Volume 4, Chapter 64 – The Final Faction War
Volume 4, Chapter 64 – The Final Faction War
[Story Quest] [Born in the Rain] completed.
Back at the inn, Anran began tallying the gains and losses from this quest.
First came the most obvious part: the quest rewards.
- Heloise’s favorability +30.
Unfortunately, even after gaining 30 favorability, Anran found that her favorability with Heloise was still gray.
Even without seeing the exact number, that color said plenty. Even if it was not negative, it could not be very positive either.
- Gained 50,000 Free EXP.
Including the Free EXP she had accumulated by farming a whole group of Z-series enemies, her current total was 203,500.
Advancing from Basic Mechanic Lv. 20 to Lv. 21 required 260,000 Free EXP, so she was still a little short.
However, to increase her strength as quickly as possible, and before committing herself to building equipment and grinding experience, Anran followed the guidance of a mysterious power from the East. She spent 6,600 EXP to raise both Apprentice Engineer and Apprentice Scout to Lv. 4 in one go. Raising them any further would no longer be cost-effective.
After allocating her points, Anran’s six attributes were as follows:
[Six Attributes]: Strength 51, Agility 64, Endurance 65, Intelligence 100, Spirit 33, Charisma 10
With the bonuses to strength and speed provided by her exoskeleton armor, changes to her Strength and Agility did not produce an especially obvious increase in combat power. However, seeing her Intelligence finally break through the 100-point threshold still left Anran thoroughly satisfied.
Using an extreme example, a Mechanic started with 5 Intelligence. If every free attribute point were invested into Intelligence, it could reach 45 at Lv. 10 and 115 at Lv. 20.
The higher one’s Intelligence, the more efficiently one could grind proficiency in low-level profession skills. It also allowed the user to analyze higher-level blueprints and mechanical equipment.
“Your Intelligence has reached 100. You have unlocked the new skill [Precision Mechanical Enhancement Lv. 1].”
Anran already possessed the skill Basic Mechanical Enhancement. However, its effects at low levels had not been particularly noticeable, since it was a general-purpose skill.
The newly unlocked [Precision Mechanical Enhancement Lv. 1], on the other hand, could selectively enhance one attribute by 20% while consuming only 50 Stamina. That alone made it extremely powerful.
For example, when used on a gun, it could not directly increase damage, but it could indirectly raise its output by improving its rate of fire, penetration, or another specific attribute. At a critical moment, it might produce an unexpectedly powerful effect.
After spending 3,300 EXP to raise it to Lv. 4, the enhancement increased to 35%.
- Rainveil Set ×1.
The set’s attributes were quite good. It was unquestionably one of the finest sets Anran had seen on the forums or in stores so far.
(A completely new design with a universally praised appearance. Skin-friendly, highly breathable, extremely impact-resistant, waist-cinching and slimming. A style favored by women.)
Attributes: Agility +7, Endurance +5, Charisma +1 (Note: only applies when unobstructed)
Additional Effects:
① Swiftness: Agility +15 while swimming
② Blessing of the Rain God: Gain the [Concealment] effect on rainy days
[Concealment]: Reduces the noise produced while moving by 70%
Those were all the advantages of the Rainveil Set.
As for its appearance, that was truly difficult to describe.
It looked exactly like a one-piece swimsuit. The claims that it was tight-fitting, waist-cinching, and slimming were certainly accurate.
As for its supposed extreme impact resistance, after tugging hard on the “swimsuit” several times and finding it still remarkably “sturdy,” Anran believed that claim too.
It looked like she could only wear it underneath her other equipment. That meant losing the +1 Charisma bonus. Still, so be it. Anran felt that particular attribute was rather unnecessary anyway. Even without the Rainveil Set, if she walked outside in a swimsuit, she could probably gain one or two temporary points of Charisma.
Oh, right. Why could a single piece of equipment be called a set?
Because it also came with a pair of thin gloves that granted +1 Strength!
- Passive Skill: Mental Barrier
(A loving reward for adventurers who have experienced terrifying memories.)
When subjected to a mental-type attack, one-tenth of the user’s Intelligence could be converted into additional Spirit.
That was equivalent to gaining 10 Spirit out of thin air. Anran was so moved that she was “on the verge of tears.”
