This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 638: Farewell, My Unmet Kindred

Chapter 638: Chapter 638: Farewell, My Unmet Kindred

In the center of the nuclear bomb crater.

The vomiting mouth originally seen had retracted back beneath the ground, leaving only an unfathomably deep pit and two people standing beside it.

The two looked at each other, until Old White couldn’t stand the silence and coughed lightly as he initiated conversation.

"What next?"

Fang Chang looked at him, puzzled.

"Next?"

"Uh, I mean... what’s our plan now?"

Seeing Fang Chang’s expression that clearly read "What are you talking about?", Old White scratched his helmet and rephrased his question.

Although he was the team leader, he indeed lacked experience in handling situations that were like nothing he had ever encountered in reality. This was the time when he needed to rely on Brother Fang Chang’s imaginative ideas.

However, seeing Fang Chang’s indifferent expression, he knew he probably asked in vain.

"There is no next step... rather, this is entirely outside our planned developments."

Fang Chang sighed and walked to the edge of the massive pit, looking down into it.

That profound darkness seemed capable of swallowing everything.

And in fact, it had nearly done so, almost wiping out their squad in a single gulp.

Honestly speaking.

If he weren’t a player, he wouldn’t dare venture into this place or come up with that reckless plan.

But because he was a player, he not only dared to accept this life-threatening mission but also could ruthlessly throw his teammate into this pit without either of them finding any issue with it.

People with clever minds inevitably think too much. Sometimes, he involuntarily had the illusion—that him standing here, thinking this way, making these choices, was all predetermined years ago.

But that seemed alright.

After all, this was a game.

Players were merely like pinballs rolling around the "Table Pinball," and skilled game designers crafted their designs cleverly, making players feel this as little as possible.

For example, he was now curious about what Xiaoyu might find below.

He hoped it wouldn’t turn out to be nothing and become a messy debate.

That would be embarrassing.

"So... we just wait here?" Old White asked from not too far behind.

Fang Chang shrugged.

"It seems that’s all we can do for now."

"That might be difficult."

"Difficult?"

Hearing that subtly loaded question, Fang Chang standing by the pit was slightly startled, turned his head instinctively, and his entire demeanor faltered.

He saw at the edge of the nuclear bomb crater, a dense crowd of mucosal entities had encircled them.

Among them were variants like Tyrants and Crawlers, as well as power armors corroded by mucilage, with armored vehicles and trucks and many more bizarre entities.

In terms of recycling waste, no one on this Wasteland could compete with the mucilage.

They were not simply piecing together the trash as armor, but according to their understanding and utilizing their vast genetic library and self-evolution capability, they evolved into a series of unimaginable units.

For example, those minibusses were the typical representatives, capable of launching kamikaze bugs like rocket vehicles.

"...We’re screwed now," Fang Chang took off the Dawn Mechanical Composite Bow hanging from his back, his scalp tingling as he squeezed out these words.

"Ah," Old White also nodded, speaking resignedly, "Let’s talk it over on the Forum later."

The two against ten thousand... or possibly even more.

The probability of survival was nonexistent.

Both prepared themselves for battle.

However, unexpectedly, those mucosal entities merely surrounded them and did not swarm over to overwhelm them.

Just as Old White and Fang Chang puzzled over what these creatures were waiting for, the ground beneath them suddenly began to tremble.

Before they could react, numerous pale red vines burst from behind them in the massive pit, intertwined and climbed up about tens of meters high, resembling a tall tower, and ultimately, at the top of the tower, they wove into a uniquely shaped chair.

That chair, like a throne, was now occupied by Xiaoyu who had previously been thrown into the pit, now flamboyantly seated upon it.

Watching the pale red fungal tower, the mucosal entities around the nuclear bomb crater suddenly stirred, releasing a hoarse chatter, their shifting footsteps seemingly wanting to approach, yet hesitant.

They were confused, frightened, unable to comprehend the situation before them, and chaotically lost.

Observing the mushroom crowd surging like a tide, Xiaoyu felt an inexplicable absence of fear.

He could see every mucosal entity here, he could clearly perceive what they were thinking.

A vast sea of thoughts rushed toward him.

Feeling the desire flowing in the spore cloud, he released his own ripple.

For him, who now controlled the entire Lair, this was as simple as breathing.

"There’s no need to panic."

"It’s over—"

"This war that has lasted for two centuries."

It seemed they felt the ripple flowing in the spore cloud, and the turbulent emotions were instantly soothed.

The mucosal entities pacing back and forth at the edge of the pit finally stopped their hesitations, stretching their limbs upwards, shouting in their way joyously.

That familiar ripple was indeed emitted by Mother!

All the nervousness and fear dissolved at that moment, wiped away by the spreading spore cloud.

