In the desert shrouded in night.
Two people were lying on the gently rising sand dunes.
They were covered with desert-colored cloaks, each holding a telescope, looking at the valley on the eastern horizon, and a small tuft of sand spur grass swayed gently beside their arms.
Not far behind the two people, a battery motorcycle produced by Goblin Technology was leaning down the slope.
Time went back to a few hours ago.
It was not completely dark at that time.
After deciding on the treasure hunt plan, Sisi suggested to explore the road near the entrance of the ruins first, so he said hello to Rourou and Zhimahu, rode the only motorcycle in the group, and headed towards the Lost Valley in the east with his tail.
According to the plan, they would arrive around 8 o'clock in the evening, confirm the status of the entrance of the ruins, and return before 9 o'clock to take over the night watch with Rourou and Zhimahu.
However, in fact, the two spent a lot longer than expected.
Although the electric motorcycle of Goblin Technology has enough horsepower and can reach a speed of more than 150 yards per hour, that is only when there is a flat road.
The nearest Highway 7 has been broken into several sections.
They can only cross-country along the edge of the road, and the speed is only about 40 to 50 yards per hour. If they go faster, they will be in danger of flying on a steep slope.
It took the two of them three and a half hours to see the shadow of the valley after a distance of nearly 150 kilometers.
And at this time, a sandstorm suddenly blew up in the Gobi Desert. Not only did the visibility suddenly drop to within 100 meters, but the whistling wind made it difficult for people to move.
In desperation, the two could only stop the car temporarily, leaning against the back of the sand dune to avoid the wind, and planned to wait for the sandstorm to pass before continuing to move forward.
Fortunately, the sandstorm did not last too long.
But just as the two were about to move forward, Sis suddenly saw a few lights flickering in the distance where the sandstorm had swept through.
There are people in the Lost Valley!
And there are quite a few!
Out of caution, she put the motorcycle on the ground, took the tail to the high point next to it, took out the telescope and looked around.
And this look was not a big deal, the two were instantly shocked by the amazing discovery.
"... patrol team."
Holding the telescope tightly in her hand, Sis's eyes searched along the distant horizon and frowned slightly.
"And they are from the Legion!"
Although she didn't see the black robe, she would not mistake the bulletproof armor and the rifles in those people's hands, after all, they had fought so many times at close range.
A three-wheeled motorcycle anchored on the sand dunes, probably because of the sandstorm just now.
Several soldiers were surrounding the motorcycle, tinkering with the tools in the repair box, trying to repair the motorcycle.
Another patrol team came from a distance, a total of ten people, approaching the broken-down tricycle, seemingly to understand the situation.
These people patrolled at a high density and were very vigilant.
It can be seen that the valley behind them should hide some incredible secrets.
Sis changed the direction of her gaze and looked at the camp surrounded by sandbag walls in the distance.
There were people working in the north, as if they were digging something, and there were some earth piled up at the entrance of the valley in the south, as if they were transported from the valley.
What are they planning to do?
Sis was also a little confused.
"Awei, lend me your thermal imaging device... Awei?"
There was no response for a long time.
Sis turned her head and saw that Wei was lying motionless on the sand pile, without any reaction.
After a slight pause, Sis smiled and shook her head.
She could guess with her feet where Awei was doing.
Reaching out and taking off the thermal imaging device on the top of Tail's head, she put it on her head and continued to look towards the east.
The world turned black and white.
In the distance, on the faintly white sand, there were bright white dots shaking.
Looking at the open space to the north of the camp, Sisi's face showed a surprised expression.
"Oh..."
So bright!
...
Another world.
On the official forum of "Wasteland OL", a post suddenly appeared in the player exchange section where only closed beta players can speak.
Tail: "Oh oh oh oh! Major discovery!! (?ω?)"
Quit smoking: "What's going on???"
Ye Shi: "What did you find? (Surprised)"
Yin Lena: "Is it delicious? (Funny)"
Tail: "Uh, it shouldn't be edible, it's the Legion! We saw a lot of Legion soldiers!"
Lao Bai: "???"
As soon as they heard that they had encountered the Legion, the post suddenly became lively.
Compared to encountering a wild deathclaw somewhere, or getting hit on the head by the tentacles of a centaur, it is obviously more interesting to talk about those elite monsters that appear in groups.
