The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1364 830: Hell's Game Intelligence_2
Previously on The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?...
Liu Zheng suddenly had a realization.
"I heard a seasoned veteran, who had cleared over a hundred scenarios, obtained a scroll that could open a random scenario. Out of sheer curiosity, he used it and was instantly teleported into a divine battle scene. After that, he simply vanished without a trace," Xia Kai recounted.
"That's terrible. But wait, if he's gone, how did you all hear about it?" Liu Zheng pointed out a logical gap.
"Ah, well, later on, another veteran entered the same scenario and discovered the old veteran's final testament amidst the ruins of the battlefield," Xia Kai elaborated.
"And what did his last words say?" Liu Zheng inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Hell's Game, screw your Immortal," Xia Kai responded.
"...He was a veteran from Sichuan. May he have an eternity of rabbit heads in heaven."
As a fellow survivor of Hell's Game, Liu Zheng offered a brief moment of commiseration for the unfortunate soul, whose fate was even more dire than his own.
"Veteran, not all Sichuanese people enjoy eating rabbit heads," Xia Kai gently corrected.
Liu Zheng retorted, "I'm just saying, I can't exactly wish him endless supplies of round-faced mutton chops and white socks in heaven, can I?"
"If you put it like that, then rabbit heads are indeed the better choice," Xia Kai conceded, shuddering slightly at the imagined thought.
"Right. Now, bring out that excellent equipment you mentioned earlier," Liu Zheng stated abruptly.
"Huh? Ah! Okay, okay," Xia Kai hastily retrieved a razor from his System Space.
The razor appeared rather unassuming, with its metal handle bearing visible rust spots. However, the blade seemed exceptionally sharp, giving the impression that even a slight touch would result in a cut.
Upon taking the razor, Liu Zheng's eyes were immediately greeted by its item description.
"Name: Crude Razor"
"Type: Equipment"
"Quality: Excellent"
"Effect One: Upon use, shaves all player hair. Player's All Attributes receive a fifty percent boost based on panel attributes (capped at thirty points, non-stackable) for three minutes. Requires player's hair to be sufficiently sparse or long to fail."
"Effect Two: Upon use, carries a certain chance of abnormal hair growth and mutation, causing player harm that cannot be healed during the effect's duration."
"Note: I cannot support you without the razor, nor can I embrace you with it."
"Can be taken out of the instance: Yes"
So, the inability to embrace is due to prickly hair, huh? Liu Zheng mused. It seems not only the items from Metropolis but also those from Hell's Game possess rather abstract qualities.
Nevertheless, regardless of its quirky nature, the equipment itself was quite potent. The fifty percent increase to All Attributes was a significant boost, and it lacked any cooldown period.
The condition regarding hair length and volume effectively served as a pseudo-cooldown. However, with his "Flesh and Blood Regeneration" ability, he could consistently meet the usage criteria. Even though his current body was an Artificial Body, hair on his head could still grow.
As for the potential side effects of Effect Two, they were even less of a concern. The Artificial Body, excluding the head, lacked pores, so there was no risk of self-inflicted harm.
Head injuries not healing? Well, they simply wouldn't heal, and he was already accustomed to flesh being severed and regenerated.
Overall evaluation: Above average within the 'Excellent' quality tier.
"Very well, I shall accept it. During your remaining mission time, I will ensure your protection," Liu Zheng stated, storing the razor back into his System Space.
"Thank you, veteran," Xia Kai exhaled in relief.
Although parting with such a practically useful piece of excellent equipment was painful, securing the protection of Liu Zheng during the Hell Trial was undoubtedly a worthwhile exchange.
Furthermore, he understood that Liu Zheng didn't genuinely lack such high-quality gear. His agreement to protect him was largely a result of their temporary camaraderie formed in Yate City.
"You're welcome. Now, are you planning to simply survive for the 24-hour settlement period, or do you intend to stay as long as possible?" Liu Zheng inquired.
"If circumstances permit, I naturally wish to extend my stay," Xia Kai replied with a degree of caution.
The Hell Dungeon presented both peril and potential. With no side missions available this time, the task's rating would primarily hinge on the duration of his survival within Metropolis. If he could achieve an A-rank rating or higher, the settlement rewards could be unimaginably lavish, potentially elevating him to the status of a major player.
