Chapter 876 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 876: The Biochemical Warfare The world of "Wasteland OL" isn't made up of isolated, fragmented islands; rather, it's a seamlessly connected and continuous whole. A typhoon occurring in Boroh Sea can trigger torrential rains in the Baiyue Province. Through extensive beta testing, players had become accustomed to the intricate series of interlinked events occurring in the wasteland. Thus, when Kuang Feng witnessed the army dumping corpses into the river, he immediately considered the potential consequences the virus-laden bodies might impose on downstream settlements. After consulting with academic researchers, Fang Chang quickly relayed the information to Abusak, hoping the Boroh government would prepare adequately for an epidemic response. Regrettably, amidst chaotic affairs and unceasing factional conflicts, Abusak clearly didn't prioritize the issue sufficiently. He verbally agreed and indeed instructed the health commissioner, but neither party seemed to regard the issue as significant. In truth, it's hardly surprising he didn't pay much attention. The players’ understanding of viruses vastly differs from that of the wasteland dwellers. After all, infectious diseases were rare even in the Human Federation era, and for the Boroh citizens living on the red soil, such concerns are even more irrelevant. Occasionally, volunteers from the Alliance experienced colds due to acclimatization, and even awakened individuals like Dayan caught a cold once. Yet, Abusak, having lived locally for so long, had only ever heard of people dying from hunger or poverty, but never from a virus. The greatest legacy left by the Human Federation to its children is hidden within every person's DNA. It is a product of controlled evolution. Even though human civilization has stalled, naturally occurring viruses would probably take centuries to match the pace of human evolution. However, this is strictly under natural conditions. Throw technology into the mix, and the situation changes dramatically... Almost the very next day after Fang Chang notified Abusak to prepare for an epidemic, a severe disaster struck the northern riverside village of Tiandu. Over sixty percent of the nearly hundred households experienced fever symptoms, with more than half of the afflicted falling into severe comas. Fortunately, the players had anticipated possible scenarios. The Alliance's field hospital in Tiandu promptly dispatched medical teams to treat patients, isolate the village, and collect virus samples for analysis. Moreover, researchers from the academy joined the investigation. It wasn't until then that Abusak realized the terror of "biochemical warfare." He quickly dispatched a thousand-strong contingent to the banks of the Yongliu River from Tiandu and coordinated with the Alliance’s field hospital to delineate control zones. He then sent telegrams across Boroh, instructing all units to prepare for sanitation efforts and public awareness campaigns, advising survivors not to consume unboiled river water. In reality, Abusak’s publicity efforts were unnecessary. As news spread of the southern legion poisoning the Yongliu River, survivors from Tiandu to Kingalun Port were terrified. Every household placed pots and pans on rooftops to catch rainwater; neither river water nor well water was touched. While this might have seemed excessive, no one dared to gamble on the odds. After all, aside from the academy's researchers and the Alliance’s field hospital, no one could guarantee that boiling the water would fully deactivate the virus. On the third day of the infection outbreak, the Alliance's field hospital, in conjunction with researchers, rapidly completed sample analysis. Upon receiving the analytical report from the Alliance's field hospital, Abusak, although initially baffled by the technical jargon, was mortified by the final estimate of over one million potential casualties, cursing aloud. "Those damn Velanterians are truly ruthless!" Though the doctors from the Alliance also explained that the projected death toll might not directly reflect population decreases or changes in household registration, possibly overlapping with natural deaths, it nonetheless sent chills down Abusak's spine. One million! Even Xionglion City barely has a population of one million! The Velanterians merely urinated into the Yongliu River, yet they could extinguish a population equivalent to an entire city of Boroh people! Additionally, according to the analysis models provided by the Alliance's Biological Research Institute, the virus named "Death Agent" had thoroughly contaminated the Yongliu River's water system. Although the virus’s current infectiousness is low, nobody could predict future developments with the Southern Legion potentially modifying the virus further. More distressingly, knowing this sword was dangling above their necks left the supreme commander helpless, unable to take any action beyond frustration. This was a showdown between the Southern Legion, the academy, and the Alliance. Though the survival of the Boroh survivors was at stake in this duel, they themselves had no right to even stand in the arena. Only at this moment did Abusak truly comprehend the power of technology and the significance of the educational reforms advocated by Commissioner Kahabha. Without mastering knowledge and enabling its role in society, Boroh people would never truly stand tall, forever mired in suffering! Placing down the report in hand, Abusak wiped the sweat from his brow and murmured softly. "Damn