Edge of the Water: "Are you at the Golden Lizard? There may indeed be Legion activity there... Previously, the guerrillas of the Restoration Army moved their 50 tanks and a large number of trucks and supplies. Now the north of Oasis No. 9 is full of Legion patrols. We almost ran into them."
Debt Big Eyes: "+1, Awei, be careful, don't let the Legion catch you. (Funny)"
Construction Site Boy and Brick: "+10086, be careful of the mole, that guy can draw a book. (Funny)"
Canyon Escaping Mole: "Get lost! Only dogs can draw that stuff, I have retired! Haha, wait and see, when my game sells out in Ideal City, let all of you call me daddy! (Rolling eyes)"
Since being banned by Brother Guang, this guy has indeed not drawn some weird books on the forum for a while.
But this is even more worrying.
An unemployed painter, and in the River Valley Province.
This buff is almost full.
Elf King Fugui: "Haha, good brother, you have to work hard! I'll give you all the money that Lao Na saved from eating mantises! (funny)"
Yin Lena: "It's okay, he sold his ass to pay us back, he said so himself, (funny)"
Makabazi: "Hahahaha."
"..."
Tail: "Oh! Don't worry, brother Edge, we are no longer in the Golden Lizard! I heard that Oasis No. 4 is close to the sea, so we turned around and went south two weeks ago! (@ˉ?ˉ@)"
Ye Shi: "(sweat)"
Tail: "Then, then, we found the base of the Legion in a place called Lost Valley 150 kilometers away from the Zhuobar Mountains! There is at least a 10,000-man army there!"
Edge: "South?! Wait, how can there be people from the Legion in the south?"
Fun Commander: "I want to know how many people there are in the Legion... From the map, their forces are too dispersed. If they don't plan to attack the three kingdoms at the same time, I always have a bad feeling. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : The combat meeting room of the Army Command in Dawn City was now full of people.
Although it was late at night, there was no intention to adjourn the meeting.
Sitting at the conference table, Wrench, the commander of the First Corps, suddenly spoke.
"I have been thinking about a question."
Everyone in the conference room turned their eyes to him.
Except for Chu Guang who was staring at the map.
"What's the question?"
After a casual reply, Chu Guang's eyes did not move away from the map. His expressionless face seemed to be thinking about something.
Wrench sorted out his thoughts and carefully expressed his views.
"I was thinking... what is the benefit of the Corps using this nuclear bomb in the City of Fertility? In the eyes of the residents of Luoxia Province, the river bank is not only a tool for irrigation, but also a blessing from the gods. Even if they don't mind losing a piece of fertile land... don't they worry about being enemies with the entire desert?"
Chu Guang nodded.
He was very satisfied that his subordinates had finally grown up and would consider more issues in decision-making, including thinking from the perspective of the enemy about what means the other party might use.
"This is also one of the questions I'm thinking about... Vanus, tell him why."
Vanus, who was sitting at the conference table, nodded, looked at the commander of the First Corps sitting opposite him, and spoke in gentle words.
"There are many benefits. Although the cost is to increase the cost of suppression, the benefit is that the resistance of the royal family of the Lion Kingdom can be destroyed in a short period of time, ending the war ahead of time."
"It is obvious that the Corps is not ready for a full-scale war with the enterprise, whether it is sending airships to intercept the fleeing enterprise employees, or suddenly launching a blitzkrieg raid, or deploying nuclear weapons like now... Rather than saying that this is a careful plan that has been prepared for a long time, it is better to say that it is a gamble."
"They are betting that they can fully control Luoxia Province before the enterprise completes mobilization, and negotiate with the enterprise after the fait accompli... Gamble on a series of issues such as the ownership of the Pioneer, Shelter No. 0, and regional control of Luoxia Province."
Chu Guang nodded.
The key to Shelter No. 0 is in his hand.
If the Legion's military operations in Luoxia Province achieve the expected goals, they can exchange the Pioneer and its crew for the key to Shelter No. 0.
The officers in the conference room exchanged glances and whispered to each other.
Vanus looked at Chu Guang.
"But... there is still a doubt here. Do you need me to continue?"
Chu Guang nodded.
"Just say whatever comes to mind."
Vanus nodded slightly, cleared his throat, and continued.
