Chapter 140 - 139: Expert

Chapter 140: Chapter 139: Expert

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As Gu Su listened to Bu Ping and the others recount the truth of the death race, he was silent for a long time, a complex expression flickering across his face. When he finally spoke, his tone was tinged with self-deprecation and a sigh.

"I thought being used as filler was bad enough, but I guess there are people even more miserable than me."

The moment Gu Su spoke, the grim atmosphere in the hall instantly eased. The other players couldn’t help but laugh. Some slapped their thighs and chuckled, while the corners of others’ lips turned up in smiles. Even some of the exhaustion and vigilance on their faces seemed to melt away.

Just then, the Skeleton that had led Gu Su from the maze passage slowly emerged from the mist. The faint spectral light in its eye sockets flickered twice, and it spoke in a flat, mechanical tone, "Player Gu Su, you may proceed to the inner chamber to report."

Hearing the Skeleton’s announcement, everyone immediately stopped talking and laughing, and the hall fell silent once more.

The middle-aged player who had first spoken to Gu Su, Bu Ping, smiled and patted his shoulder. The gesture was friendly and sincere. "You’re an interesting kid. I like your style.

Later, if you’re not sure which defense line to choose, just give them my name and have them assign you to my section. We can look out for each other. My name is Bu Ping."

"Alright, thanks, Brother Bu. I’ll remember that."

Gu Su nodded quickly, a look of gratitude on his face.

In this strange and dangerous DT-501 District, having an official player look out for him was undoubtedly an extra layer of security.

After thanking him, Gu Su turned, walked over to an iron door in the corner of the hall, and gently pushed it open.

Behind the door was a narrow corridor. A few dim light bulbs hung from the walls on either side, their flickering light making the mottled stains on the walls stand out starkly.

He walked a few steps down the corridor, pushed open another door at the end, and went inside.

The room wasn’t large, and it was sparsely furnished with only a worn-out metal desk, a chair, and a few file folders stacked in a corner.

Behind the desk sat a young man who looked to be in his early twenties. Dressed in clean, casual clothes, he was a stark contrast to the strange, gloomy building and exuded an innate air of superiority.

As Gu Su came in, his gaze lingered on the young man for a couple of seconds. ’For some reason,’ he thought, ’I get the feeling he’s younger than me.’

The young man’s face still held a hint of youthful immaturity, but his eyes were brazen, filled with unconcealable smugness.

Noticing the fleeting look of surprise on Gu Su’s face, the young man chuckled. His tone was laced with knowing amusement as he broke the silence. "Surprised?

It’s normal. A lot of people have that reaction when they see me."

He straightened his back slightly, his tone growing even more flamboyant. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Lü You.

I was born with a Golden Finger. I’m a graduate student at Ring Moon University, eighteen years old, and Level 13."

As Lü You spoke, he proudly tilted his chin up, his expression screaming, ’I’m not like you common players.’

The very light in his eyes seemed to be showing off, as if he were waiting for Gu Su’s amazement and admiration.

Hearing this, Gu Su instantly understood.

’This guy is the textbook definition of a chosen one.’

He knew exactly what being Level 13 meant in this Game World. It meant that Lü You’s Golden Finger—regardless of whether it fell into the category of "Land, Methods, Companions, or Wealth"—had definitely reached Green Quality.

Compared to his own, the difference was night and day.

He’d spent all his savings just to barely afford a gray-quality, bargain-basement Golden Finger.

Meanwhile, Lü You was born with a Talent others could only dream of. His Luck was so good it was practically heaven-defying.

Gu Su knew exactly how to handle people like Lü You, who were born with a sense of superiority and craved admiration.

Without the slightest hesitation, he shot a thumbs-up, a perfectly calibrated look of worship on his face. His voice was sincere and enthusiastic. "Brother Lü, you’re incredible! To be so powerful at such a young age... you’re a role model for our generation!"

"Haha, I think so too!" Lü You beamed at Gu Su’s praise, the smugness on his face intensifying. He waved his hand magnanimously.

"I like people like you, who can recognize real talent! I can tell you’re a player with potential, not like those useless scrubs who are just here to get their ticket punched."

He paused as if making a momentous decision, then continued, "Alright, how about this? During the upcoming beast tide, you can help by defending an extra section of the perimeter.

After it’s over, all the loot from that section is yours. I won’t take a single piece."

After speaking, he shot Gu Su a smug glance, his eyes practically screaming, ’How’s that? Aren’t I generous?’ and ’You’d better thank me properly.’ He looked as if he were bestowing charity.

Gu Su froze for a moment, then instantly understood what Lü You was thinking.

’In the eyes of a player like him, someone who’s had a smooth ride his whole life and always looked down from on high, a beast tide is probably a trivial affair. As far as he’s concerned, any official player should be able to handle one.’

’He thinks that by carving out a large defensive area for me, he’s giving an ordinary player a huge reward—a chance to scoop up easy loot.’

’But only I know that’s not the case at all. The danger of a beast tide is far beyond what most people imagine. Although my Graveyard Demon isn’t weak, I’m not confident I can hold a large section of the line all by myself. One mistake, and the beast tide could swallow me whole.’

’Then again, Lü You has already put the offer on the table, and with such flair. I can’t just turn him down flat.’

’If I refuse him now, not only will I make him lose face, but I might also offend this natural-born ’protagonist.’ I just got to the DT-501 District; it’s better to make a friend than an enemy.’

At this thought, Gu Su immediately pushed aside his worries. A hearty smile spread across his face as he said firmly, "No problem, Brother Lü!

You can count on me. I’ll hold that section for you and make sure not a single enemy gets through!

Oh, by the way, Brother Lü, there’s something I was hoping to ask you. Could I trouble you for some guidance?"

"Oh? Let’s hear it." Lü You was very pleased with a player like Gu Su—someone who was pragmatic and knew how to handle people. His smile softened a bit, and he agreed without a second thought, showing no trace of impatience.

"Well, it’s like this, Brother Lü. I was just a scrub before this, so I didn’t really learn anything useful.

When I got my Golden Finger, it didn’t come with an instruction manual or anything.

There’s a lot of stuff I don’t understand.

I was just wondering if there’s a place where I can go to get up to speed.

At the very least, I need to know which way to go from here."