it... This educational reform must push through!" No matter the resistance, it must be done! Witnessing the exasperated Abusak, Wadia, the Interior Commissioner standing at the desk, though unclear why the commander suddenly related to educational reform, nonetheless lowered his voice to report. "Rest assured, sir, Commissioner Kahabha and his family have been relocated to the Heavenly Palace and are under our protection in the Interior Commission. No harm can come to them." Abusak sighed and continued. "I'm not worried about Kahabha right now; it's the students I'm concerned about. With Tiandu about to erupt in war and now faced with a plague, we need to expedite their departure." Akalle County has already fallen. The twenty thousand cannon fodder on the frontline are on the verge of collapse, soon to be reinforced by Duata and Nigeli's troops. Including his own close followers. In comparison to the poisonous waters of the Yongliu River, the army of the legion advancing undeterred is the more immediate threat. The Alliance has warned him of the potential events in the city, and he must evacuate the students before then. Observing the worried Abusak, Wadia remained silent for a moment before speaking softly. "This was originally the responsibility of the Education Committee. However, since Commissioner Kahabha was detained, rumors have circulated about a military purge of the Education Committee, causing the entire education sector to practically grind to a halt…” Abusak fumed. "Who the hell is spreading these rumors!" Wadia chuckled bitterly. "Most likely Master Sergeant Duata... but it might also be someone under him." "The sly fox!" Abusak narrowed his eyes. A clever scheme indeed! Duata had clearly seen through his intentions of placing Commissioner Kahabha under house arrest; ostensibly reprimanding the Education Commissioner over the examination issues, placating military dissatisfaction, while on the sly offering protection. Thus, Duata crafted a narrative for him, spreading "good deeds" as a counter-strategy. From the perspective of the authorities, he couldn’t divulge the hidden truths. After all, they were the ones who apprehended Kahabha. Even if he clarified it was for Kahabha's own good, regardless of belief, it might enrage the soldiers he had painstakingly appeased. Abusak pondered for a long while, then commanded Wadia. "Since they want to turn their tricks against us, we'll play the entire act. Starting now, the Education Committee is temporarily under the Interior Commission’s administration, until the wartime status concludes." With a stern face, Wadia respectfully acknowledged. "Understood!" ... The eyes reddened not only belonged to the relentlessly advancing cat but also to the cornered mouse. Despite the legion’s army having the city under siege, the Boroh people of Tiandu hadn’t forgotten their ancient arts; instead, they intensified under extreme pressure. A mere examination caused a committee member's downfall and left the entire Education Committee nearly paralyzed. Schools closed, and teachers halted classes, demanding Abusak release Kahabha. As for the soldiers in the city, they eyed the situation intently. Regardless of allegiance, their discontentment toward Kahabha was mutual. They were keen to see who dared make a move! Once again, it was the Boroh Interior guards who stepped in to defuse the situation. Officers donned in black hats swiftly took over the Education Committee premises, announcing Abusak’s order. Due to the Education Committee’s passive resistance, the Interior Commission would temporarily assume control. The message stirred a thousand waves, resounding throughout the city. Some applauded and felt that it was long overdue for those old stubborn figures to be done away with, while others lamented Kahabha's lack of an enlightened leader as a tragedy. Sharp contradictions had effectively fractured Boroh society, with everyone harboring pent-up frustrations, just awaiting an outlet for release. It's no exaggeration to say that the dilapidated Tiandu was like a leaky house, liable to collapse under its own weight, even without someone kicking down the door. In this regard, Abusak certainly owed some gratitude to the legion. Not only did he secure investment from the big-nosed foreigners in the form of the Angel Wheel project, but by utilizing their brutish force, he managed to prop up this rickety house. For an average dockworker, this was perhaps the extent of his capabilities. Although the process was fraught with obstacles, the result was satisfying. The 500 students selected from the major examination eventually secured their flights to the Mammoth Nation. Additionally, after extensive negotiations between Tiandu University and Mammoth University, the latter agreed to offer an additional 100 study spots for officers and the families of fallen soldiers. On the day of departure, the military airport on Tiandu's outskirts was lined with families bidding farewell to their children, gathered behind the fence by the runway. An old father, his face lined with wrinkles yet beaming with joy, stood smiling at his youthful son, who, with a tender maturity, lowered his head to whisper softly, audible only to them. “Dad, once I've made something of myself... I'll bring you to the Alliance.” Old Lotts was momentarily taken aback, then grabbed his son’s shoulders, looking into his eyes with disbelief. "Silly boy, what nonsense are you talking? Lord Abusak is waiting for you to come back and take a position of authority. Why would you go to the Alliance?" Sayak lifted his head to meet