"Deploying nuclear weapons is an open conspiracy, but where to use the nuclear bombs may not be. I think the intelligence of our allies is trustworthy, but the problem is that their intelligence is too detailed."
"Not only do they know that the Legion is deploying nuclear bombs to Luoxia Province, but they also know where the nuclear bombs are going to be used... I can't help but ask, how do they know."
"Unless the king or marshal of the Falcon Kingdom is a traitor, I can't think of anyone else who can get such a detailed battle plan."
"Our respected manager, I'm afraid this is exactly what you are worried about at the moment."
Hearing this subtle flattery, Chu Guang smiled.
To be honest, this Vanus is really good.
Since the meeting with Kariman, he has indeed been thinking about this matter for a while.
Including the diplomatic note with the company.
Including the mobilization speech in the morning...
Because it is really too suspicious.
Before launching the blitzkrieg, the desert kings did not get any wind in advance. How come after being hit by a barrage of punches, it was as if the six meridians of Ren and Du were opened, and the intelligence system suddenly became smart, and the Falcon Kingdom and the Legion were sieved.
That was a nuclear weapon.
Vanus's estimate was still a bit conservative.
Let alone the king and marshal of the Falcon Kingdom, I am afraid that only Griffin himself in the entire Luoxia Province knows where the nuclear bomb was thrown.
Chu Guang always had an ominous premonition in his heart. This bait might not only be to lure out the spy who leaked the 530 camp, but also a strategic conspiracy.
Underestimating the opponent is a taboo.
The strength of the Legion is very strong. If it is a total war at the level of total mobilization, the academy and the enterprise together may not be able to defeat those fanatical war lunatics... Even if the ideal city and weapons and equipment of the enterprise do look very impressive.
Including the previous battle of Ruigu City, the Alliance used the strength of the entire Alliance to fight against the Air Marines of the Iron Heart. Under the circumstances where the players' individual combat capabilities were absolutely superior, the orders of each corps were resolutely executed, and the commanders performed at a superb level, the Alliance's chance of winning was less than 30%.
If McLen had not been too arrogant and made a series of tactical misjudgments, even if he lost a game, he would not have lost the Iron Heart.
In fact, even with a series of tactical mistakes, that guy almost turned the tables at the last moment.
And the Alliance is not facing McLen now, but an old fox who is far more cunning and cautious than that guy, and is said to have climbed up from the grassroots of the army.
Rather than taking out the nuclear bomb in a rage, Chu Guang felt that the man was more like sitting calmly at the card table, telling him in a half-smile tone-
'I plan to use the nuclear bomb. '
'Now it's your turn to play the cards. '
Just as Chu Guang was thinking, Xiao Qi's voice suddenly came to his ears.
"Master, your players have found traces of the legion in the northeast of Oasis No. 4. It seems that there is a 10,000-man army stationed there. The player named Tail said that they were looking for treasure, but Xiaoqi feels that things are not that simple..."
Xiaoqi has been monitoring the posts on the forum. After discovering the suspected important intelligence, he immediately reported it.
Chu Guang was slightly stunned when he heard the news.
Oasis No. 4?
Northeast?
His sight fell on the Zhuobar Mountains on the map, moving eastward, and finally stopped at the Lost Valley 150 kilometers northeast of the Hump Kingdom - the ruins of the southwest corner of Oasis No. 7.
This Lost Valley is about 900 kilometers away from the Fertile City of Oasis No. 9, which can be said to be quite far from the front line.
Going east for more than 800 kilometers, you have to go to the River Valley Province... and so on.
Chu Guang suddenly thought of something, picked up a marker from the side, and drew a red circle at the location of the Lost Valley on the map.
Vanus, who was sitting at the conference table, frowned slightly.
"Is there any situation there?"
Chu Guang answered concisely.
"... According to the report of our informant, a large number of legion ground troops were witnessed on the north side of Oasis No. 4, with a number of more than 10,000 and less than 30,000."
A surprised voice spread in the conference room.
Liu Ding, the commander of the Second Corps, opened his eyes wide.
"Oasis No. 4? Is the legion planning to divide its troops to attack the Hump Kingdom?"
Another officer frowned.
