This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 387: Good Brother, Lend Me Your Head!

Chapter 387: Chapter 387: Good Brother, Lend Me Your Head!

On the southwest side of Rui Valley City, a motley crowd stood in a ragged formation, led by ten soldiers draped in black robes, they moved toward the northeastern district.

These irregularly dressed militiamen were mostly local survivors: among them were scavengers, hunters, and even farmers and herders.

In the Army, such troops composed of occupied area survivors or "non-core population" were commonly called the Retinue Army.

Unlike the well-equipped Army soldiers, they not only wore malnourishment on their faces, resembling skinny sticks, but their equipment was also shabby, even worse than some of the slightly stronger Looters.

Each person was only given a Ripper Rifle and before heading into battle, they would be provided with either fifteen or thirty reserve rounds. Once the bullets ran out, they either had to pick up from fallen comrades or engage in bayonet combat.

Before this, they hadn’t even received any professional training; at most, they had only fought a few mutated cockroaches and rats.

But in fact, there was really no need for such training.

In the eyes of the Army soldiers, these people were just cheap cannon fodder recruited to consume enemy ammunition.

No one expected them to return alive; in fact, it might be better if they died.

Of course, this was the opinion of most people in the Army.

Those who were labeled as cannon fodder, however, did not see themselves this way.

The Army promised them, survive three battles and become "one of us," with the chance to be promoted to Centurion. Survive six battles, and one might become a full Centurion.

Besides, there was a "shortcut."

That was the head of a Claw of Death!

As long as one could chop off the head of that beast, not only would they become a Centurion, but they would also be rewarded with ten slaves!

Hearing such good news, many who had enlisted in the Retinue Army volunteered to join the hunting squad.

Although the notoriety of the Claw of Death was terrifying, after all, few survivors had really seen it, and even fewer had seen it and lived to tell the tale.

In the imaginations of most survivors, with artillery support and various anti-armor weapons, it would be much easier to face a beast that just needed a solid effort to be killed than to clash with the elite troops of enterprises in the jungle.

After all, the latter were the ones who had beaten the regular army that trained them into a daze, and if they truly faced those guys, one might get sent to meet the Great Antler God without even seeing the enemy...

Li Ba was utterly fascinated by the rifle in his hands, his face full of infatuation.

He had never touched a rifle made with such fine craftsmanship.

In Ten Trees Village, the double-barreled shotgun belonging to the old Hunter next door was already considered a serious weapon in his eyes.

He had always dreamt of owning one.

Brother Battlefield, carrying the rifle, glanced at Li Ba and wanted to scoff, "It’s just a piece of junk used by cannon fodder, what’s there to fuss about?" But his poor command of spoken language left him unable to voice the thought, so he just swallowed it back down.

However, just as he looked away, that NPC called Li Ba suddenly took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

"Bro, you’re from Bet Street, right?"

"Yes."

"Are there Dead Claws over there?"

His face was filled with trepidation and nervousness. Apart from these negative emotions, Brother Battlefield unexpectedly saw a glint of excitement.

He was someone who had never been on a battlefield, probably harboring some unrealistic fantasies.

Brother Battlefield replied tersely.

"Yes."

Li Ba: "Awesome! Have you seen one?"

Hearing this, a smile curled up at the corner of Brother Battlefield’s mouth.

"Heh, more than just seen."

They were everywhere—outside the Shelter there was a large one, inside there was a smaller one. Near the nuclear bomb crater of Elm District, a couple of Dead Claws would occasionally roam around.

He had long grown accustomed to them.

But Li Ba’s eyes lit up immediately, asking further.

"Are the Dead Claws tough?"

"Pretty average, they can smack someone’s head off with a palm and rip intestines out of the stomach with a claw."

Li Ba’s face turned slightly pale.

"Really?"

Brother Battlefield chuckled.

"I’m kidding, why don’t you try for yourself later?"

