Chapter 593
Disaster Cave Dungeon: Compassion Temple
Wu Wang and his group left Wanbaolou and returned to reality.
Considering that the luxury sports car was only a two-seater, he disposed of it and rented an SUV instead.
Then, with the intelligent AI [Bai] starting the navigation, the cow-cat Xiaoqiu, looking utterly hopeless, acted as the driver and led everyone to a place on the border of Yunzhou City.
This location is quite sensitive.
Because if you go a little further ahead you will almost touch the border.
With the public beta now underway, the country has also entered a state of combat readiness for border patrols.
After all, in the past, illegal immigrants would either settle down like parasites or, at best, contribute to the development of certain black market industries.
However, the stowaways now are all players of the Calamity faction.
Their harm is far more terrifying than the once normal real world.
The damage caused by the slightest carelessness could be comparable to a local war.
Fortunately, all the patrolling soldiers are now players of the Necropolis.
In terms of the military system, the country quickly reorganized the original regiments, platoons, squads, etc., according to the different directions of each soldier's development capabilities, in order to achieve the strategic significance of coordination, so as to ensure that everyone's abilities can be brought into play in their areas of expertise.
Wu Wang and his entourage approached in their car without any attempt to conceal their presence, and were quickly discovered by border guards with reconnaissance capabilities.
"Attention, vehicles ahead! You are approaching our border. Please pull over safely on the right side of the road. Border guards will be conducting inspections shortly."
Thank you for your cooperation.
A voice, like a broadcast announcement, suddenly came from the beak of a bird circling overhead.
It lands securely on top of the off-road vehicle to ensure that its sound is audible to everyone.
Even after delivering the message, it switched to English and other languages of neighboring countries and repeated the notification several times to ensure that people passing by could understand its warning as much as possible.
"Damn it!" Wu Wang got out of the car and saw the little bird above him looking at them with intelligent eyes. It was obvious that a Spirit Disaster player was controlling it from behind. Suddenly, he made an uneasy sound.
The second sister leaned out of the back seat and asked in confusion, "What's wrong? We're not smuggling ourselves out of the country and we're not carrying any dangerous items, so we shouldn't be afraid of being checked, right?"
But Wu Wang responded with a serious expression: "What I mean is, they've already seen Xiao Qiu driving. I haven't had time to get him to take his driving test yet. What if I get points deducted?"
He then slapped his forehead and immediately showed a relieved expression, saying, "Oh, I remember now, I don't have a driver's license either. Oh well, they can't deduct points from my license, hehe."
The other passengers on the bus: "..."
Is this person out of their mind? You're letting the cat drive and you're still thinking about driver's licenses?
Never mind, everyone knows he's mentally unstable, so it's fine.
Even the second sister, Wu Xiaoyou, often felt that habit was a terrible thing, especially when faced with a guy who didn't even have a driver's license but was still teaching cats to drive.
She didn't think there was any problem at all.
Only Xiaoqiu, sitting in the driver's seat, pondered seriously and said, "Meow?"
[Can't a cat get a driver's license? There's no such provision in the law.]
He clearly remembered that Wu Wang had taught him about the law.
Wu Wang nodded silently upon hearing his answer.
"That's true. If I have time after I come out of the instance, I'll call the animal protection organization and the transportation department to suggest that this is a legal loophole. Cats should be allowed to take driving tests in the future."
Mary and Lilith looked at each other in bewilderment.
Although they weren't humans from the real world, they had stayed here for a few days and learned about the common sense of modern society.
Is it possible that no one but you would let a cat take a driving test and drive a car?
After a few words of conversation, the border guards arrived quickly.
While admiring their dedication, Wu Wang also took out the temporary ID given to him by the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs from his backpack.
This is the proof he found from Sakura before teaching Xiaoqiu to drive, after leaving the Eternal City instance.
After all, he was seriously worried about the cat getting points deducted for not having a driver's license.
Having this thing indicates that you are sent by the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs to carry out a mission. In a sense, you can be considered a state-owned enterprise outsourced employee, so you shouldn't be troubled by the border guards.
"Okay, the inspection is complete, comrades. You've worked hard."
After checking the documents, the border guards saluted Wu Wang and the others.
His expression was full of trust, which made people feel at ease.
After asking Wu Wang about their destination, the squad leader, who was leading the soldiers, frowned and said, "Compassion Temple... the situation there is a bit complicated now."
This Compassion Temple is the location of the dungeon passage that Wu Wang and Wu Xiaoyou plan to enter.
It is located in a secluded mountain area almost close to the border.
"How complicated is it?" Wu Wang asked.
After thinking for a moment, the other party said, "The Compassion Temple was originally the location of a [Disaster Cave]. It was sealed off by our comrades from the Bureau of Strange Events in the early years. Unexpectedly, after the open beta started, the [Disaster Cave] turned into a dungeon passage again. And because it is right next to the border, when we discovered it, many foreign players who were trying to smuggle themselves over had already been caught up in it. After a series of investigations, we discovered something very strange."
