This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 79: The Most Unscrupulous Boss in History

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: The Most Unscrupulous Boss in History

Silver, 5 Bronze!

This staggering amount of money shocked the entire refuge.

Only one morning had passed since the bounty was posted, and someone had already made the first kill!

If this wasn’t the work of a pro gamer, what was?!

As soon as the Manager turned and walked away, a swarm of players rushed up, surrounding the four members of Team Ox Horse, bombarding them with admiring questions.

"Big bro! Where did you find the Looters? Did you go to the tire factory??"

"Wiping them out without taking a hit, that’s way too strong!"

"Big shot, take me with you!"

Anyone would get a bit carried away being surrounded by so many players, and Night Ten, who was always full of hot air, was no exception. He rubbed his nose with his forefinger and smirked as he spoke.

"Sorry, guys, our team is full; we’re not taking on anyone else. But don’t worry, Brother Fang Chang will update our strategy tonight. It’s just a few Looters; as long as you’ve got hands, you’re good."

"What? You’re asking how I took down six men? Ah, that’s a long story! Those six fierce brutes were heading our way, about to spot us, and without a second thought, I drew my dagger, poised and ready to leap and slash..."

Fang Chang gave him a sideways glance, too exasperated to comment.

Wild Wind looked away, pretending not to know the guy.

Only Old White, earnest to a fault, couldn’t stand Night Ten showing off anymore. He braved it, reached out to pull him aside, and dragged him out of the crowd.

"Hey, hey, hey, don’t pull me; I haven’t finished!"

"Finished my ass!"

"Cut the crap; and let’s get ready for the next round!"

As the first team to ’eat the crab,’ Team Ox Horse’s members unsurprisingly became the focal point of other players’ heated discussions.

As for the three Looters hanged on the gallows and the bodies sent to the Active Substance Extractor, no one seemed to care.

After all, the Manager’s reputation for hating evil had long been etched into their minds, so it was expected that he would have those people processed.

Unwilling to listen to Night Ten’s bragging, Fang Chang and the others didn’t stay outside the North Gate any longer than necessary. After receiving their reward, they pooled together 120 Silver Coins and went directly to the weapon shop.

Soon, they became the first customer of Xia Yan’s slightly modified shop, buying the very first 7mm Bolt-Action Rifle the weapon shop had sold!

Together with six high-priced, 1 Silver Coin Steel-Cored Copper Bullets and ten cheap, inferior bullets, Fang Chang handed all these items over to Night Ten after the payment was made.

It made sense for a player with high Perception, like Night Ten, to take on the sniper role, especially when everyone’s marksmanship was about the same.

Old White could throw javelins and charge into close combat with courage, Fang Chang himself could support with his bow and arrow, now quite skilled at it, not necessarily worse than a gun at medium to close range. As for Wild Wind, of the Intelligence System, throwing a firebomb or setting up a trap in critical moments was enough; expecting him to deal damage was unrealistic.

At least in the current version, the Intelligence System was indeed somewhat lackluster, but who knows what the future may hold?

Maybe in some future update, Intelligence System players will be on top.

"... My archery is decent, and this bow will last me for a while longer. My good brother, this is the only 98K in our team! You better not go wasting bullets!"

"Rest assured, my good brother! I won’t let you down!" Night Ten solemnly received it from Fang Chang’s hands and hugged the gun, swearing he would use it well.

His affectionate manner suggested he might even strip the paint off the barrel if it had any...

Just like that, the Silver Coins that Team Ox Horse had just received from the Manager were spent at the weapon shop before they could even warm up in their pockets.

Not only that, but to re-supply gunpowder, arrows, and other provisions, the four even dipped into their savings.

Yet, none of them felt any regret.

Money was made to be spent, and investing in equipment, they would soon earn even more.

This hunt had given them a taste of success.

Aside from the experience they gained in battle and the money and Contribution Points from the bounty, the loot they’d stripped from the Looters was also their personal property.

While it was mainly close combat weaponry and rudimentary armor, these were at least usable - even if they couldn’t use them, bartering them for a few Silver Coins with other players wouldn’t be an issue.

The four, setting forth once again on their journey, were full of ambition and ready for the next big score.

Hopefully, this time it would be something substantial.

Taking down a few armed men would indeed bring them a fortune!

A single gun was worth at least 100 Silver in the weapon shop, and selling it at the market for 50 Silver to other players wouldn’t be too much to ask, right?

