The two youngsters stared at each other for a moment before letting out a sigh at the same time.
“Sigh, forget it. I do not have the strength to talk about this right now.”
“That is correct, ensuring our survival and finding out how to leave this place is more important,” Chen Xiaolian spoke out. “If we really die here… then my novel will be castrated.”
“Pei, even if it does not get castrated, your novels are not much different from an eunuch,” Han Bi viciously replied.
Chen Xiaolian touched his nose and smiled, then he suddenly spoke. “There are a few more problematic details. If our speculation is true and that we had entered here by accident into an infinite element world of adventure, then those who were on the same airplane as us are actually infinite element players from Earth. If so… how did we end up becoming unauthorized entrants? Logically speaking, if this is an infinite element world, then the Host God should be an omniscient existence, right?”
“Don’t talk about that anymore; the more you talk about it the more afraid I am… I fear that the two of us would be wiped out at any given moment.”
Chen Xiaolian sighed. “That is right, there is one thing I want to confirm. How did you obtain your abilities and become ‘player’?”
“A metallic sphere, similar to a steel ball.”
“… Just as I expected,” Chen Xiaolian suddenly asked. “Everyone has one steel ball, right?”
“Indeed, after the plane had crashed, I realized that this item had appeared out of thin air into my pocket – this is true for others as well.”
Chen Xiaolian did not say anything.
Because… a trace of discomfort had suddenly appeared in his heart!
Metallic sphere!
Steel ball!
Clearly, that is something that allows one to obtain the ‘player’ status, something that could turn an ordinary person into a ‘player’, making them part of this game world, gifting them with abilities and accepting them into the system.
However… this steel ball is something that everyone has?
But…
Chen Xiaolian was certain that he…
Did.not.have.a.steel.ball!
The steel ball that allowed him to become a ‘player’ and obtain those abilities was not his own! It was acquired from the corpse of a ‘player’ in the aircraft!
Assuming that… only ‘players’ have the steel balls, then the player who died on the plane died due to some unexpected factors. Thanks to that, the steel ball ended up in his hands.
However… since we are both ‘unauthorized entrants’, why is it that Han Bi would have a steel ball? If something like a game system did exist, then why did it ‘include’ Han Bi as a player and assign him a steel ball?
On the other hand, I did not get one?
En, Takashimoto Shizuka and Soo Soo also did not get it!
Why is that?
Could it be…
A peculiar thought suddenly flashed through Chen Xiaolian’s mind.
Could it be… everyone else are players.
As for me… and the other two females.
We are… NPCs?
…
This idea was too absurd, so much so that Chen Xiaolian dared not ponder deep into it.
He did not even inform Han Bi about him not getting ‘equipped’ with a steel ball.
It was not that he did not trust Han Bi, but rather… his heart felt deeply disturbed!
By the time the two of them returned to the camp in valley, it was already midnight.
The others from the newbie group had already returned. Chen Xiaolian saw that Mediterranean was pale, his chest bandaged with gauze, and was drinking a bottle of potion. The Tribal Warrior held on to a weapon resembling a military knife and wiped it as he sat beside the fire. As for Skinny Woman, she was already asleep.
Han Bi handed over the caught Firefly Frogs to Damon who maintained his cold countenance. The Team Leader Newton, however, spoke out. “Well done.”
One tent was clearly insufficient for five newbies. Thus, Chen Xiaolian and Han Bi took the initiative to move together to one side. The leaned onto a piece of rock and sat together.
“By the way, do you have pet food?” Chen Xiaolian recalled something important.
Garfield had already been drawn into the system, but the poor thing had yet to eat anything. Considering the time, if he does not feed Garfield soon then the poor cat’s life may be forfeit.
Although this cat had entrapped its owner… (Its hidden attribute is not ‘Entrap Owner’ by any chance, is it?)[1]
No matter what, it is still his pet. He cannot allow it to starve to death.
“I have pet food, but the things that pets eat are different. My pet food is for the Dog Type. What type of pet is yours?”
“… cat.”
“In that case, you won’t be able to use mine,” Han Bi shook his head. “Just exchange it yourself. Just use points for it.”
Points?
Exchange?
Chen Xiaolian had found another difference between him and Han Bi!
He simply does not know anything about those points. As for the Exchange System… there is none in his System Interface!
