In the end, it was Dongfang Yuan who took the machine gun. "I'll carry it. I'll lead the way! Wow, this gun is nice—feels different in the hands."
Qi Xu nodded and replied, "A tier-three weapon, courtesy of the God of Light. He’s really a good guy."
"No wonder!"
Just then, the broadcast screen chimed in...
["Dear players, have you gotten to know your teammates yet? Make sure to communicate well, or someone might stab you in the back. Heh heh heh...
Last time in the cooperative dungeon, quite a few people died. Remember, fewer teammates mean fewer people to split the rewards with—more loot for each of you. Think carefully~"]
After a long stretch of mocking tones, the broadcast finally moved on to explain the dungeon details.
["This dungeon’s theme is 'Breakthrough'! Clear all monsters in a given space and solve the puzzle to unlock the next challenge."]
["A word of advice, players—what you need to watch out for isn’t just the monsters, but also your terrifying teammates. When they turn on you, they’re scarier than any monster! Human nature is selfish—you get that, right?
Especially you top-ranked players, beware of getting ganged up on! Oh, and I’ve sprinkled a few Plunder Cards in the supply crates these past few days."]
["First challenge countdown: 10 minutes!"]
The broadcast kept relentlessly sowing discord among the players.
But it didn’t faze Qi Xu and the others. Once the broadcast ended, Qi Xu took the initiative. "What tier are your weapons? Any protective gear? Let’s plan our roles in advance."
Warwolf 009 nodded, immediately understanding Qi Xu’s intent. Only by analyzing the team’s stats could they coordinate effectively.
If no one stepped up, or if the one who did wasn’t someone he trusted, Warwolf 009 was prepared to fight for the leadership role himself.
But when it came to Invincible Black Whirlwind, Warwolf 009 was genuinely convinced. Strength had nothing to do with gender—back before the survival game, his Warwolf Special Forces captain had been a woman, and she’d taken first place in the National Special Forces Competition three years in a row.
Warwolf 009 spoke up first. "My three core stats are 92, 96, and 91. Damage resistance is 86. I have one dungeon-protection item that can block a fatal hit. My weapon’s a tier-four greatsword, good for close combat.
Also have a semi-auto pistol, tier-two, with decent accuracy. Can handle ranged fights too. Got 67 bullets left."
Qi Xu gave him an approving look and tossed him another 100 rounds. "Keep these as backup."
Warwolf 009 nodded without hesitation. "Got it."
Dongfang Yuan had been eyeing Warwolf 009 with interest ever since he revealed his stats.
He followed up, "My stats are 91, 95, and 97. Damage resistance at 90. Only got this machine gun for a weapon, no protective gear, but I can hold my own in close combat."
Warwolf 009 raised a brow, meeting Dongfang Yuan’s competitive gaze. He smirked, lightly rubbing his nose but said nothing.
Chinese Master Chef and Retired Magical Boy were stunned. "Holy crap! Your stats are almost maxed out! The game just started—how’s the gap this huge already?!"
"And that damage resistance stat... Why don’t I have that?"
Qi Xu kindly explained, "You only unlock the damage resistance stat after all three core stats break 60."
Chinese Master Chef and Retired Magical Boy exchanged a helpless glance, forcing weak smiles.
Warwolf 009 added, "I started the game in the 70s. And I’m guessing 100 isn’t the cap."
Dongfang Yuan agreed. "Right. Otherwise, this game would be way too boring."
Qi Xu turned to Old White Dragon in the Waves, who scratched his head awkwardly. "Whirlwind Boss, my stats aren’t as flashy as theirs."
"It’s fine. They had a head start before the game. No need to compare."
Qi Xu felt a pang of envy too—Sister Cut You and Warwolf 009’s damage resistance stats were seriously enviable. That stat basically determined how tanky you were, how hard you were to kill.
Old White Dragon in the Waves finally nodded. "Strength 79, stamina 87, agility 72. Damage resistance at 71. Got three dungeon-protection items. Weapons are a tier-three whip and tier-three hidden weapon pouch—better at ranged fights.
If monsters get too close, I can still fight. Got a title, [Drunken Master]. After a shot of liquor, all three stats go up by 20 for 30 minutes, but then I’m weakened for 12 hours—stats drop hard."
Golden Bell Armor Iron Shirt noticed the countdown was down to 7 minutes. Figuring Invincible Black Whirlwind still needed to strategize, he hurriedly spoke up.
"My stats are 71, 69, and 59. Damage resistance at 86. Protective gear... Does my bulletproof undershirt count? If not, then I got nothing. Weapon’s a tier-three battle-axe in my left hand—good for close combat."
Bubbly Girl Guo Degang chimed in next. "All three of my stats just hit 60. Damage resistance at 32. Got three dungeon-protection items. Weapons are a tier-two pistol and tier-three steel crossbow—it auto-aims.
I suck at close combat, but I’m decent from a distance."
Retired Magical Boy—a cute girl with straight bangs—blushed when her turn came.
"My stats are all in the 30s. Five protection items. Weapon’s a tier-two stun baton. Not sure if I’m better at close or ranged fights..."
Chinese Master Chef nodded vigorously. "I’m about the same as Magic Sis—uh, Brother. Two protection items, but I’ve got a tier-five weapon—a giant green steel shield. Most monsters can’t break it."
Qi Xu gave Retired Magical Boy and Chinese Master Chef reassuring pats before speaking.
"My stats are 93, 80, and 85. Damage resistance at 71. Tier-four chainsaw, tier-three pistol, four protection items. Can handle both close and ranged fights.
Here’s my rough plan—let me know if it makes sense. We’ve got time to discuss."
Everyone nodded immediately.
Qi Xu felt a little nervous—he’d never been in this kind of situation before. But he quickly steadied himself.
"Sister Cut You and Brother Wolf take point, left and right. Brother Jin falls back a step to hold the center. Old White Dragon and I guard the flanks.
We’ll try to keep all monsters outside, backs to the dungeon gate. Magic Sister and Vitality Brother, stand on either side of Master Chef. If it’s safe, focus on solving the puzzles on the gate.
If things get dicey, prioritize survival and adapt as needed."
"Master Chef, just focus on using your shield to protect the three of you. If any monsters slip past, prioritize your safety and hold out until we can turn back to support you."
"Hmm... no problem, right?"
........
