The armored vehicle drove out of the final checkpoint of the base and into the darkness.

Chen Xiaofei exclaimed, “It’s really dark! Besides our path, everything else is pitch black.”

The headlights could only illuminate a ten-meter radius, and the view beyond remained obscured in darkness.

Snow could reflect light, but in this strange, eternal night, it didn’t seem to be very noticeable.

The world now was truly a crazy place.

Bai Shu climbed onto the upper bunk on the left side, sitting back and using his tablet. He had been catching up on knowledge recently, often taking breaks to observe the outside through the vehicle’s windows.

Qin Luo sat on the lower bunk on the left side, fiddling with his newly upgraded weapon. The dual-blade knife now had a blade that was black with a hint of blue and purple, very cool-looking. A little use of his ability would send a series of electric currents sparking.

Xu Duoduo was also holding her newly modified chainsaw. This time, the pink color was less vibrant and had a bit of a pink-purple tint, looking very modern.

Wang Weihu was driving the new vehicle with ease, even steering with one hand while playing music and humming along.

Chen Xiaofei nodded to the rhythm but kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings.

“The international notice about cracking down on the free faction has already been issued. Now, special forces from various countries will start the encirclement. The anti-corrosion stone crystals have been destroyed, leaving only a small portion for research. We can rest assured now.”

Bai Shu immediately shared this latest update with his teammates.

Chen Xiaofei had to cheer, “Well done! Our headquarters’ people are really efficient, huh?!”

Wang Weihu reminded him to be careful with his words. “Be more respectful when speaking to outsiders, don’t give them anything to use against us.”

Qin Luo didn’t think it mattered. “Our headquarters staff aren’t bothered by such things. They have no time to waste on stuff like that.”

Wang Weihu saw his point and stopped insisting, laughing instead.

Chen Xiaofei reassured them, “Relax, who would dare backstab us?!”

Their 3A team’s record was flawless.

If they could handle scum like Jin Chuanqiong for so long, what could a team like theirs possibly fear?

The headquarters wouldn’t care about a small detail like this. A little casualness wouldn’t hurt.

Xu Duoduo was so attached to her new weapon that she almost didn’t want to put it away. Just as she was about to, a strange feeling crept up on her, and the music playing in the vehicle suddenly stopped. It was replaced by a tape-like crackling sound.

Qin Luo and the others thought it might be a problem with the new vehicle, and Wang Weihu almost voiced his frustration.

【Hello, 3A Special Operations Team.】

The strange electronic voice suddenly echoed, and everyone, except Wang Weihu, instantly gripped their weapons.

Xu Duoduo hadn’t put away the chainsaw yet, and now it was perfectly ready for use.

Qin Luo immediately asked, “Who are you, and what do you want? Speak quickly, no nonsense. And when you’re greeting us, at least introduce yourself. Don’t you know this basic courtesy? And don’t speak in a fake voice?”

He gripped his weapon and spoke with an air of arrogance.

The headquarters would only contact them through earpiece channels or their wristbands, never through the vehicle’s speakers. The only possible explanation was that someone had maliciously connected to the vehicle’s player. Judging by the sound, it didn’t seem like something good.

Bai Shu reassured them, “This thing can only connect to our player at most, it can’t do anything harmful.”

Everyone relaxed their grips on their weapons.

Chen Xiaofei sneered, “What garbage dares to interrupt us while we’re listening to music?”

The eerie electronic voice laughed again, paired with the black surroundings outside the vehicle, the whole area was eerily silent except for their convoy.

It was still a bit unsettling.

Chen Xiaofei’s skin crawled. “What the heck? Is this thing crazy?”

Trying to set the mood?

Qin Luo commented, “So dramatic. Why don’t you try being an NPC in a haunted house or an escape room?”

Scaring people with these tricks.

Team leader Qin added, “Don’t scare my wife or teammates. If you do, I’ll drag you out and give you a beating!”

The mastermind behind the scenes: …

【How about we discuss a collaboration? You 3A possess such great strength, such potential, and limitless possibilities!】

【Do you really want to keep working for other people? What have you earned from all your hard work? Nothing but selling your life for someone else!】

The voice grew more passionate as it continued.

【Hehehe, come on! Join us! Abandon those foolish humans, forsake their fake morals and ethics! The new era of the apocalypse is here, and those with power like you can do whatever you want! Come, let’s work together and build our own base! Become the king of all!】

The entire 3A team fell silent.

Qin Luo couldn’t take it anymore. No more patience. He finally spat out two words, “Divine Gold!”

Wang Weihu and Chen Xiaofei burst into laughter, almost losing it.

Xu Duoduo gave the player a look of disbelief.

Bai Shu responded, “You should have some professionalism when trying to poach people. What organization are you? What’s your standing? What benefits can you offer us 3A?”

He adjusted his glasses. “You have nothing and still dare to make empty promises?”

Qin Luo lazily asked, “Do you offer six risks and two types of gold? Can new combat weapons be supplied on time? Will medical care keep up? What about the education of children in the future? How will you ensure pensions after retirement?”

The base covers all of these things.

Chen Xiaofei added, “It sounds like joining you means we don’t have to fight anymore. We’re fighting for the future of our people, and that includes our own future. What’s the point of joining you? What does it mean?”

“If we’re hurt, will you help us? If we die, will you honor us? What does your base lack? You want us to give all of that up to go there and work like slaves, and then become some idiot king? Are we starving for work?”

Chen Xiaofei rolled his eyes, his verbal skills rivaling Qin Luo’s!

Wang Weihu couldn’t help but look at him with new respect.

Bai Shu and Qin Luo both clapped for him, praising, “Well said!” “Nice job!”

Xu Duoduo quickly nodded, “Great!”

Qin Luo turned back to the speaker and said, “Brother, I suggest you come to the light side and join us. Your abilities, whether through skills or tech, are impressive. We’d love to have someone like you on our team.”

Bai Shu smiled and reminded, “As long as you have no criminal record.”

The mastermind behind the scenes fell silent for a long while. After some crackling sounds, the communication was abruptly cut off.

Chen Xiaofei spat in disdain, “Are all the villains this stupid now?”

Their promises were so fake.

Bai Shu calmly said, “I’ve recorded the whole thing and submitted it to the headquarters’ tech department.”

Qin Luo and the others all gave him thumbs up! This guy’s awesome! Xu Duoduo also looked at Bai Shu with admiration, praising him as “cool!”