Originally, he had thought that he was only different from those real players… after all he is an unauthorized entrant.
Unexpectedly… even though the both of them are unauthorized entrants, there are actually differences between them?
“My points are not enough,” Chen Xiaolian smiled bitterly. “Could you borrow me some first?”
“Cat food, right?” Han Bi did not give it much thought. He immediately exchanged out a jar of pet food from the system
Chen Xiaolian accepted it, a small glass jar. He opened it and glanced inside to find that there are tens of pieces inside…
Biscuits!
Cat shaped biscuits!
“Feeding one is enough for 24 hours. In addition, a pet that has been fed could slowly recover from injuries and physical strength when placed within the system. Pets cannot recover if they are hungry,” Han Bi laughed. “This jar of cat food costs 5 points, remember to pay me back.”
Chen Xiaolian had wanted to ask what ‘points’ are and how to acquire them in order to exchange out those items.
However, their current location makes it inconvenient to discuss these matters. Moreover, his heart had become increasingly uneasy. He simply chose to shut his mouth.
Summoning Garfield out, Chen Xiaolian fed it a small piece of cat biscuit. Seeing his dying pet eat up, he then threw it back into the system.
“Quickly go to sleep. We may have to begin the Instance Dungeon Quest tomorrow,” Han Bi said in a low tone. “Revitalize yourself, only then could we have the strength to protect ourselves.”
Instance Dungeon Quest!
These words caused Chen Xiaolian’s eyebrows to jump.
Clearly… Han Bi knows the specifics involved in the Instance Dungeon Quest!
For Chen Xiaolian however, the description for the Instance Dungeon Quest could still not be opened!
… this is yet another difference!
Am I really an NPC? An NPC who picked up a player’s equipment?
With this question hovering in his mind, Chen Xiaolian closed his eyes. The past two days had indeed been tiring for him.
…
Even before the skies had turned bright, Chen Xiaolian had already woken up. His physique that had been strengthened was clearly far superior to the common people. Although he had only slept for a few hours, his mind felt fully rejuvenated.
Looking around, he saw that the camp had become busy. As for those from the newbie group, they were all up busy with their own personal matters.
In the other team’s camps, preparations of weapons and equipment could be observed. Strangely shaped swords and other weapons were brought out. There were also some odd looking fire arms. For example, there were those that resembled rocket-launchers, while some others gave off an extreme sci-fi feeling.
At this moment, a sharp voice was heard.
“Team Leader, look what we found!”
A tall and lanky man quickly strode into the Wind Slasher Guild’s camp.
A shining baldhead, fine lined chin and a big nose, he wore a black cloak and both his wrists were wearing exaggerated metal bracers.
“This person is called Du Ya. Be careful. Among the members of Wind Slasher Guild, this person is the most sinister and ruthless. For the past few days that I have been in this Wind Slasher Guild, I have suffered no small amount thanks to him. Even though Damon is rude, he only has a bad temper. But this Du Ya… at any rate, just be careful of him.”
Han Bi who was standing beside Chen Xiaolian warned him in a low tone.
Unfortunately… Chen Xiaolian heard none of those words!
His eyes were wide open as he stared at the one called Du Ya… or more accurately, he was looking at the two figures behind him!
Anger flashed within Chen Xiaolian’s eyes!
…
Takashimoto Shizuka and Soo Soo had their bodies tied up with a metal rope that seemed to be sparkling with a certain rhythm.
Both of them seemed dispirited as they followed behind Du Ya. It was clear that they were being forced.
Shizuka’s expression was one of stupor, her eyes carrying a deep amount of fear as she lowered her head, too fearful to look around. The arm and sleeves area of her flight uniform was torn off. Soo Soo was even more pitiful.
The little loli’s face was dirty and filled with dust, leaving two trails of tears down each cheeks, her eyes swollen and red. She had been sobbing non-stop all the way. On her feet, only one shoe could be seen.
Under those circumstances, Chen Xiaolian suddenly felt a surge of blood rushing into his head!
Before Chen Xiaolian could make his move, Han Bi suddenly moved over. Standing right beside Chen Xiaolian, he secretly pinched Chen Xiaolian’s wrist.
“Do not act impulsively!”
Han Bi spoke in a low tone.
