one week left."

"I need you to solve this problem within a week!"

Hearing the Manager’s urgent and serious tone, the faces of the players, including the Spring Water Commander, showed no signs of tension but were filled with excitement.

Time-limited mission?

And it’s a main storyline mission!

This is much more interesting than grinding daily tasks and side quests!

"Rest assured, Manager!"

Spring Water Commander excitedly raised his right fist and knocked on the front armor of his Type 6 Heavy Cavalry Exoskeleton, "For the revival of the United Human! For the peace of ’North Suburb’! We shall not fail our mission!"

This guy hogged all the good lines, leaving the other players at a loss for words for a moment. The Battlefield Atmosphere Group quickly chimed in behind him.

"I am too!"

I Max Black, Zhang Hai, and those players who followed from Outpost Base, quickly echoed.

"+1!"

"Same here!"

Chu Guang was pleased to see such awareness among the players and a smile of approval appeared on his face.

"Hmm."

"The future of all of us is in your hands!"

...

After the mission was released, the strategic action began quickly!

The operation involved twenty players, with the Spring Water Commander, who had the highest proficiency level in "command" skills, serving as the team leader.

The necessary supplies were quickly transported from the warehouse on Bet Street to the target location using Double-headed Cows.

After obtaining the building blueprints from the science team, Brother Spring Water didn’t immediately act but thoroughly observed the surrounding terrain. He divided the twenty players, including himself, into four groups of five (ABCD) and formulated a meticulous combat plan!

"Team A will act as the vanguard, led by the Old Soldier from the Agility system as the team leader, and I Max Black from the Perception system as the deputy. Start from the elevator shaft and go directly to the 43rd floor. Enter the room on the left side of the exit and use dynamite to blow up the floor, pushing down to the 42nd floor—right above the incubator!"

"Your mission is the most critical."

"I need you to deploy explosives right above the lair, blow up the entire ceiling above it, then pour the pre-prepared fuel to physically exterminate the slime fungus in the incubator!"

Hearing the task he was responsible for, the Battlefield Atmosphere Group clenched his fists excitedly.

"Thrilling!"

Spring Water Commander continued looking at the other squads.

"Your missions are also very important."

"Team B will serve as the reserve unit, led by Kakarot, the Strength Type Awakener as the team leader, working in coordination with Team A inside the building."

"If Team A screws up, you’re responsible for taking their place."

Kakarot slung a light machine gun over his shoulder and grinned.

"Roger that!"

Spring Water turned to the other players and continued.

"Team C will be the covering team, led by Neighbor Old Wang. Your task is to clear the Variants from outside to inside the building near the elevator, cover the rears for Teams A and B, and after the operation, cover their retreat. Or, in case of an accident, recover their equipment and VM."

"Team D will serve as the support unit. I will personally lead the team, reaching the other building on the east side of the target building, setting up four 20mm anti-tank rifles near the 40th floor, providing you with fire support from outside the battlefield!"

"That’s all!"

Spring Water Commander was very satisfied with his plan.

Formulating meticulous action plans was his forte.

However, at that moment, I Max Black suddenly spoke up.

"Wait a second, why are you outside the battlefield again, OB? Aren’t you an Awakener too?"

Zhang Hai couldn’t help but comment.

"Exactly! You’re already wearing power armor, isn’t that a bit much?"

The other players also came to their senses.

Right.

How did he manage to put himself in the rear again?

The face of Spring Water Commander flushed, and he retorted.

"What power armor? This is an exoskeleton! Do you even know what an exoskeleton is? And so what if I’m from the Intelligence System, commanding from the rear isn’t a problem, right?"

Is there a problem?

Not at all!

A member of the Battlefield Atmosphere Group wearing Miner Type I armor rolled his eyes and chambered his LD-47j rifle with a loaded drum magazine.

"Alright already, stop explaining, let’s hurry up."

Having been teammates for so long, he was already used to Old Wang’s tendencies.

Complaints aside.

Having a reliable commander was truly reassuring.

Each squad started to move methodically, but Team D encountered a bit of trouble on the way to their support point. However, they still reached their designated location within half an hour.

Commanding his team to set up anti-tank rifles by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Spring Water Commander calmly said over the communication channel.

"Team D is in position! All other teams, commence action!"

Three clear responses came over the channel.

"Roger that!"

The three teams waiting under the sky bridge immediately sprang into action.

The five players of the covering team spread out in front of the group, skillfully raised their rifles, and cleanly shot dead the Eaters blocking their way.

The gunshots on the street quickly drew the attention of other Eaters, and these bloodthirsty beasts swiftly turned toward them, charging like wild dogs.

Gunfire erupted in the streets!

The battle was imminent!

Lurking in the ruins, a Crawler with blood-red eyes locked onto the people on the street, emitting a dangerous growl.

Seizing an opportunity, it growled lowly and suddenly burst out from beneath the debris.

