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Chapter 4

4: Strangers, Strangers, Strangers

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The following days passed quietly. All Fei ever did during her free time was to eat, sleep and think about what her mother's reaction would be when finding out that her daughter had vanished completely without a trace. Her mother is not the nicest person. Although Fei may have a love hate relationship with her, she is still her mother. But she hopes that her mother could understand where she is coming from.

"Is she worried about me?"

Fei sat up from the bed and shook off the sadness she's feeling. The next scenario was scheduled for tomorrow, so it's better for Fei to be prepared. She decided to head to the town center to stock up on supplies. She don't know what awaits her inside the scenario, but she needed to be prepared.

"That'll be 4 silver coins," The lady from the mini-store said as she finished scanning the items she had choosed. Fei handed over the coins and the lady started packing everything. After seeing a bunch of things being packed. Fei thought she might have overdone it, but 4 silver coins for all this was a steal. Her haul included toiletries, undergarments, two sets of tracksuits in different colors (she found them comfortable), combat boots, two white shirts, a sweater, cargo pants, and plenty of snacks and canned goods. She also picked up matches, a flashlight, an ordinary knife, and a backpack.

"Are you getting ready for camping? You forgot to buy a tent." The boy standing behind

her said, eyeing the stuff Fei bought while shaking his head disapprovingly.

"..?" Before sho could ever throw a clap back, a pink-haired girl hurriedly came over and shushed the boy by pinching his shoulders.

"Sorry, don't mind him he's always like that."

The couple quickly left the mini-store, and Fei couldn't help but watch their retreating back. Nosy people are everywhere, really.

--

Fei sprang out of the bed when a prompt sounded next to her ears. Seconds later, the system's familiar voice chimed in.

"Player 0178930, your next scenario will begin in 120 seconds. The countdown starts now."

Fei hurriedly grabbed her backpack and prepared herself for what was coming. Her heart beating faster and faster as the countdown ticked away.

3... 2... 1...

*beep

Game Loading

... 25%

... 50%

... 100%

Game Successfully Loaded.

[Participants have successfully loaded the game.]

Fei found herself standing in a forest with towering trees and lush vegetation. The buzzing insects and chirping birds made the surroundings feel eerily realistic, making her question whether she was still inside the game. However, the system's voice brought

her back to reality.

Scenario: Forest of Terror

Game Summary: Every midnight, a pack of hungry wolves attacks the village to steal the rabbits they raise. This has made the village chief resentful, and he decided to order his warriors to attack the wolves' den, but they were all defeated -- none returned. The village chief has asked for help from traveling mercenaries, promising them the immortality stone passed down through generations in exchange for their assistance.

Identity: Mercenary..??

Mission: ??

Mode: Medium

Tip: The one who wears many hats.

"Huh? This scenario sounds so vague."

The system said there were other players in this scenario. She wondered where they were? After a minute of walking, Fei stumbled upon a small village with huts for houses. In the center of an open area, Fei found the other players.

Her footsteps halted when she saw some familiar faces. The tall woman gave Fei a nod, while the pink-haired girl she met in the mini-store smiled awkwardly. Just as she was about to join the group, a man in his early 30s erupted in anger.

"F*ck! I'm done playing with this bullsh*t game!" He seemed to be arguing with the small girl. The other players ignored them, watching as the girl tried to calm the man down.

"Please don't enter the forest. Once you get out, it will not be the same when you return." The small girl pleaded.

"Let him try. he'll come back running and crying when he finds out." A man in a buzz cut said, crossing his arms as he watched the angry man march toward the forest.

The group turned to me Fei when she joined them, but no one dared to speak. Just as she was getting comfortable on the stone bench, a blood-curdling scream pierced the serene forest. The bird erupted into chaos, flying away. The mangled body of the man who had ventured out earlier was thrown back onto the forest threshold. Fei stepped back in fear, when she saw how bad the man's body turned out. His legs were bended into different positions. The head was turned into a weird angle, and his face seemed to be missing its skin--eye balls popping out as if it saw the most terrifying thing. Someone let out a terrified cry it was the small girl. Fei then looked at her. Maybe the girl feel bad because she wasn't able to stopped the man? Fei wondered.

"Tsk. That's what happens when you don't listen." Someone laughed dryly. It's the buzz cut guy. He sure is rude and disrespectful for the dead. The pink haired girl rolled her eyes at him then mouthed, "bastard."