Li Ba didn’t say anything.

Seeing him looking scared, Brother Battlefield didn’t continue to tease him and spoke with a consoling laugh.

"Don’t worry, we probably won’t see that guy today."

Li Ba was taken aback.

"Why?"

"Intuition."

Of course, Brother Battlefield wouldn’t tell him that he had already leaked today’s plan to his good brothers in the Storm Corps.

Xiangling town was the entrance to Shelter No.79.

Before any progress was made in taking over Shelter No.79, they wouldn’t let the Army take care of that BOSS-guarding the door.

Looking up at the sunlight creeping over the treetops, Brother Battlefield murmured to himself,

"It should be soon."

Almost the moment his words fell, an explosion suddenly came from the housing area ahead.

A trail of light flashed, and thick bullet-proof armor burst into shrapnel. One of the black-robed soldiers, like a kite with its string cut, was catapulted outward, his upper body blown into a bloody mess.

Brother Battlefield’s eyes instantly widened with surprise.

Well, damn.

Anti-material rifle against humans!

That’s real punishment!

The sound was all too familiar to him, unmistakably the Alliance’s 20mm "light cavalry gun", which could use armor-piercing, high-explosive, and incendiary rounds.

This weapon was pretty effective against both infantry and variants, four of them linked together could serve as anti-aircraft machine guns, and when individually dismantled, they could be used as sniper rifles.

In short, it was very handy.

"Ambush!"

"Everyone, spread out! Find cover to hide!"

"Quick!"

Although caught off guard, those cloaked soldiers were, after all, well-trained aeromarine troops, reacting instantly when attacked.

The officer in the black cloak let out a roar, leading the three surviving subordinates to the nearest cover, while those survivors who made up the faux army quickly came to their senses and sought nearby shelters.

However, their opponents were obviously no pushovers.

Almost the instant those thunderous gunshots rang out, the machine guns positioned in the windows spit out roaring flames.

7mm bullets poured down like rain, instantly creating a maelstrom of blood and flesh on the street directly opposite.

Those soldiers who couldn’t hide in time fell like cut wheat, paying the price with more than a dozen casualties in an instant. Those who made it to the cover were still pinned down by fierce firepower, unable to so much as lift their heads.

At the first sound of gunfire, Li Ba was completely dumbfounded.

He didn’t even know how he had made it behind cover, only hearing the bullets whizzing past, sparks, stone chips, and cement fragments scattering in all directions.

Clutching his rifle tightly, he sat leaning against the broken concrete wall, his pale lips trembling nonstop, yet he didn’t say a word.

Right at his feet, three meters away on the street, a mutilated body lay there, undoubtedly dead, yet its legs were still thrashing about.

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group, who had let go of the grip on Li Ba’s collar and dragged this fellow into cover, glanced at the bodies littering the street.

Although these fallen cannon fodders were also victims of the Army’s invasion, the Alliance’s soldiers didn’t show any mercy for that reason.

This was a battlefield.

"Hey, you okay?"

"I... I..."

Li Ba’s face turned ashen, opening and closing his mouth, his complexion suddenly turning the color of liver.

"Take deep breaths, calm down, don’t suffocate yourself to death before getting shot... that would be too embarrassing."

He slapped the guy’s shoulder hard, looking at that completely terrified expression, the Old Soldier sighed and comforted him with a few clumsy phrases in United Human language.

Then, he grabbed the Ripper Rifle lying aside, pulled back the bolt, and loaded it.

Right then, a fury-filled shout came from an alley not far away.

"Advance—!"

"All of you, push forward for me!"

"I’ll see who the hell is being a coward hiding behind cover, I’ll personally execute him!"

There was the violent roar of the machine gun ahead and the bellowing of the overseer behind.

"Ah!!!"

Finally, unable to bear the pressure, a survivor rushed out of the cover like a madman, screaming out his fear, wielding his rifle as he charged towards the tall building directly ahead.