As long as it could fire, it was guaranteed to attract a crowd of buyers!

Fang Chang hummed a tune as he walked further and further away, while Chu Guang remained near the weapon shop, observing the other players for a while.

It was quite clear that, stimulated by Team Ox Horse’s "wealth myth," many players were itching to move, hesitating whether to use their savings for buying land to purchase guns instead.

After all, without enough Contribution Points to reach Citizen level, they couldn’t buy land even if they had the money. It might be better to first buy a gun, take down some bandits, earn some money, and accumulate Contribution!

Especially after seeing those four from Team Ox Horse take down a whole team without guns, who wouldn’t dream of what they could do if they were armed?

Seeing these rookie players already tempted, Chu Guang decided to add fuel to the fire.

So, Chu Guang beckoned to the proprietress of the weapon shop, and after gesturing for her to come over, he handed her a wooden board he had prepared earlier and instructed.

"Hang this sign at the door later."

After taking the sign from Chu Guang, Xia Yan asked with a puzzled face.

"What does this say?"

Chu Guang replied succinctly.

"9% off on all revolving rifles in this store, discount ends at midnight tonight. Sale limited to 15 revolving rifles or while stocks last, restock time is uncertain."

Holding the wooden sign, Xia Yan looked at him with a quirky face.

"Is there a need for a discount? After all, we’re the only shop in the base."

"Are you thinking I’m after those few coins in their pockets? How superficial!" Not wishing to waste words explaining, Chu Guang impatiently said, "Stop with the idle talk. Just do what I tell you to do, hurry up and go."

Perhaps his wording had been a bit harsh.

Xia Yan’s body visibly shook, and she dared not talk back, obediently taking the sign and going.

Pleased with her obedient behavior, Chu Guang nodded in approval, then continued to stand aside, enjoying his masterpiece.

Just as he had predicted, as soon as Xia Yan returned to the weapon shop and hung up the sign, those players who were still hesitating saw the irresistible discount and immediately pulled out their silver coins to frantically purchase the weapons on the shelves they had long coveted.

The revolving rifles were very affordable, with prices before the discount at 110 silver coins and, after the discount, only 99 silver coins—just shy of 100!

And most importantly, the revolving rifles were semi-automatic. Fire as fast as you can pull the trigger!

Isn’t that much more exciting than a bolt-action rifle?

A bargain indeed!

Watching these players frantically buying, Chu Guang barely held back his laughter.

They would know once they got their hands on them.

Sometimes firing too quickly isn’t a good thing.

The price tag on this baby was cheaper than the bolt-action rifles made in Giant Stone City for a reason!

Of course, even after the discount, the players who could fork out 99 silver coins at once were still the minority.

At least half of the rifles sold were from teams of three or four friends who put their money together for group purchases.

For a standard three-person team, having one gun was actually enough.

The three could take turns using it while the others supported with bows and arrows or other melee weapons. And after they had gotten the hang of it, it wouldn’t be too late for the whole team to switch to guns.

In the early days of starting up, things might be a bit tough, but saving where you can is key.

Sooner or later, everyone would have one!

The 15 revolving rifles were snapped up in no time.

Under the stimulus of the promotion, the broken guns previously seized from Looters were also sold out, and even the non-discounted bolt-action rifles from Giant Stone City had two sold, leaving a lone 9mm rifle hanging on the shelf.

Those players who didn’t manage to get a rifle, though somewhat disappointed, were not discouraged, and soon came up with other plans.

Some quick-witted players simply took the opportunity to sell their DIY weapons.

The entrance of Boss Xia’s weapon shop turned into a bustling barter market for a moment.

"Sapper’s Happy Sticks for sale! Super useful! Only 1 Silver Coin each, buy now while supplies last!"

"Oh, come on, a stick with some iron wire wrapped around it and you dare charge 1 Silver Coin? The least you could do is tie a blade to it!"

"What do you know? This is puncture + blunt damage! If you tie a blade to it, it becomes slashing damage!"

"Sorry, I’ll take an axe!"

"Anyone want a Crossbow? Produced by the wood workshop, regular price 20 Silver, now just 15 Silver, and comes with 5 free bolts. I’m switching to guns and won’t need this anymore, PM me if you want it fast!"

"Can you make it cheaper? I only have 14 Silver."