It completely swept away her displeasure with the appearance of the Rainveil Set.
There were gains, but there were also losses. Besides the large amount of equipment destroyed during the fighting, the subsequent repairs would also cost a considerable sum.
After carefully calculating everything, Anran discovered that she had spent another ten thousand or so Bilu.
That gave her a headache. Recently, money had only been going out, with nothing coming in. Had she not earned several hundred thousand from selling robots, she would already be close to bankruptcy.
On top of that, Anran had gained another -470 favorability with Morningstar. That was probably the limit. She felt there was a high chance Morningstar was about to get wiped out anyway, at which point favorability with Morningstar would simply cease to exist.
…
“Clink, clink…”
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“Clang!”
Inside Rodney’s office, Anran was repairing her damaged armguard.
“Knock, knock, knock…”
A knock suddenly sounded at the door.
“Come in.”
Anran put down the hammer in her hand. She glanced over and saw Liang Minyao walking inside.
“What is it?” Anran asked. Liang Minyao’s expression was somewhat serious.
“Although this is an internal matter for Nine Songs, I thought it would be better to tell you.” Liang Minyao carefully considered her wording.
Anran rolled her eyes. “Then hurry up and say it.”
“After you left, we sent people back to inspect that building. We didn’t find Heloise.”
“And? Did you discover anything new?”
Anran really wanted to complain that Liang Minyao was stating the obvious, but she chose a slightly more tactful response instead.
Sometimes, her personality was simply that unpleasant.
“We found a metal device in that underground room. After reporting it to headquarters, they identified it as a signal transmitter removed from a small general-purpose spacecraft.”
“A signal transmitter?”
Was it that glowing block she had seen?
Removed from a spacecraft?
Did that mean Morningstar possessed a spacecraft capable of traveling into outer space?
Anran blinked.
“We also found a computer, but unfortunately, it had been destroyed in an explosion.” Liang Minyao sighed.
Anran’s eyelid twitched.
There was an eighty percent chance that computer had been destroyed by one of her explosive rounds.
Liang Minyao sighed again. “The Security Department worked on it for a long time, but they still couldn’t fully restore the data inside.”
“Looks like this operation failed to produce any major breakthrough again.” Anran smiled awkwardly.
However, Liang Minyao’s expression suddenly changed, and a smile appeared on her face. “We didn’t restore everything, but we still managed to recover some information. At the very least, we’ve confirmed the date and target of Morningstar’s operation!”
“!!!”
“Seriously?”
“Of course. The people in charge have all gone into a meeting. Headquarters is currently drawing up countermeasures against Morningstar’s operation. If we’re lucky, we might be able to wipe them all out in one sweep.” Liang Minyao smiled happily.
“…”
This woman kept talking about everything except the main point. Was she deliberately trying to irritate Anran?
“Aren’t you worried Morningstar will cancel the operation? They must know the information was leaked.”
“If they cancel it, then they cancel it. We won’t lose anything.”
“Oh.”
Anran nodded. Then she suddenly pinned Liang Minyao down and smiled darkly. “If you don’t tell me right now, I’ll strip off your clothes and let you experience the pleasure from last time all over again.”
“…”
This violent woman.
Liang Minyao explained everything in one breath. “Morningstar’s target is Trade Station No. 1. They’ll act after the summer storm arrives.”
“Come to think of it, I’m curious why they’re targeting Trade Station No. 1.”
What benefit would that bring Morningstar?
Their main forces had tied down the Security Department on the Canyon Continent, but by now they had also been beaten into scattered remnants. If there were a numerical comparison of faction strength, Anran estimated that Morningstar would account for only around ten percent.
Even if they smashed Trade Station No. 1 to pieces, they could not use that to launch a counterattack against the government forces.
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They had neither manpower nor advanced weapons. Did they plan to curse everyone to death?
“Who knows? Either way, the purpose of our operation is to sabotage Morningstar’s plan,” Liang Minyao said.
It could not possibly be that simple.
Anran’s appearance might have ruined many of Morningstar’s plans, but they should not have become this careless. Otherwise, this faction war would be far too one-sided.
Anran could not shake the feeling that some kind of trap was hidden beneath it all.
Would Heloise really abandon everything in that basement and leave without a second thought?
Anran did not believe it.
However, she could not make sense of the situation either.
