What game is in Chapter 11? It's about time we discussed it...
It's time to discuss the train's next destination.
The black swan introduced everyone to a planet called "Onpharos." Looking out the car window, it was a symbol of "infinity." You glanced out the window along with everyone else, and your heart inexplicably started pounding rapidly.
You involuntarily opened your mouth, touched the spot on your chest where your heart was, and were somewhat stunned.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Dan Heng asked in a low voice.
You shook your head. It was an indescribable feeling, difficult to fully express in words; it was like a mixture of panic and some secret anticipation.
March 7th took your arm, "Oh, we still have a few days before we leave, let's use this time to prepare properly. Come to our room to play when we arrive, I bought so many interesting things online..."
A smile appeared on your face as your friends showed their concern.
*
At this very moment, in some unknown, remote galaxy.
The neon lights flashed, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the puddles on the ground, like the highly rendered graphics of a console game. A light rain had just fallen, and raindrops clung half-to the car window, barely leaving a trace before being mercilessly flung away by the wind.
The sports car engine roared loudly.
Blade gripped the steering wheel, and with a drift, he left the enemies far behind, startling Firefly beside him who clung tightly to her seat.
The strong wind tousled her long hair, and her voice became indistinct in the wind, "Please... drive, drive slower...!"
"Are you going to throw up? Don't you usually fly this fast in your mechs?"
Silver Wolf took out the enemies following behind with a few shots, and had just sat down when she heard this devastating statement. She subconsciously tugged at the corners of her mouth, but the wind was too strong and popped the bubble gum she had just blown, which stuck to her mouth with a "smack".
Silver Wolf: ...
She wiped the chewing gum off with a tissue. "Ah Ren, drive slower, we've taken care of the rest."
Ever since Liu Ying accused him of driving while fatigued, Ren really showcased his racing skills on this mission. The erratic driving path, the combination of sudden braking and sharp turns, were enough to shake one's internal organs out of place; the car was driving ahead, but one's soul was still chasing behind.
Liu Ying rubbed her forehead. "This is different... at least mechs aren't this, uh, wild..."
—She doesn't want to die!
"This mission is finally complete." The car slowed down, and Silver Wolf breathed a sigh of relief. He casually started a game and said half-jokingly, "Let's go to the tavern up ahead to rest for a while. You guys can also hand over the game to Kafka. I'll give you a signal, and then we'll finish this round."
The tavern wasn't crowded; small groups of two or three people huddled in a corner. A few tables had already vacated by the time the three entered, leaving the place nearly empty. This was a small planet with few inhabitants to begin with; they wouldn't have traveled all this way here if it weren't for their mission.
"Bitter wine, juice..." Silver Wolf ordered familiarly, "Give me a soda, any kind of soda will do."
She casually picked a seat, crossed her legs, and frowned. "Speaking of which, why hasn't she made a sound for so long? That shouldn't be the case. I didn't tell her before I left. I promised to take her with me to the last game. She left without saying goodbye and didn't even make a fuss?"
Although no name was mentioned, the two people at the table clearly knew who this "she" was.
Ren held the sword without saying a word.
“She did ask me when you were coming back,” said Firefly.
Thinking of you, she smiled warmly. "But you don't seem to be in a hurry."
...
The bartender's short, dark blue hair shimmered like satin in the dim light. He wore a mask that covered half his face, his muscles taut, as he smoothly placed three drinks onto a tray.
"Guests, your drinks are ready."
The pub was small, with only one bartender who seemed to be the owner as well.
"Boss, business is slow," Liu Ying said casually, glancing at him.
“Oh, you’re very perceptive.” The bartender shrugged. “This planet has a small population and a remote location. Its economy isn’t developing, so it’s no wonder no one wants to come to the bar. To be honest, I really regret opening a shop here. They said the Interstellar Peace Company was targeting this place for investment, but so many years have passed and there’s still no sign of it.”
He lamented, "And it's fraught with danger—you have to wear a mask, otherwise you might get hunted down any day."
Ren leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep.
The ringing and clanging of game sounds came from Silver Wolf's phone from time to time. Hearing this, he chuckled and said, "You can't believe a single word from those guys in the strategic investment department."
The blond guy was like a peacock, incredibly flamboyant, always trying to attract everyone's attention the moment he appeared, and a hopeless gambler. The director, always accompanied by a piggy bank, was a rare exception—a normal person. As for the department head… tsk, that woman was really difficult.
"Absolutely!" the bartender exclaimed indignantly. "Isn't this just blatant bullying of us ordinary folks?"
The liquor in the clear glass swayed slightly. Silver Wolf nonchalantly picked up the soda next to him, took a sip, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Oh, it's Sorida again," before commenting on Blade's unique flavor.
Liu Ying pressed the right earpiece. "Yes, we've taken care of it... um, nothing's wrong, don't worry."