Chen Xiaolian gritted his teeth and turned to look at Han Bi.
Han Bi looked at the two females and whispered. “That younger one… I remember that she is the one seated beside you. Is she an acquaintance? Friend or little sister?”
While he spoke, Han Bi glanced at Chen Xiaolian and quickly continued in a low voice. “Regardless, do not act impulsively… once you charge out, then everything will be over. Your identity will be exposed and you can forget about saving them! Endure, then wait patiently for the opportunity…”
…
Newton had already moved towards Du Ya. Looking at Du Ya, he then looked at the two girls behind. “What is going on?”
“Ha, I do not know what is going on either. I was hunting a War Beast; unexpectedly, the hunt led me farther away and actually brought me all the way back to the aircraft area. In the end… look what I found!”
“Two NPCs?” Newton curled the corners of his mouth. Moving closer, he looked at the two females with a cold expression. TakashimotoShizuka was scared to the point of having her entire body shiver while Soo Soo bit down hard on her lips, tears falling down from her eyes.
Newton’s expression turned odd. “I did not hear anything about this instance having NPCs. This is a harvesting type instance and the selected location is one that is not densely populated. As for those in the plane, they should all be host bodies. Why would there be NPCs present?”
“Who the Hell knows. But… this would not be the first time that the Development Team made a mistake,” Du Ya sneered as he stretched out his tongue to lick his lips. His eyes was turned towards Shizuka in a greedy manner as he openly stared at the flight attendant’s stocking covered legs. “Team Leader, since this is an accidental harvest, how about giving them to me? We have been preparing here for three days and have been feeling too bored. We might as well have some fun. Hahaha…”
“Development Team problems will be reported by me when I return,” Newton spoke with a cold voice. “Du Ya, constrain yourself. If this was two days ago, I would not have cared what you wanted to do. However, today is different – the instance dungeon is about to open. Reserve your physical strength. If there is still time after this instance is complete, this woman will be your toy; you can do whatever you want with her – but not now! If you mess up this quest, I will personally tear out your bones!”
A trace of disappointment and indignation flashed across Du Ya’s eyes and he grunted. “Very well, you are the Team Leader!”
He turned around and moved beside TakashimotoShizuka, raising his nose on purpose and sniffed at the Japanese flight attendant’s neck. He laughed. “How fragrant… this is truly a pleasant surprise! However, good things could be left for last. Once the quest is completed, I will take my time to enjoy you.”
Having said that, he extended his hand and heavily slapped down onto Takashimoto Shizuka’s buttocks. The Japanese flight attendant screamed sharply, dodging over to the side and nearly falling onto the ground.
“Calm down!”
Han Bi sensed that Chen Xiaolian was about to make a move. Han Bi increased his strength as he grabbed onto Chen Xiaolian’s wrist, muttering in a low voice. “If you do not want to die, then endure! Besides… you are definitely not their match, trust me on that.”
“…”
Chen Xiaolian exhaled deeply, his taut body finally easing up.
“All right, put these two NPCs aside. After the instance dungeon opens, we may be able to use them to open the way,” Newton sneered. “Sara!”
Sara immediately moved towards Newton’s side. “What is going on?”
“I want you to look after these two people,” Newton laughed. “I cannot trust that Du Ya, his self-control is simply too weak.”
Sara laughed gently and sent a flirtatious glance at Newton. She walked over and looked at the Japanese flight attendant.
Shizuka’s eyes became wide open as she looked at Sara in horror. “Chief flight attendant?”
Sara laughed. “Chief flight attendant? Ah, I nearly forgot, my host body’s identity is the plane’s chief flight attendant. Unfortunately, I am not your Chief flight attendant. Also…” Sara stared at the Japanese flight attendant’s face. “Looking at your beautiful face makes me irritated. Do not talk to me and do not provoke me, or else I will carve your face right now.”
Takashimoto Shizuka’s body trembled, she bit her lips and was too fearful to say a thing. She could only use her frightened eyes to look at Sara.
Sara then knelt down before Soo Soo.
“What a cute little thing,” Sara extended her hands to pinch Soo Soo’s cheeks. She then turned over to Newton and asked. “I like this little one, can I take it as my pet? I want to make a cage and stuff her inside. After that, I will get some beautiful clothes for her.”
