Chapter 49

Chapter 49

No matter how much suspense there is, mindless monsters don’t care about the twists and turns of the story!

Xi Yu's first reaction to the threat was, of course, to save his life!

Without a second thought, he turned around and started running wildly back the way he came!

However, the speed of the bugs swarming behind him was unpredictable. They even clung to the walls and ceiling, hunting him down like a pack and closing in on him, bringing the foul smell closer and closer!

Was it really the case that he would end the night with nothing and die at the hands of these bugs?

Such a disastrous outcome was something no one could accept.

Without the need to protect Xu Tu, Xi Yu's reaction was sharp and focused. He immediately darted into an open lounge, locked the door behind him, and rushed toward another exit ahead.

But the giant bugs with their jaws wide open were incredibly strong, and with just two hits, they smashed through the metal door, squeezing through in a frenzy to chase him down!

...The black-clad soldiers have electric nets!

Xi Yu recalled the situation when he was saved the previous night. He was about to head for the guards at the elevator entrance but stopped himself. "No, if I go there, I’ll be exposed for not having a standard weapon, and I’ll end up losing my life!"

Just as he was caught in a dilemma, the lead terrifying beetle was already almost upon him!

Xi Yu kicked over a single sofa to block it, and at the critical moment, he lunged out the door!

"Ah!!!"

What came toward him was the scream of a young man.

Xi Yu looked up and saw two black-clad soldiers. However, their expressions were so vivid that he immediately realized they were allies. He shouted, "Run!"

The two infiltrating broadcasters were even more panicked than Xi Yu, using all four limbs to follow him as they ran wildly.

Although it was cruel to say this, having companions who weren’t as fast as him actually gave Xi Yu a chance...

He ran ahead at full sprint, hearing the screams behind him growing more and more tragic, and was instantly splattered with a neckful of warm blood!

Fortunately, within a short time, the elevator entrance was already within reach.

Xi Yu grabbed a flowerpot along the way and threw it, drawing the attention of the black-clad soldiers. He then turned back and pulled the other survivors into a bathroom, pushing the door shut tightly behind them.A few seconds later, the noise outside sounded like the beginning of a world war.

Amidst the screams and the chaotic sounds of gunfire, the thin door was occasionally struck with violent impacts.

The male broadcaster, clearly seeing the bugs for the first time, was stunned, stuttering, "W-what the hell is that..."

Xi Yu couldn't provide an accurate answer. As he felt the chaos gradually subside, he noticed the bright red blood already dripping through the door crack and pooling at his boots.

The male broadcaster nervously asked, "Do you think the NPC soldiers have been bitten to death too..."

Xi Yu furrowed his brows. Just not long ago, he had started to suspect that these bugs were somehow connected to the black-clad soldiers, but how had the situation suddenly changed so drastically? The bugs seemed to have completely lost their sanity...

The male broadcaster timidly urged, "Handsome, say something."

Xi Yu finally regained his composure, "What are you two doing here?"

The male broadcaster wiped the sweat from his face, "We couldn’t get the fighter, and we couldn’t just sit and wait to die, right? The lower deck of this spaceship hasn't been explored at all, so there must be something strange. We killed two NPCs, took their clothes, and snuck in... didn't expect to die before we even started."

"Be careful. This is a huge mess. We can’t stay here long tonight." Xi Yu said, helplessly opening the door.

What lay before him was a scene of scattered bodies everywhere. The bright red blood had almost soaked through the carpet, and even the walls were covered with numerous brutal bloodstained claw marks. The battle just now had been fierce.

Even more terrifying was the fact that the elevator doors, which had been perfectly intact, were now completely destroyed.

Looking around, only a black hole remained where the electronic doors had been, and the bugs had completely disappeared.

The male broadcaster hid behind Xi Yu, "D-Do you think they’ll climb up here..."

"I don’t know. Let’s go check." Xi Yu didn't want to care about the stranger and started moving forward alone.

Perhaps his confidence made him seem very trustworthy, as the male broadcaster immediately followed, "I-I’ll go with you."

Xi Yu glanced back at the dark corridor after turning off the lights, "Aren’t you going to collect your companion’s body?"

The male broadcaster refused, "He’s already out of the game, can’t blame me."

Xi Yu frowned as he reached the elevator entrance, looking up, "Looks like we’ll have to climb. The elevator shaft is all gone."