"Oh, well, let it be. Consider it making a friend."

"A Steel Breastplate! Want a Looter’s style breastplate? Not 99, not even 88, just 2 Silver Coins and take home this melee artifact!"

It is commendable for players to trade amongst themselves, but they must choose the right place and time.

Seeing that the shouting of these players was already obstructing traffic, and if left unattended, it would block the route to the warehouse.

So, Chu Guang stopped idling and took a few steps forward, clearing his throat loudly before addressing the group of players.

"Street vending is prohibited inside Outpost Base; please go to the market in front of the north gate for trading."

"This is not a place to set up shop!"

Seeing the Manager speak up, the players scattered away, heading outside the base to the north gate to continue their unfinished deals.

And as these players left, the entrance to the weapon shop finally quieted down.

"Can I take a day off now? There’s only one rifle left on the shelf." Xia Yan asked expectantly as she saw Chu Guang approaching.

The weather was getting colder, and even wrapped in a deer skin coat, she shivered a bit. It was hard even to take a nap.

Compared to staying outside, Xia Yan would much rather be inside the refuge blowing warm air.

It was so much more comfortable to sleep there than outside!

"Of course not, your work isn’t just selling guns."

Without mercy, Chu Guang rejected her naive thought and continued with a smile.

"I need you to make at least 100 bullets before you finish work. If you can’t, I’m afraid I’ll have to let you sleep in the weapon shop tonight."

Xia Yan’s eyes widened in alarm.

"You can’t do that, I’ll freeze to death!"

"Don’t sound so pitiful, it’s not even below zero and you’re going to freeze to death. How did you survive before? Luka sleeps in the cabin next to the warehouse, right? Don’t worry, I’ll prepare warm blankets for you and plenty of charcoal. Just remember not to close the door too tight when burning that stuff, a little draft is safer."

Looking at Xia Yan, who was looking all pitiful, Chu Guang wore an innocent expression, "Don’t look at me like that. I am doing this for your own good. It’ll keep you from getting too bored and dozing off. It’s easy to catch a cold if you fall asleep here."

"You big swindler! Heartless boss! I don’t believe you at all!"

Seeing that acting pitiful was of no use, Xia Yan, revealing her true nature, gritted her teeth angrily. But in the end, she had no choice against Chu Guang.

Her instinct told her he would really do it.

"Fine... 100 bullets, right? I’ll make them, okay?"

"Isn’t that better? People have to work to live. Look on the bright side; at least making bullets isn’t life-threatening... if you’re careful," Chu Guang said in a caring tone to the crestfallen Xia Yan, adding a reminder, "By the way, I’ll be checking the quality, so I suggest you not just try to get by."

"Of course, if you perform very well, like... completing an extra 50 bullets and the quality is all right, I’ll give you a reward."

The moment she heard about a reward, Xia Yan, who had been down just a second ago, perked up, looking hopeful.

"What’s the reward? Chocolate?"

"No chocolate, but I have a few chocolate-flavored lollipops."

This girl is utterly hooked on chocolate...

Watching Xia Yan swiftly pick up her tools and get to work, Chu Guang nodded with satisfaction and finally left with peace of mind.

On the other side, players at the north gate, after finishing their trades, didn’t delay for a moment and, spurred on by the bounty, headed toward the outskirts of Linghu Wetland Park.

They spread out northwards along the overpass, scanning the ground thoroughly for traces of Looters.

They scared off the chupacabras lurking on the northern side of the abandoned construction site, afraid of spooking them and affecting their evening offensive, and only stopped after retreating a kilometer.

Although they regretfully didn’t find any Looters, only catching mutated rats, cockroaches, and hyenas, it wasn’t a complete loss for these minor players. They still managed to hunt quite a few game before dark, bolstering their food storage.

Hunting had indeed become much more difficult than it was a week ago.

There were signs that migrating herds of deer were leaving the outskirts of Qingquan City and moving south along the city’s edge.

The weather was so cold that even the hyenas hesitated to leave their dens.

To expect to encounter a few wandering mutated hyenas as easily as before was becoming somewhat unrealistic.

The players in the city now encountered more of the Eaters, which had no hunting value.

As the dark grew earlier, these light-shy Variants became more active than before, which increased the difficulty for the players in their hunting.

They would emerge from the shadows like zombies, locking onto their prey and swarming it. In both the narrow urban terrain and rubble-strewn landscapes, they were tricky to deal with.