"We can't do anything about it, he's dead. Let's just focus on our mission right now, or we might end up like him." The man in office attire led the conversation. No one dared to move the dead body because they said it would disappear on its own. Whether the system took care of it or by other elements inside this game -- no one knew.

"Let's introduce ourselves first. I am Steven." After him, everyone followed suit. The small girl was Ana, the man with a buzz cut was Ryan, the bearded burly man was Trevor, the pink-haired girl introduced herself as Yvonne, and the tall woman was Dein. Now there were only seven of them because of the stunt the dead man pulled -- there were 3 boys and 4 girls at the moment.

"Oh, dear mercenaries, I'm so glad you've listened to this poor village's request."

A skinny old tribal man wearing animal skirt appeared, he's wearing a necklace made of animal teeth and bones, and some feathers. The players' eyes fell on him, and he began repeating the game summary of this scenario.

"...I just hope those wolves will stop. If any of you succeed, I won't hesitate to hand down the immortality stone passed down through generations by my ancestors -- a treasure very important to our village. So, you'll know that I'm sincere." He motioned for us to follow him and pointed toward a shed.

"That's where we're keeping the rabbits. You'll stay in the hut next to it. The village will provide your food every morning and evening. We don't eat lunch here because food is scarce. If you have any concerns, just look for Amar. He'll help you."

He then called a young boy dressed in the same animal skirt. Amar looked at the players warily and Fei thought she saw a hint of something in his eyes... what's that? Malice? Hunger?

"Then, we'll be resting for now," Steven said. After the two NPCs went away. The players entered the hut. Ana closed the door shut while most of them found a spot to rest. Steven then walked towards the window which is covered by an animal skin then looked outside.

"There's something wrong in this village." Everyone's expression was dark.

"You all know that there are eight--seven of us inside this game right? It could only mean that this is a team game. I hope that everyone of us can work together to leave this scenario." No one argued nor agreed to his statement but he continued.

"This scenario is named as Forest of Terror for a reason. The wolves are dangerous, the NPC's could be too. I suggest that we form teams." Yvonne suggested.

"Yes, that would maximize the survival of each person." Trevor agreed. Steven nodded at their ideas before asking everyone to form teams.

Team 1: Steven and Yvonne

Team 2: Trevor and Ryan

Team 3: Dein, Ana and Fei

"According to the game summary, the wolves attack every night to steal the rabbit. What a beast right? Let's work hard and help the village people, for that immortality stone or whatever."

Fei frowned at the buzz cut man--Ryan. She was about to speak her own thoughts about the mission because there's also a hint provided by the system, but no one seemed to want to say it so she feels like she have to. Just as she was about to open her mouth, a certain someone pinched the back of her palm. Dein was leaning her back on the mud wall. She slightly shook her head at her and mouthed 'don't' so Fei instantly closed her mouth. She didn't know why she followed, but she just did.

"For now, let's start observing around. Let's group back together at this hut after two hours. Stick with your team." Steven took the lead again and everyone just let him.

Each team decided to go their own ways while Fei's team decided to look at the shed where the rabbits are being kept. On the way, Fei keeps on glancing at Dein wanting to find answers for her shushing Fei up earlier but Ana is with them so she ended up not asking. Dein suddenly sat down and draw something on the ground while Ana is not paying attention. It's a hat. Then she erased it again, putting both of her hands on her pockets.

"The shed's locked." Ana looked back at them, since she's walking at the front, she'll easily know what's amiss. The two of them looked at the shed's door. It was tied tightly by a series of hemp rope. How do they even feed the rabbits?

"Let's look around, there might be another entrance."

The three of them decided to split. The shed is not that big. The half bottom part of the shed was made of mud while the upper part was of thick grass. In order to look at what's inside Fei have to pull the grasses apart. She can't clearly see what's inside but she's sure as hell that there's nothing here. Where are the rabbits?

She was about to stop looking when her eyes saw something red mix with the hays scattered on the ground. What's that? Her eyes widened when she saw a mangled led in the corner of the shed. It even have a shoes on!

"Let's go back." Fei's heart almost jump out when Dein suddenly spoke beside her. She hurriedly pointed towards the inside of the shed.

"T-There's...a human leg."