Chapter 931: Chapter 929: Prismatic (Part 2) Chapter 931: Chapter 929: Prismatic (Part 2) It made sense.
Masked Man’s plan clearly had no flaws, with the overwhelming allure of a blue enchantress making it hard not to feel something was off.
Even if one were to take ten thousand steps back and find nothing amiss with the blue light itself, it would still be meaningful as a team-building exercise.
The newly formed team clearly needed a common goal, and since a “mission” had yet to emerge, it was easy for morale to dissipate amidst uncertainty.
“Although we haven’t encountered any living people along the way, the traces around us suggest that this place was occupied not long ago; it is not an ancient, abandoned ruin… I think in the absence of clear clues, it would be best for us to try and find someone next.”
As experienced mission participants, the team members had no objections to Masked Man’s plan, with Lady Star even being the first to speak, offering her meticulously reasoned judgment.
“Indeed, considering everyone’s current limited capabilities and potential hidden dangers, proceeding step by step is a wise choice.”
Brother Red Dragon also agreed with her suggestion.
“Reasonable thinking.”
Masked Man, who quite evidently assumed the role of team leader, listened intently and then smiled in approval of Lady Star’s words.
It appeared that their senior team members hadn’t been around for long, as the surroundings were already like this when they arrived.
Facing this communication and decision-making, Fu Qian naturally made some deductions.
It was undeniable that this scene, even among the myriad of tasks they had faced on their journey, was quite novel.
Reassuringly, the teammates behaved quite professionally, managing to keep their composure even amidst these eerie circumstances.
Of course, they also avoided trusting others too readily.
Whether it was using cards instead of names or their strategic exchanges among themselves, they balanced cooperation with competitive advantage adeptly, keeping matters unspoken yet understood.
As the sixth member of the team, Fu Qian also decided not to let down the card he drew, maintaining a low profile and observing how things unfolded.
“Also, considering efficiency, shouldn’t we perhaps split up and act separately?”
By then, Masked Man had already sought Qing and Wu Yi’s opinions with his eyes and suggested his own idea amidst their silence, employing a tone that invited collective brainstorming.
Unfortunately, given his prior demeanor, it was hard to trust the sincerity of his proposal.
“Very well.”
In fact, Masked Man didn’t allow much time for voting; the next moment, he was already smiling at Lady Star.
“Split into three teams of two, ladies first. Star, you may choose your teammate first.”
…
Lady Star clearly did not resist the suggestion and seriously began to think.
After quickly scanning the group’s faces, her gaze finally settled on one of the female team members.
“I’ll pair with Qing, it’s more convenient.”
“Alright.”
Without even asking for Qing’s opinion, Masked Man stepped forward two paces and stood beside Wu Yi.
“We’ll each cover different areas, and we’ll regroup here in one hour. If anyone finds something, try to notify the others beforehand, and it’d be best if you could bring anyone you find back here.”
Fu Qian glanced at Brother Red Dragon, finding the arrangements flawless. However, Masked Man’s attitude was starkly clear– he was suggesting that Fu Qian pair with this relatively reliable brother.
In response, he demonstrated a laid-back attitude, not objecting at all.
…
“It doesn’t feel as calm as it appears; we’d better stay cautious and keep each other in sight at all times.”
Fu Qian and Brother Red Dragon were responsible for an uneven area that featured a building of over ten stories, clearly the focus of their search.
Brother Red Dragon unexpectedly embodied caution contradictory to his appearance, leading Fu Qian around the area first to ensure there was nothing to find before they finally returned to the high-rise building.
“Okay.”
Fu Qian continued to go with the flow.
The places they had passed through were astonishingly consistent in their conditions.
Just like Lady Star described, the place was not a ruin. It looked as though it had been lived in, devoid only of people.
Even at a glance, everything seemed orderly, without any signs of fire or explosion. It was as if due to some sudden circumstance, the residents had sorted things out and orderly left just a few days before.
“I know it might look a bit odd, but overall, this decision is better for everyone.”
Seeing that Fu Qian wasn’t very proactive, Brother Red Dragon didn’t rush the search of this last area but instead suggested they could rest briefly, chatting in a relaxed manner.
“Understood, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Knowing less makes it easier to act together because of a common purpose.”
Far from resisting, Fu Qian was quite empathetic in his response.
This was the truth. Masked Man’s strategy of “forming teams through cards, asking no origin” might seem nonsensical, yet under the current circumstances, it had its significance.
Suspicious situations, the delayed emergence of tasks, and a perilous environment–these major elements implied that forming a team benefited everyone involved.
With sufficient reason to form the team, excessive interaction was unnecessary, or rather, would only be counterproductive.
The more details exchanged, the more likely disagreements would arise.
Thus, anonymous teaming up, not even mentioning each other’s names, truly was a viable strategy to maintain solidarity and mutual aid for as long as possible.
Of course, it was just viable, not the only option.
“Talking to a smart person is indeed relaxing.”
Brother Red Dragon, quite adept at reading expressions, noticed that Fu Qian’s words weren’t merely perfunctory, and he was quite pleased.
“This splitting up for action plan doesn’t really have some deeper purpose of one-on-one campaigning, does it?”
Fu Qian seemed not quite as energized, even wearing a skeptical expression as he made his inquiry.
“Haha… how could it!”
Brother Red Dragon laughed heartily.
“It’s just a casual conversation, nothing so complex.”
“Are you sure Lady Star feels the same?”
“…Her, she might indeed have that in mind.”
Brother Red Dragon assessed Fu Qian’s gaze, visibly more serious, seemingly surprised by his astuteness.
“Qing isn’t very active; Star likely chose her to capitalize on their gender advantage, attempting to maximize their interaction and minimize unnecessary risks.”
Brother Red Dragon shared his views on Lady Star’s choice of teammate.
“But regardless, as long as it stays within the agreed boundaries, it’s something beneficial for everyone… You don’t think their communication will be effective?”
“I don’t think so.”
Watching the reinforced concrete version of a blue enchantress, Fu Qian shook his head.