The male broadcaster, terrified of this hellish environment, immediately shoved Xi Yu aside and hurriedly grabbed the metal wall, climbing upward.Just then, a red laser suddenly shot out from the upper space and pierced through his brain.

Xi Yu: "............"

Two seconds later, a graceful figure jumped down lightly. It was none other than the seductive female officer who broadcasted messages to everyone every day.

Xi Yu met her enchanting gaze and instinctively saluted, his eyes then fixed on her weapon.

The female officer looked at him with suspicion.

Soon after, more black-clad soldiers jumped down to report: "We've started the search throughout the entire ship." "You should go check the front lines!"

"Be sure to bring them back!" the female officer ordered sternly, then eyed Xi Yu, "It's you..."

Do they know each other?

Xi Yu was puzzled.

One of the black-clad soldiers shook his gun and asked, "Hey, which squad are you from, and what are you doing here?"

Before Xi Yu could answer, the female officer suddenly interrupted, "Have you seen any suspicious individuals wearing space protective armor?"

Armor...

Xi Yu's mind briefly flashed to the mysterious events he had experienced with Xu Tu last night, but he didn't want to take sides too easily. In the end, he shook his head, "No."

The female officer became impatient, "Then hurry up and search, stop standing around!"

She then sighed, looked at the male broadcaster's body, and said, "I was too nervous earlier and accidentally injured him. I'll personally explain it to General Xingtian."

Xi Yu slowly began to step forward.

The female officer glared at him, "Aren't you leaving yet?!"

...This NPC was clearly letting him off on purpose!

In an instant, Xi Yu climbed up the destroyed elevator shaft and disappeared from their sight, fleeing for his life.

"Ahhhh, you scared me to death! I thought you were dead, and if you were, the boss would’ve chopped me up!"Xu Tu was extremely excited after the reunion, circling around Xi Yu, touching him here and there, then placing her hand on his chest and laughing, "Not bad, you've been training well."

"..." Xi Yu swatted away Xu Tu's hands and asked, "Did the bugs get up here?"

"Yes, they went on a killing spree! Luckily, I hid well." Xu Tu grabbed Xi Yu's wrist. "Let's leave here first, it's almost midnight!"

Midnight—the system would clear the bottom two hundred hidden broadcasters.

By then, whether someone lived or died would bring the most important information of the game to the surface, ending the current tension and peace.

While blood flowed like rivers inside the Star River ship, Luo Xi was piloting a fighter jet, constantly weaving through intense gunfire.

The way he was countering the space pirate attacks resembled playing a complex shooting game, and naturally, it didn't faze him.

But Luo Xi always stuck to his own ideas, not building up many accomplishments. Instead, he kept thinking of ways to uncover the pirates hidden in the enemy ships!

He dodged another nearby explosion, finally finding an opportunity to tail a slightly larger enemy craft.

Luo Xi adjusted the fighter's system, locked on, and then hit the enemy aircraft's right wing hard!

Thick smoke billowed from the fighter, throwing it off balance.

However, Luo Xi didn’t continue his attack. Instead, he increased the distance, activating the electronic scope to observe.

He saw a figure in black metallic armor emerging from the fighter's compartment, slowly floating in space, using its limbs to glide toward the friendly battleship.

Three metal hooks, coming from deep within the nearest enemy craft, successfully rescued the figure.

Luo Xi sat up straight, his expression serious: although he couldn't see the face, the body shape looked human... It certainly didn't seem related to the bugs.

Just as he was lost in thought, the long-awaited system notification echoed through the stars.

[Great warriors, the first judgment time has arrived.]

[The bottom two hundred hidden broadcasters are eliminated.]

[There are now 1,756 survivors left.]

As the voice faded, dozens of Star River warplanes exploded simultaneously!As the flames shot up to the sky, Luo Xi quickly maneuvered the fighter jet backwards, not caring about enemies or anything else, only wanting to return to base as soon as possible to confirm Xi Yu's safety!

Xi Yu, who was rushing down the corridor, also heard the notification.

The two broadcasters who had been hastily escaping ahead of him collapsed one after another, and there was no further movement, clearly having been unfortunate enough to be chosen.

Xu Tu stared in shock, "Are they clearing people out...?"

