Absolute Death Game

Chapter 35 Assassination Mission

Several newcomers were driven off the horse cart, watching the departing vehicle in silence for a long time.

Turning around to see the ground scattered with carcasses, hundreds of Walking Corpses had been slaughtered in less than ten minutes—high-level players’ combat prowess was indeed very strong.

"Don’t just stare, it’s only a game after all. No matter how strong they are, what can they do? Besides, once we’ve learned some new skills and got new equipment, we’ll definitely be no weaker than them," Sun Bin said with a hint of indifference.

Having confirmed their coordinates, the four of them parted ways. Li Baocheng planned to use his Corpse-Driving Technique in the Black Wasteland to grind some Practical Experience and level up his skills. With the spell-controlled four Walking Corpses plus his hunting dog pet, he wouldn’t be in too much danger in the Black Wasteland.

By the time the caravan returned from Dahuang Village, he could just go with them to the big city.

When the three returned to the village, Xiao Buli subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

It was not until this moment that Xiao Buli truly felt somewhat safer. The constant state of high alert had given him a real sense of adventure that previous online games had failed to provide.

Upon entering the village, the three were questioned by the militia captain.

"Do you know that kid called Li Baocheng?" As he spoke, several militiamen surrounded them, ready to take action if necessary.

However, the three were not too nervous, as they had already discussed how to respond earlier. "We know him, but we’re not that close. May I ask what’s the matter?"

The militia captain said sternly, "Good that you admit it. My men said you went to the Black Wasteland together this morning. Where is he now?"

"He said he wanted to try his luck in Nine Dragons City and asked us to take him to the Black Wasteland. He even gave us a few silver coins as a reward. When we got there, a horse cart was waiting for him, and he left with the cart."

"What! It really was that guy who did it." The militia captain said angrily, looking very upset: "If you see him again, you must report to me. He killed the owner of the pig farm and his wife. He’s a very dangerous person. Of course, if you can bring him to justice yourself, that would be even better.

The village has issued a bounty for him, and the notice is posted on the village square’s bulletin board. If you’re interested, you can take a look."

Watching the militia captain leave with his men, the three breathed somewhat easier, realizing this incident would not affect their activities in the village.

They glanced at the bulletin board, and indeed, there was a mission they could accept.

Chase Fugitive: The fugitive Li Baocheng is suspected of murdering the pig farm owner Zhu Wuneng and his wife. Anyone who captures him or brings back his head will receive a reward of 50 silver coins and the goodwill of all villagers in Dahuang Village. Do you accept this mission, Yes/No?

Of course, they didn’t plan on accepting the task, but seeing an NPC issue a bounty for a player was still something new to them. Just as they found it interesting, a burly man wearing Leather Armor and carrying a bow and Arrows approached—it was a hunter from the village.

"Zhou, are you really planning to take on this task?" a militiaman standing by the bulletin board asked the hunter.

"Yes!" The hunter named Zhou replied seriously, "That apprentice of mine committed such a grave mistake. As his master, I must take responsibility to clean up our own house. Dead or alive, I must bring him back to give the village an explanation."

After speaking, he took down the posting with one swift motion, and the mission instantly disappeared from the bulletin board.

Watching the hunter slowly wander off into the distance, the three of them were stupefied. NPCs could actually take on missions — this was indeed a revelation.

"Little Li, you’re in trouble!" Han Baiqiang exclaimed loudly.

"What’s wrong?"

"Your master has accepted a mission to hunt you down, and it looks like he’s heading towards the Black Wasteland."

"No way," Li Baocheng said, also turning pale with shock. He still harbored a deep fear of his master, who was far superior in Taming Skills and archery. If it really came to a fight, he had little confidence in prevailing.

"Damn, this is bad. I have to log off immediately!" Seeing Li Baocheng panic, Han Baiqiang felt a secret sense of relief. Thankfully, he had taken Xiao Buli’s advice back then; otherwise, Li Baocheng wouldn’t have been the only one being hunted. He turned to look at Xiao Buli and saw his eyebrows knitted together, seemingly troubled by something.

Ring-ring-ring, a pleasant chime suddenly rang out, signaling that it was twelve o’clock — lunchtime. But after what happened with Lu Jiang, how could Xiao Buli be in the mood to eat?

He said goodbye to the others and chose to go directly to Qin Shimoon to request time off.

"You want to take leave to go out?"

Sitting behind the office desk, Qin Shimoon’s face showed a hint of difficulty, "Generally speaking, if there’s a valid reason, I shouldn’t refuse a half-day leave. But concerning some of the company’s rules, I am powerless to help, so I hope you can understand." The meaning was clear — no leave would be granted.

"Is that so," Xiao Buli thought. Although he hadn’t worked in a large company before, he had some understanding of their way of doing things. They usually strictly adhered to rules and regulations, and it was difficult to make exceptions. However, considering Qin Shimoon’s stance on the Lu Jiang matter, an idea suddenly occurred to him.

"The truth is I’m requesting leave because I have no other choice. Last Sunday, my mother took me to see an old man to have my fortune told. This old man is quite renowned and supposedly very accurate. After looking at my physiognomy, he said that this year was unfavorable for me, that I am plagued by a wronged spirit.

Therefore, I must burn some paper money for the spirit on the mountains on the thirteenth day of the third month so it will leave on its own. Otherwise, I will meet an untimely death and even bring harm to those around me. Naturally, I don’t believe in this sort of thing, but my mother is quite superstitious. To ease her mind, I had no choice but to agree to do as she said.

But if it’s really impossible, then let’s just forget about it. Burning the paper money a few days later probably won’t be a big issue; if it really doesn’t work out, I can just deceive the old lady, I guess."

After finishing, Xiao Buli prepared to leave, but before he had taken a few steps, Qin Shimoon called out to him. He turned back to see her expression was somewhat reluctant and tinged with a helpless smile, "Just wait a moment, let me think about this."

Xiao Buli thought to himself that there might be a chance. In most companies, such a reason for leave would likely result in a scolding from one’s superior. But Qin Shimoon was obviously uneasy, so she wouldn’t react that way now.

If Xiao Buli alone had died, she wouldn’t have minded much. But that phrase "harm to those around me" had made her worried. After a moment of contemplation, Qin Shimoon nodded slightly, "In that case, perhaps we can make an exception this once."

Xiao Buli, hearing this, thought to himself that Qin Shimoon indeed knew about the ghostly rumors in the studio. His face, however, showed no sign of this realization, instead displaying surprise and gratitude, "I truly appreciate it, Qin. It’s really too much trouble for you to deal with my mother’s superstitious beliefs. Maybe I shouldn’t take the leave after all; I hate to inconvenience you."

"It’s no trouble at all, let’s just put the old lady’s mind at rest," Qin Shimoon said with certainty, handing over a door card and to Xiao Buli.

Watching Xiao Buli leave the office, Qin Shimoon’s eyes revealed a trace of doubt. She dialed a number on the phone, "Hello, Sima? There’s a matter I need you to handle. Yes, it’s about a newcomer to the company — his name is Xiao Buli."

PS: There will be another chapter tonight.