Yet before he could take two steps, a burst of blood mist exploded from his body, and his screaming stopped abruptly. Without even having time to let out a cry, he fell straight down on the blood-soaked street.

The survivors who were about to rush out from cover were petrified by this scene, their legs heavy as if filled with lead, unable to move.

The officer behind the cover, looking at the fountain-like spraying corpse, was furiously cursed on the spot.

"Are you a damn pig?!"

"I told you to go around! Who the hell told you to charge their gun’s aim head-on!"

Unfortunately, the dead can’t speak, and that mutilated body obviously wouldn’t pay attention to him.

However, with that vivid example, the other cannon fodder learned their lesson and buried their heads, hugging the cover and advancing forward in a flanking maneuver from the sides.

However, since they hadn’t received proper training, these cannon fodders could barely adapt their bodies to the battlefield, their combat proficiency remained virtually nonexistent.

Everyone swarmed into the alley and quickly became entangled like headless flies.

The distant machine gun paused for a second or two, and these rookies, who had less than 24 hours of training, didn’t even know which direction to run.

But the Old Soldier knew.

"Time to go."

He took Li Ba by the arm and pulled him off the ground, leading this faint-hearted coward to an alley where the machine gun fire couldn’t reach.

Staying in place was certain death.

The Army wouldn’t hesitate to execute them as deserters, making an example out of them.

Moreover, as someone who was doubly duplicitous, hoping to gain the enemy’s trust by merely surviving to the end was impossible.

Last night, the Old Soldier discussed this with his buddies in the chat group.

According to Brother Quanshui’s plan, the Storm Corps would ambush based on his intel, and intercept the hunting team the Army sent to Xiangling town.

And after foiling the Army’s plans for the day, he would get the chance to pick up a head.

Almost at the moment the Old Soldier rounded into the alley on the south side, three 100mm artillery shells hit the residential area not far ahead with precision.

Billowing smoke exploded in an instant, with the scorching blast and plume of smoke shooting up tens of meters high, blasting three huge craters in the previously intact concrete walls.

The spattering stones frightened the faux army soldiers nearby, who prostrated themselves on the ground, with heads pressed tightly to the earth, daring not to move.

Amidst the roar of artillery, the officer’s shouting could vaguely be heard.

"Get up! Don’t stop! Everyone, move forward!"

"Root out those scumbags who ambushed us from that building!"

However, the effectiveness of this shouting wasn’t very significant.

One reason was the distance was too great to hear clearly, and another was that many people hadn’t recovered from the shock of the artillery, lying on the ground and daring not to move.

This time, Li Ba refused to go forward no matter what, and the Old Soldier didn’t continue with this burden, charging alone through the scorching smoke into the building that had been bombarded.

Damaged stairs above coughed lightly.

The previous round of heavy artillery had not killed the player hiding in the concrete building, but the sound made it clear that he was seriously injured.

"Kakarot?"

Old Soldier tentatively shouted up the staircase and waited quite a while before he heard a response.

"I’m Old Ghost! Damn it... those sons of bitches went straight for the artillery, completely disregarding martial ethics."

Old Ghost, a nickname for "Catch Ghosts," was also a member of the Storm Corps. Old Soldier knew immediately who was upstairs and jokingly teased.

"Artillery barrages are basic training, aren’t they?"

After a pause, he urged again.

"Stop with the chatter, hurry up. Are you going to handle it yourself, or do I need to come up and lend a hand?"

A snickering laugh came from the top of the stairs.

"It would be too boring to just let you have the head."

Game rules prohibited malicious PK, and resolving in-game conflicts via "non-submission for arbitration" would result in equal penalties for both parties. Almost no one would risk their closed beta qualifications as a joke, and those bold enough to joke around were often kicked out of the server even before they completed the "Pass the Torch" mission.

However, the rules only prohibited "malice." Mission requirements or special circumstances were not prohibited.