"This instance has failed a total of five times."
"However, it can still enter the dungeon normally and does not show any signs of invading outwards. It only has a slight impact on the external environment each time it fails."
"Currently, the military and the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs are also studying whether this represents new rules for the dungeon passage after the public beta."
"Comrade, it would be inappropriate for you to go there so rashly."
Upon hearing this, Wu Wang raised an eyebrow and pondered for a moment.
Indeed, the appearance of dungeon portals after the public beta has made people almost forget about them. Originally, some dungeons were quite special, as they were closely related to reality.
It's just like my own experience of "The Chronicle of a Deserted Village".
In a sense, these instance locations are in the real world and do not require going to the instance world.
The invasion that occurs after a certain number of failed attempts through a dungeon passage seems to be different from those passages leading to the dungeon world.
Wu Wang was not surprised by this situation.
After all, the initial announcement of the public beta test already stated that it was only the most basic announcement, and players would need to explore the more advanced public beta test mechanisms on their own.
Clearly, these special dungeon passages, and the fact that the [Calamity Cave] reverts to a dungeon, are parts that require exploration.
"It's alright, we were just sent by the bureau to handle this instance." Wu Wang rambled on without changing his expression: "This is a special mission, involving the bureau's judgment on the public beta mechanism, so please help keep it a secret."
After saying this, Wu Wang patted the border guard on the shoulder with great trust.
The other party also saluted him with a serious expression in response: "I guarantee to complete the mission."
The group of people sitting in the car felt somewhat helpless at the sight.
This guy is always like that, he says whatever comes to mind in his dreams.
Meanwhile, Mary and Lilith were also curious that such a blatant lie could actually convince each other.
Isn't this a bit too hasty?
Wu Wang gave his answer on the way to Cibei Temple after getting into the car and leaving the checkpoint.
He took out the ID he had just handed to the other person and shook it.
He said in a flat tone:
"The other side isn't stupid. They can tell that they're quite capable, considering we're so far away and they were discovered as soon as we got close."
"The reason why we can get over it in just a few words is mainly because of this."
"Don't underestimate this palm-sized document; it gives us a sense of trust that can be elevated to the level of faith."
"This is a trust that is more sincere and reliable than blood ties. The Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs and the National Army are comrades-in-arms on the same front, only with different divisions of labor. Companions who fight for a common ideal cause are people to whom you can entrust your back and your life."
“Even if you were to nitpick what I just said, you could question him. He could choose not to believe me, but he chooses to believe the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs.”
"Please, after he checked my credentials from the Bureau of Extraordinary Events, he didn't even ask me why a cat was driving." After saying that, Wu Wang looked at Mary and Lilith's seemingly confused expressions.
He said with a smile, "If you think back to when we dealt with the dungeon invasion in Mingyang City, you might understand better the dedication and sacrifice of those members of the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs."
"Besides, I'm not exactly deceiving them. If they really start questioning me, I can just call Yingluo again and ask them to help with the procedures. It'll just take a little more time. I'm just choosing a more efficient method."
Wu Wang's statement is indeed correct.
If he, in his capacity as Yan Shuangying, applies to the Yunzhou City Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs for help in resolving the copy issue.
I reckon they'll happily agree.
Who wouldn't be happy to have a powerful henchman offering to help?
Thanks to Xiao Qiu's skillful driving, the group quickly arrived at their destination in the off-road vehicle.
Upon getting off the vehicle, we discovered that the area had been temporarily sealed off by the military.
Standing outside, one can barely catch a glimpse of a corner of this ancient temple deep in the mountains.
The dilapidated state of this place is less like an ancient temple nestled deep in the mountains and more like an old man who struggled halfway out of the mountain before being pushed back down by time.
The stone steps were no longer a path, but were blocked by thick moss and ferns. One of the guardian stone beasts on both sides had its head tilted and half of its body sunk into the mud, with the exposed half of its face blurred by the rain. The other was completely embraced by the roots of a small tree, as if it were not a stone but a nest that it had nurtured for hundreds of years.
A yellow cordon was set up around the perimeter, and several soldiers were stationed there.
At that moment, they were arguing with a group of people dressed in mountaineering gear.
"The dungeon passages are a product of the Calamity game, and every Calamity player should have the right to access them."
"Exactly! The Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs and the military can't be unreasonable either. They can't just let you develop while we ordinary people can't grow, can they?"
"Damn it! I'm going to post this on the Spirit Disaster Forum! Let everyone judge this!"
"..."
Hearing the shouts, Wu Wang leaned closer, patted one of the men on the shoulder, and asked, "Hey buddy, what's going on?"