Xi Yu urgently grabbed her hand, "To the battle preparation room!"

Despite Luo Xi's immense confidence in his judgment, logic was one thing, and emotions were another.

He was afraid of the separation he might have to face on his way back.

Damn it, he hated being forced into an eternal goodbye, which was exactly why he didn’t want to get to know even one person on the platform!

Luo Xi impatiently slapped the control panel. Seeing the passage to the Star River ship's battle preparation room slowly opening, he eagerly glided inside.

At that moment, all available fighter jets had already flown out. The large battle preparation room was empty, with only a few sleepy broadcasters scattered in the corner, and Xi Yu and Xu Tu standing in the center of the aircraft parking area.

Luo Xi opened the fighter jet cover and, seeing them, his irritation vanished instantly.

Xu Tu sprinted over and jumped, "Boss, where’s Aqi?"

Luo Xi took off his helmet, "I just spoke to him. He said he wants to observe the situation and will be back later."

Xu Tu said, "Oh, so the battle isn’t over yet. Why are you back?"

"..." Luo Xi was silent for a moment and then said seriously, "I wanted to use the bathroom, is that okay?"

Xu Tu stifled her laughter, "Okay, okay, perfect timing for me to play with this machine. Move aside!"

Saying that, she nimbly jumped into the fighter jet, grabbing Luo Xi’s helmet and took off.

Xi Yu silently watched the whole exchange, then smiled, "So we weren’t eliminated after all. We just don’t know who got cleared."

"It’ll be clear by morning. Let’s first see what happens with those who got the gun rewards," Luo Xi said, not at all like the urgent and frantic person from earlier, walking with Xi Yu as they went outside. "How’s everything on your side?"

Xi Yu briefly explained his encounter, rubbing his chin, "...I still don’t know why the female officer helped me."Luo Xi raised an eyebrow, "It’s okay. Since she’s willing to extend the olive branch, we can find a chance to approach her again."

Xi Yu nodded, looking at Luo Xi with bright eyes.

Luo Xi asked, "What is it?"

Xi Yu smiled, "Next time, at midnight, don't separate. I'll start overthinking."

Luo Xi chuckled, "You’re so worried about me?"

Xi Yu hummed in affirmation.

Luo Xi was somewhat surprised by his honesty but only said, "Alright. I’ve been thinking the same thing. Until we figure out the situation of the 50,000 humans, I don’t plan on leaving the Star River ship again."

Xi Yu immediately responded, "Then tomorrow... should we try going downstairs again?"

Luo Xi was about to agree when the Star River ship suddenly shook!

Instinctively, he pulled Xi Yu's shoulder, rushed toward a nearby fixed object to protect them both, and then said, "Those pirates are suicidal. Every now and then, there are exceptionally fast fighter jets that fly straight into the Star River ship. I suspect this spaceship will be destroyed sooner or later."

Xi Yu thought about the strange armored man and then recalled the female officer’s question, murmuring, "It’s possible... the pirates might be trying to create an opportunity and are looking for a way to sneak in."

The long night passed, and the space, which had been washed in blood, finally regained calm.

After a short nap on the dormitory bed, Luo Xi was ruthlessly awakened by the loud sound of a broadcast.

It was that female officer announcing the news: "Soldiers! Please stay alert! Pirates have infiltrated the Star River ship! The cryogenic storage has just been breached, but fortunately, our forces have controlled the situation! Today, pay attention to everyone around you. If you catch a spy, hand them over to Captain Bai Sen, and there will be a generous reward! The captain insists, better to misjudge than let anyone go easily!"

The officer paused for two seconds before continuing: "In the recently concluded defense battle, we’ve achieved a hard-fought victory! For the record, 177 fighter jets were completely destroyed, and 135 comrades honorably sacrificed their lives. Please express your highest respect for them! There have been rumors circulating on the Star River ship over the past two days, which is detrimental to catching the traitors, so after Captain Bai Sen restores the cryogenic storage, an emergency meeting will be held to address any questions you might have!"

Luo Xi lazily listened, and then he noticed that Xi Yu was sitting on the floor beside his bed, quietly listening as well.

He asked, confused, "What’s going on? Why aren’t you sleeping?"

Xi Yu leaned on his military knife and shook his head, "Someone has to keep watch. Those bugs can destroy the hatch."