his father's earnest face, filled with disbelief. Neighbors often praised his father for being honest, but Sayak knew his father was far from straightforward. Beneath that seemingly muddled gaze lay someone cunning and shrewd as any. Sayak didn’t regard his father as a bad person, nor did he consider cunning a vice. In this ruthless jungle, even harmless rabbits grow a thousand eyes and ears. If his father weren't resourceful, neither he nor his siblings would have survived. Conversely, the real culprits are those who forcibly label his father as honest. On the pasturelands of Niu State, the ones most honest were the two-headed cattle, and they were the most likely to be slaughtered. The Old Empire granted them the highest honors yet never genuinely respected them for a second. Nobles could enjoy them freely, as could outsiders, but the very ones who raised them could not. Every person in Tiandu claimed the times had changed, but Sayak could see clearly: the cycle of the seasons continued, so what difference did change or stagnation make? People remained the same. They had sorrow, anger, insight, and slumber, but fundamentally, they hadn’t changed. Looking at his father who remained blissfully unaware, Sayak lowered his voice and continued. “Commander Abusak never said that... It’s just what you presume he would say.” Watching his oblivious son, Old Lotts felt an urgent desire to shake him awake. “It’s obvious without needing to be stated! Don’t overthink it. Just mind your studies and listen to your father.” Sayak remained silent, finally opting to hide the truth within his heart with a deep sigh. "I understand." Yanush's death was an anomaly, but the one who killed him was truly doomed. However, this didn’t change anything for him. Even if he excelled in his studies, the detained Commissioner Kahabha would remain his highest possible aspiration. If he followed in his father’s footsteps, perhaps he’d become an undetained Kahabha, or one elevated to a pedestal... but what’s the point? Power wasn’t his pursuit, nor were the ever-changing colorful currencies. If he had true interests, it would be to see the moon. Legend said that two hundred years ago was a great era, when people wielded more power and knowledge than today, just shy of reaching the stars. It seemed a travesty to leave such a great endeavor unfinished, and someone had to continue the path left by those pioneers. He aspired to be such a person. Of course, this wouldn’t mean abandoning his family. He just intended to help them in his own way... Unaware of his son's thoughts, Old Lotts simply saw him lower his head obediently, and placed his hand fondly on his son’s head, wearing a smile of relief. “What a good boy…” A neighbor’s words over drinks the previous day had enlightened him. His son’s prospects of earning his keep from the state were just around the corner. Perhaps it was time to consider naming the future family line... At the same time Old Lotts sent his son on his way, Master Sergeant Pikeli’s youngest son, Gael, amidst tearful farewells from a group of ragtag friends, hoisted his baggage. Unlike Old Lotts' son, Gael was not too keen on traveling to Mammoth City. Firstly, with war imminent, he didn’t want to be far from his father. Secondly, it was in mighty Lacy’s territory, where his father’s influence didn’t reach, forcing him to live with his tail between his legs, quite unlike his uninhibited lifestyle in Tiandu. In Tiandu, he could count on his fingers those he dared not offend. Everyone else, unless they were Alliance members or academy guests, he could deal with as he pleased. More than that, he had a group of buddies worth sticking around for, sentimental friends he cherished most. However, he had no choice in the matter. According to his father, this opportunity was one for which he had risked his life pleading with Chief Duata—a favor so enormous it was already owed, and even if he were reluctant, he had to go. Though Gael was a bit of a spoiled dandy, lacking decency, he was no idiot. Facing his father's metaphorical belt held at the ready, he steeled himself to comply. As Gael was about to board the plane, a slightly chubby companion squeezed in front, tears streaming. "Boss, who knows when you'll return…" Gael's heart was touched, yet he assumed the demeanor of a leader, patting the shoulder of his weeping friend. "Quit the waterworks! If you really miss me, just buckle down and study for a year or two, then pass the exam next year to join me!" Hearing this, the small chubby friend immediately pulled a sour face. "Boss... you know how monstrous that old coot’s exams are. Even if I wanted, I’m powerless to pass." Other sons from the Chief's ranks echoed the sentiment, chiming in with flattery. “Yeah, boss.” “Our brains aren’t as sharp as yours.” As this entourage of young men lingered without boarding, a player waiting beside the plane, eager to close the door, finally lost patience and urged. “Hey, could you finish your scene quickly? We’ve got another run to make!” Scene? Gael paused but dared not inquire further. His father had already instructed him who he could and couldn’t mess with. Offering polite apologies, Gael quickly boarded the plane, taking an empty seat without further delay. Before long, the sound of the engines thrummed through the cabin walls, and the four blue arcs of light propelled the massive aircraft down the runway, accelerating until it took flight. Runways painstakingly hammered out by local survivors around Tiandu, ironically supported the silver wings bearing their hopes, temporarily defying Earth’s