The other person turned around, looking furious.
Looking at Wu Wang and the others behind him, he said in a deep voice, "You all came here because you heard there's a special instance here, right?"
After saying that, he pointed to the border guards in front of him and said, "Our people were stopped by these soldiers as soon as they arrived. They said they wouldn't let us in no matter what, because this instance has too high a danger rating and is not suitable for players of our level."
His companion sneered, "Dangerous? Which instance world isn't dangerous? I think this is just the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs and the military trying to monopolize instance resources and restrict the development of ordinary players like us, in order to maintain their status in the country."
Upon hearing these words, Wu Wang squinted and did not reply immediately.
He wasn't surprised by this scene either.
He had actually thought about this question as well.
After the open beta begins, with everyone becoming players of the Spirit Disaster, it's normal for the government's control over social order to experience temporary disruptions in various areas.
Especially in terms of resource allocation.
Dungeon passages can appear in various places, from someone's home to deep in the mountains and forests; they are not resources or property owned exclusively by any one person.
In this situation, organizations like the Bureau of Extraordinary Events must ensure that overly dangerous dungeons do not allow weak players to accidentally enter, thus avoiding unnecessary deaths and increasing the chances of dungeon failures and the probability of invasion.
On the other hand, it is necessary to ensure that those who have just obtained the Spirit Disaster from ordinary people, and even those lone wolf players who want to improve their strength by running more dungeons but have not joined any organization, have dungeons available.
The allocation of such instance resources is a notoriously difficult issue to balance.
If restrictions are too strict, it can easily lead to situations like this: lone wolf players or players in small groups know about a certain dungeon passage and want to clear it, only to find that the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs has already blocked it in advance. In their dissatisfaction, they feel that the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs is trying to create a monopoly.
Occasional minor conflicts are no big deal.
The key point is that once this trend is exploited by those with ulterior motives, it can easily be widely incited.
Ultimately, this led to players in society beginning to develop a sense of resistance against large organizations such as the Bureau of Extraordinary Events.
Especially now that everyone who generates public opinion has some degree of power.
This is a potential disaster for both a country and its social structure.
Wu Wang also believed that the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs would eventually find a balance in the allocation of resources.
But clearly, not now.
After all, the public beta testing period is still too short, and there are simply too many problems to face.
The border guards ahead looked embarrassed and tried their best to dissuade these guys who were planning to force their way in.
Suddenly, his gaze fell upon Wu Wang and the others standing at the very back of the crowd.
The inspectors have just informed them via special communication methods that someone from the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs will come to help with the copy issue.
It also included a bird's-eye view of Wu Wang and the others' appearances.
He was overjoyed at the sight.
He was just about to raise his hand to beckon Wu Wang and the others over.
But he saw Wu Wang shake his head at him and put his finger to his lips to make a shushing gesture.
"Shh~"
Then he saw Wu Wang put the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs document, which he had clearly been holding in his hand, back into his backpack.
He then turned to the players in front of him and asked, "Hey, in your opinion, how should the dungeon entrances be allocated?"
The guy who was being approached got really excited.
He turned around and said, "Of course it's a free allocation! Whoever is the best gets in! What's the meaning of this blockade by the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs and the military, where they don't even give us the broth?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Wang nodded in apparent agreement.
Then he loudly asked the other players in front of him, "Do you guys think so too? Dungeon assignments should be free! Whoever is capable should take it?"
These words made everyone think that Wu Wang was a comrade who came to boost morale, after all, the way he asked the question really sounded like someone who wanted to lead the charge and shout slogans.
So, a group of lone wolves and small groups of players echoed and shouted, "That's right! The capable should take the place!"
Some of them even turned on live streaming software, trying to let all the players of the Necropolis see this resistance.
"Give us back our copy!"
"If you've got the guts, let's see what you're made of!"
"It's good that you approve."
"..."
thump—
Just as everyone was shouting aggressively and even planning to force their way through the blockade, a strange voice was interrupted.
Immediately afterwards, a dull thud sounded behind them, causing everyone to instinctively turn around to find the source of the sound.
Just then, Wu Wang saw a hideous knife in his hand. The guy who had spoken to him earlier and said that the most capable should take the lead was now lying motionless on the ground with a big bump on the back of his head.
It was clearly not a wound from a sharp weapon; he was simply knocked unconscious by the side of Wu Wang's knife.
But this guy's expression wasn't as friendly as it had been before.
Wu Wang glanced at Mary and the others beside him, signaling them that they could make their move.
Pointing the knife at the bewildered players, he said arrogantly, "I was worried you guys would feel guilty if you got beaten up. Since it's a matter of whoever can win... that's great!"
"I'm also a lone wolf player, are you ready to have a go?"
"I suggest you all fight back with the mindset of risking your lives, I'm not here to joke around with you..." (End of Chapter)