Luo Chen, who was standing to the side, drank the cold water that Mu Shiyu had brought him, his eyes lingering on the two of them.

[This is bad.]

[Their own issues haven't been resolved yet, and now there's another problem.]

[Moreover, compared to other situations, their current priority is to resolve this issue first.]

Unfortunately, I haven't received any notifications or information about the cause, so fixing it seems difficult.

Luo Chen didn't think Mu Shanhai and Qi Tianlong would tell him about this.

Putting aside the immediate issue of identity, this is clearly something that shouldn't be known to many people.

Especially for an outsider like him.

If he could cultivate a relationship with Luo Chen, given Mu Shanhai's cautious nature, he would definitely wonder if Luo Chen had any ulterior motives.

On the bright side, it's alright.

If we think the worst...

Is this task even possible to complete?

[This is troublesome. If you could give me more hints, I might be able to help.]

[It's a pity; being too direct or deliberately trying to build rapport will inevitably create a barrier between the two parties.]

[What if it affects the mission? Wouldn't I be the one in trouble?]

This level is really difficult, and it's giving me a bit of a headache.

There were no hints whatsoever; I had to figure it out entirely on my own.

Most importantly, the difficulty has increased now, as the war between the two countries has spread to this region, and conscription has also begun.

Needless to say, even after leaving here, the journey won't be too peaceful.

If this drags on, when will it ever end?

If he gets trapped here and dies, then he won't need to go back.

Since we can't go back, there's no need to think about seeing them again.

[It seems I need to find out the situation indirectly.]

[Hmm... Mu Shanhai is not an option for now. He's too cautious. Qi Tianlong and he have such a good relationship, but I still feel like I don't completely trust him.]

[As for Qi Tianlong, he seems pretty much the same; he always has a mysterious air about him, not quite like a bodyguard...]

[From another perspective, could Qi Tianlong have another identity, and is merely temporarily protecting Mu Shanhai and Mu Shiyu?]

[That seems like a valid way to think about it...]

[If that's the case, then we can't focus our attention on him either. The only remaining people are...]

Thinking of this, Luo Chen deliberately held up his water glass and looked at Mu Shiyu.

Just as his gaze fell upon the other person, he happened to notice that Mu Shiyu was also looking at him.

Mu Shiyu's face remained calm, without the slightest confusion or other expression.

As if by sheer coincidence, she met Luo Chen's gaze.

Mu Shiyu blinked innocently, then nodded slightly to Luo Chen.

Luo Chen responded blankly, and Mu Shiyu slowly withdrew her gaze after receiving the response, as if she did not want to have any more contact with Luo Chen.

However, Luo Chen did not think that way.

Because of the previous challenge, Luo Chen understood what kind of person Mu Shiyu was.

He has a somewhat withdrawn personality and doesn't like to interact with people much.

I'd rather stay quietly by myself than think about being curious about the world.

It was as if she were the only person in her world.

[Mu Shiyu is a very approachable person; at least I know a little about her.]

[But, that's just how her personality seems at this time...]

Mu Shiyu in level two is a little younger than in level one, but her personality hasn't changed much.

It seemed to have always been like this, quiet and still.

Even if they are bullied, they won't fight back.

She has a gentle and delicate nature.

But no matter which point it is.

The best entry point and the most suitable candidate right now is undoubtedly Mu Shiyu.

Having some understanding of each other allows you to use conversational skills and knowledge to build rapport.

However, the current situation is not the most opportune time.

Luo Chen hasn't yet come up with a good way to contact Mu Shiyu.

To be honest, he wasn't familiar with Mu Shiyu in the second level.

[...]

During the few days of waiting.

There are more mercenaries in the town than usual.

The wide road became extremely congested within a few days.

Off-road vehicles and jeeps were parked quietly in the distance.

Larger ones, such as explosion-proof vehicles and armored vehicles.

There is a designated parking area.

Here, Luo Chen also saw several tanks drive in.

Even anti-missile vehicles have appeared.

Seeing that scene, Luo Chen couldn't help but gain a deep understanding of those large mercenary groups.

This formidable foundation is truly unmatched by any other mercenary group.

If you just casually reveal some of your trump cards, the other side will probably surrender before you even load a bullet.

Its strength appears extremely domineering, making it impossible for anyone to feel any desire to resist.

Compare them.

Luo Chen even compared his Grandmaster-level strength with that of large mercenary groups.

If the opponent doesn't reveal their hand, then it's an easy victory.

If it is brought out, then conversely, it is a victory for the other party.

Of course, Luo Chen wasn't going to be foolish enough to just stand there and wait to die; he was confident he could escape.

[...]

Inside the tavern.

"Have you heard? All the big shots in this area have already set up shop in Hope Town. It seems that they've been scared by this commotion and are starting to band together for mutual support."

"Hey, what kind of hearsay is this? What era are we living in? We already know about this kind of thing, why do you need to spout nonsense?"

"That's right, we've known about this for a while now. Didn't you see all those cars coming in through the town gates these past few days? Aside from those large mercenary groups, where would anyone else have those kinds of things?"

"That's right, that's right..."

The person who spoke first was ridiculed by the crowd and looked rather embarrassed.

"Hmph, how could I not know that? Besides, that's not what I wanted to talk about!"

Although these words seemed like a way to salvage the situation, everyone who heard them was slightly stunned.

One of them spoke first, asking, "Not that? Then what do you want to talk about?"

"Are you trying to tell us that the escalation of the war between those two countries has spread to this region, causing us to suffer innocently?"

"The big shots have gathered here to stick together and fight against each other, but since we all have the same status, shall we discuss choosing a leader?"

Upon hearing this, the man couldn't help but laugh. Although he had just made it up, how could such a thing possibly happen?

The big shots are all equal in status and position; none of them are willing to submit to the others.

In addition, since they don't get along harmoniously, there will always be personal grudges.

Under all these circumstances, it is impossible to choose a leader.

If we really had to choose, Jiang Tao, the administrator of Hope Town, would probably be the most suitable candidate.

But will Jiang Tao give in?

That's impossible.

Nobody would believe it.

After all, the position of leader represents power.

Instead, it still concentrates the greatest power in a specific area.

Who wouldn't want that?