If it had been an ordinary mercenary squad, they would likely have been caught completely off guard by the beast. However, what it faced was not ordinary people, but a group of players with rich combat experience!

Just as that head had just emerged from around the corner of the street, a thunderous roar echoed from the waist of the high-rise building on the due east side.

The 20mm gun muzzle spewed flames, and four thick tracer bullets descended from the sky.

Two high-explosive bombs exploded next to the monster, and two armor-piercing incendiary bombs hit the monster’s back and shoulder respectively.

"Crack—!"

A piercing scream echoed through the streets as the newly emerged Crawler stumbled and fell to one side.

Old Soldier seized the opportunity immediately, lifting the rifle in his hand to give the beast a full burst in the head, then freed his right hand and gave a thumbs-up towards the building behind him.

"Well done!"

The coordination of the four squads was in perfect harmony.

In just three minutes, they had cleared hundreds of Eaters from the streets. The three rookies waiting under the pedestrian bridge received their mission and ran forward with the supplies, huffing and puffing.

Delivering supplies once earned 10 Silver Coins and 10 contribution points.

Although they had no chance to shoot, experiencing the atmosphere of the battlefield was quite good.

Whether for profit or fun, this task was much more thrilling than cutting trees!

Looking at the players who had now advanced to the base of the building, Vanus wore a surprised expression and couldn’t help saying,

"Are all the residents in your shelters soldiers?"

This wasn’t the first time he had this thought.

But the previous few times were only seen through the drone footage on screens, which was far less impressive than being at the scene like this.

Looking at the flickering flames inside the main entrance of the building, Chu Guang spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Some are, some aren’t, but that’s not important. The battlefield is the best teacher, whether their starting point is 1 or 0, everyone here has a chance to become 10."

Initially, the players also rushed in swarms but soon realized that some "monsters’ " AI had morale settings. Dividing into groups to tactically maneuver through the weak points of the defense line proved more effective than a simple charge.

Later on, in addition to tactical maneuvers, they also learned fire support, alternative cover, fragmentation, and encirclement, applying different tactics for different types of enemies.

Here, even the slowest learner, having died once, should know what to do next time.

Vanus’s expression became somewhat blank.

He always felt...

How similar is this theory to the Clone Tactics he had studied at the military academy?

What about casualties?

Aren’t they considered?

When did Blue Jacket become so formidable!

Vanus was puzzled.

Standing beside him, Heya wasn’t too concerned with these details; her beautiful face was filled with excitement, but this had nothing to do with the battle itself; rather, her hypothesis had been confirmed.

"Just as I thought, my guess was right!"

"The increase in spore levels in the air makes the sporophyte more aggressive, and the spore cloud formed reduces the limitation of light on the sporophyte’s mobility!"

"Incredible!"

Chu Guang’s mind stirred lightly.

"If we use incendiary bombs to clear the spores in the area—"

Vanus shook his head and said,

"That would require a vast amount of fuel, and it’s only a temporary solution. Only by extinguishing the source can we fundamentally end the Tide..."

The gunfire in the distance had mostly ceased, and the Variants on the first floor of the building had been completely cleared.

The rookies serving in the logistics team had delivered the second wave of ammunition to the front lines; the three squads that had entered the building had now reached the elevator shaft.

Victory was only two explosions away.

Shifting his gaze away from the VM, Vanus looked up towards the south.

That was the direction of the city center.

Behind the steel jungle, the sky should have been a clear blue, but now it was swallowed by a grey-green cloud, looking like a sea of fog with no visible end.

Pausing for a moment, he continued.

"Otherwise, it’s like this; it will come back every couple of years."

...

At the same time, several kilometers away in Giant Stone City, a sharp and piercing alarm sound echoed over the streets, seemingly from the huge walls.

Inside the grocery store, choosing items, Crow was startled by the sudden alarm sound and quickly looked towards the street outside the window.

There was a stir among the pedestrians on the street, many of whom quickened their pace. Several militiamen passed through the street, seemingly shouting something at the pedestrians.

Putting the glass bottle he held back on the shelf, Teng Teng also stood on tiptoes for a better look outside, but it was hard to see clearly, so he whispered,

"What’s happening?"

Crow swallowed.

"I don’t know."

Standing next to him, Xu Shun was even more nervous, unknowingly placing his hand in his pocket.

Noticing the reactions of several customers, the old lady sitting behind the counter smiled and slowly joined the conversation,

"You guys must be first-timers here."

Standing beside her, Xu Shun nodded and immediately asked,

"What exactly is happening outside? Has something occurred?"

"It is something, but nothing to panic about; just the Tide coming through again... It’s not the first time."

The old lady extended her trembling hand, picked up the antique bronze-colored glasses from the table, put them on, then skillfully pulled out three gas masks from underneath the counter and placed them on the table.

Wearing a friendly smile, she continued,

"These gas masks are almost new, a set for only 20 tokens."

"If you don’t want to get sick, it’s best to buy one and wear it."

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