Luo Xi, who had been unexpectedly protected, blinked and silently watched him as he lay back down on the bed.

Xi Yu, however, remained calm, propped himself up with his knife, and said, "Let’s go. Let’s check the cafeteria. The plot seems to be moving faster now."People in negative emotions are the first to lose their appetite.

Not many came for breakfast, and a few were injured, though it wasn’t clear whether it was from the battle or from the giant insect attack. In any case, everyone had a bad look on their faces.

Xu Tu bit the nutritional liquid pouch and glanced around: "Did you notice? Those who had guns yesterday are basically gone. I haven’t seen a single one."

"Originally, there weren’t many guns given as rewards," Bai Qi frowned. "Could it be that... the system really doesn’t encourage fighting pirates?"

Xu Tu gritted her teeth: "I hope so. Otherwise, the first one to die would be... Mu Yuan?"

Her tone suddenly turned doubtful.

The three men followed Xu Tu’s gaze and saw Mu Yuan and his group swaggering in, proudly carrying guns. They hadn’t been punished at all and looked full of energy.

Xu Tu, who had just thought she had figured something out, immediately slumped.

Luo Xi was silent for a moment, then nodded towards the nutritional liquid pouch: "Let’s go."

He usually wasn’t so casual about giving orders, but after saying this, no one questioned it. They immediately followed Luo Xi to leave the cafeteria via another exit.

Mu Yuan went to the counter, picked up his nutritional meal set, and threw a smug, cold smile at their backs.

The three of them followed Luo Xi to a quiet part of the corridor.

Xu Tu asked, "What’s going on? Are you worried that Mu Yuan will be against us?"

"Didn’t the broadcast say that we’d rather misunderstand than let a spy go?" Luo Xi said. "He just received praise from the captain NPC, so now he’s confident enough to act."

Bai Qi nodded from the side: "Yes, Mu Yuan’s biggest weakness is his vanity. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fought so hard to keep his first place. Earlier, when Xi Yu injured him in front of everyone, he’s definitely going to take revenge."

"If anything happens, let him come after me. There’s no need to drag you into this," Xi Yu immediately expressed.

Xu Tu wasn’t happy: "Hey..."

Luo Xi waved his hand: "Alright, don’t let them mess with the pace. Rabbit, you and Ah Qi go get three sets of black military uniforms. We’ll look for a chance to check the cryogenic storage."

Xu Tu asked, "What if Mu Yuan shows up?"

Luo Xi replied: "Listen, there are so many people in this game. There’s definitely more than one or two storylines. If Mu Yuan comes to make trouble, it means he has the upper hand. We’d be foolish to waste time by following along."Bai Qi supported Xu Tu: "Better listen to the boss. Once we get the clothes, let’s pick a spot to meet up. Xi Yu, take my knife for self-defense."

Luo Xi nodded in satisfaction.

Xi Yu watched the two leave, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you deliberately send them away?"

"Indeed, it shouldn’t involve too many people," Luo Xi stretched his wrist. "And instead of waiting to be retaliated against, I prefer to strike first!"

Forming groups is a common tactic in real-life games, and no broadcaster dares to provoke Mu Yuan and his five teammates from the Will team, who are inseparable.

After they finished their meal, they casually walked through the hallway with their guns, and soon the area around them cleared up.

The only girl in the team, Luo Er, asked, "We've killed quite a few broadcasters these past few days, and there’s no punishment at all. So, when are we going to act? We can take the chance to get rid of Xi Yu and get some satisfaction for you."

Mu Yuan said coldly, "No rush. The more uneasy they are, the happier I am."

"Then let's wait till tonight to take their lives!" A boy who looked like a little kid smiled. "Doesn’t it feel like teasing prey? When I think about Luo Xi's expression when he saw you with the laser gun, I just—"

However, before he could finish his mocking words, a metal box suddenly slammed into the back of his head, causing blood to pour out immediately.

"Hao Hao!" Luo Er’s expression changed instantly, and she raised her gun, turning to curse, "I was going to let you off, and yet you dare come to me?!"

Luo Xi lightly twirled the military knife in his hand: "Is that so? You were talking so loudly, but I didn’t hear any intention to let me go."

"And if we don’t let you go, what then?" Mu Yuan aimed his highest-level weapon at Luo Xi's forehead, squinting as he questioned, "Where’s Xi Yu? You’re here playing the hero by yourself?!"

