Chapter 962 - 906: A New Journey
AM Beijing Time, 6 AM Tokyo Time.
For the Mitsubishi Team in the Japan, tonight is another sleepless night. The Absolute Misfortune time of the Destiny Coin is less than one day left.
Under the Demon God’s power of Absolute Misfortune, the Mitsubishi Team has once again surpassed levels and conquered the fourth large high-difficulty instance! There’s achievement, there’s experience, but absolutely nothing has dropped!
Even though professional players are resilient in their mindset, and even though team members are highly motivated, they might not be able to withstand such high intensity with nothing to show for it. How much longer do we need to repay this debt to the Demon God?
At this moment, Igarashi finally seems to understand why Da Fei wouldn’t sell any other Divine Artifacts but chose to sell this one—had Da Fei used this artifact once before? Did Da Fei achieve rapid advancement through the power of the artifact? Are we the ones who are always paying for Da Fei’s missteps?
However, the benefits brought by the artifact have long surpassed the 20 million RMB spent on it, so even if Igarashi feels scammed, he’s willing to accept it. At this point, no matter what happens, the team must grit their teeth and persevere.
Igarashi, with a tired and slightly hoarse voice, shouted, "Everyone’s worked hard, please rest immediately, and our substitute members will continue to tackle the new instance."
At this moment, Captain Tsukamoto said solemnly, "President, our resources are insufficient, and we are no longer confident in continuing the level-surpassing challenges of large instances!"
Igarashi was taken aback, "What should we do? Time is so precious, how can we let our Absolute Misfortune time slip away in vain?"
At this moment, everyone fell silent. In normal circumstances, conquering high-level large instances would reward enough resources and Gold Coins to cover preparation costs, creating a snowball effect where war funds more war. But the problem is, since the first Minos instance, there have been no rewards from the following three large instances! Instead, they’ve drained the Mitsubishi Team’s resources, which is the cost of level-surpassing challenges!
Tsukamoto remained silent for a moment, "Perhaps there are two options. One, use the construction resources reserved for the National War. Two, execute the original plan, and in this final day, conquer the Divine Punishment City."
"Oppose!" Immediately, a team member stood up, "I oppose using the National War resource reserves; this is the bottom line, a fund that absolutely should not be diverted for operations!"
Then another team member stood up, "Now players from the new Vietnam and Taiwan zones are coming on strong. If we use the construction reserves, we may fall behind them."
Tsukamoto sighed, "I personally don’t support using the city-building resources either."
Igarashi sighed, "Are we just going to give up halfway like this?"
Tsukamoto sighed again, "Perhaps, what we can’t gain here can be compensated for in Divine Punishment City."
Igarashi let out a long sigh, "Then we have no choice but to do this. We achieved the first step of the plan, failed the second, but this third step must succeed no matter what. Everyone, time is precious, onward!"
"Hee-yah!"
Now, the Mitsubishi Team once again sets out on a new journey into Divine Punishment City. Yet Igarashi’s mood is extremely heavy. Plans cannot keep up with changes; constant shifts in objectives are always a taboo in development. There’s only one day left, so may Japan be victorious! At this moment, all Igarashi can do is pray.
The secretary stepped forward and said, "President, you haven’t rested all night, the sun is up now, please take a break."
Igarashi shook his head, "Can’t sleep. By the way, earlier a team member mentioned Vietnam and Taiwan, how are the developments in those two regions?"
The secretary immediately reported, "Report to the President, the level and enthusiasm of Vietnamese players have exceeded our expectations; a Vietnamese player has already reached level 30, and they are very humbly cooperating with our guidance, being our most friendly ally in the Southeast Asia Region."
Igarashi nodded in satisfaction, "Indeed, Vietnam is a country with great potential. It’s been a few years since I last visited there, I assume the investment and assistance from our country have helped their development."
The secretary smiled and said, "The hospitality and tourism industries are developing rapidly, President, it’s time to take a moment to accomplish your Thousand-man Slaughter goal."
Igarashi laughed heartily, "When Japan shows its might in the National War, I’ll surely bring all team players over!"
For a moment, the entire command center followed in laughter. Igarashi then asked with a smile, "And what about the Taiwan players?"
The secretary frowned slightly, "Well, the Taiwan players seem reluctant to ally with us, and even show signs of challenging our position."
Igarashi looked incredulous, "How is that possible! Have they been wooed by the other side?"
The secretary frowned and said, "If I have to give an explanation, I think it might be a case of ’middle school syndrome’."
Igarashi exclaimed, "Middle school syndrome?"
The secretary sighed, "It’s a comprehensive rebellious condition common to second-year middle school students, where during this period, young people see everyone as idiots, don’t listen to parents or teachers, and think only they can save the world; the problem isn’t them, it’s the world. So no matter what you tell them, they won’t listen."
Igarashi responded, "Oh, I think I might have had that too back then. Well, we’ll let them know whether it’s themselves or the world that’s wrong!"
...
At this moment, Eternal Star in the China Region is also sleepless.
