Chapter 60: Gun in Hand, Follow Bai Fu
Bai Fu was very aware of how powerful a flag could be.
She was still counting on digging something out of Xia Shi. If Xia Shi died without yielding any gains, wouldn’t all the time she had spent getting close to her be wasted?
Just as she was wondering whether to persuade Xia Shi not to get involved in the messy assault on the Truth Society’s base, Xia Shi suddenly spoke.
“Enough, let’s not talk about that. You came to find me for the power armor, right? I already finished it this afternoon. Where’s Anya? Call her over, let’s test it now.”
Seeing that Xia Shi didn’t want to continue talking about her own matters, Bai Fu didn’t press further. If Xia Shi’s favorability decreased, it would be even harder for her to receive tasks.
“I’ll go get Anya.”
Ten minutes later, the three of them arrived at the testing site.
A power armor about 1.6 meters tall stood quietly in the corner.
The armor was entirely silver-grey, with large alloy plates mounted on the chest, back, shoulders, wrists, and elbow joints. It couldn’t be called stylish, but its rounded form constantly exuded an intimidating sense of suppression.
“I used the T23 model for the power skeleton—it’s the best performance for this price range. All armor components are made from the latest Type III alloy. You can rest assured when it comes to strength. Even Captain Xu Hong’s power armor can’t match the one you customized for Anya in terms of overall performance.”
Xia Shi pressed a button on the power armor, and it unfolded instantly. She gestured for Anya to step inside and try it out.
Bai Fu casually cast a Psionic Vision, and the power armor’s data panel popped up.
This was, by far, the longest equipment description she had ever seen. At a glance, the panel had nearly thirty lines, each detailing the armor’s modules and the functions of each one.
She only picked a few key lines to read.
【T23·Modified Power Armor】
【Quality】: Blue
【Skeleton】: T23 Model, Durability 300/300, Module Slots Used (8/14)
【Energy】: MF Fusion Core, Energy 500/500, Fully Charged, No Replacement Needed
【Stats】: Strength 27, Agility 16
Durability for each part of the power armor is calculated independently.
The remaining description mainly introduced the modules added to the skeleton—like the detection module on the head, weapon module on the arms, and cushioning module at the feet.
Anya was only 1.3 meters tall.
The reason this full-coverage power armor stood 1.6 meters high was mainly due to the added foot cushioning modules.
“27 strength points—this stat is already close to Li Cheng before entering Blood Rage. It’s just the agility that falls a bit short.”
Bai Fu was very satisfied with the armor’s stats.
She didn’t need the armor to be particularly fast. Her positioning for Anya was a stationary turret. To that end, she spent a hefty sum to have Xia Shi mount a heavy machine gun and mini cannon on the armor.
The downside of a stationary turret was that it easily became a target. While the armor had high durability and defense, if it got hit too much, it would still break down.
But that didn’t matter.
Bai Fu had already come up with a solution.
During the days leading up to the operation, she had spent every spare moment crafting Prayer Cards. Even though the success rate was low, through sheer time and effort, she managed to create several, namely five 【General Card·Psionic Shield】 and three 【Custom Card·Battle Etiquette】.
The one she valued the most was the 【General Card·Psionic Shield】.
【General Card·Psionic Shield】: Upon use, generates a full-body shield with 390 shield points, lasting for 5 minutes.
With this card, Anya and her mech could hold out even longer.
Considering the operation’s destination was far from Lynn, Bai Fu decided to bring Anya along. She feared Anya might run into trouble in her absence.
Keeping her close would not only allow Anya to provide support, but also let Bai Fu flee quickly with her if things went south.
While she was thinking, Anya had already begun the tests inside the power armor.
Movement, sprinting, jumping, shooting—every test passed.
Bai Fu was confident that if she threw the current Anya into a group of Players, she could easily massacre dozens or even hundreds.
This was the power of money!
“Is there anything else you want me to adjust? If so, I can do it right now,” Xia Shi asked.
Bai Fu shook her head repeatedly. “No need, this is perfect.”
Aside from the power armor, she had also bought plenty of weapons from Xia Shi.
Everything was to maximize her gains in the upcoming operation.
Tagging along with the Gene Primordials to raid the Truth Society—who knew when she’d get another reward-farming opportunity like this?
