Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Avengers

The little lantern-shadow fox had just awakened, shaking its tail and gazing at the operator who had just initiated the dawn, its mouth slightly open. In that instant, its master had vanished and then reappeared! Truly worthy of being its master!

Chen Qi glanced over the description. The effects of Blackfire Walk were exceedingly simple: briefly vanish, then reappear swiftly, enhancing one's agility. Disappear for 0.5 seconds... That half-second was the moment he glimpsed another world; in that instant, he was no longer within the space of this world.

Moreover, after those 0.5 seconds, he could materialize at any nearby position within the Blackfire. Not existing in this world meant invincibility. This technique required no incantation and could be activated instantly. In other words, as long as he could anticipate the opponent's attack, he could evade any sudden strike in that fleeting moment.

For instance, bomb explosions, fire bursts, ice bursts, instant slashes—any attack delivered in an instant, even more unusual assaults. In the New Sun game, most people pursued ultimate destructive power and possessed skills that unleashed bursts in a split second.

It was not easy to master; half a second was fleeting, and the difficulty of use was very high. Yet, if wielded skillfully, it was unquestionably a divine skill—a sacred tool for dodging ultimate moves.

Chen Qi took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling, adjusting to the sensation. In those half-seconds, it was like running a marathon; the fatigue in his muscles mingled with the exhilarating clarity that follows intense exertion.

With practice, he would become increasingly adept. In this Traveler's Box, his training was freer, without fear of spectators or damaging buildings. He could accumulate this power and gradually master it.

Chen Qi exhaled a long, turbid breath. He needed several days to complete his study of these techniques.

Day and night exchanged places, and five days later—

Chen Qi, clad in a black jacket, wandered outside on streets where snowflakes danced. During those five days, media outlets worldwide reported on the Wanderer incident. To prepare for this sudden open beta, the Day Tour Society had made ample arrangements, preventing any overwhelming chaos.

After players had teamed up to resolve the city's disasters, many people gradually adapted to the bizarre weather. On the surface, life barely returned to normal; some players even streamed their adventures, prompting others to send gifts.

The identity of the Wanderer became accepted by the public. Some used New City potions to heal the disabled, some performed flights in the sky...

Many waited daily for the release of open beta slots. Optimism and pessimism intertwined at this point in time.

How swiftly time passed... Chen Qi gazed at the falling snow. In the Baihe District, the snowflakes were smaller, but still falling.

Not long ago, this place had been an erratic summer, alternating warmth and rain, and he had lived in a shared apartment. Back then, his in-game self was merely a Night Patrolman, used as 'bait'.

He never expected the open beta would arrive so soon.

Chen Qi exhaled, strolling through the snow, emerging from his musings about time. In this new world, he wished to walk as far as possible.

After the monotonous period of studying techniques, he could finally step outside again.

He had to admit, learning techniques was exceedingly dull, even with the Floating Book, his mind often wandered.

Over these days, Chen Qi studied Blackfire Dance and Blackfire Walk, consolidated his foundation, and learned some combat skills. Though tedious, the training was solid, deepening his knowledge and significantly improving his abilities.

Currently, his game character was still studying Intermediate Spirit Sight and reading books on calamities. The Tower of Calamity Messengers was a fine place; the messengers were enthusiastic.

Spirit Sight was a mandatory course for every Calamity Messenger; with their help, his progress in Intermediate Spirit Sight had reached seventy percent.

Now, he could finally take action!

Chen Qi looked at the snowflakes: "Hopefully, this time I’ll gain something."

He had left Baihe District for a major operation—to destroy the headquarters of the Flesh-Eaters.

For some reason, he sensed that the person in white robes would not let him go. Of course, curiosity played a larger role.

He was deeply curious about what the Flesh-Eaters had obtained from the sinners.

With intelligence provided by himself and others, plus a calamity diviner and players adept at concealing their presence, along with various pets used for reconnaissance over five days, they finally found the Flesh-Eaters' headquarters.