Upon recognizing Her scent, they accepted this new king in less than a second.

Satisfiedly watching the obedient reactions of the mucosal entities, a smile unwittingly curled on Falling Feather’s lips.

Is this the feeling of power?

It’s simply too delightful!

Maybe I should try shouting "kneel down" next?

Just as Falling Feather was pondering how to show off, Old White and Fang Chang, who were standing under the intertwined pale pink vines, both simultaneously raised their heads, gaping at him in astonishment.

"...What’s going on?"

"Brother... are you still human?"

Seeing the confused faces of Old White and Fang Chang, Falling Feather felt a bit embarrassed and lightly coughed.

"Of course I am; speaking of what happened, that’s a long story that starts with a planet called Gaia... It’s not something that can be easily explained in a moment, I’ll elaborate more when we head to the Forum later."

Fang Chang, still dazed, nodded in agreement, feeling that made sense.

It’s good to make a post, sharing joy is better than enjoying it alone; otherwise, after he finishes listening, the other brothers would still be in the dark.

However, he was completely baffled as to how this involved a planet named Gaia.

And—

"Alright... By the way, where’s Night Ten?"

The moment his voice fell, Falling Feather was about to speak when a cursing voice came from below him.

"I’m right here... damn it, this guy couldn’t even get me a chair."

Under the pale pink fungal tower, Night Ten was clutching one of the tendrils, struggling to climb upwards.

While someone had already finished showing off, he was still hanging in the tree.

Hearing his complaint, Falling Feather’s face turned red with embarrassment, promptly coughing and hurriedly defending,

"Darn it, I had to rush out to rescue people, didn’t I? If I had been any later—"

Night Ten, exhausted, rolled his eyes, cutting off his excuse.

"Hurry up! Pull me up!"

Falling Feather didn’t delay any longer and immediately said.

"Xiaoyu."

"Eeyup!"

With a light and cheery response, a pale pink tendril detached from the fungal tower, wrapped around Night Ten’s ankle, and then powerfully jerked upwards.

Realizing something was amiss, Night Ten’s expression changed, and he was about to speak to stop it, but it was already too late. His feet were yanked by an immense force, and his entire body was thrown into the sky.

Luckily, Xiaoyu didn’t just toss him into the sky and forget about him.

As his body left the pit, another tendril precisely came out to catch him.

After some turmoil, Night Ten, clutching the tendril, finally came back to the ground, covered in disarray.

As soon as his feet touched the soft soil, he couldn’t help but grit his teeth and complain.

"Shoot! I at least descended from the dragon, are you trying to kill me?!"

Thinking that he was greeting him, Xiaoyu excitedly replied.

"Shoot!"

Night Ten: "#%@#!"

...

On the edge of the North Second Ring Road, pungent gunpowder smoke blanketed the entire street.

Broken corpses and relics of explosions littered the devastated highway.

Looking at the power armor that had fallen not far in front of him, Edge Shoveling leaned against the wall, gasping for air, discarding the launch tube that had bent.

Not far from him, a construction site boy and a brick dangled from a damaged street lamp, a bloody mess with intestines spilling out. Debt Giant Eye was even more tragic, with more than half of his body gone, leaving just a lonely head and shoulders on the ground.

But that guy didn’t mind much, saying in his own words that in three days he could call himself a virgin again.

Edge Shoveling grinned, his throat tickled, and another mouthful of blood was coughed onto the ground.

This battle could only be described as fierce.

They were facing not just over twenty power armors eroded by mucous fungi, but nearly half a company’s worth!

A total of 47 Decaying Knights burst from the ruins, engaging in close combat with them.

To stop them from entering the underground tunnels and approaching that Xiya, these evolutionary bodies, like madmen, recklessly charged at them.

As the most fearless corps of the Alliance, tactically fierce, they of course wouldn’t back down.

When the rocket launchers ran out, they used rifles; when the bullets were gone, they used bayonets; when the bayonets snapped, they used steel pipes, steel rods, crowbars, or even the bricks picked up from the ground, or their own fists... In short, they fought with all their might, sparing no expense, only to inflict as much damage as possible on their opponents before death!

As it turned out, equipment didn’t mean everything, their will to fight could bridge the impassable chasm.

All 47 Decaying Knights were completely destroyed!

Of course, the casualties they suffered in return were extremely heavy.

Nearly two thousand five hundred players died in the battle, and nearly five hundred others were mostly injured, bearing wounds of varying degrees.

Such a terrifying exchange rate would likely collapse any military force.

Only corps composed of players like them could continue fighting until now.

Not far ahead of Edge Shoveling, next to a collapsed overpass, a fortress-like cubic armor still stood towering immovably.

It was like an immortal object.