……
The next day, before officially setting out, Division Four held another meeting.
At the meeting, Lu Yuelin explained the objective of the operation and the task Division Four would undertake this time.
"Two weeks ago, agents from Division Three intercepted a classified message from the Truth Society during an operation. The message mentioned that the Truth Society was secretly constructing a Bagaros Base at the Bagaros Refuge, located between the Gene Primordials and the Old Republic.”
"At that time, the higher-ups formulated a plan to raid the Bagaros Base, but the plan was delayed due to interference from Li Cheng. After Li Cheng’s arrest, we reviewed all his communications with the Truth Society but found nothing related to the Bagaros Base.”
"Right now, we can't confirm whether this classified message was intentionally leaked by the Truth Society. Even if it wasn’t, since two weeks have passed, we have no way of knowing if the Bagaros Base has already increased its defenses.”
"You could say this operation is full of uncertainties, but the decision has been made. Even if the Bagaros Base is a trap set by the Truth Society, we must destroy that trap. So you get the idea..."
Lu Yuelin spread his hands helplessly.
"Our mission is to take the lead for the military, with intelligence gathering on the Bagaros Base as our top priority, and to carry out a decapitation strike on the base commander if necessary."
The participants nodded silently without comment.
They had already known this intel for a few days; today’s meeting was just a review.
As the meeting neared its end, Lu Yuelin reorganized the special agent teams participating in this operation.
Xu Hong’s team originally had five members, but during the operation to eliminate the Wanderer camp, two were severely injured and still bedridden. So now, only three remained.
After consulting Bai Fu, Lu Yuelin agreed to let her join Xu Hong’s team as an external reinforcement.
"The people you recommended will be under your direct command, but let’s be clear—this operation is different from usual. Before making any decisions, you must discuss them with us first. If anything goes wrong, I can let it slide, but the military representatives won’t be so forgiving. They’ll open fire on the people you recommended without hesitation. I don’t want it to come to that."
Bai Fu casually agreed.
At that moment, her attention was fully on the game notification that had just popped up.
【You have triggered the Faction Conflict Mission [Bagaros]】
Though both have "Faction" in their name, Faction Conflict Missions are entirely different from Faction Missions.
A Faction Conflict Mission only triggers when two factions clash.
Each mission typically contains multiple objectives, and completing each one grants corresponding rewards.
Completing several objectives might even unlock hidden rewards.
Bai Fu carefully examined the mission objectives of 【Bagaros】.
【Mission Objectives:
1. Probe the Situation - Explore the interior of Bagaros Base, rewards based on contribution.
2. Ruthless Slaughter - 1000 XP for every Truth Society member killed.
3. Decapitation Strike - Eliminate the Bagaros Base commander, rewards based on contribution.
4. Team Power - Lead your team in combat, rewards based on your team’s contribution.
5. Eliminate Bagaros Base - Rewards based on contribution.】
The five objectives escalated in difficulty, but what caught Bai Fu’s attention most was the fourth objective.
The game recognized her as the team leader, but in reality, the only ones she could command were the Players and Anya.
Did this mean that if Players contributed during this Faction Conflict Mission, she could also receive a share of the rewards?
It seemed necessary to test this out.
If that was indeed the case, then she couldn’t treat the Players as disposable cannon fodder anymore.
She would need to tailor suitable tactics to help them earn more rewards.
After the meeting, Bai Fu first had a quick talk with Xu Hong, then the two of them informed the Players of the operation’s timing.
Upon receiving the confirmed information, the Players cheered and rushed to the Community to show off.
【The moment has finally come! Last time at the Abandoned Cooling Plant, Starfish‑bro had his big moment. This time, I won’t fall behind!】
【Fu‑fu brought me into the mission, eat your hearts out, Melon Skins, hahahaha】
【This is my first time receiving a mission with such rich rewards. Feels so good!】
【If not for Fu‑fu, Division Four wouldn’t even look at us. Fu Sect forever!】
Those who couldn’t join the mission were red-eyed with envy.
