This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 664 Have We Met Somewhere Before?

Chapter 664: Chapter 664 Have We Met Somewhere Before?

Just after he returned to the camp, Bennott’s smiling face immediately fell, and he cast a sidelong glance at the guard beside him and tossed out an order.

"For those slaves who have just left the camp for some excitement, fifteen lashes each."

The guard nodded his head, ready to carry out the command, when suddenly something occurred to him, and he asked.

"And what about Lady Sistil?"

Hearing the name of that old hag made Bennott’s face turn even darker.

"Give her thirty lashes!"

Damn it all.

If I can’t deal with the Alliance, can’t I deal with a few of you?

Every time Bennott thought of the looks in the crowd’s eyes as they watched them, his heart filled with infuriation, and he wished he could take that clueless Centurion and flog him as well.

Unfortunately, in the Army, officers held higher status, and the factions within were united. Even though that guy was just a Centurion, without a valid reason, it wasn’t easy to lay hands on him.

As for the slaves, he wasn’t so particular.

Just then, something else occurred to Bennott, and he stretched out his hand to grab that soldier who had been about to carry out the order.

"Hold on."

The guard swiftly bowed and said.

"My lord, do you have any further commands?"

Bennott’s expression flickered subtly.

"...Remember to close the door."

The guard was taken aback for a moment, his expression becoming inscrutable, before he finally nodded with subtle emotion.

"Understood!"

...

After the orders were given, Bennott returned to his own tent.

Perhaps because the soldier had followed his order and tied the tent flaps tightly, Bennott, who was sitting inside the tent, didn’t hear the crack of the whip or the wails of those servants.

Bennott was still not satisfied, and the more he thought about it, the more suffocated he felt. Representing Triumph City, he had visited other Survivor Settlements, but he had never been treated with such disrespect.

These damned Barbarians, relying on the backing of corporations and the Academy, dare to look down on our Army!

It seems that those bastards from the Eastern Expansion faction hadn’t beaten these scoundrels hard enough!

It is worth mentioning that although the Army failed to push the border line forward one inch in two expeditions east and lost countless soldiers, under the overwhelming propaganda of Triumph Newspaper, both expeditions still ended in overwhelming victories for the Army.

Bennott did not entirely believe in Triumph Newspaper; after all, his daughter worked there, and he, who often dealt with the propaganda department, knew very well how much those people could talk nonsense.

However, he had no doubt about the conclusion of Triumph Newspaper; no matter how stubborn the barbarians to the east of the Great Desert were, the Army’s victory was indisputable.

They couldn’t possibly lose to a bunch of Waste Land Wanderers; it was only because corporations, the Grand Canyon, and the Academy intervened that the price was a little steeper than expected.

And it was for this reason that His Majesty the Marshal had not held a triumphal ceremony for those fools who cost the people and wasted money; after all, there was nothing really to boast about.

At that moment, footsteps were heard outside the tent, followed by someone shaking the bell hanging next to the tent entrance.

Looking at the figure at the door, Bennott’s brow furrowed slightly as he cleared his throat and called "Come in."

The tent flap was pulled aside.

Seeing it was the Pangolin standing at the entrance, Bennott’s brow relaxed a bit, and he leaned back in his chair and said.

"What is it?"

In a departure from his usual reticence, the Old Soldier adopted an indignant manner and said in a deep voice, fanning the flames.

"My lord, why should we bow to them? If they are dissatisfied, why not fight them again until they submit?"

Hearing this foolish statement, Bennott sneered.

"You brutes, always thinking about fighting and killing, as if things are that simple! If a fight solved everything, why didn’t you solve the problem last year? We’re here to discuss Cooperation, not to fall out with them!"

Although Bennott spoke in a lecturing tone, after he finished speaking, he felt the better for it.

Seeing that Pangolin wearing the smug look on his face, Old Soldier couldn’t help but admire Springs for the shoddy idea he suggested.

The fellow still had some merit.

"But... are we just going to endure this, letting them ride over our heads?"

"Cooperating with the Alliance on the ’Mutated slime fungus’ issue is the Marshal’s intent. Compared to this matter... other conflicts can be put aside for now." Bennott’s eyes narrowed as he spoke deliberately, "Of course, this bunch has become a little too arrogant. I’ll give them something to look at, subdue their arrogance, but not now."

Old Soldier’s heart stirred with anticipation as he asked.

"What do you intend to do?"

Bennott glanced at him.

"Don’t ask about things that aren’t your business. I have my own ideas on how to handle it. And about what was said just now, don’t tell anyone, especially Kuike."

Kuike is his deputy, holding the rank of Thousands of leaders, yet many throughout the delegation respected him greatly, even more so than Ambassador Bennott himself.

