Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 111: Rescue x Ambush - The Hidden Way to Advance

Alex and Linus continue rushing toward the location of Eirini and Patricia, guided by the blips on their mobile devices. Alex's mind races, flipping between We need to hurry and This is a bad idea.

Finally, he voices his concerns to Linus: "Worst case scenario—they're already dead, and their killers are using their devices to bait us into a trap. If that's true, they'll see us approaching and be ready for us. Just a few more minutes and we'll know, but I'm not sure if we're in fact running straight into an ambush."

Linus replies calmly, "It's good you're thinking about worst-case scenarios. But it doesn't really matter what's waiting for us. The only thing that matters is dealing with whatever comes our way. If they're dead and we get ambushed? Fine, then we'll use it as an opportunity to get revenge."

Alex pauses for a moment before responding, "... I guess so." Internally, he reflects on Linus's attitude. So he's one of those "just do, don't ask" types, huh?

To their surprise, when they arrive at the indicated location, they find Eirini and Patricia perfectly fine. The two women are clumsily butchering some sort of giant animal that resembles a buffalo in the distance.

Alex exhales a deep sigh of relief, though his internal frustration boils over. Idiots, what the fuck are they doing? We don't need the whole thing—just grab a few good parts and move on! They're wasting time!

Before he can yell at them, Linus grabs Alex and forcefully drags him to the ground. "Careful! Look to the right—enemies approaching!" Linus warns, immediately firing his pistols into the air to alert the two clueless women still focused on the buffalo.

The gunfire jolts everyone into action. The approaching examinees dive into the tall grass, scanning for Linus's location. Eirini and Patricia, startled, abandon their butchery and throw themselves behind the dead buffalo for cover.

Alex quickly surveys the situation, counting aloud. "Three over there... two further behind... wait, another two up north? Are there more? There are more than five people working together—what the hell?!"

Linus grimaces. "So it's happening. This is exactly what Shalnark warned us about during our planning. Those bastards are playing the numbers game. They know only the top 10 teams will pass. If they eliminate enough teams, they'll secure a spot for themselves even if they serve raw meat. They're betting on sheer numbers to guarantee their survival. Do not hold back. Kill!"

"Fuck!" Alex mutters, finally drawing his [Mr. 5's .44 Caliber 6-Shot Revolver]. He carefully lines up his aim, looking for a clean angle on the advancing examinees.

"FUCK THIS. LET'S KILL THESE TWO BITCHES AND BE DONE WITH IT!" Alex hears someone scream. One of the examinees, seemingly having lost control, charges at Eirini and Patricia, who are still crouched behind the half-butchered buffalo.

Alex glances at Linus, who meets his gaze with a nod. Without hesitation, they both fire their guns. The shots aren't perfect at this range, but they're good enough.

You have dealt 21 damage to Examinee No. 399
You have dealt 16 damage to Examinee No. 399
You have killed Examinee No. 399

Alex watches as his bullets hit their target twice, while Linus lands at least four shots. It only takes two seconds before the examinee collapses, riddled with holes.

Alex cheers inwardly, Looks like I got the last hit, huh? No reward though, sadly!

Suddenly, the sharp crack of gunfire interrupts his thoughts. Enemy bullets zip past them, missing but revealing their general location. Alex quickly rolls to the side, using the tall grass for cover and creating some distance. He glances up and spots at least five examinees charging toward him, clearly unequipped with ranged weapons and opting to close the gap for a melee confrontation.