There’s actually nothing major, just Eternal Star’s obsessive-compulsive disorder and insomnia flaring up together. The international situation has been turbulent these past couple of days, with guilds of all sizes in other countries finding things to do, yet our guild continues to follow the usual routine, progressing steadily and then facing failure with Elorin’s intervention.
No matter what, Eternal Star doesn’t feel at ease and wants to stir up some new tricks.
And indeed, Elorin has new tricks up her sleeve, with two large factories undergoing relocation. Machinery and equipment are being moved on large carriages, and a huge amount of building materials and construction machinery are gathering at the relocation site.
Even though Eternal Star doesn’t understand, they know it likely involves the mayor and Da Fei, which makes them even more anxious and upset.
Then tonight came the latest news that Dragon Slayer is making new moves, seemingly wanting to develop the Beastman Eastern Great Borderland area, a vast region even the Beastmen can’t control.
Eternal Star grinds teeth in rage with bloodshot eyes, and just then, their phone rings. Eagerly, Eternal Star opens it—it’s their outside team member Wuhe Xinglong.
Wuhe Xinglong: "Boss, the Teleportation Array connecting to Flower Demon Village is completed. I’ve arrived at Flower Demon Village and found some incredible troops!"
Flower Demon Hero’s Flower Demon Village! Incredible troops? Eternal Star’s spirit suddenly lifts: "Stop talking nonsense, no picture, no video, what’s the point!"
Wuhe Xinglong: "Let me first send a screenshot of the incredible troop attributes from the camp!"
— Vine Demon: Small-sized Spiritual Creature, Attack 11, Defense 7, Damage 6-11, Life 40, Mana 40, Attack Speed 12, Command Value 3, Magic Resistance 55%, Stamina 120, Special Skill: Flying Creature, Production and Transport, Vine Armor, Vine Control, Advanced Healing Technique.
Flying Creature, Production and Transport! These are deployable level 4 soldier farmers! Turns out they are the unheard-of Vine Demons!
At this instant, Eternal Star is dumbfounded in shock on the spot! The investment finally paid off! Also, expecting those who follow the routine to obtain unexpected surprises is unrealistic.
Wuhe Xinglong continues: "But I can’t recruit them due to my current reputation."
Eternal Star snaps back to reality, jubilant and ecstatic: "Isn’t that obvious? Quickly work on your reputation! Right, from now on, you officially join our guild and settle into this Flower Demon—no, Vine Demon Village in the name of the guild. This way, our guild will send people down to support and help."
Wuhe Xinglong acknowledges: "But Boss, this Vine Demon Village seems like a subordinate village of Da Fei’s Radiant City. Wouldn’t that mean we’re working for Da Fei? Is that okay?"
Da Fei’s subordinate village!? As if a bucket of cold water pours down, Eternal Star’s enthusiasm, which just ignited, instantly extinguishes!
Da Fei! It’s Da Fei again! The feeling is like discovering a cake only to find some stinky-mouthed bastard has taken a bite—immensely disgusting and upsetting.
Wuhe Xinglong continues: "Actually, from the appearance of the Flower Demon Village Chief with Da Fei’s Vice Hero, we should have known there is certainly a relation with Da Fei. However, Da Fei is sailing everywhere and doesn’t have time to manage. If we develop, the benefits will be no less than Da Fei’s. After all, the management of sub-villages under NPC forces is independent, and Da Fei, as the City Lord, cannot interfere."
Eternal Star, silent for a moment, finally nods: "Makes sense, you should join the guild first."
"Got it, leave the settling-in to me."
Eternal Star shakes head and sighs deeply. Though frustrated, they must recognize the current reality; Da Fei is far too sophisticated. The new trick I painstakingly discovered turns out to have already been bitten by him long ago. Well, anyway, our guild never really turned against Da Fei. This can be considered our second collaboration with Da Fei, following the Radiant City defense battle. That’s how we’ll continue treating this fake friend.
Certainly, the more important reason is that Eternal Star is eager to accomplish something. Once this matter is settled, a wave of sleepiness overwhelms them, finally able to sleep. Indeed, it’s obsessive-compulsive disorder.
...
Beijing Time, 7 am, Da Fei is woken by the ringing phone: "Hey, come have breakfast, your favorite fried egg and cabbage noodles!"
His favorite is fried egg and beef noodles! Da Fei gets up without another word, gets dressed, fixes hair, and appears at the dining table three minutes later.
At this moment, Little Fang, still bleary-eyed and yawning, sits down in thick, furry pajamas that hide her figure: "Good morning, big brother, heading to work?"
Da Fei coughs lightly: "Yeah, uh, things aren’t finished yet."
Little Li acknowledges: "Don’t worry about things on our end, just do what you need to do. Make sure to balance work and rest, don’t push too hard, health is important."
Uh, though it’s the usual old words, why does today feel particularly different hearing it? Da Fei nods repeatedly: "Got it, same goes for you all."
After breakfast, heading out feels particularly light, probably due to suddenly feeling less pressured? Alright, after this night passed, the Lilim camp should be about ready; it’s time for him to embark on a new journey.
(Asking for monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, all kinds of votes! ~~~) (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com.)