Even though it was hit by nearly a hundred RPG armor-piercing bullets and more than a dozen Dove-type Missiles, its armor remained intact, only showing some pitted wear and tear.

Glancing back at the remaining brothers and the weapons in their hands, the smile on Edge Shoveling’s lips slowly took on a bitter taste.

It seemed like this first kill was unlikely to be secured.

But—

Even so, they had no reason to retreat.

Death was just the starting point of reincarnation, and three days later, a new beginning would dawn.

They were the true immortal warriors!

He withdrew his arm from the wall and stabilized himself on the ground.

"Those who want to go back and save can leave now. You’ve already done enough, even if you didn’t reach the end, I won’t blame you... However, our mission is not yet complete, I plan to keep going."

If they could manage to climb onto that thing, stuffing dynamite into the mucosal-filled cockpit might just bring it down!

They weren’t completely out of options!

His Adam’s apple bobbed as Edge Shoveling put the whistle hanging around his neck into his mouth, getting ready to blow it.

However, just at that moment, the Titan that was stepping forward suddenly faltered and let out a deep roar amid a squeal of metal grinding, slowly sinking to its knees.

The six-story tall body leaned forward, like a falling square tower, with its clearly defined armor striking the ground, raising clouds of dust.

Seeing this scene, everybody was stunned, unsure what had happened.

Just a second ago, it was still fierce and threatening.

How could it suddenly kneel?

At that moment, from the street corner came the rumble of tires rolling over the ground, and several No. 60 electromagnetic cannon-bearing Type B Mark II tank destroyers flanked by Chimera Armored Cars rushed onto the battlefield.

"Fire!"

The Mole, half-standing on the armored car, shouted loudly as pale blue arcs flashed in the night, and a streak of orange-yellow tracer fiercely rocketed towards the Titan kneeling on one knee.

The Titan, as if struck in the face by a fist, shuddered under the bombardment of the railgun, with the dull sound of metal impacting spreading in all directions.

The dust cleared.

Seeing the Titan remain motionless, Mole was slightly taken aback but was about to order to continue firing.

He wanted to see how many blasts this piece of iron could withstand from the firepower comparable to naval guns!

However, at that moment, Edge Shoveling suddenly shouted out, waving his arms trying to stop them.

"Wait! Hold your fire! Stop!"

Hearing Brother Edge’s voice, Mole swallowed back the "Fire!" he was about to utter.

Seeing him limping toward him, Mole asked in confusion.

"What’s the matter? We’re not fighting anymore?"

"...It’s over."

Edge Shoveling lifted his arm, pointing at the VM screen.

On that screen flashed a pale blue pop-up.

[Congratulations to the Death Legion for the first kill of the Evolutionary Body "Mucosal Titan"!]

Although the Titan was clearly still capable of fighting, the game System had already determined its defeat, and it indeed ceased its resistance.

Imagine a bit pretentiously, maybe the souls of the warriors from the 111th Airborne Division had acknowledged their bravery during the fight?

In any case, even the game officials had admitted their victory so this guy shouldn’t cause any more trouble.

As long as Brother Guang doesn’t mess with the rules again.

With the announcement and rewards for the first kill in hand, the brothers of the Death Legion were thrilled, but Mole wore an uncomfortable expression.

"Shit! We won already?! Did I come all this way for nothing?"

Edge Shoveling smiled sheepishly, coughing lightly.

"No way around it, our strength is just there... Right, I got caught up in the fight and almost forgot the main matter. Xiya is still down there, we have run out of bullets, it’s all up to you guys now."

Upon hearing this, Mole’s uncomfortable look turned to a pleased smile.

"Hehe, I love to hear that!"

With that, he picked up the loudspeaker again and howled to those behind him.

"Guys! Even though we missed the small boss, the big boss is ours now!"

"The initiating lair of this Tide is right in front! Charge with me!"

MVP!

Ha ha! It’s definitely mine!

Excitement twinkled in Mole’s eyes; their Skeleton Corps had been second or third on the leaderboard for who knows how many years, and this time they were finally going to shine!

Thinking alike, the crowd also let out excited roars.

"Roar roar roar!"

As the wheels rolled forward, players sitting behind the armored cars and tanks loaded their weapons.

Watching the armored vehicles fiercely advancing, the barrel washing machine resting by the roadside with a rifle couldn’t help murmuring,

"That’s somewhat doable."

Bro’s playing pretty wild...

...

The Tide retreating from the front lines was several kilometers away from Xiya.

Crossing several kilometers through urban terrain was obviously a different level of difficulty compared to off-roading on flat plains.

Not to mention, the city was a ruin, and the retreating Tide was also enduring a joint siege by the Alliance Army and Air Force.

Within the entire area of Qingquan City, the majority of the hatcheries were controlled by the central Lair, with only those on the path of the Tide under Xiya’s control.