"In that case, you will need to remain within the Clinic. Once you venture outside, I cannot guarantee your safety at all times," Liu Zheng advised.
The safety of the sewers was mainly in relation to City Hall's adversaries; without sufficient strength, the sewer environment itself posed the greatest threat.
"No problem at all," Xia Kai readily agreed.
Having secured a formidable ally, he had never truly intended to venture out on his own. Some might consider attempting to extract further benefits from this situation, but he lacked both the audacity and the shamelessness to impose further burdens upon Liu Zheng.
"By the way, wouldn't lingering in one spot, solely focused on grinding ratings, incur the wrath of Hell's Game?"
Liu Zheng posed the question.
"It very likely would. Consequently, I have no intention of grinding relentlessly; I'll wrap up the instance within 72 hours."
Xia Kai responded.
"Hmm, you possess the wisdom to know when to make a graceful exit."
Liu Zheng cast a look of approval his way.
"My mentor imparted this lesson: execute your duties with utmost diligence, yet allow for imperfections in your personal dealings."
Xia Kai stated.
"Execute your duties with utmost diligence, yet allow for imperfections in your personal dealings. How intriguing. That shall be my guiding principle henceforth."
He declared without a moment's hesitation.
"Haha, Veteran, you certainly have a good sense of humor."
Xia Kai let out a chuckle.
Much like his recollections, this veteran generally maintained a remarkably easygoing demeanor.
"Oh, right, Veteran, has your primary mission been accomplished?"
He inquired, a touch of curiosity in his voice.
"It was finished quite some time ago. I'm simply unable to depart until all matters are settled."
Liu Zheng replied with a sense of resignation.
"Is this due to an inability to abandon your subordinates?"
"Not solely them, there are others as well."
He answered.
"May I be candid? Becoming excessively entangled within an instance is generally not advisable."
Xia Kai paused briefly before continuing his caution.
He then proceeded to recount several instances where veteran players had met their downfall due to being overly entwined in their respective instances.
"I am aware, but what recourse do I have? Without their assistance, survival until this point would have been impossible. If I must crash, so be it; this life was a loan to begin with."
Liu Zheng responded with equanimity.
"Were you also selected by Hell's Game at the brink of death?"
Xia Kai asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Ah, not quite so dire. I still had a few months remaining in my natural lifespan. Hell's Game ensnared me through a blank contract, that's how I became involved."
He spoke, a trace of resentment coloring his tone.
He harbored a strong suspicion that his initial instance, Metropolis, was a direct consequence of signing that dubious contractual agreement.
"A Veteran is indeed special; even the methods of selection differ."
Xia Kai seized the opportunity to offer a compliment.
"I would far rather be in a position like yours. Tell me, what is the procedure following the successful settlement of an instance?"
Liu Zheng inquired.
"Initially, you will materialize within a confined space, and each individual's space is unique. In my case, it is a hospital room."
Xia Kai explained.
"A hospital room?"
"Indeed. My parents were involved in a traffic accident, and my mentor succumbed to a terminal illness; tragically, I witnessed both of them pass away within that very hospital room."
A shadow of grief crossed Xia Kai's features.
"My deepest sympathies."
Liu Zheng offered a swift expression of condolence.
"I lacked your fortitude. Prior to my selection by Hell's Game, I was contemplating ending my own life. However, now, I desperately wish to live; with Hell's Game's purported omnipotence, I am convinced I can discover a method to bring them back."
Xia Kai declared with unwavering resolve.
"There is indeed a possibility, and Metropolis might hold the key. Nevertheless, I would strongly advise against seeking it there; the undertaking is fraught with peril."
He cautioned.
"Mm-hmm, I comprehend. Veteran, shall I proceed?"
"By all means."
"Upon entering the confined space, Hell's Game will present the option for repairs. Should you be short on Game Coins, it is possible to incur a debt, which will then be automatically deducted once you accumulate sufficient earnings."
Xia Kai continued his explanation.
"Can these repairs be selective?"
Liu Zheng inquired.
"Yes, but the cost will be significantly higher."
Xia Kai replied.
"Tch, how deceitful."
Despite this, the information was welcome news for him.
The decision of whether to retain or repair "Flesh Mutation" would depend on the prevailing circumstances, but "Blood and Flesh Rebirth" was an absolute necessity to keep.