Chapter 2803 Secret Struggle

“Didn’t I tell you I haven’t got it yet?” Lei Xiaohe said with a laugh. “They just gave me a hint.”

“Think about it. If the district really goes into chaos, how are us Outer District players supposed to clear the instance? Of course, we’ve got to clear it fast and get the hell out. Otherwise, when shit happens, leaving won’t even be an option!”

“I think it’s not just about leaving,” Zhou Juanjuan chimed in. “If something really causes the district to turn upside down, you can bet the District Government is gonna drop the ball in a lot of places. It’ll be way easier for pillaging and looting.”

“Sister Juan, how can you say that? You make me sound like some kind of thug!” Lei Xiaohe protested, all righteous. “My intention is absolutely pure—I just wanna help out brothers and sisters from all over to find a way out!”

“Bro, even if you’re not a saint, don’t go around doing shit that’s beneath contempt,” Levi patted his shoulder. “When the district’s in chaos, kicking people when they’re down is basically being an animal.”

“How come nobody believes me?” Lei Xiaohe said anxiously. “I’m not that ambitious, maybe just swipe a little something for the thrill—how else am I supposed to make that broker fee?”

“Did you clear the instance?” Xu Huo asked suddenly.

Lei Xiaohe grinned shyly. “I was lucky.”

Three out of the four people in the room rolled their eyes.

“Brother Xu, you gotta believe me, I just wanna get my hands on some news while I have the chance,” Lei Xiaohe said quickly. “Of course, I can’t say I don’t have plans. Zone 022 doesn’t even treat players from outside as humans. If I steal a bit from them, does it even count? If I can’t get the props and equipment, I’ll just snatch some ores or gold, whatever. All the big stuff’s locked in the government warehouses anyway, doesn’t affect regular folks.”

“We’re not murder enthusiasts or anything, just trying to make some cash. No need to kill.”

Honestly, even Levi and the others were tempted by this logic. Most players weren’t exactly rich; a little cash meant buying better props and upping survival odds. Forget fighting the District Government—if something huge hit the district, they could easily make some quick cash in a few outlying cities.

“Forget about the stamp,” Xu Huo said bluntly. “That broker fee’s not happening for you.”

“But I’m really interested in the news you mentioned. Bring those three players over, I’ll talk to them. If the news is useful, I’ll pay you the fee.”

Lei Xiaohe was pretty disappointed, because he’d already been contacted by loads of players wanting the stamp; some had even paid deposits.

“Bro, seriously, you don’t wanna reconsider and earn this money? It’s tens of thousands each!”

“Does he look like someone short of cash?” Levi chuckled, then nudged him to make the calls.

Disappointment aside, Lei Xiaohe still perked up and got to work. Not long after, he had news: “Only one guy’s willing to come.”

They waited two hours at the hotel, and finally a striking looking man showed up at the door. As soon as it opened, he greeted Xu Huo and the others warmly and politely.

He got straight to the point in just a couple sentences.

The man tossed his long hair, “I got this intel from a government official’s family member. She said her husband and his two lovers are super busy, mentioned something about sending her to vacation in a small town. After I pressed her for details, she said that Zone 022 might be hit by an attack soon, and it could affect a lot of places. The government bigwigs might even be special targets, so they’re getting their families out in advance.”

“You all know how Zone 022 treats Outer Zone players—can’t wait to use us for cannon fodder when we come to clear the instance. Getting payback is only a matter of time. I got this news, of course I want to throw a little fuel on the fire.”

Lei Xiaohe glanced at Xu Huo and couldn’t help but cut in, “Didn’t you say you know of some spots that might get attacked?”

“That’s extra,” the man smiled. “Zone 022 has attacks by Outer Zone players all the time, but this time it’s on a different scale. If you know in advance which places will be hit, you can do a lot more. That kind of chance doesn’t come often.”

He lounged back on the sofa and looked at everyone. “Come on, you’re working so hard to dig into this, don’t tell me it’s just to be the good guys?”

Whether or not anyone’s being a good guy, the fact that news has started leaking these days clearly isn’t just some loose lips from government employees—someone is intentionally dropping hints, trying to drag clearing players into the mess.

The thing happened so suddenly, most people probably didn’t react, but if you get a heads up and prepare, the whole situation changes. This could also be a test for the District Government—while things aren’t burning hot yet, people will move fast to protect their key assets.

Seeing nobody spoke up, the man added, “How about this, I tell you some government moves, you help me clear the instance.”

“Whatever you guys plan to do is none of my business. I’m not asking you to team up.”

He paused and then added, “One or a few people can barely do anything in a massive war.”

The implication being holding onto him alone won’t change a damn thing.

Xu Huo thought for a bit, then contacted the diplomat who’d come earlier to ask if they’d be willing to help send out a batch of clearing players.

The answer was a quick no.

The man was pretty cool about it, got up and left right away. At the door he winked at them, “See you if fate allows.”

“District Government really doesn’t know how to make things easier,” Lei Xiaohe said angrily. “Sending more players off would save a lot of hassle, wouldn’t it?”

“I don’t think it’s that simple,” Zhan Erliu commented. “They say there’ll be an attack, but nobody knows how big it’ll be. Maybe the District Government is just waiting for fish in the barrel. If not, not letting players clear the instance means they can settle scores later. Compared to players who can leave whenever, those who haven’t cleared are easier to control.”

“Capital City’s not gonna be calm,” Zhou Juanjuan had less to say about it. “Just don’t blow up the instance and ruin everything for me.”

“You haven’t cleared, huh?” Lei Xiaohe found his comfort spot, plopped down, and grabbed a bunch of grapes, “Better be careful then. Zone 022 holds a grudge—if you don’t make it out, who knows, there might be payback after.”

“Say something nice,” Levi shot him a glare.

Lei Xiaohe smiled, finished the grapes, and packed up the rest of the fruit. “Brother Xu, I’m heading out. If I hear any juicy news, you’ll be first to know!”

Xu Huo gave him some cash, “If you talk too much, government players might start watching you.”

Lei Xiaohe shot him a ‘you can trust me’ look and went off grinning.

No big news after that, everyone had dinner and went about their own business. Xu Huo pulled up Zone 022’s list of major weapon sales.

In all-out war, good energy weapons and equipment are often more reliable than players themselves. If Zone 022 starts selling, might as well try to buy some.