The production speed of the mucosal entities was not slow, but it clearly couldn’t exceed the racing speed of the Skeleton Corps.

As they reached the entrance of the underground tunnel, exoskeleton-armed grenadiers jumped off the vehicles one after another, grabbing their tools and rushing into the pitch-black subway station.

The lurking entities surged forward in the darkness, using every method they could think of to stop the players’ progress.

However, with the fall of the lair in the city center, the forces guarding Xiya had reached the end of their rope, and this final resistance was merely a dying struggle.

Feeling the ferocious organism steadily closing in, Xiya, standing on the crimson fungal carpet, finally experienced a deep-seated terror that penetrated her bones.

"Mother..."

"What should I do?"

The floating spores beside her were like a lake with no breeze, silent without a single ripple, nor any echo.

That was to be expected.

After all, she had fallen into an eternal slumber, with her unfulfilled destiny.

Despair rose in Xiya’s heart.

She no longer knew what to do.

From the moment she was born several months ago, she had been listening to her mother’s teachings.

She had never thought there would come a day when her mother would leave this world before her.

Nor had she imagined this day would come so suddenly that she was completely unprepared.

As she was feeling helpless and fearful, the silent ripples suddenly spread with an echo of a voice.

"Surrender."

The moment before, Xiya, who had appeared surprised, after hearing these words, felt her emotions flowing through the spores cloud shifting back into deep despair.

"Will they kill me? Just like they killed my children?"

The ripples echoing within the spores cloud continued to descend with revelation, speaking in a voice that brooked no refusal.

"As long as you submit to me, they won’t do that."

Xiya: "Why?!"

The voice continued.

"They say the laws of nature are irreversible, and we, like those variants, have become part of this vast system. As long as even a single mucus cell remains, a new host will be born from the old entities."

"The difficulty of erasing us from this planet is comparable to erasing every speck of dust here. This path was impassable from the start, so they sent me an invitation, hoping to explore the path of the future together with us."

Xiya: "...the future?"

The voice continued in the depths of her conscious ocean.

"Yes, no one can go back to two hundred years ago, but everyone can decide how to spend today and tomorrow."

Xiya: "Who exactly are you?"

The voice exuded a sense of glee and excitement.

"You can call me Xiaoyu, that’s the name they gave me, and I quite like it."

The excitement flowing in the spores cloud made Xiya somewhat envious.

In her ephemeral life, only her mother’s recognition could invoke such a feeling.

Silence lingered.

Gunshots in the tunnel were getting closer; there wasn’t much time left for her.

Just as Xiaoyu couldn’t bear to urge her further, the spores flowing beside Xiya suddenly rippled with a sigh.

"Perhaps... you are right."

Xiaoyu: "You agree?"

Xiya: "No."

Xiaoyu: "...Why?!"

Feeling the surprise flowing beside her, Xiya smiled gently, and her originally restless soul calmed down.

"...The purpose of my birth here is to consume, slaughter, conquer, just as your purpose is to explore paths never envisioned."

"My mother once told me, death is just the beginning of the cycle, we were born from the soil under our feet and will eventually return there to rest."

"Thank you for letting me hear my mother’s voice one last time before I leave. I suddenly find that embracing the endpoint of destiny is not so horrifying. Our deaths will be meaningful, and our footsteps will leave marks on this land."

"You need not carry my burdens forward, I will fulfill my destiny at this moment, let my death draw a conclusion to this war that lasted two centuries."

"Perhaps when I next open my eyes, my ripples will be reborn in a completely different new world."

"If that world truly exists, please visit it for me."

"Goodbye, my kindred whom I have never met."

With that concise farewell, she hurriedly cut off her communication with Xiaoyu.

The crimson fungus twisted like boiling water, her chest swelling immensely in a moment, expanding skirts flaring out like armor, and twisted tendrils like octopus tentacles, dragging her body forward.

This was her most formidable posture she could imagine, the limit she could reach as a host!

At this moment, she was like a true devil from hell.

After losing all evolutionary bodies, she launched an attack on the players rushing into the underground passage, as the last evolutionary body.

"Embrace the glory of evolution!"

She roared, swinging the tentacles beneath her skirts, impaling, tearing apart, or engulfing the advancing players.

The originally unstoppable advance of the Skeleton Corps in the tunnel stalled slightly due to Xiya’s sudden entry into the battlefield.

But that pause was just a momentary one.

Seeing the frenzied BOSS, no one showed fear or timidity; instead, a strong fighting spirit lit up.

The long-awaited BOSS battle had finally arrived!

Roars filled with high fighting spirit echoed through the tunnel.

"Front line hold steady, back line spread out, start the BOSS fight!"

"xdm, start the raid!"

"Oow oow oow!"