Even in the Army, where the status of military officers is higher than that of civil officials, it wasn’t to the extent that a Ten Thousand Leader would need to salute a Thousands of leaders first.

Remembering Bennott’s previous wary attitude towards the deputy, Old Soldier curiously inquired.

"Lord Bennott, speaking of which... What’s the deal with Kuike? Why does it feel like you all are somewhat afraid of him?"

"Scared of him?" Bennott curled his lips slightly, speaking without any taboo, "Not really. His identity, however, is rather unusual—he’s part of the Imperial Guard."

Old Soldier had never heard the term before and asked in surprise,

"Imperial Guard?"

He had only heard of the Youth Army.

It seemed that Vanus from the Alliance’s staff had come from there.

Not surprised by Old Soldier’s astonishment, Bennott said tersely,

"You haven’t been to Triumph City, so it’s normal you haven’t heard of them. They generally operate only in Triumph City and won’t leave without a Marshal’s order. Simply put, they are the Marshal’s eyes. That’s all you need to know."

Although the topic of the Imperial Guard didn’t seem to be sensitive, Bennott still appeared reluctant to discuss it further.

His evasive attitude incited a trace of curiosity in Old Soldier. Just as he was about to steer the conversation indirectly, Bennott suddenly gestured to him, beckoning him to come closer and whispered,

"Right, since you’re here, you can do something for me."

Excited to trigger a mission, Old Soldier from the Battlefield Atmosphere Group turned solemn and promptly said,

"Your orders, my lord!"

Bennott spoke softly,

"I heard that the Free State’s messengers are also in City of Dawn. Find their location for me... and invite them here to talk."

A thrill went through Old Soldier at those words.

Good fellow.

He had just been thinking about sneaking out when everyone was asleep later in the middle of the night!

With Centurion Bennott’s mission, it would be easier to use that as an excuse.

Mentally noting Bennott’s instructions, Old Soldier did not hesitate and nodded in agreement,

"Yes!"

Bennott nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand.

"Go."

Watching Pangolin move through the tent flap and leave the spacious tent, a faint smile hung on Bennott’s face.

Although it was inconvenient for him to strike the Alliance personally, he could find an ally who equally despised the Alliance to do this task for him.

At that moment, however, neither the seemingly in-control Bennott nor the brazenly departing Old Soldier noticed that a pair of eyes were watching them from not too far away.

Standing at the entrance of the camp, Kuike let out a faint smile, then turned and went back to his own tent...

...

After leaving the camp, Old Soldier didn’t immediately seek out the location of the Free State envoys but took a detour in the alleyways instead.

Making sure there was no one following him, he then headed to the nearest player save point, following the map he had checked on the official website.

Every settlement under the Alliance flag had such a facility, accessible only to players and employees hired by the refuge.

Not only were there sleep cabins for saving progress, but also rentable storage spaces and NPC stores selling "limited purchase equipment."

Equipment that had a Contribution Points threshold was one of the benefits the refuge provided for players, and here one could even buy power armor sets worth one million silver coins.

If sold at market price, adding a zero to the cost would still be considered a bargain; naturally, not just anyone could afford them.

As he approached, the staff member on duty glanced at Old Soldier’s arm and yawned with fatigue,

"...Residents of the refuge?"

Old Soldier nodded,

"ID: Battlefield Atmosphere Group, I don’t have my VM with me, use biometric identification."

There was no surprise at the strange pronunciation of the ID as the staff member efficiently pulled a dusty iris scanner out of the drawer.

"Look into the lens for a moment."

Old Soldier leaned forward, his eyes meeting the lens.

The signal light flickered twice.

Seeing the six zeros displayed on the screen, the staff member, who originally found this job bothersome, suddenly wore an astonished expression.

Good fellow!

Apprentice Knight!

One needed to reach a Contribution Points total of one hundred thousand to attain the Apprentice Knight Contribution Level, and each resident who reached that level was undoubtedly a hero who had risked their life for the Alliance countless times!

In just an instant, the way he looked at Old Soldier shifted from mere routine to deep admiration, his previous drowsiness completely forgotten.

"What would you like?"

Feeling slightly embarrassed by the fiery enthusiasm, Old Soldier smiled and said,

"A K-10 ’Iron Wall’ Exoskeleton with a full protection system. Do you have it in stock?"

"Of course! Please follow me!"

Handing over his station to another colleague on duty, the employee enthusiastically led him to the adjacent warehouse.

Following the staff member, Old Soldier stepped into the warehouse and picked out a K-10 Exoskeleton of the appropriate size to wear.

Standing in front of the mirror and putting on the helmet, he made sure he was covered up enough, and only then, fully satisfied, did he pay and leave the "Player Service Area."

