The stash at Nanri Kaori's villa was now completely emptied. For Luo Jian, this treasure trove had lost all value.
Just as he prepared to retrace his steps to the temporary rendezvous point to regroup with the others, the indicator light for "Ryuubi" (The Dancer) suddenly flashed red on his comms channel.
It was a signal requesting a comms connection.
"Ryuubi-jie, what's happened?" Luo Jian swiftly connected. He knew she wouldn't initiate contact outside scheduled comms windows unless it was urgent.
"Yakan, a bit of trouble," came the reply. "My paper kite just sent back intel. A Japanese squad is moving towards our position."
Similar to Luo Jian's drone, Ryuubi possessed a paper kite for reconnaissance. While its speed and range were inferior to the drone, its stealth capabilities were unmatched.
"A Japanese squad? How many? Can you tell if they're targeting you or just passing through?"
"Fifteen strong. They're plowing straight through the zombie hordes – looks like they're farming points. I spotted some familiar faces... seems like the squad that was protecting Miyamoto Rei earlier. Their trajectory appears incidental... but judging by their current speed and direction, they'll likely stumble upon our temporary hideout within half an hour."
Though Ryuubi's tone remained steady, Luo Jian sensed the undercurrent of urgency and unease beneath the calm.
In the Illusionary Realm, unexpected encounters between players always carried inherent risk.
Especially when conflicting interests met a significant power imbalance. If the weaker side didn't withdraw voluntarily, a deadly clash was almost inevitable.
Compared to the fifteen-strong Japanese squad, Ryuubi's four-person team was drastically outmatched. Compounding the danger, they were escorting the mission-critical NPCs, Miyamoto Rei and Kurusu Shizuka. For the Japanese squad, who had just lost their primary objective targets, this would look like a gift-wrapped opportunity – too tempting to ignore.
Rushing back now was impossible. Luo Jian assessed rapidly. "Ryuubi-jie, I'm sending the [Avenger 100 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle] via system mail. Take it, get everyone aboard, and head downstream via the Domuzu River..."
"Downstream? You mean downstream?" Ryuubi questioned, thinking he must have misspoken.
"Exactly downstream. The Bossified Hirano Kouta has already headed towards the Takagi Estate, but the Bossified Hīri Airisu is still lurking somewhere nearby. Coming towards me could put you right in her path."
"Understood." Ryuubi knew his reasoning was sound and offered no argument. "But Yakan, what about you? If you give us the All-Terrain Vehicle, how will you reach us downstream?"
"Don't forget, I still have the modified Hummer H1 here."
In the original storyline, the protagonist's group had famously used this very Hummer to cross the Domuzu River. Its amphibious capability was undeniable.
"Oh? You made it to Nanri Kaori's villa already?" Ryuubi assumed he meant the un-certified Hummer H1 and didn't press further.
"Mm-hmm... Hold on. I'll send you a few items via mail too. Distribute them once you get them."
Luo Jian opened the system mail interface. Alongside the [Avenger 100 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle], he included the three newly acquired F-rank Blue weapons – the [Springfield M1A Semi-Auto Rifle], the [Ithaca M37 Pump-Action Shotgun], and the [Armalite AR-110T Auto-Sniper Rifle] – plus a cache of matching ammunition. He specified the recipients directly in the mail.
The [Springfield M1A Semi-Auto Rifle] went to Ross. This versatile weapon functioned effectively as both a rifle and a spear, ideal for a hybrid close-quarters/mid-range fighter like Ross. Finally, he could ditch that ridiculous pitchfork.
The [Ithaca M37 Pump-Action Shotgun] was assigned to Safi. Luo Jian remembered grabbing her long-handled spiked club during the Tank encounter; it was just a standard Green weapon. This shotgun, easily wielded like a blunt-force club, seemed tailor-made for the fierce girl.
The [Armalite AR-110T Auto-Sniper Rifle] was designated for Ryuubi. Within the Ivory Mountain Chieftain Squad, Ryuubi had always played a support role, shielded by Chieftain and Boxer. While their bond suggested they wouldn't abandon her despite any perceived shortcomings, Luo Jian hoped this powerful rifle would empower her to carve out her own distinct combat value, rather than perpetually relying on their protection.
Shortly after sending the mail, Ryuubi's astonished voice crackled over the comms.
"Good heavens! These guns... Yakan, how did you get enough certification points for all three?!"
"Uh, let's not dwell on the details right now," Luo Jian deflected smoothly. "Time's critical. Ryuubi-jie, get Kurusu Shizuka, Miyamoto Rei, and the others moving now. I'll link up with you later."
Ryuubi knew this wasn't the moment for debate. The weapons were a vital boost to their survival chances. "Alright. We'll settle the certification points for these guns when we meet." The comms signal cut off abruptly – she was likely already rallying the team.
Luo Jian recalled his drone for recharging. While certified items could be data-stored, they still operated on real-world principles. A car needed fuel; the drone needed power. There was no such thing as infinite energy.
The [USS Micro Recon Drone] ran on batteries. Under normal operation, endurance was roughly 20 hours. However, accelerated flight, activating infrared or night vision modes, or running the comms relay drained power faster, reducing actual usable time to 12-15 hours.
In the original story's setting, Domuzu City had suffered an EMP attack, frying circuits and cutting power across most areas. To avoid being stranded without a charge, Luo Jian habitually topped off the drone whenever possible. Seeing its charge dip below 80% triggered an instinctive unease.
Fortunately, the drone's battery incorporated significant black tech. While not quite "charge for five minutes, fly for two hours," it could go from 60% to full in under 30 minutes, suggesting a maximum charge time of roughly one hour.
While the drone hummed quietly on the villa's living room floor, replenishing its power, Luo Jian stepped outside into the courtyard. He placed his hand on the hood of the military-green Hummer H1, its rugged form waiting under the uncertain sky.