As an “unrelated outsider,” Anran had no way to participate in the internal operations of Nine Songs.
She simply repaired her equipment in silence and occasionally sold items to the steadily growing number of players in town. Guided by the faction quests, the players also began participating in this part of the storyline.
It was not that a storm was approaching. The rain had never stopped. All they were waiting for was the first storm of summer.
As for Anran, most of her daily life was spent alone with Aila.
She had little interest in wandering around outside. It was better to teach Aila more things and learn a little more herself.
For example, small general-purpose spacecraft. She could figure out how to pilot one and then teach Aila.
And so time passed.
January 7, Imperial Calendar Year 8103.
The weather forecast announced that the first storm of the southern hemisphere would form over the Omago Sea and was expected to affect Lunga Town forty-eight hours later.
The wind had come.
Driving a reinforced off-road vehicle packed full of equipment, Anran, thoroughly armed by the power of money, set out for Trade Station No. 3 with Aila.
“Whooo…”
“Whooooo…” “Rattle, rattle, rattle!”
The moment the storm arrived, rain battered the windows with a sharp clatter, while nearby trees swayed violently in the wind.
Slanting sheets of rain swept through the air, and all kinds of debris were carried into the sky. Parked near Trade Station No. 1, Anran watched everything around her with an indifferent expression.
Nine Songs had already deployed its people. Would Morningstar come?
The NPCs and players were both ready.
The NPCs had clear operational objectives, while players within the effective radius also received a new faction quest.
“You have triggered [Faction Affiliation Quest] [(Government Forces Side)]. Do you wish to accept?”
[Storm on the Isolated Island] [Quest Series]
Quest Description: The long buildup is about to reach its conclusion. As the storm arrives, the two sides will clash fiercely upon the isolated island.
[Life Sacrifice]: Kill players or NPCs from the opposing faction. Reward: 2,000 EXP per person.
[Starlight Fades I]: Kill Wang Juyan. Variable reward: 15,000–150,000 Free EXP and Unique Insights of a Swordmaster.
[Starlight Fades II]: Kill Heloise. Variable reward: 20,000–200,000 Free EXP and a chance to obtain a Gene Enhancement Potion [Purple].
[Starlight Fades III]: Kill the leader of Morningstar. Variable reward: 20,000–200,000 Free EXP and the title [Heroic Badge of No. 1886].
[Sinking Island]: Successfully prevent Morningstar’s operation. Reward: 1,000,000 Free EXP, Expeditionary Army Certificate, and Targeted Random Chest [Orange].
Although Anran did not know the complete contents of the affiliation quests received by players on Morningstar’s side, she had learned some details through the forums.
They were essentially missions opposing those of the government forces, and their rewards were just as generous.
However, Anran did not find any quests targeting her. Most likely, until she grew into a “boss” officially recognized by the game, the game would not issue missions against her.
Otherwise, there would be no point in calling her the final boss of Version 2.0.
Naturally, commissions and bounty missions issued by other NPCs were not included.
As a special NPC with a player interface, Anran received the same faction quests as the players, but the rewards differed slightly.
In [Starlight Fades I], Unique Insights of a Swordmaster had been replaced by an Intermediate Elite Coefficient Bonus.
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In [Starlight Fades II], the reward for killing Heloise had changed from a Gene Enhancement Potion to an Advanced Bloodline.
These were rewards unique to NPCs.
“Whooo…”
The wailing wind made it difficult to concentrate. After reviewing the quests, Anran began observing her surroundings, while Aila, seated in the front passenger seat, observed Anran.
There was a defensive perimeter around the trade station. Although it was not heavily staffed, Anran was still curious about what strategy Morningstar would use.
Since the game had already issued faction quests, that meant Morningstar had not abandoned the operation.
Disguising themselves and slipping inside would be extremely difficult. Nine Songs had arranged quite a few hidden checkpoints.
Even Anran could only remain at the edge of the defensive perimeter. The players had it even worse. Many of them were standing in the wind, trembling violently.
[Good grief. I’ve only experienced one typhoon in real life, and now I have to stand guard in a storm inside a game.]
[I feel like I’ll start flying if I let go with both hands.]
[Young lady, want me to send you flying?]
[Get lost, pervert.]