The night deepened gradually.

The city on the outskirts of Wetland Park was the first to be engulfed by darkness.

The players who had ventured out began to return one by one, and the Outpost Base bustled with activity.

As before, these players set up stalls in front of the north gate, calling out loudly, trading today’s catch with others.

Some of the more enterprising minor players weren’t just selling raw materials anymore; they had started catering businesses.

Like Crow, who sold mushrooms.

This little player was getting savvier by the day, buying a big pot and lighting a charcoal fire right at his stall in front of the north gate to start stewing.

Grilled mushrooms were priced at 2 copper coins a skewer, mushroom soup at 3 copper coins a bowl — customers had to bring their own bowls.

"Mushrooms for sale, fresh mushroom soup, grilled mushrooms too, come and buy!"

A crowd gathered around the stall.

"Crow Boss, do your mushrooms dance?"

"Can they chant the Great Compassion Mantra?"

"Can you release them back to life after cooking?"

"Can you stew a Paimon in the pot?"

"Crow Boss, can you perform ’steaming yourself in a pot’?"

"Do you want me to die!!"

I must admit, this mushroom soup smelled absolutely delicious; even Chu Guang was tempted and couldn’t help but buy two bowls, one of which he took over to Xia Yan.

Sitting at the entrance of the weapon shop making bullets all day, Xia Yan’s fingers had turned red from the work, and her stomach growled with hunger, feeling unjustly aggrieved.

Seeing the steaming hot mushroom soup Chu Guang handed her, the young girl was moved to tears. She picked up the bowl and gulped it down until it was empty.

"What kind of soup is this! Wah wah wah, it’s too delicious!"

Chu Guang wore a kindly smile on his face.

"Just an ordinary bowl of mushroom soup, don’t mention it, it’s on me."

"You can be this nice?" Xia Yan clutched the bowl, eyeing him suspiciously, "I always feel like something’s off, are you hiding something from me?"

"Would I do that?"

Watching her lick the bowl clean, Chu Guang waited for a moment before he picked up his own bowl and took a small sip.

Hmm.

The taste was indeed good, it had a hint of chicken soup flavor – could it be the legendary chicken fat mushrooms? I hadn’t expected the forest to yield such treasures.

Just a bit low on salt though.

...

Outside the enclosing wall.

Forty newbies, wielding shovels, finally received their pay for the day after completing the final scoop for the trenches.

A total of 10 Silver coins, plus 100 Contribution Points.

For beginners, that income was pretty substantial.

With their shovels planted at their feet, standing beside the trench, "Spare people under the knife" spoke with an exciting and impassioned voice to these newbies.

"Congratulations, you have proven your loyalty with your actions!"

"Look at our feet and behind us, this trench will become our most solid first line of defense, and it is a joint achievement of us all!"

Brother Knife’s rousing voice had said everything that Chu Guang had planned to say.

On second thought, not having much to add, Chu Guang approached those sweaty-faced but joy-filled newbies and wrapped things up proficiently.

"Welcome to the Wasteland."

"From now on, this will be your second home."

He declared them dismissed.

The newbies then dashed toward the market at the northern gate, eager to spend their earnings.

Many of them were already starving.

They didn’t even serve meals for trench digging here; in the real world, no one would do such a job!

The buzz continued into the late night, and only quieted down some when the main gate was shut.

On the wall were the guards on duty.

Inside the wall buzzed the industrial area.

Sitting in the third-floor infirmary, Chu Guang yawned and glanced at the time behind Xiao Qi – it had unwittingly reached midnight.

Twelve o’clock in the morning.

The first shift change of the late night was already underway.

Chu Guang stood up from the grand chair Mosquito had made for him, stretched, and picked up Xiao Qi.

"Let’s go, time to recharge."

"Master."

"What’s up?"

"About 521 meters to the north side of our wall, there are roughly 11 people. Another 10 have circled to our northwest side and are moving toward the west, at a straight-line distance of 611 meters."

"...What?" Chu Guang, holding Xiao Qi, paused, instinctively craning his neck to peer out the window, "I can’t see anything."

Xiao Qi tilted its camera, matter-of-factly replying.

"Because my camera can capture infrared light, ah. Most cameras can do that, right?"

"...?"

Damn it?

An ambush?

Chu Guang, who had been somewhat sleepy, was suddenly wide awake.