Crossing the bustling streets, he headed straight to the trade station to the north, and as soon as the Battlefield Atmosphere Group appeared in the lobby of the tavern, the players sitting near the bar suddenly fell silent.

The first to recognize this guy was I Max Black.

His eyes popped wide open, and he vaulted off the barstool.

"Fuck! It’s—"

Before his exclamation of surprise could finish, a gust of wind brushed his lips, pressing the name back down.

"Fuck! Don’t just go shouting, okay! I’m still on a mission!" Old Soldier frantically pressed his hand over the other’s mouth with a look of panic on his face.

Debt Giant Eye, with a cheeky grin, patted his shoulder and winked at him.

"What does it matter? The NPCs can’t understand a word of Mandarin that Brother I Max Black is saying... But seriously, what were you thinking?"

Baffled by this comment, Old Soldier paused and then let go of the struggling I Max Black.

"What was I thinking?"

Debt Giant Eye glanced meaningfully to one side.

Following his gaze, Old Soldier saw a girl standing next to the bar with a tray in her hands, looking at him.

She wasn’t tall, her nose was pale and delicate, and her fluffy light brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, giving her a cute and comely appearance.

She didn’t look like a player.

She looked somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he had seen her before.

Sneaking a glance at his smiling companions, Old Soldier instinctively switched to United Human Language, asking somewhat apprehensively,

"...Who are you?"

Hearing that low voice stammering in United Human Language, Lisa couldn’t help but widen her eyes in disbelief, moisture flickering in her gaze.

"I... I am Lisa."

Lisa?

Old Soldier stared at her blankly, not recognizing the name, yet the more he looked at her, the more familiar she seemed, so he asked tentatively,

"Have we met somewhere before?"

Lisa quickly nodded, not taking her eyes off his, her cheeks reddening gradually as she finally mustered the courage to speak,

"Yes, it was... at Falling Leaf Ridge. Back then, General McCullen assigned me and others to you. So, so... I belong to you!"

"Cough!"

Hearing this explosive declaration, Old Soldier almost choked on his own saliva.

Especially when he caught a glimpse of Spring Water and I Max Black struggling to contain their laughter, his toes nearly dug through the floor.

Watching Mr. Pangolin suddenly coughing, Lisa hurriedly poured him a cup of hot water from behind the bar and rushed over, holding it out with both hands.

"Please, have some water."

"Thank you..."

Taking the cup from the young girl’s hands, Old Soldier awkwardly brought it to his lips, only to splash it all over himself as it hit the helmet covering his head.

It was then that he remembered he was wearing a fully protected behemoth of armor, and he had not even lifted the helmet’s visor.

"Hahaha!"

Seeing Old Soldier’s embarrassing blunder, I Max Black could no longer hold back his laughter and burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. Even the usually stoic Old White could not help but crack a smile.

Unaware of the reactions of those around her, Lisa, with eyes only for Pangolin, hurriedly attempted to help remove his helmet but was gently stopped by his outstretched hand.

Looking at the puzzled Lisa, Old Soldier, unable to bear his friends’ mocking looks any longer, put down the cup on the bar.

"Follow me."

Dropping that line, he walked toward a wooden door, leading Lisa to the courtyard between the main building and the annex.

The courtyard was nearly deserted, with dim lights, just a flower bed with some blossoms and a row of basins for rinsing one’s face, giving it an empty feel.

As he looked at Lisa, who was nervously watching him, Old Soldier glanced towards the main building of the tavern, took a deep breath, and removed his helmet.

"It wasn’t convenient to talk earlier, so to keep it short, I am on a very important mission. Pangolin... er, that’s my codename. Just call me Battlefield when I sneak out; that’s my real name."

After holding back for a long time, he still didn’t have the nerve to give his full name nor mention the nicknames other players had given him.

Gazing intently into his eyes, Lisa nodded seriously, committing the name to memory.

"Got it! I’ll remember."

"Thanks for cooperating... So, you’re a survivor from the Fallen Leaf Camp? I thought I recognized you when I saw you," Old Soldier chuckled awkwardly and asked, "Are you here by yourself? What about the others?"

"They’re here too; some are still in the City of Dawn, some have gone elsewhere to start new lives..." Lisa spoke softly, recounting events that had happened to him.

This included how the Storm Corps soldiers took over the camp after he left and how Grandpa Huck, the tavern owner, had offered her a job as a waitress.

Listening until the very end, Old Soldier’s face lit up with a look of relief.

"That’s great, I’m glad you all are living normal lives now; my efforts weren’t in vain... How about you? Are you happy with your job?"

Lisa nodded vigorously, her cheeks tinged with red, and her bright eyes brimming with luminescent moonlight.

"Yes! Everyone is very nice and they take good care of me... Also, they told me you were on a long trip and it would be a while before you returned, but if I waited here, I would surely see you again. So I’ve just been... been staying here."

