Chapter Seven: Treasure Hunting in the Wasteland

A Trial Card is a special item that allows entry into a mission world during a designated task period; it can only be obtained in the Wasteland Treasure Hunt instance. Of course, other items can be acquired there as well, but only the team that wins each round is eligible to receive them.

Additionally, dying within the instance does not result in true death; reviving merely requires a certain number of points. When points are insufficient, participation in any of the three major instances is forbidden. One could say that this game’s system doesn’t oppress participants the way those “Lord God” systems do, forcing them to become stronger.

Each participation requires ten points, and another ten are needed to revive after death. Overall, the cost is quite low, which explains the large number of participants.

Sun Meng looked at the screen. “Everyone, I’m thinking of trying this out. After all, we’ve lost quite a bit of time before; we need to earn more rewards from the mission worlds to make up for it.”

No sooner had Sun Meng finished speaking than a red message scrolled across the screen: “Contestant, your resolve is admirable, but be careful not to overreach. Additionally, we will simulate the instance you enter on Earth, helping you find suitable strategies to clear it and maximize your rewards.”

Sun Meng blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected things to work this way! It turned out the livestream and interactive features weren’t useless after all!

After paying the entry fee and choosing a random match, he was quickly teleported to the waiting room.

Within a few seconds, the five-person room was full.

It seemed they were paired up as two groups—three men and one woman, with Sun Meng making the fifth.

After exchanging glances, a bald man nearly three meters tall was the first to speak. “Since we’re randomly assigned, let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Uglud, late first-tier, melee strength type.”

The short man beside him followed, “Storm Thunder, late first-tier, ground warrior.”

“Philia, archer, late first-tier,” said another man. The woman immediately added, “Dara, elemental mage, late first-tier.”

The four all looked at Sun Meng. He smiled. “Sun Meng. I suppose you could call me a warrior, though I use a sword. My strength is at the peak of first-tier. By the way, I’d like to ask—do we acquire equipment inside, or do we bring our own?”

Since the introduction hadn’t provided details, Sun Meng had to ask his teammates. They appeared to be experienced players.

Sure enough, the four regarded Sun Meng with surprise, but Uglud spoke first. “You get equipment after you enter. Any gear you bring in won’t have enhancement effects, and even if you carry it, it’ll be replaced by gear found within the instance. Only the rewards earned after finishing the instance can be taken out, and the first place doesn’t need to spend points. If you don’t finish first, you have to spend points to exchange for rewards you want to take out. So most of us just sell them to the system for points at a low price. Honestly, do you really have peak first-tier strength? Why is this your first time in this instance?”

Sun Meng blinked. “I can guarantee my strength, but I’d prefer not to answer the other question. I hope that won’t affect our cooperation this time.”

Uglud scratched his head. “Alright, I was just asking—no offense. Let’s check the map.”

As he spoke, a screen appeared in the room, displaying a map. Their drop locations and the final objective were marked, just as Sun Meng remembered from battle royale games.

“Since equipment spawn points aren’t fixed, I suggest we go here first—it’s a ruined city, and we can quickly arm ourselves,” Uglud said, pointing to a location less than 1,500 meters from their landing spot.

“I think this place is better. The magic tower ruins always spawn vehicles, letting us reach the final area early and set up defenses,” Dara countered. Her suggestion was further away and in the opposite direction.

Their tactical views clearly differed: the former wanted to gear up quickly and likely charge through, while the latter planned to lie in wait and ambush at the end.

This was one way the game differed from the battle royales Sun Meng knew; since the final area was known from the start, it made ambush strategies viable.

Now the situation was obvious—two votes for each plan, waiting for Sun Meng to break the tie.

Sun Meng glanced at the map, estimated in his mind, and asked, “Are the other teams dropped about as far from the final area as we are? Where are we most likely to encounter others?”

He’d noticed the map clearly marked every shrinking circle’s boundary.

“We’re not really sure,” Storm Thunder replied helplessly. “We often run into other teams during the first search for equipment.”

“Based on the circle’s range, it’s after the second shrink that encounters become likely,” Philia added.

“I see,” Sun Meng mused. “Then I think we should find some equipment first, then head for the magic tower ruins to get a vehicle and quickly move into the city ruins within the third-to-last circle.” He indicated the closest forest camp to their drop point, which was conveniently on the way to the ruins and wouldn’t delay reaching the center.

“Arriving at the center circle too early doesn’t guarantee enough resources. Besides, can you be sure there are no vehicles elsewhere?” he asked Philia.

“That’s true—there are several other spots where vehicles can spawn,” Philia admitted.

Uglud said, “I agree; this plan works.”

If Sun Meng hadn’t claimed peak first-tier strength, Uglud would have preferred to split the team.

Sun Meng asked, “So, when does the match start?”

The other four replied in unison, “It started as soon as we appeared here!”

Sun Meng’s mouth twitched. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” He pushed open the door and rushed out, the other four close behind.

The group quickly reached the forest camp, searching every tent. Sun Meng soon realized there were some differences between this game and what he was used to.

Items had only basic descriptions of level and category; their specific appearance was up to the user to set, and the change happened instantly.

Melee cold weapons, melee firearms, ranged cold weapons, ranged firearms, armor—all sorted by these categories. As soon as you held one, a customization panel appeared, allowing you to imagine a name and appearance for the item, which would then be set permanently.

When they regrouped, Philia looked excited. “I didn’t expect to find a vehicle here!”

He was about to set it up when Sun Meng beat him to it. “What were you planning to make?”

“Of course, a magic carpet! It’s fast and has no load limit,” Philia replied, glancing at Uglud.

“Actually, if we’d gotten the vehicle, we’d have made a magic carpet too,” Uglud said.

Sun Meng shrugged. “Never mind, leave it to me—make some room…” He began the customization, then tossed the item out.

A helicopter appeared on the ground, just the right size for the five of them to fit inside. “I’ll pilot it. Let’s go!” He climbed in and took the pilot’s seat.

Thanks to his predecessor, Sun Meng had mastered these basic skills. While not combat-level, his piloting was more than adequate.

Philia and the others had some exposure to technology, but it was clearly their first time in a helicopter. Once inside, they were a bit uncomfortable—the space was tight and, unlike a magic carpet, didn’t offer open views. Uglud especially found the seat cramped.

Moments later, the helicopter lifted off, climbing higher and higher.

“This vehicle can fly so high! A magic carpet could only reach half this altitude,” Philia marveled, pulling out his bow and estimating whether he could snipe a magic carpet team from above.

Sun Meng hadn’t set the helicopter up for combat—it was simply meant for travel.

He pushed the speed to maximum, heading swiftly for the edge of the third shrinking circle.