"I remember... the population of the Hump Kingdom is about 1.5 million, and I heard that the industry and commerce are developed, and conservatively estimated that it can also gather 5 full-strength 10,000-man teams... If it is the 10,000-man team of the legion headquarters, there is still hope, but relying on the escort army of the Falcon Kingdom, how do they plan to fight?"
The wrench next to him nodded and said in a deep voice.
"Besides, Oasis No. 4 is separated from the desert by the natural barrier of the Dzobar Mountains, so even tanks may not be very effective... If we want to attack Petra Fortress from the front, we must deploy a large number of support squadrons, and only with infantry and artillery coordinated assaults can we hope to take it down."
"The target may not be Oasis No. 4." Vanus suddenly said.
The noisy conference room quieted down.
A pair of eyes looked at him.
Chu Guang, staring at the map, nodded and spoke slowly.
"Well, if the target is Oasis No. 4, they don't have to camp there... They can camp in the northwest, closer to their rear, instead of letting the supply line pass through the fortress they intend to conquer."
After a pause, he continued.
"Their target... maybe it's us."
Everyone in the conference room showed surprised expressions on their faces.
Although some people thought of this possibility, they didn't dare to believe it.
If you want to take over Qingquan City's air advantage, you have to face not only the alliance, but also the nearby Boulder City!
Although the city lord has a low presence in this war, or even no sense of participation, the radar, anti-aircraft guns and missile launchers deployed on the giant wall are no joke.
"You mean... that nuclear bomb is actually prepared for us?" Liu Ding's expression was slightly moved.
Chu Guang nodded.
"If the City of Plenty falls, the resistance of the Lion Kingdom will end... I am the commander of the alliance. Normally speaking, I must prevent this from happening, and the best strategy is to transfer the Heart of Steel to Oasis No. 9. With the air defense capability and battlefield suppression of the Heart of Steel, we can prevent the nuclear bomb from being delivered to the nearby airspace."
"But if we do this, it will be right in their hands."
"They clearly want to end this war quickly. They know that we have figured out their ideas, so they deliberately act impatient, even at the cost of taking out nuclear bombs and deliberately showing us their flaws, but in fact they are playing a trick of making a feint to the east and attacking in the west."
Chu Guang's eyes narrowed slightly, and he felt that his mind was opened up in an instant. All the clues marked on the map were now connected together.
"...Once our strategic focus shifts to Oasis No. 9, their planes will take off from the southern part of Luoxia Province and launch a nuclear strike on our homeland."
The terrain of the Lost Valley is a natural shelter.
Compared to the rolling yellow sand Gobi Desert, it is more suitable for large troops to station for a long time.
They do not need to form absolute air superiority in the river valley.
All they need is one or several fearless pilots, driving a jet aircraft with a speed of more than Mach 2, to drop a nuclear bomb at the moment of breaking through the defense line.
Then detonate in the air.
What happened in Qingquan City 200 years ago will happen again.
The absolute killing radius of a million tons of equivalent for exposed personnel in open terrain is 6.3 kilometers, the killing radius for personnel in trenches is 3.6 kilometers, and the killing radius for tanks is 2.8 kilometers...This is the data that can be referenced during the Cold War.
The actual killing effect will vary depending on the situation, but there is no doubt that the devastating power is enough to wipe out the Stone City and the Dawn City from the map.
Even precise aiming is not needed.
"The distance from the Falcon Kingdom near the Great Desert to the River Valley Province is too far, which should be beyond the range of their aircraft, so they need a springboard."
"If my judgment is correct..."
Looking at the map full of markings, Chu Guang said in an affirmative tone.
"The thing they built near the Lost Valley should be an airport!"
...
On the sand dunes seven or eight kilometers away from the Lost Valley.
The tail, lying on the ground with his face on the side, moved his eyelashes and slowly opened his eyes, and what came into view was a pair of bright eyes.
"Hmm..."
Rubbing his eyes, the tail smiled embarrassedly.
"Hehe, I just went offline to report to everyone. Sorry for waiting for so long."
Sis said jokingly.
"Oh, if you don't wake up, I'm going to use a pen to draw the word "正" on your forehead."
Tailing said in surprise.
"Huh?! Then I'll sleep a little longer."
"Wait until we get back."
After crawling to the reverse slope of the sand dune, Sisi got up from the ground and patted the sand off his clothes.
Fortunately, he didn't take a shower before going out.
This body of dust, I have to clean it up when I get back.