[Through wind and rain, I wait for you here. Morningstar, why haven’t you come yet?]
[What the hell? They’re here, they’re here! I can see people from Morningstar’s faction coming…]
[Hey, bro, what happened to you?]
Ten seconds passed.
[Damn it. Several people from the other side charged me straight back to the respawn fountain. I didn’t even get to finish what I was saying.]
They were here?
Anran hurriedly grabbed her double-barreled scattergun. “Aila, the enemy is here!”
“Mm.” Aila nodded and picked up her gun as well.
After waiting several minutes, Anran finally heard faint gunshots through the howling wind.
“Knock, knock…”
Someone tapped on the car window. Anran saw Liang Minyao standing outside in a raincoat.
“Click, click.”
Anran rolled down the window. “What is it?”
She had to shout over the storm.
Liang Minyao cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, “Morningstar’s people are already here! I came over specifically to tell you.”
Huh?
She was being this considerate?
Anran looked at Liang Minyao in surprise, then nodded. “Thanks.”
No matter what, the next stage was all about grinding experience.
A gleam flashed through Anran’s eyes. She opened the car door and stepped outside, with Aila following behind. The two robots each carried a heavy pack on their backs, temporarily serving as transporters for weapons and equipment.
The attack from Morningstar’s side did not keep Anran waiting long. Two minutes after Liang Minyao arrived, Anran saw numerous shadows appear through the blurred view of her tactical goggles.
The violent wind and rain obscured her vision. For a moment, Anran could not even tell whether they were players or NPCs, but it did not matter. The gunfire remained faint, but not even the wailing wind could conceal the explosions.
Aim.
Fire.
“Bang, bang…”
Anran and Aila, both now using rifles, pulled their triggers at the same time.
The defenders inside the perimeter and the players on the government forces’ side also joined the battle.
“Boom!”
“Ratatatatat…”
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The exchange of fire was intense, but not many people fell.
At first, Anran thought Morningstar had simply gathered a large crowd to draw attention. She soon realized something was wrong.
Too many people were charging forward.
There were both players and NPCs.
Using the rain as cover, they steadily closed in on the defensive line. The momentum of their assault made it look as though they genuinely intended to crush the entire perimeter in a single push.
“You have killed the player [Clusters of Wildflowers] and gained 2,100 Free EXP.”
Anran quickly dodged to the side, avoiding an incoming bullet. Her brows furrowed, and her mind filled with disbelief.
Had Morningstar’s people gone insane?
How could a frontal assault like this possibly succeed?
In terms of numbers, the government forces clearly held the advantage.
Anran did not believe Morningstar’s people had suddenly lost their minds. Even if their plan had been leaked, they had prepared for so long. That meant they had another objective.
Was there a gap somewhere in the defensive perimeter?
While firing and collecting experience, Anran recalled the layout of the defenses.
Draw fire from the front, then send elite troops to infiltrate through a weak point.
“Boom!”
“Damn.”
“Haha, I’ve already killed three! I’m going to earn a ton of EXP this time.”
“Why are they all weaklings? I haven’t seen a single strong monster.”
“The right side! Reinforce the right side!”
“Click, click.”
Aila inserted a fresh magazine, then said to Anran, “Anran, Anran, there don’t seem to be many people left on this side.”
That was true. The attackers were not idiots. They were all searching for places where the firepower was weaker.
“In that case, let’s go support them over there.”
Anran smiled and switched from her rifle to the double-barreled scattergun.
Kill-stealing?
Who had more experience with that than her?
“Okay, okay!”
Fully armed, Anran was like a tiger descending the mountain. With Aila, who was far more terrifying than any adorable palm-sized tiger cub, she plunged straight into the edge of the defensive line.
Then came…
“Bang, bang, bang…”
Explosive rounds.
“Boom! Boom!”
And bombs fired like artillery shells.
The area instantly became a slaughterhouse.
“Aah…”
“Damn, I’m flying! Someone pull me down!”
“Screw this, I’m changing positions.”
“It’s Anran! It’s Anran!”
“Haha! Die, Anran’s little sis… Ugh!”
One unlucky man who had been laughing was sent flying by a single strike from Aila’s gunstock.
Even if Anran did not know what Morningstar was planning, how could she possibly let a whole crowd of walking experience points escape when they were right in front of her?