Chapter 653 - 643: Hello 1

In the blink of an eye, over ten days had passed.

As the start of the game drew closer, Moira Lynch and her friends actually started to relax.

The base, on the other hand, was a different story. Ever since learning their 5S Mechas could be equipped with weapons, the staff had provided them with a huge arsenal they could carry.

In addition to the weapons, there were all sorts of supplies.

You had to admit, the professionals really knew what they were doing.

Moira Lynch looked at the supply list the base had prepared for them; it was far more comprehensive than the one they had made themselves.

To carry more supplies, the group simply wore all their various Space Buttons.

Moira Lynch even took out all the Loli Fruits she had accumulated.

"Moira, what are these? How come I’ve never seen you use them before?" Kai York asked, looking at the fruits of all different colors and shapes.

’It’s really hard to believe these fruits all grew on the same tree.’

"I bought these from the in-game store right when the game first started. The reason I didn’t take them out before was that I had no use for them."

"So you’re taking them out now because you figure if we don’t use them, we’ll have even less of a chance to later?" Hugh Finch said.

Moira Lynch nodded. That was indeed what she thought.

Among these Loli Fruits, aside from the basic Smoke Fruits, Confusing Fruits, and various Elemental Fruits, there were also Sky Net Fruits, Giant Stinky Fruits, and Flash Fruits.

Moira Lynch explained the effects of each of these fruits one by one.

She especially warned them about the Giant Stinky Fruit, telling them to keep their distance when using it.

Not only was its effect an unbearable stench, but the gas was also extremely adhesive. Once it got on you, it was very difficult to wash off.

「With two days left before the game began, the teams sent to other planets to collect items finally returned.」

They brought back items that could increase resistances.

Flame Litchis, which increased fire resistance after being eaten.

Shasha Grass, which granted an Earth Escape ability, allowing one to breathe freely underground, with the drawback of being unable to move.

Then there were berries that increased one’s strength, apples that enhanced skin toughness, and so on.

Looking at the mountains of various fruits, Moira Lynch and her friends couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

"If we eat all of this, I think we’ll stuff ourselves to death before we even enter the game," Moira Lynch said with a hint of despair.

"Same."

The other three shared her look of despair.

Because it wasn’t one mountain of food in front of them, but one for each of them.

Eating an entire mountain of food in two days was obviously unrealistic, no matter how good their appetites were.

Besides, it was highly likely they would have to start running for their lives the moment they entered the game, so eating too much at once wasn’t a good idea.

The group stored everything in their Space Buttons. This way, they wouldn’t get too full all at once, and it would be easier to eat everything quickly when they could.

First, they all unanimously chose to strengthen their bodies, especially Shane Rhodes, Kai York, and Hugh Finch.

The three of them still remembered Moira Lynch telling them their bodies were too weak to withstand their Mechas flying at the speed of light.

As everyone knows, eating is a wonderful thing. But even the most delicious food becomes an ordeal when you eat too much of it.

Especially since not all of the items brought back tasted good.

Some of them tasted... well, the taste was hard to put into words. For example, eating Shasha Grass felt just like chewing raw sand.

Before officially entering the game, Moira Lynch also found time to settle the people she had rescued and kept in her space.

As for how to settle them...

First, she asked where their homes were. Although she couldn’t take them back personally, she could pay for their travel expenses.

But when she asked this question, she was met with silence.

In the end, it was the rescued Merman King who stepped forward to answer on behalf of everyone.

It turned out their races had long since lost the right to be treated as people in the galaxy. Although they still possessed citizenship, it wasn’t recognized at all.

Their homelands had been occupied long ago. Even if they returned, they would be immediately captured and thrown back into cages.

After hearing the Merman King’s words, Moira Lynch fell into silence.

She had considered settling these people on Veridian Prime.

But then she realized that Veridian Prime would eventually connect with the wider galaxy and come into contact with other races. When that happened, humanity might not be able to protect them, and it could even lead to unnecessary conflict.

It was only then that Moira Lynch belatedly realized she had rescued a group of hot potatoes.

Still, if she could turn back time, she would do the same thing all over again.

Seeing the hopeful looks in their eyes, Moira Lynch took a deep breath and said, "I have a planet..."

Moira Lynch explained the situation on Cloudsea Planet.

"If you’re willing to live there, I can send you over. But on one condition: you can’t live there for free. You’ll have to work for me. Are you willing?"

’I have to be clear about the ’not for free’ part.’

After speaking, Moira Lynch’s gaze fell upon the Merman King.

"We are willing," the Merman King replied without any hesitation.

He bowed to Moira Lynch, his tone respectful and earnest. "We of the Merfolk race are more than willing to serve you as payment for providing us with a suitable place to live."

"We are as well. We are willing to serve you," the others chimed in one after another, expressing their agreement.

"Good. In that case, I’ll send you over right now. Someone will be there to receive you."

"Also, there are plenty of Elf Tree Houses there. Aside from a few with special purposes, you can live in any of them you choose."

With that, Moira Lynch opened a Teleportation Gate.

After thanking Moira Lynch once more, the Merman King led the others through the Teleportation Gate.

After settling the Merman King and his group, two days passed in a flash.

As the clock struck twelve, Moira Lynch and her friends all felt a wave of disorientation.

Immediately after, a cold, emotionless voice sounded in their ears.

"Third Round of the Game: Your mission is to live here for ten days."

As before, there was only a mission, with no hints whatsoever.

When Moira Lynch opened her eyes again, she found herself in a barren wilderness, the air thick with a foul smell.

[WARNING! Air quality is extremely poor, exceeding the minimum detection range. This is a severely polluted zone.]

The next second, a helmet-like object formed around Moira Lynch’s head.

The helmet sealed off the outside air, and she instantly felt much more comfortable.

Moira Lynch frowned as she looked at the air pollution levels displayed by Patience.

Just as she was thinking she should get out of this place as soon as possible, a figure appeared in the distance. The figure raised a hand and began waving at her.