"By the way... are we just going to leave it alone?"
Tailing glanced at the valley in the distance with some concern, obviously worried that the treasure buried there would be taken away by someone first.
Maybe it's really possible.
God knows how long those people have been digging there.
Sisi said in a casual tone.
"Well, it's better to retreat first. There are at least 10,000 people stationed there. If we get caught, it won't be a case of having the word "positive" written all over our foreheads."
"Issue! So scary!"
The tail shuddered and quietly climbed down the dune.
At the bottom of the slope.
Looking at Sisi who lifted the motorcycle from the sand, she whispered.
"But what if our treasure is dug out by the Legion? It's a Titan, maybe it can still move."
Sisi made a helpless expression.
"Don't even mention a Titan. Even if it's an interstellar cruiser, we can't do it with just the two of us."
At least.
We have to go back and make some preparations.
Petra Fortress is a trade hub in the southern part of Luoxia Province. After disposing of that batch of goods, it is better to hire some people with the money earned than to rush over on a motorcycle.
Single-handedly fight an infantry division.
Let alone the "Legendary SSSR Card" Manager.
Even the Human Emperor Sigma couldn't do it.
Although the awakeners are strong, they are not strong enough to blow up a planet with one punch.
Throwing the motorcycle helmet to the regretful Wei, Sisi gently patted the back seat of the motorcycle and said with a smile to comfort.
"Okay, don't be disappointed, I will find a way to help Wei find that big treasure... Get on the car and go back first, otherwise Rourou and Zhimahu will worry about us."
"Oh! That's right... My giao! It's already this time!" Looking at the time on the VM, Wei was startled and jumped on the motorcycle immediately.
A smile appeared on Sisi's face, he pulled down the windshield hanging on the helmet, twisted the handle to start the electric motorcycle motor.
"Hold on."
...
The dawn and dusk rose from the east coast.
To be honest, although it is not a perception system, Mole sometimes really admires his sixth sense.
He had just set a flag in front of his fellow brothers yesterday, but before he went online today, he received a mobilization order from the manager - asking him to return to Dawn City immediately.
Ideal City.
On the helipad on the roof of the building.
Standing not far from the helipad, Mole's face was full of reluctance, and he hugged the employees of the Skeleton Studio one after another.
Looking at the boss who was about to board the plane, Xue Hongliang couldn't help but say.
"If you donate money, can you not go to the front line?"
"What are you talking about," Mole looked at him seriously and said seriously, "Is this a matter of money?"
The reason why the alliance united under the banner of the shelter is that the residents of Shelter No. 404 always rushed to the front line, and never pushed the residents of the alliance in front of them because of their self-righteousness because of the blue coat.
This is an obligation!
It is also a responsibility!
Of course, this is a big picture.
To put it simply, the rewards given by each "national war" event and task are the most, which is also a reason.
If you want to make money, you can do business, but if you want to become T1 or even T0, you must stand up when the alliance needs you.
There are two things in this game that cannot be bought with silver coins.
One is a helmet.
The other is contribution points.
Especially the latter, which is very useful.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Xue Hongliang stopped persuading and said solemnly.
"Boss! Take care!"
Mole smiled and said.
"Don't worry, your boss is lucky and will not die! When I come back, I will create brilliance with you! Make our studio bigger and stronger!"
After that, he resolutely boarded the plane, leaving a majestic back to the employees and reporters behind him.
On the plane.
Mole saw at a glance that there was a long-legged lady sitting in the cabin.
The person was very beautiful, and not only was she beautiful, she had a shrewd and capable temperament, and both her sitting posture and appearance were quite like a CEO.
Mole was not a shy person, let alone facing an NPC, but he still subconsciously sat down two seats away.
However, what he didn't expect was that as soon as he sat down, the beautiful woman took the initiative to talk to him.
"Hello, my name is Li Shuyue."
"Hello... I'm Mole." The Mole who was approached was a little embarrassed and suddenly regretted taking such a casual name.
However, the beautiful woman didn't think there was anything strange about the name, and said calmly and naturally.
"What about the one who came with you?"
Mole said with a smile.
"Are you talking about Fang Chang? The one who was recalled this time was the corps commander, and the little brother was not of a high enough rank, and the mobilization had not yet reached him."