"Being a boss isn't easy either." She took off her headphones, smiled slightly, and spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Haha, it's not easy for anyone, just trying to make a living. Shall we head back now?"
The bartender's expression was obscured by the mask. But he was clearly a smooth and cunning fellow, for he smiled ingratiatingly and bowed slightly.
"Just let me know if you need anything."
He turned his head, and had just taken a step forward—
A long, jet-black sword was placed against his neck.
Did I say you could leave?
No one could see when he made his move. But when people came to their senses, they realized that the mysterious long-haired man, who had been pretending to be asleep with his eyes closed and hadn't said a word from beginning to end, had kicked over a stool and appeared next to the bartender, his murderous aura almost overflowing.
He pressed the blade down to his brow, his gaze dark and brooding.
"...The Masked Fool."
*
I'm not bragging, but in the realm of competitive games, besides Silver Wolf, you're one of the best in the universe.
"Ah—" Poor Little March lost another game under your dominance, and a very humiliating one at that, almost a complete rout. She wailed, clutching her phone and rolling around on the bed. "I'm not playing anymore! You cheated! How did you suddenly become so strong? Last year you were following me around saying, 'Please, March, help me out—'"
You gave a smug "humph," completely forgetting your past humility. "Last year was last year, now is now. I was only born last year, how dare you compare yourself to a baby like me?"
“…Ugh, that’s disgusting.” March 7th said speechlessly, “Who calls themselves ‘baby’?”
She shook her head. "Speaking of which, I haven't seen you hanging out with that Star Core Hunter girl lately. Aren't you two best gaming buddies? Teacher Danheng even caught you late at night playing games on your phone in the train carriage..."
"Oh, she's been busy with work lately," you replied truthfully.
"You guys seem to know a lot about this, even such a confidential mission as this." March 7th curled his lip.
"Oh—" You nodded knowingly, straightened up and helped her brush her hair to the side, revealing the pinkish-blue eyes beneath. "Is our little March jealous? Don't worry, in my heart you and Teacher Danheng are definitely number one."
March 7th's face turned red, "...No way!"
She hummed a few times as if to cover up her frustration, muttering "I'm not playing anymore!", and got up to open the door to go outside for a walk.
However, as soon as she opened the door, she bumped into Pam, who was raising her paws to knock on the door.
Pam stared in astonishment, her fur practically standing on end. March 7 apologized repeatedly, patting her chest, "It's alright, Pam, I came to find the Pioneer passengers. You're here just in time, Pam."
It waves its paw at you, "A guest has arrived in the observation car!"
...
A familiar figure stood there. Silver hair, trendy and cool clothes, arms crossed, leisurely admiring the scenery inside the carriage, her body semi-transparent, flickering faintly like an unstable signal—this was clearly not her real self, but some kind of hacker trick.
A big bubble was blown out of the pink bubble gum. It inflated and filled—
"Silver Wolf! I missed you so much!!!"
The bubble was blown to its limit and burst. The silver wolf chewed it, then put it back in its mouth, turned around and greeted you, "Yo, long time no see."
"You have no idea how tough these past few days have been for me!"
You're crying your eyes out, you've never missed this genius hacker so much. Just thinking about that damn game company makes you angry, and you still have so many questions lingering in your mind. Now you finally have the chance to resolve all your doubts and anger from these past few days!
"So excited?" Silver Wolf was shocked by your enthusiasm.
She was only away on a business trip for a few weeks. Although she didn't give prior notice, there's no need to act like this, right? Besides, while your relationship is okay, it's not as good as Kaffa's or Liuying's. After all, you've only met a few times in person, and your online friendship is stronger. I haven't seen you missing Liuying this much, have I? The messages you send her are all quite normal.
She touched the tip of her nose. "Well, it seems I'm still quite charming. I'll have to brag about it to Kaffa and the others later."
"The game you sent me is so much fun!"
You blurted out a whole bunch of things all at once, like pouring out beans.
"The mascot is adorable, and the storyline and scenery are beautifully rendered! It's just that the game planners are really speechless. They keep asking me for Xingqiong whenever they get the chance, and they've emptied my wallet. I was even planning to use it for gacha pulls on the next planet, but now I'm left with nothing and even owe them money for the next version... By the way, where did you find this game? I can't find any information about it online. Even though it's supposed to be a closed beta, there should have been some rumors..."
Before you could finish speaking, you realized the carriage was too quiet. Silver Wolf hadn't said a word since greeting you, just staring at you blankly, hesitant to speak.
"?" You stopped your endless complaining and looked up at her.
But all I saw was a face full of confusion.
What game?
Silver Wolf frowned, lowered his hand, and his nonchalant demeanor vanished as he became serious.
"I didn't send you any games."
A note from the author:
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WFLS countdown begins~
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