gravity, setting forth into the unknown... ... Meanwhile, in the northwest of Lion State, adjacent to Dog State's Surake County, rifle-bearing soldiers patrolled along the squared-off paddy bunds. They were auxiliary troops from the colonies, and though they shared a common tongue of the Human Federation, their accents varied widely. As Regimental Commander Wyan successfully seized Akalle County, Regimental Commander Olet's 17th, 18th, and 19th divisions had conquered Dog State and were advancing on the central regions of Sheep State in the northern trio. Subordinate to Commander Olet, stationed troops in Surake County, Ross and his 171st unit were dispatched to the northern frontline. Surake County, meanwhile, was handed over to colonial auxiliary forces for defense. Serving as the northern logistical hub, the area held significant strategic importance. Additionally, a certain "Alliance tough guy," who refused to give in, was also handed over to the auxiliary forces taking over the defense. Unlike the Velanterians, these laborers from the colonies had little enthusiasm for torturing prisoners. Seeing that the captive remained unyielding, they simply left him in the dungeon. Truth be told, Old Dog felt a bit disappointed by these lackeys' passive approach. It wasn't that he was a masochist; it was just that the previous captor, one of those big-nosed folks, had threatened to teach him a lesson but ended up repeating the same old tricks. He admitted he was initially scared out of his wits. Yet one day, he found himself surprisingly able to endure it. The helmet had shielded him from most of the pain, allowing him to savor the frustrated expressions on the Velanterians' faces as they failed to break his iron will. Instead, they had to endure his mockery. Since he wasn’t in a hurry to die, he thought he might as well improve his mastery of Union Language and gather some intel while at it. The Velanterians intended to extract information from him, but though they tortured him without mercy, they dared not kill him. Besides, he found another pleasure in sharing his "game experiences" with his buddies in a small group chat. Even though none of the four in the group wanted to hear his tales, urging him to bash his head against a wall and get it over with—given that the DLC might wrap up before his captivity ended… During another quiet night, Old Dog heard a commotion outside his door, assuming it was mealtime only to find a sneaky figure entering instead. The newcomer was short and slight, with dry grass clinging to his clothes and hair. With one look, Old Dog knew this was no Velanterian lackey, so he asked curiously in his broken Union Language. “Who… are you?” “I'm with the Family Association! Just call me Family! Brother, you've suffered enough!” The young man, ignoring the grass on his clothes, hurriedly approached, pulling out a key to unlock the cell door with a clatter and free the shackles by Old Dog's feet. Family Association? Chewing over this term, the once-weak Old Dog's eyes suddenly brightened as he stuttered. “Oh… I’ve heard of you guys, you’ve been to Dawn City, right?” He remembered this group. A piece by a forum member named [No Family] had made them quite popular, and plenty of players had donated money to them. The game’s NPCs were intelligent, but few were willing to play along seriously. The young man, with a simple smile, either understanding or ignoring his Union Language, became solemn and said. “...This isn’t a place to talk. Let's get you out first!” Barely understanding this, Old Dog felt joy surge in his heart—finally, a chance to save his progress. Yet, thinking about leaving this place brought a hint of reluctance. “Hey, you guys are too kind… Really, no need to worry about me. I’m fine here.” Whether or not the young man understood, he abandoned trying to communicate, instead hoisting Old Dog over his shoulder and slipping out the door. The night was silent, broken only by the croaks of frogs. While Old Dog longed to stay, he didn’t wish harm on anyone, so he closed his mouth and complied. Just moments after the two figures left the small dark room, the rumble of a jet engine filled the sky. A metallic hydrogen bomb landed precisely on Old Dog's former camp, with the explosion lighting up the night. The panicked auxiliary troops erupted in chaos, their frantic movements unwittingly providing the two escapees concealed at the village's edge a perfect window to flee. Suddenly, from the corner of Old Dog's eye, he spotted several shadowy figures lurking. They held automatic rifles looted from within the village… On a distant hill, two players in ghillie suits peered toward the explosion's center through binoculars. “The ammo depot is gone. Nice work.” Static crackled in their comms before Luoyu's voice came through. “What about the newbie?” Yawning, Yeshi replied. “Got him back… but it seemed unnecessary. That guy was the quickest to respawn himself—he could've reset ages ago and regained the lost experience.” Kuang Feng shot him a glance. “Not everyone sees the game like you. You can’t expect them to.” Yeshi shrugged helplessly. “Just saying… time to get moving.” The two grass-clad figures vanished silently over the hill, as if they had never been there. After Akalle County fell, rather than retreat with the Flaming Legion, they had ridden their moped westward, relocating to Lion State. Their upcoming mission was to collaborate with the Alliance’s air force and local guerrillas to disrupt the Southern Legion's supply lines. Rescuing someone was just an incidental task... To be continued.