The group made their way into the abandoned farmhouse. On a worn-out, dusty table lay 12 large bags. The unmistakable outline of firearms and other assortments of weaponry pressed against the cloth, like a treasure chest waiting to be opened.
As a few bags were unzipped, the gleam of metal reflected the scant sunlight entering the room. There they were, in all their glory:
[Medium firearms x 68]
[Small firearms x 82] [
[Grenades and explosives x 32]
[Variety of ammunition]
While these weapons were categorized as [Common], in the current phase of the game, they were as good as gold. Firearms were in extremely high demand.
As the group processed the haul, Vicky, let out an exaggerated sigh of disappointment. "Seriously? No big guns, no fun!"
Merle cleared his throat to redirect everyone's attention. "So, how are we going to split the loot?" His voice echoed in the stillness, cutting through the air, demanding an answer.
Alan didn't see the need for prolonged negotiations. "I'll take all the explosives. The rest can be split equally among us." His words were direct, reflecting the authority he held within the group. The plan, after all, was his, and that afforded him the privilege of the bigger share.
Merle's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly perturbed by Alan's demand for the explosives, which he knew were worth their weight in gold. However, a part of him begrudgingly respect Alan's decision. By including all member in the share, it could be perceived that Merle's group got half of the loots. With the additional high mission rewards they earn from Alan's plan, it was hard for Merle to outwardly object.
Noticing Merle's hesitance, Alan sought to seal the deal. With a swift motion, he scooped up a handful of grenades and lobbed them gently towards Merle. "Agreed?"
Merle broke into a grin "Alright! Deal."
The ambiance of the farmhouse was charged with excitement as players began to claim their spoils. But just as hands started reaching out for the weaponry, Alan's voice pierced through the clamor, halting them in their tracks. "I think we are missing one share."
Merle raised an eyebrow, and realization dawned on him. Alan was talking about the new girl, Rose.
"But she... she wasn't a part of this operation," Merle protested, his tone somewhere between incredulity and frustration.
Alan fixed his gaze on Merle, his voice firm. "I wouldn't able to escape without her help"
The members of Alan's core group immediately nodded in agreement. The rednecks, were visibly less pleased, their faces a mixture of confusion and reluctance.
However, before the discontent could bubble over, Rose herself stepped forward. Her voice, though calm, carried an undeniable edge. "I don't need weapons. Just feed me."
The sheer abruptness of her demand caught everyone off guard. Her serious demeanor, coupled with the fierce glint in her eyes, effectively silenced any murmurs of dissent.
Alan, a hint of amusement twinkling in his eyes, regarded Rose for a beat. "You certain about that?" he inquired.
Rose's expression, if possible, grew even more exasperated. "I am certain, I'm hungry."
A chuckle escaped Alan's lips. He signaled to Luis, who seemed to understand the unspoken command immediately. With a nod, the latter swiftly disappeared towards the back, presumably to the farmhouse's kitchen to rustle up some food.
As the division of loot finally concluded, with weapons now securely stashed in individual bags, Merle approached Alan, curiosity evident in his gaze. "So, what's our next move?"
Alan's lips curled into a sly smile, the sort that hinted at concealed cards. Even though Merle had initially joined them for his prized weapon, his continued allegiance to Alan spoke volumes. Whether it was trust or merely seeing the strategic advantage of their alliance, Alan had successfully managed to bring the veteran player under his wing.
In response to Merle's query, Alan posed his own question, "What do you folks intend to do with these weapons?"
Merle chuckled, "Given that sly look on your face, I bet you've already charted out our next course."
Alan nodded, confirming Merle's suspicion. "I have. But for now, we rest"
The aroma of Mexican spices wafted through the air as the group sat down to enjoy a meal that night. Crafted by Luis from an amalgamation of canned foods, it was a decent feast. As they ate, Alan found himself musing over Luis's cooking abilities and how they could be refined and incorporated into their future plans.
After the meal, the group selecting members for night watch duty and taking turns resting. They knew that the game mechanics required a minimum of four hours of sleep to avoid the debilitating effects of sleep deprivation, and they adhered to that rule.
Alan, however, was not one to waste his extra waking hours. He took an empty room within the house and delved deep into his '[Beginner's Guide to Enlightenment], then slipping into a meditative trance.
When the first morning light broke the horizon, a simultaneous notification vibrated through the players' interface.
[13 days left to stop the Nazi invasion]
[Updating current players]
[Players still in the game - 4428]
A somber note hung in the air as they realized that despite their best efforts, 400 players had fallen. The grim reality of the game's challenges was setting in. The first day was always the most brutal, a lesson in survival.
Then, another notification followed, adding to the tension.
[Warning: 282 players were captured at the enemy camp]
[You received D level quest: Free captured players]
The game's mechanics, Alan understood, allowed Nazi soldiers to take prisoners rather than kill. Those captured became part of the ongoing quests, adding layers to the game's complexity. As tempting as the extra rewards were, Alan knew this was not the right time to pursue this path.
Gathering his team, he delegated tasks and prepared to move out, selecting Vicky, Luis, Merle, and taking all the weapons bags with them. As they loaded the truck, Rose silently hopped in, her eyes focused on the road ahead.
"Where are we going?" Luis asked.
Alan's reply carried the weight of their next strategic move. "To the player camp."
Author Note
Dear Reader, I should have finished the privilege chapters yesterday. Unfortunately, I spent the last 36 hours in the hospital taking care of my wife. Daily chapter will be shown again tomorrow or the day after. Thank you for your patience.