"Uh, what were you waiting for me for... Ah, if it was because of that general, you don’t have to. You’re now a citizen of the Alliance, not owned by anyone, and definitely not by me," said Old Soldier, trying to untangle the puzzled Lisa’s thoughts.

To him, all this was part of a quest from a long, long time ago.

On the way here, he had already seen the Falling Leaves City, situated on the land where they once shed their blood.

The people there were now living normal lives, and things were getting better day by day.

At least for him, that expansion pack had reached a perfect conclusion.

"It’s not because someone ordered me..."

Lisa puffed her cheeks, intending to speak up, but then seemed to remember something. She buried her raised head back down and said softly,

"I...I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for giving me a new life."

Old Soldier chuckled upon hearing this and reached out to pat the bowed little head.

"You’re welcome. We came out of the refuge to do this...It’s our work, and it’s our mission."

He hadn’t expected that side quest to have such a follow-up.

It seemed that, unknowingly, he had already changed many people’s lives.

Watching the young girl in front of him, Old Soldier suddenly felt a trace of warmth in his heart, a feeling he had not experienced in other games.

Maybe it was because this game was too realistic.

The warmth that touched the depths of his soul was even more thrilling to him than silver coins and Contribution Points.

Perhaps, that was the real reason that drove him to continue the long undercover task, without any complaints or regrets...

Feeling the warmth atop her head, Lisa gently looked up, her eyes filled with a hint of reluctance as she spoke softly,

"...can you come and visit me often in the future? I will always be here."

Old Soldier replied with a smile,

"No problem! But to come often, I would have to wait until my mission is over. I might have to go elsewhere for a while."

Hearing this promise, Lisa’s face finally blossomed into a happy and contented smile as she nodded vigorously.

"Mhmm! It’s a promise! I’ll wait for you to come back!"

At this moment, by the back door of the hotel lobby, a few heads huddled close together were watching the pair in the dark yard without blinking an eye.

Munching on the melon seeds excitedly, Crow couldn’t help but murmur,

"He can’t be that heartless, right?"

Teng Teng, feeling the strain on her neck from being squeezed, lifted her head with resignation,

"Why do I always feel like you’re kind of hoping he’ll turn into a beast?"

Crow smiled sheepishly,

"Hehe, I bet 100 Silver...but still, don’t you think they’re interesting? Cute Lisa has been waiting for him for a whole year, it must be true love!"

Watching this guy’s increasingly gentlemanly smile, Teng Teng subtly scooted a little to the side, putting some distance between them.

Debt Giant Eye clenched his fists nervously, muttering under his breath,

"Damn it! Why hasn’t that bastard kissed her yet! Don’t tell me he’s chickened out!"

As he saw the silver coins he had betted about to fly into someone else’s pocket, he almost wished he could reach out and push the guy’s head forward.

I Max Black yawned nonchalantly and said,

"So who actually won this bet?"

Spring Water Commander laughed and patted his shoulder,

"Ha ha, looks like it’s a tie! Time to go, that guy is coming back!"

The crowd by the back door dispersed in an uproar.

Watching the people who had sneaked back in through the door and sat down, and the two figures, one tall and one short, returning shortly thereafter, Old White, who had been sitting at the bar all along, couldn’t help but smile.

He probably had guessed what had happened.

Watching Old Soldier pass by the bar, Old White said with a smile,

"Wouldn’t you have a drink before going back?"

"No, I still have a mission, and I have to go back and report soon."

Pausing next to the bar, watching the petite figure returning to the kitchen, Old Soldier continued,

"The Army’s delegation is planning to get involved with the Free State, and Centurion Bennott has asked me to arrange a meeting with their envoys at the camp... By the way, pass a message to the Manager for me, tell him to keep an eye on Bennott’s deputy. I heard that guy is from the Marshal’s Imperial Guard, probably similar to the Guards Corps, but I didn’t get the specifics."

Old White nodded earnestly and said quietly,

"I’ll pass it on to him."

Taking his gaze back from the direction of the kitchen, Old Soldier suddenly looked speechlessly at the guy leisurely sitting at the bar,

"Speaking of which, you’ve been keeping this bit of news from me for a whole year, what’s the fun in that?"

Old White laughed and glanced at him teasingly,

"Don’t you think it’s more interesting to discover easter eggs hidden within side storylines on your own? Plus, even if I had told you that there’s an NPC who wants to thank you, you probably wouldn’t have thought much of it, right?"

After giving the guy a look through his helmet, Old Soldier didn’t deny his words but casually threw back,

"I’ll buy you that drink next time."

As he watched that broad back disappear into the hustle and bustle, Old White gently raised his oak mug full of beer toward the entrance of the hotel and said with a smile,

"I’ll remember that."

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