【Damn, I’m going to cough up blood. I won’t arrive in Lynn until tomorrow, but Fu‑fu’s leaving today】
【Feels like I lost a billion】
【Cursing you all to get gunned down by the Truth Society the moment you show up, then forcibly respawn in Lynn】
【Damn, that’s harsh— but I like it】
Amidst the barrage of cursing and cheering, the afternoon arrived.
At that time, Lynn Station, agents from Division Four and the Players had all gathered.
Over twenty vehicles loaded with various weapons lined up, making the surrounding Players itch with desire.
"That’s a rocket launcher, right?"
"No way—that’s a power armor suit. If only I had one too..."
Lu Yuelin scanned the crowd and shouted, "Headcount! Once confirmed, we move out immediately!"
The military troops sent by the Gene Primordials had already departed ahead of them.
They now needed to catch up as quickly as possible.
Bai Fu drove herself.
She had Anya, in her power armor, sit in the backseat, which left the front passenger seat open.
After glancing around for a bit, she called over Excavation‑Princess.
"You, get in. I’ll drive you. Got an open seat right here."
Excavation‑Princess climbed in with a face full of joy.
This sudden turn of events stunned the surrounding Players. So this is what happens when your favorability with Fu‑fu is high?
Of course, Bai Fu hadn’t chosen Excavation‑Princess at random.
Though Excavation‑Princess’s combat ability was trash, she was undoubtedly a top-tier war reporter. Her promotional skills were first-rate, and Bai Fu needed them for this operation.
Bringing Players to attack Bagaros Base wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Bai Fu had three clear motives.
First, use the Players as meat shields. Second, have them handle some dangerous objectives.
Third, turn them into promotional examples to show everyone that following her leads to good rewards.
Once Division Four finished their headcount, Bai Fu slammed the accelerator and shot out of Lynn.
The journey from Lynn to Bagaros spanned several hundred kilometers.
Under normal driving conditions, it would take about half a day. But due to heavy pollution and rampant infected lifeforms along the route, it took the convoy two full days to reach their destination.
It was a small settlement about 30 li from the Bagaros Refuge. The Gene Primordials military had long sent people there to receive them.
Upon arrival, Xu Hong specifically came to warn the Players: "Until Bai Fu gives the order, don’t wander off."
All the Players nodded repeatedly, promising they wouldn’t cause trouble.
But shortly after Xu Hong left, the Iron Rain Guild members sprang into action.
Sword Qi Soaring realized this was their only chance. If they missed this opportunity, it would be impossible to alert the Truth Society once Division Four got fully underway.
"Charge, charge, charge—this is our all-or-nothing shot!"
After much effort, Sword Qi Soaring, Old Dog, and the others finally managed to evade all surveillance from Division Four and slip out of the settlement.
They ran freely along the road toward Bagaros.
“Made it, haha, we made it!”
At this moment, their mood was as euphoric as winning five million.
No, this was even better than winning five million—they could now monopolize an entire faction’s missions, including but not limited to Faction Missions and that faction’s Main Story Missions.
In the game Beyond the Stars, each newbie planet had more than one main storyline.
Players could freely choose one to follow, and when different main storylines clashed, the dominant one would determine the final direction of that planet’s plot.
There was no such thing as justice always prevailing.
This was one of the reasons why Sword Qi Soaring dared to bet on the Truth Society.
But what he hadn’t expected at this moment was that Li Cheng had already sent footage of them arrogantly cursing the Truth Society—just to raise their favorability with Bai Fu—back to Truth Society headquarters.
Bagaros Base.
The elite assassin Guido, who had just recently arrived at the base, was browsing Bai Fu’s file.
As he flipped through it, he came across the records of Li Cheng’s second assassination attempt on Bai Fu.
“These people aren’t weak, and they’re even willing to give their lives for Bai Fu, showing no fear of the Truth Society. They’re probably not ordinary folks.”
Guido frowned slightly.
But soon his brows relaxed again.
During that operation, the assassins sent by Li Cheng had already taken down several of these lunatics.
The remaining ones, no matter how insane, wouldn’t be able to stir up much trouble.
Just then, Guido suddenly heard a commotion outside.
“What’s going on?”
A passing Truth Society member quickly responded, “Lord Guido, a few people outside claim they’ve come to defect to us, and they brought intel on the Gene Primordials.”
“Oh? Interesting.”
Guido decided to go take a look.