In New Sun, most players did not possess spatial backpacks capable of storing a heap of items. Most had a real-world location for their storage, even some top players.

A player’s headquarters was a treasure trove, equivalent to a dungeon; with his Star of Talent, he should be able to reap some rewards.

Night.

According to intelligence, tonight they planned to confront the Flesh-Eaters directly.

The Food Street, snowflakes swirling.

It happened to be a holiday, the lights were bright, the street bustling with people.

Chen Qi ordered a serving of stinky tofu, pretending to be a tourist indulging in local delicacies, rather than a player about to stir up trouble.

He took a bite; the mild spiciness danced on his tongue, the soup rich and flavorful.

That was...

Chen Qi looked into the distance.

There, a middle-aged man in a blue down jacket raised his phone, finding the perfect angle to photograph the vibrant street.

That practiced posture—no doubt, it was Seabird.

Despite the open beta, players were still a minority. Those who came here dressed inconspicuously; a single 'player' identity was enough to attract attention.

Seabird was one of the top players cultivated by the Angler; he had been invaluable in the fight against the Crow Flock.

Seabird put away his phone and walked over: "Snow-lit night, a fine photo. It's my first time in life capturing such beautiful snow in summer. Good evening, Night Wanderer."

Indeed, it was a splendid scene... Chen Qi gazed at the snowflakes. People are always sensitive to new environments.

Where he lived didn't see snow every year; whenever it did, he would be excited.

Now, though, there were far more spectacular weather phenomena on earth.

Chen Qi put away his phone: "Good evening, Uncle Seabird."

Seabird wondered silently why everyone called him 'uncle'. Was it the beard?

"Good evening," Seabird replied, glancing at Chen Qi. No wonder the Angler praised him; his growth rate was exceptional!

Seabird pointed to the skewer shop behind him: "Let's talk inside."

Inside the shop, several eager players waited.

Chen Qi scanned the group. Lin Yuxing had accepted the task, but considering her weak combat and stealth abilities, she felt she couldn't help much and might even hinder them, so she hadn't come. She relied on the Calamity Messenger Library knowledge to provide a wealth of intelligence for the task.

Most here possessed a set of technique skills and had some combat ability—those who played with fire, great swords, poison, or magical mechanical stones...

They were chattering, impatient to begin their revenge.

Chen Qi glanced over—about fifty people, all level 5 to 10, a few above level 10.

Apart from Seabird, none were above level 5.

He quickly surveyed the players. These were likely mid-game entrants.

From the victims' levels, he could roughly estimate the strength of the Flesh-Eaters.

Those level ten players had been slain by adversaries around level thirteen.

At least from these victims, the Flesh-Eaters were not beyond his ability to challenge.

Chen Qi asked Seabird, somewhat puzzled: "Is everyone here?"

Though he was eager to seize the Flesh-Eaters’ gear, he doubted this group could easily defeat them.

That suited man could be handled with a couple of strikes, and others stronger could be fought; but the man in white robes was not to be underestimated.

That white-robed figure had been sliced in half by the little ghost and regenerated instantly, indicating extraordinary vitality!

For this battle, Chen Qi thought he must guard against that white-robed foe.

Seabird saw Chen Qi’s concern: "No, there are others. This is a covert operation—we’re split into several groups.

To deal with these special enemies, some top players are nearby, and they’re swift.

If we’re in serious danger, they can support us quickly."

Everyone was delighted.

A hot-tempered player swung a sledgehammer, exuding the air of a demolition worker: "Uncle Bird, when do we strike?"

The players could barely wait—Flesh-Eaters had stolen their equipment, today they would take it back.

Rumor had it the Flesh-Eaters were a splinter of the Butchers; most players loathed those who threatened others' families.

Blood for blood! Today, under the leadership of top players, they would annihilate their foes!

Seabird shook his head: "Everyone, remember—safety first."

(End of chapter)