Always hearing Brother Quanshui brag about how formidable Brother Battlefield’s combat power was, Old Ghost wanted to take this opportunity to test his skills.

Old Soldier was momentarily taken aback and just as he saw the trap wire as thin as a hair at the entrance of the staircase, he looked up, smiled, and said.

Little guy.

Trying to play hard to get with me.

"Alright, how about a little skirmish?"

A hearty laugh echoed from above.

"Ha ha, that’s exactly what I was thinking!"

"Come on! Let’s have a thrilling fight!"

...

One was a Level 15 Strength Type, and the other a Level 22 Agile system.

Whether it was panel data or combat experience, Battlefield Atmosphere Group had a complete advantage and had no reason to lose.

Not to mention Old Ghost had been internally injured by the previous barrage of artillery shells.

He won the PK without any suspense, but Battlefield Old still left some face for his good brother, letting him choose his way to die after the fight.

"Say it, how do you want to be finished off?"

Lying in the pool of blood, Catch Ghost panted heavily, watching Battlefield Atmosphere Group juggle a Small Blade and chuckled.

"Cough cough... the Alliance has no cowards! Let those foreigners witness my bravery!"

Battlefield Old came to an understanding and nodded.

"Got it, I’ll make sure to add a few more holes for you."

"Thanks a lot! Oh, and make sure to disfigure my face!"

After giving his last words,

Old Ghost rolled his eyes and logged off voluntarily.

Watching his motionless good brother lying on the ground, Battlefield Old, holding the Small Blade in reverse, sighed softly and moved forward.

"Good brother, sorry about this."

...

Even though he knew it was a game, even though there’d be no real death, even though there were so many ’even thoughs,’ it indeed felt creepy to actually do it.

But—

Everything was for the Alliance.

With that thought, his heart felt much more at ease.

While praying for Old Black in his heart, Battlefield Old dragged the bloody "mission prop" back and turned in the mission.

Seeing Battlefield Atmosphere Group covered in blood coming out of the ruins, not only were the survivors being forced forward stunned, but even the four surviving Army Soldiers were taken aback.

"... just this one."

Dropping the body and the remains of the weapons on the ground, Battlefield Atmosphere Group spoke to the dazed officer in front of him, his words sparing.

The officer finally snapped out of it, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down, taking a long time to squeeze out a few stiff words.

"Very good..."

Who the hell...

What’s this guy’s background?

After the battle ended, the casualties were tallied.

Out of a team of 121, 31 died, including an Airborne Marine.

The hunt hadn’t even started, and casualties had already exceeded expectations. After reporting the situation to their superiors, the remaining four Army Soldiers led the people back to Fallen Leaf Camp.

Just back at camp, Battlefield Atmosphere Group was still thinking whether the leading officer would steal his "credit," but he soon realized his worry was unnecessary.

Having barely rested in the camp, Battlefield Old was summoned by an Army Soldier to Coleway’s tent.

This sergeant with three stripes was the highest-ranking official in Fallen Leaf Camp. From the conversation between Army Soldiers, it seemed this person was a direct subordinate of Rachel, someone with no ordinary status.

Inside the tent.

Coleway stared at the man covered in blood in front of him and slowly said.

"Name."

Fully immersed in his role, Battlefield Atmosphere Group stood up straight and replied proficiently.

"Pangolin!"

The military officer before him didn’t speak, just staring intently at him with sharp eyes scanning back and forth over his body, pondering something unknown in his mind.

Old Soldier couldn’t help but murmur to himself.

Could it be that this big-nosed fellow has taken a liking to me?

Surely not...

Just as he was considering whether to reveal his hidden dagger, Coleway, standing before him, suddenly showed a look of appreciation and slowly nodded his head.

"Not bad!"

Having just been through a major battle without any sign of disarray, he charged single-handedly into the artillery-covered area and took down one of the company’s Elite Awakeners with only a Ripper Rifle. His combat power was truly astonishing...