The relationship between the two was actually quite good, but it didn't prevent him from insulting him whenever he had something to do.
Anyway, that guy also insulted himself a lot.
So what if he made great contributions?
He is still a dog-headed military strategist!
I am the head of the corps after all, there is nothing wrong with calling him little brother!
"Oh."
Li Shuyue nodded and stopped talking, ending the topic.
As for the corps head, the level, and other things, she didn't seem to be very interested, which made Mole embarrassed.
"..."
Fuck!
Are all the NPCs in this game so real?
He didn't think Fang Chang was handsome at all, at least not much more handsome than himself.
Why is he so lucky in love!
Any random NPC is interested in this guy.
Mole cursed in his heart.
A conspiracy!
It must be a conspiracy!
He must have sold the sacred py to A Guang!
In this silent atmosphere, the Orca transport plane slowly took off, dragging a pale blue arc of light, heading towards the western sky.
Next to the apron.
Xue Hongliang and a group of employees wearing skull T-shirts were still immersed in the sadness of "losing" their boss.
Battlefield.
That was a place where one could survive a near-death experience.
I hope that next time I see you, it won't be a box of ashes and a posthumous photo...
At this time, a reporter noticed this group of sad young men.
The intuition of a practitioner made him keenly smell the fragrance of news, and he immediately walked over with his interview drone.
"Hello, may I ask, who is the commander of the skull corps... to you?"
Xue Hongliang sniffed.
"He is our boss."
"Boss?"
The reporter showed a surprised expression.
The reporters passing by heard it and came over one after another, took out their interview pens again, and released the interview drone that had just been put away.
Being confronted by so many cameras was a bit panic.
After all, he was just the CEO of a small studio. Although he had seen some scenes, he had never seen such a big one. He nodded nervously.
"Well... we are Skull Studio, and we make games."
The reporter was surprised.
"Make games!? But... isn't that gentleman the head of a corps? This position should be an officer."
"Yes... He told us that his job is to drive a tank, and making games is his dream."
Dream!
When they heard this word, the eyes of the reporters around them lit up, and the person who asked the question immediately followed up.
"Can you elaborate on it?"
Xue Hongliang was indeed a little nervous.
But looking at the expressions of interest on the faces of the people around him, he gradually found some feelings, and his speaking speed and voice gradually became natural.
"I still remember that day during the interview, when I first met him, he told me... he had never seen such a great thing."
Looking at the faces listening attentively, he continued.
"You only need to wear a pair of glasses to enter a completely virtual world, communicate with real people unimpeded, share your stories, and bring joy to others..."
"He said that since he came to this city, since the moment he put on the virtual reality glasses, he has found a new goal, and his life has a new dream-"
"Although he was born in a world full of death and ruins, he hopes to share his story with people living in the ideal city through the endpoint cloud-this magical medium, and bring happiness..."
In fact, facing the camera is not as difficult as imagined.
Just pick up what everyone likes to hear.
Grasping the core element of special identity and background, Xue Hongliang continued to make up his story while observing the expressions of everyone.
A wastelander living in dire straits.
Even though he suffered from the torture and destruction of fate, he still had a bright and simple dream in his heart, hoping to bring more happiness to the world.
Even took out all his savings for this!
What a kindness!
When his hometown was hit by war, this millionaire gave up his ideal life without hesitation, boarded the plane back home, and rushed to the front line to resist the jackals that invaded his hometown...
Many people at the scene showed admiration on their faces, and their eyes were even moved.
Of course.
It was not entirely because of being moved.
Many people were excited because they dug up big news.
They had already imagined a script of hundreds of thousands of words and a two-hour movie in their minds.
A reporter looked at him seriously and handed over the interview pen.
"What is your game called?"
Glancing at the surrounding interview drones and the pairs of expectant eyes, Xue Hongliang's eyes were absent-minded for a moment.
However, it was only a moment.
He knew very well.
At this moment, it was the "only one chance" that his boss said.
"Battle Royale..."
Xue Hongliang spoke almost reflexively.
Although his boss didn't say that, the story has been made up so much that one or two sentences won't be a big deal.
He continued with a voice that was free of burden and full of enthusiasm.
"That is a game adapted from our boss's real experience in the wasteland, and everyone in our studio witnessed its birth."
"I can guarantee with my personality that this game is absolutely true!"