Her voice was gentle, but the words she said caused a shiver to run down the spine of those who listened.
“I have said it before, after the quest is complete, you can do whatever you want. That is if those two are still alive by then.”
Newton grunted and looked at the skies. “All right, it is getting late. Speed up the preparation process! The Instance Dungeon is about to open up!”
Sara took over the custody of the two females from Du Ya. Du Ya gave a “heng”, his face expressing dissatisfaction, but he clearly dared not disobey Newton’s command.
However, when Sara was leading the two females into the Wind Slasher Guild camp, an accident occurred.
Soo Soo suddenly spotted Chen Xiaolian who was standing beside Han Bi. Her eyes suddenly turned bright as she shouted out sharply. Crying out, she ran towards Chen Xiaolian.
“Oppa! Quick save me!”
Although her body was tied up with ropes, Soo Soo rushed forward and crashed headfirst into Chen Xiaolian’s chest.
Chen Xiaolian was shocked.
Beside him, Han Bi’s heart pounded madly as he subconsciously stepped back, releasing his hold on Chen Xiaolian’s hand.
Soo Soo fell onto Chen Xiaolian’s bosom and started sobbing bitterly.
Chen Xiaolian could feel several gazes turning towards him.
Newton, Sara, Du Ya… and also Damon who was standing far away with folded arms as he watched on with a cold expression. Within the Wind Slasher Guild’s campsite, several other team members from other tents had also turned their gazes over.
Towards the crying Soo Soo, Chen Xiaolian had wanted to hold up this poor child and hug her. At this moment, however, his heart was racing uncontrollably, the cold sweat flowing down his back seemed to have soaked his underwear.
The few seconds of time in which it transpired had seemingly lasted for centuries!
In the end, Chen Xiaolian did not move his arms. He only looked down at Soo Soo – his expression one of motionless indifference.
“What is this? This little child seem to recognize you.”
Sara gently laughed as she moved over – in Chen Xiaolian’s ears, her originally pleasant sounding gentle laugh had turned harsh and cold!
Secretly sighing, Chen Xiaolian tried his best to put on a vexed tone. “How am I supposed to know?”
In his bosom, Soo Soo continued crying. “Oppa, why aren’t you saying anything. Why won’t you save me… wu wu wu wu wu…”
Chen Xiaolian raised his head as he ignored her and looked at Sara. “Why aren’t you taking her away?”
“It seems that this little child is very fond of you,” Sara narrowed her eyes.
“This little child probably recognizes Xiaolian’s host body…”
The one who spoke out was Han Bi. He stood at the side and said carefully. “After all, everyone here were boarding the same plane. Maybe Xiaolian’s host body have some relation with this little child. Also, didn’t the woman earlier called you the chief flight attendant?”
“Eh? This idiot suddenly became clever,” Sara curled her lips.
Sara’s hands shot out at lightning like speed, grabbing onto Soo Soo’s hair. She pulled the little girl away, ignoring her struggle and threw her at Takashimoto Shizuka. “Hold on to her and follow me. If you disobey, then I will first kill you.”
Takashimoto Shizuka held onto Soo Soo in fear as she herself was shedding tears. She forcibly clamped onto Soo Soo’s mouth, whispering something to her in rapid succession before following Sara as she held onto Soo Soo.
Before leaving, Takashimoto Shizuka gave Chen Xiaolian a glance but dared not say anything.
…
“You owe me one,” Han Bi purposely approached Chen Xiaolian with a smiling face. He placed his hand onto Chen Xiaolian’s shoulder, putting on an amiable look. He then spoke in a low, angry voice. “… what is going on with these two females. You did not tell me anything about them at all last night! It seems there are a lot of things that you are not telling me!”
Chen Xiaolian. “…”
“Shut your mouth,” Han Bi coldly spoke. “From now on, I won’t trust you anymore. If you want to die, then do not drag me with you!”
Sure enough, he then released his hands and moved over to a side, sitting down. He never turned to even look at Chen Xiaolian again.
Chen Xiaolian silently gritted his teeth and sat down not far away from Han Bi as he secretly clenched his fists.
Internally worried and externally distressed!
In this unfamiliar and dangerous guild, his future is uncertain… and the one companion beside him is now estranged.
Chen Xiaolian felt an extreme aching in his head.