What surprised Coleway especially was that this man showed no sign of cowardice in the face of his probing.

This guy is talented!

The only pity was that the man’s identity was that of a native and not of noble blood from the Army. Otherwise, he would have unhesitatingly recommended this warrior to his superior, Rachel.

With a hint of regret in his eyes, Coleway slightly lifted his chin and continued to speak.

"Starting from today, I appoint you as the Centurion of the Retinue Army."

Fuck?

A surge of joy instantly rose in the heart of the Battlefield Atmosphere Group.

I’m an officer already?!

Without any hesitation, he immediately stood straight and responded.

"Yes, sir!"

Coleway nodded his head approvingly.

"Perform well, I have my eye on you!"

...

Old Soldier’s undercover plan went unexpectedly smooth.

After sacrificing an Awakener, he not only became a fake Centurion but even unexpectedly earned the appreciation of Coleway, the "BOSS" of Fallen Leaf Camp.

Meanwhile, while the White Bear Knights and Death Legion’s players were busy trying to conquer Shelter No.79, the logistics transport team that had taken Luo Hua back from Rui Valley City finally returned to the North Suburb of Qingquan City.

Looking at Luo Hua on the stretcher, wrapped like a mummy, Chu Guang couldn’t help but twitch his eyebrows and immediately ordered.

"Quick, take him to the shelter!"

The medical team immediately took over the injured from the logistics troops and rushed towards the shelter with the stretcher.

Chu Guang followed them back to the shelter as well.

Although there were hospitals on the surface, both the professional level of the doctors and the medical conditions were clearly inferior to those in the shelter.

In the B3 medical room.

Heya conducted a comprehensive examination on Luo Hua, who lay on the scanning bed, and quickly organized the scan results on a tablet.

"The left arm is completely necrotic; I’m afraid amputation is necessary..." After she finished, she looked at Yin Fang, who stood by and said, "Surgery, this is your area of expertise."

Yin Fang didn’t speak but turned his gaze to Chu Guang, waiting for him to make a decision.

He was the only one familiar with this patient.

After a mere half-second of thought, Chu Guang quickly nodded his head.

"Cut it off, replace it with a cybernetic limb."

Yin Fang continued to ask.

"Which kind?"

Chu Guang said without hesitation.

"The one bought from the company, of course."

The cybernetic limbs he had imported from He Ding had not all been sold off in Giant Stone City. After all, such luxury items were prized for their rarity; selling too many at once devalues them.

Yin Fang looked at Chu Guang in surprise.

Who would have thought this guy could be so magnanimous?

But he didn’t say anything else, escorted Chu Guang and Heya out of the medical room, and then immediately began the surgery.

Outside the medical room.

Heya, with her arms crossed, curiously looked at Chu Guang and asked.

"Your friend?"

"Yes."

"His injuries are really severe..."

Looking toward the tightly closed door, Heya spoke with a somewhat emotional tone.

"I found at least twenty bullet fragments in his body. He’s only alive now thanks to the cybernetic organs inside him."

Chu Guang didn’t say anything but took out a silver card from his pocket.

The card was covered with blood, yet the blood lipids had not congealed on it. Chu Guang stared at it for a while and slightly furrowed his brow.

Noticing the object in his hands, Heya, standing next to him, raised an eyebrow and suddenly spoke.

"I think I’ve seen this before."

Chu Guang immediately looked at her.

"Where did you see it?"

"I can’t remember exactly where, but this thing... it’s actually a shelter door card, right? I remember it has more functions than just opening doors; it can also assign some privileges to the card," Heya looked at Chu Guang strangely, "Don’t you have them here?"

"...We’re more economical, and we don’t need them."

He made a casual excuse and Chu Guang looked at the card in his hand, deep in thought.

A key to No.0 Shelter?

They really found it...

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.