Chapter 71: The Ambush on the Hillside (Third Update!)

The division of roles among the sniper, rifleman, assault specialist, and medic within a team isn’t merely Jiang’s personal interpretation, but rather a popular strategy these days. Many professional teams adopt this kind of arrangement. Still, it’s not a rigid formula—there are always exceptions.

Take Yang Hao’s group, for instance; Jiang finds it hard to decipher their setup. From their earlier coordination, it’s clear the team has at least two snipers—Yang Hao and Zhu Ziyuan. As for Zhang Tian and Yao Cheng, Jiang hasn’t yet determined if they’re riflemen, assault specialists, or medics.

In truth, their team’s division of labor isn’t complicated. Zhu Ziyuan is undoubtedly the chief sniper. Zhang Tian, thanks to his all-around skills, serves as both rifleman and assault specialist, and also acts as their driver. Originally, Yao Cheng was meant to handle driving, but his penchant for motorcycles—despite his decent driving skills—means he prefers those enigmatic vehicles.

Yang Hao, on the other hand, is a free agent. He doesn’t have a fixed role; he goes wherever he’s needed. As he likes to say: “I’m a revolutionary brick, moved wherever needed. I’m a blossom of progress, blooming wherever I can. I’m a blade of grass atop the wall, blown by whichever way the wind goes... uh...” In short, Yang Hao’s job is simply to do whatever he feels like.

Of course, this applies to Yao Cheng and the others as well—their roles are never set in stone. Otherwise, Yao Cheng wouldn’t be zipping around on a motorcycle so frequently. Most of the time, they know exactly what to do and when. They never let carelessness hinder their teammates. Their tacit understanding is the best form of teamwork. Sometimes, a single gesture is enough to convey meaning. After four years together, their synergy is unmatched.

Their playing style, though, is rather infamous! Some may have heard of a legendary strategy in the game—an utterly reckless method: “Just shoot!” No fuss, just grab your gun and go!

After looting the supply drop and scavenging the bodies, the four who left L City were flush with riches. Firearms, ammo, medkits, drinks, armor—everything they could want. Even the coveted M24 sniper rifle and ghillie suit were theirs. What else in this game could tempt them now? Still, one shouldn’t get too arrogant; if an AWM sniper rifle lands nearby, they certainly wouldn’t turn it down.

According to Yang Hao’s earlier plan, they’d moved past the cautious opening phase. Now it was time to learn the secret technique from Brother Ultraman—“Super Transformation.”

He felt it was time to show off his muscles. Since graduating from Tianhai University and returning once more, Yang Hao thought he ought to do something memorable. Perhaps leave a keepsake for the juniors. Coming empty-handed felt a bit awkward. Many participants had crossed paths with Yang Hao and his team before. If the others in the game—especially those who’d suffered at their hands—knew what Yang Hao intended, they might gather at the esports club’s door after the match, brandishing three-meter-long swords.

“Back when you were in school, fine. But now you’ve graduated and still come back to bully us—have you no shame?”

After the first zone contracted, fewer than seventy players remained. This qualifying match was anything but peaceful. So many had died so quickly. But it made sense—eight had already fallen to Yang Hao’s team, and with casualties elsewhere, the numbers were reasonable.

At this point, their squad’s kill count was among the highest in the game. Only Gao He’s team at the airport might be close. The four of them, driving a little yellow car and a motorcycle, sped toward the center of the safe zone. Yes, they were out to stir up trouble.

The safe zone’s center had landed atop the hill at P City, near two hotspots: P City and the school. Plenty of players were likely nearby.

...

Near the bunker.

On a small hillside.

Three players lay in ambush, waiting for other teams to pass and planning to strike. This sneaky strategy had paid off many times, so they never tired of it. They remembered a team at the prison—likely to pass through here on their way to the next safe zone.

They waited.

Yet, after a long time, no one appeared. Frustration grew.

“It’s been ages. Maybe they took another route into the zone?”

“If they chose the shortest path from the prison, this is the way they’d have to go.”

“Let’s wait a bit longer.”

The three, restless from lack of action, grew impatient.

“Someone’s coming!”

A little later, another voice sounded in their ears. It came from their teammate, positioned nearby, who, through a high-powered scope on his 98K, spotted two vehicles approaching.

As expected, Yang Hao’s four were heading for the center of the safe zone, unaware they’d already been targeted.

The two vehicles—motorcycle in front, yellow car behind—drew closer. Seeing a small hill ahead, Yao Cheng, leading the way, grinned and prepared for some wild antics. No doubt, he was about to pull some stunts again.

Coincidentally, the three ambushers lay silently atop that hill. Due to cover and angles, Yao Cheng and Yang Hao’s group hadn’t spotted them yet. Meanwhile, the ambushers had already marked them as prey.

The sniper watched Yang Hao’s team, poised to strike.

In the broadcast booth.

Jiang, who kept an eye on Yang Hao’s movements, noticed the situation immediately. He saw that Yang Hao and his team were oblivious, and grew curious. Would these seniors stumble in the gutter? If so, it would be entertaining. Many would love to see that happen.

At this moment, no intense fighting was happening elsewhere in the game, so Jiang switched the camera to Yang Hao’s side. The audience watching the livestream also noticed the unfolding drama.

“Isn’t that the squad who just looted the supply drop?”

“Whoa, there’s an ambush ahead!”

“Haha, this is going to be fun.”

“Looks like they haven’t been spotted yet.”

“Old tricksters, old tricksters...”