Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Auction Hall

In any game, equipment always plays a crucial role, and in Star Wars its importance is irreplaceable, with gunners having the greatest demand for gear. While Chip Warriors and Controllers also have high requirements—armor for Chip Warriors, and sets for Controllers—these are all defensive in nature. What a gunner truly needs is weaponry, which directly impacts attack power.

This survival mission left a deep impression on Wu Hua, making him acutely aware of the gap between himself and other top players, especially those like No Crime to Shoot You and Snowy Night Fairy. All three were gunners, and while their levels might vary, equipment gave them a clear upper hand. For instance, No Crime to Shoot You wielded an M249 heavy machine gun, making him a formidable shield capable of holding off a hundred foes, while Snowy Night Fairy’s SVD sniper rifle earned her the title of instant kill queen.

But for Wu Hua, the Desert Eagle had become inadequate for his needs. Among handguns, the Flying Desert Eagle's power was unrivaled, but it had its inherent limitations—against groups, it was always at a disadvantage, and its uses were limited. Apart from single shots, what more could it do?

At present, the Desert Eagle could serve as a backup for close-quarters defense, but a primary battle rifle was necessary, and it needed an upgrade. Wu Hua was reluctant to use submachine guns. Though they packed more firepower than handguns, they suffered the same flaw—insufficient power. The popular models on the market—MP5, MP7A1, P90, HK series, Uzi series—hardly ever surpassed 800 joules in muzzle energy. Expecting them to reach 1000 joules meant one of two things: either the weapon was at least blue-tier or higher—since in Star Wars, “Azure” is the first major threshold for equipment. Any gear that achieved blue-tier, whether for attack or defense, underwent a qualitative leap.

Take Wu Hua’s current purple-tier Desert Eagle. Its value lay in its additional attributes—higher accuracy, a magazine with two extra rounds, and an extended range of twenty meters. Although its muzzle energy was 1650 joules plus 400, the extra 400 came from the bullet, not the gun itself. If this Desert Eagle were a blue-tier weapon, its own power would be at least 2600 joules. The numbers may not seem far apart, but in practice, the difference was vast. Those extra 800 joules—how many sword strikes from a warrior would it take to match that damage?

The other route was modification, which required a master gunsmith or metallurgist NPC in town. Wu Hua didn’t even know anyone like that. Even if he did, he’d be better off buying a plain rifle and modifying it; the result would far surpass any submachine gun.

Thus, the best current choice was a rifle.

This rifle needed to meet three criteria. First, high power—non-negotiable. Second, it had to be red-tier or higher; otherwise, the Desert Eagle was still superior. Third, versatility and performance: it had to be at least semi-automatic, and offer multiple firing modes—single shot and burst at minimum.

Wu Hua had thought about buying the “symbol of manhood,” the AK-47. But he reconsidered. The AK was brutally powerful, but its performance was lacking. In harsh environments like the Icy Brook trail, the AK would inevitably jam after prolonged use, and the cost of gun oil alone would be astronomical. He might as well stick with the Desert Eagle.

However, such a rifle was nowhere to be found on the open market. Wu Hua only saw one at the Shenguangs Corporation’s auction the following day.

The auction hall was packed, just like a cinema. Thousands of players took their seats after receiving their numbers. The stage was fortified with projectors, billboards, electronic displays, and a giant screen—like a real fortress. Beautiful hostesses in red cheongsams clustered around the handsome auctioneer, stirring up the crowd like a commander rallying troops. The atmosphere felt almost like a battlefield.

“Congratulations to number 63 for purchasing the second of today’s five treasures—the level 25 purple Wind Elemental Energy Orb—for 98,000 credits,” the auctioneer announced in a high-pitched voice, “Congratulations again!”

Applause followed. Many eyes turned to number 63, a female Controller beaming with excitement. “Honey, I finally have a good weapon! Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. You’re my sweetheart. No matter how much I spend, it’s worth it for you—even if it means losing everything I own.”

“Really?”

“Of course it’s true.”

“You’re the best, honey. Then buy me the level 30 Storm Armor set, too?”

“Hmm? How much is that set?”

“Not much, only 150,000 credits.”

“Not much? You might as well sell me!” he spluttered, foaming at the mouth.

“Honey, what’s wrong? Wake up!”

…

Wu Hua sat in the back row, thoroughly entertained, waiting for the rifle to make its appearance.

“Next, we present the third of today’s five treasures—the Heavenly Silk Armor,” the auctioneer announced with unflagging energy.

A beautiful hostess walked onstage carrying a tray, upon which lay a piece of armor that looked like cloth but shimmered with a purple glow. The crowd exchanged bewildered glances—had they brought a robe to auction? Was this a mistake?

Sensing the audience’s confusion, the auctioneer smiled. A fully armed warrior stepped onstage, wielding a glowing red Tiger Tooth combat knife—clearly a formidable weapon.

“Watch closely,” the auctioneer said, signaling a person dressed as a psychic to don the armor.

With a loud shout, the warrior stabbed forward with full force—the audience could tell this was no gentle thrust, and any combat knife naturally had some armor-piercing qualities.

Yet when the blade flashed, the psychic stood unscathed, as if nothing had happened; the armor was unmarked, not even a scratch. The warrior, clutching his knife, was dumbfounded.

A roar of amazement swept the hall—even fools could tell this was a legendary piece of armor.

Wu Hua was startled as well. This armor was incredibly powerful—completely immune to damage.

At that moment, the hostess operated a console, and the central screen displayed a description:

“Heavenly Silk Armor, purple-tier equipment, defense 260, durability 2000/2000, 30% general resistance, 50% dual fire and water elemental resistance, bonus attributes: +3 Agility Mastery, +2 Lightness Mastery, +5 Psionic Mastery, 82% chance to block melee weapon piercing attacks.”

This piece was far superior to the Fire Dragon Armor Wu Hua had once looted from the Malagobi. It had no level or class restrictions, though savvy players could tell it was meant for psychics—especially with its 50% dual fire and water resistance, +5 Psionic Mastery, and 82% chance to block piercing attacks. If an SU20 wore it, even the Dragon Warriors would have to steer clear—truly the ultimate defensive treasure for a psychic.

“This unassuming armor was actually modified by a master armorer in Dreamstar City. Ordinary metal melee weapons can barely scratch it. The starting bid is 10,000 credits, with increments of no less than 1,000 each time…”

Before the auctioneer finished, bids erupted:

“15,000 credits!”

“20,000 credits!”

“25,000!”

“30,000!”

…