Luo Xi didn’t answer. What answered him was the military knife that suddenly attacked from behind!

Mu Yuan heard the sound of the air and quickly turned around, but still had his shoulder slashed by Xi Yu’s weapon!

He angrily fired his gun under the cover of his teammates!

Xi Yu had anticipated this, instantly grabbing the shortest teammate, Hao Hao, as a shield!

The hallway was narrow, and the careless laser shot pierced Hao Hao’s left chest, spraying blood everywhere!

Except for Mu Yuan, the remaining four members of the Will team were all rewarded with air guns. These weapons didn’t require ammunition and could fire large impact shots using compressed air, causing great harm to the human body!

Luo Xi’s figure was unstoppable. In order to avoid the air projectile, he knelt on one knee and moved forward more than a meter, while also swinging his knife to wound one of the team members’ arms!Xi Yu cruelly shoved Hao Hao into the muzzle of Mu Yuan’s gun, and swung his knife, stabbing both of them directly!

"Ahhh!" Luo Er, seeing this, became extremely angry and tried to shoot at Xi Yu’s head.

Luo Xi, quick on his feet, kicked her weapon away, but was immediately hit by Luo Er’s fist against the wall!

This woman’s strength wasn’t just empty talk; after several attacks, she endured them as if she had been run over by something heavy!

Mu Yuan, unable to tolerate being at a disadvantage, was furious. He pushed Hao Hao's lifeless body aside, pressed his hand to his injured abdomen, and continued aiming his weapon.

However, the narrow corridor was not conducive for laser weapons. Although he managed to shoot Xi Yu in the arm, he also accidentally injured one of his teammates who was fighting with Luo Xi.

In just a few seconds, flashes of knives, air projectiles, lasers, and blood filled the space— it was a chaotic and gruesome scene!

Xi Yu, with his right arm pierced, switched to holding his knife with his left hand and, in a fit of rage, slashed down a thin man. Without hesitation, he lunged toward Mu Yuan!

Mu Yuan's eyes burned with malice as he calmly placed his finger on the trigger!

Luo Xi, who had just subdued Luo Er, widened his eyes from three meters away: “Be careful!”

At the same time, a swift figure charged straight at them, knocking Mu Yuan to the ground.

Xi Yu, panting heavily, exclaimed, “Mo Yi…?”

This man, often called crazy by others, certainly didn’t care for his own life in a fight. Though he was unarmed, he treated Mu Yuan’s deadly weapon as if it were a decoration, recklessly pounding his fists into Mu Yuan’s face.

In a panic, Mu Yuan fired two more shots, and Mo Yi's stomach instantly began to bleed profusely.

Mu Yuan, experienced as always, took advantage of the opportunity to kick Mo Yi off, shaking as he rose, preparing to counterattack.

Fortunately, Xu Tu and Bai Qi, who had heard the news and rushed over, appeared on the scene.

The powerful Luo Er quickly broke free, using two shots to force Luo Xi back, and grabbed Mu Yuan, saying, "They’re too many, let’s go!"

Another handsome member of the Will team retreated in disarray, taking shots while escorting his teammate as they disappeared quickly.

Unable to continue the pursuit, Xi Yu covered his arm and, exhausted, knelt beside Mo Yi, asking, “How are you...?”

Mo Yi, who had been shot twice in the stomach, smelled the distinct burnt scent of laser injuries amidst the blood, but he remained expressionless: “I’m fine.”Xi Yu exhaled in exhaustion, relieved.

Xu Tu, almost out of breath from running, stumbled closer and took out a bandage, saying, "Dare... hurry up and bandage it, Boss, are you okay?"

Luo Xi's neck was scratched by an air projectile, and the blood flowed frighteningly, but the wound wasn’t deep. He kept his gaze fixed on Xi Yu and Mo Yi, casually wiping the blood and shaking his head when he heard Xu Tu’s question.

"I knew you two were up to something!" Xu Tu was both anxious and angry, kicking the two bodies on the ground and saying, "Well, the Will team is doomed. This grudge is truly settled now."

Luo Xi once again observed Xi Yu, who was resting with his knife, and then looked in the direction Mu Yuan had fled. "Next time, let's settle this grudge once and for all."