Absolute Death Game

Zhang Qiang was escorted out of the Green Dragon Group's computer room. According to the company's policy, a player employee's character, once dead, must leave the studio immediately and take their pay.

Since the dungeon wasn't over yet, everyone could only hurriedly bid farewell to this colleague they had spent several months with, say goodbye, and then turn their attention back to the screen—after all, they were just colleagues who worked together and could hardly be said to be familiar with each other.

The only one feeling somewhat sentimental was Wang Gang. He and Zhang Qiang had passed the tests together as newbies, struggled together in Newbie Village, fought monsters together, adventured together, and had even chosen the same profession. It was a pity that from today onward, they would have to part ways.

"Let's start dividing the equipment," Zhang Yaoyang said. Everyone responded, but without the previous excitement, feeling more subdued at the sight of Zhang Qiang's melancholic departure. However, Zhang Yaoyang still insisted on fulfilling his responsibilities as a team leader.

The first drop was a deep blue one-handed sword.

Heart Piercer (One-handed Sword): Attack 11-24, when attacking, may—enter Insight state for one second, ignoring the target's Armor with sure critical hit on the next attack.

Equipment Introduction: This narrow, sharp weapon seems to have been forged specifically for assassination. Its thin blade is exceedingly keen yet seems fragile; only a highly skilled Swordsman can unleash its full potential.

The attack power was very high, and the weapon's special effect seemed unique. It required a very high reaction speed to wield it well, as the effect only lasted for one second. It wouldn't be very useful for basic attacks, but if used to execute a powerful move at that instant, its effect could be astonishing.

"Starting bid 50 points, anyone interested?"

Xiao Buli glanced at his Ironwood Rune Sword and decided to pass.

It was clear the only person suitable for this weapon here was Swordsman Liu Xing, but Liu Xing remained silent.

"Liu Xing!" Zhang Yaoyang called out, "Are you interested?"

"What's it to you," Liu Xing said with a touch of resignation, not even putting down his glass.

Zhang Yaoyang smirked coldly, "With this sword, you'll be even more formidable, able to defeat more bosses, and obtain more Skill Books. Perhaps one day, you'll be able to roam this world alone, with no one to stop you. Then, you can go wherever you want."

Xiao Buli was startled by these words. Was there a hidden message in what Zhang Yaoyang was saying? He wanted to catch a glimpse of Zhang Yaoyang's expression, but Zhang had already turned away.

"If you don't speak, that means you agree. 100 points, the sword is yours."

Liu Xing pondered Zhang Yaoyang's words and suddenly laughed, "100 points is too much, make it 50 points." He then bowed respectfully to Zhang Yaoyang and added, "Thank you."

This seemed like just a small episode, but Liu Xing's mood had substantially improved.

Zhang Yaoyang seemed to have just done something very ordinary, his expression calm as he began to distribute the second drop, which was once again deep blue Leather Armor.

Black Jiao Leather Vest (Leather Armor—Chestplate): Armor +20, Physique +4, Stamina +2, Elemental Defense +10.

Equipment Introduction: Armor made from the hide of the legendary Exotic Beast 'Jiao,' offering excellent defense, and providing some resistance to Five Elements damage.

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Starting at a low price of 50, anyone interested?

The demand for top-notch protective gear suddenly spiked, perhaps spurred by Zhang Qiang's death, and everyone rushed to outbid each other. Yet, in the end, it was none other than the top bidder, Zhang Yaoyang himself, who snagged the item for 120 points.

The third piece of equipment turned out to be a silver grade item, but it had an unusual design—it was a black eye mask.

Betrayer's Dark Vision (Cloth Armor－Helmet): Equipping this item allows you to see clearly in the dark.

Item description: When you look through this black eye mask, you will find the whole world shrouded in an ominous darkness.

This was a peculiar piece of equipment. Despite being silver grade, it had no attributes and didn't even provide a bit of Armor. Its only effect was to allow clear vision in the dark, which made it seem like a rather useless item—if this were a typical online game.

However, Xiao Buli had a different opinion now.

Zhang Yaoyang hesitated and then said, "Normally, it should go to Yaoyao, but since she didn't participate in the kill, I can't just decide on my own. Even though she's a girl, everyone should still bid for it. Of course, it's fine to sell it to her later. The starting price for the silver equipment is 100, anyone interested?"

No one peeped a word. The eye mask, which seemed to have a rather negligible special effect, felt more like a toy, and spending 100 DKP on such a toy seemed rather ridiculous.

"Damn, this is silver grade equipment, stop being shy everyone," Zhang Yaoyang was still energetically marketing his treasure, but unfortunately, no one was fooled.

"Can't you give it some face? Maybe for 80 points?"

"If no one really wants it, then just give it to me," Xiao Buli suddenly spoke up, and everyone turned to look at him in surprise.

Wu Tao was tugging at his sleeve, "Boss, what are you doing? What's the use of this thing?"

"I think it might be somewhat useful," he said.

There are reasons behind his words. Xiao Buli's strongest ability was analysis. From his perspective, a few more points of Armor or a couple dozen more health points were of little use to his upcoming plans. What he needed now were items that offered special effects.

The key lay in the item's description, 'The entire field of view shrouded in an ominous shadow.' It seemed that ever since entering the game, Xiao Buli had continuously heard the term 'Dark Magic Power.' It appeared that all the terrifying creatures and sources of evil stemmed from this, but no one could clearly describe what this Dark Magic Power was.

Yet, seeing the description of this item, Xiao Buli felt it couldn't be a coincidence.

"Are you really going to take this item? Can I ask why?" Seeing that Xiao Buli was interested, Zhang Yaoyang was somewhat hesitant and asked with confusion.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Because it looks cool," Xiao Buli replied with a laugh, which caused everyone to be taken aback.

"Come on!" A wave of speechlessness echoed around, and Zhang Yaoyang was rather at a loss for words. He looked at the faint smile at the corner of Xiao Buli's mouth and felt that he couldn't quite see through this newcomer anymore.

Shaking his head, he still gave the equipment to Xiao Buli.

Removing the extravagant 'Magnificent Evil-Repelling Crown' from his head, he equipped the eye mask in the helmet slot. The game screen immediately turned black and white. After observing his surroundings, it gave him the impression of watching a black-and-white TV. It took some getting used to, but it wasn't too bad. Suddenly, he noticed something unusual on the opposite wall, which had seemed empty.

After careful observation, he gradually realized it wasn't just his imagination. A dark, shadowy entity that resembled a human figure was slowly emerging from the wall.

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