Chapter Seventeen: Heroes Emerge in Troubled Times
“Beautiful!”
From his vantage point atop a distant tree, Wang Yinlong could not help but shout as he witnessed the scene, releasing all the pent-up frustration that had been simmering within him. He glanced toward Chen Nian, who appeared to be calmly directing the members of the Special Operations Squad, telling them not to rush in—a picture of composure.
In contrast, the members of the squad were visibly impatient, itching to leap forward with every step.
“This kid is truly a talent,” Wang Yinlong muttered to himself.
To come up with such a strategy for hunting the giant beast in such a short time—that takes cunning. Charging together with Ye Qiang and the others at the critical moment without faltering—that takes courage. Volunteering for the advance team and then stepping forward to lead the hunt once he had a plan—that takes responsibility.
Cunning, courage, and responsibility… And, as fate would have it, he was handsome, too.
Damn, as the saying goes, heroes rise in chaotic times. If it weren’t for this whole affair with the alien metaverse, a talent like this might have spent his life playing metaverse games. What a waste that would be.
…
On the riverbank, the group waited a few minutes more, throwing a few more heavy stones at the giant beast to ensure it was truly dead before approaching.
Ye Qiang kicked the beast, then went to the river to wash the blood from his face before coming over to Chen Nian.
“Brother, you charged in with us just now, didn’t you? You never said you’d join the fray during the rehearsal.”
“Just playing it safe,” Chen Nian replied with a smile.
He wasn’t just saying that—he really had played it safe.
“It was dangerous back there, and maybe it was your strength that made the difference. But next time, don’t do that; it’s too risky.”
“Understood.”
“Heh… You’re truly impressive!” Ye Qiang patted Chen Nian’s shoulder lightly, his eyes full of admiration.
He knew more details than Wang Yinlong. For example, why place the brush pile higher up? At first, he hadn’t understood, but then it dawned on him. By placing it higher, the giant crocodile would find it awkward to attack with its forepaws, but just right with its mouth. That way, the log would be driven straight into its jaws.
Moreover, the squad members hiding at a higher spot were less likely to be discovered by the beast.
Besides such details, the whole operation had used no complex tools, saving a lot of time.
He had to admit—this young man was a true strategist. No wonder he could stand out among so many players.
…
“Haul this thing away and break it down!” Wang Yinlong strode over, his tone now much more exuberant.
The squad members were already prepared; dozens of them used rolling logs on the ground to slowly drag the giant beast toward the forest.
…
“Chen Nian, excellent work,” Wang Yinlong said as he drew near. Instinctively, he reached for his pocket, only to find it empty, and then remembered this was the virtual world—he had no cigarettes. He awkwardly brushed his hand against his green uniform and continued, “Once we get out of here, I’ll recommend you for a first-class merit award! You’ll bring honor to your family! Of course, if you want other rewards, I can apply for those as well.”
“Thank you, Captain Wang,” Chen Nian replied politely.
Wang Yinlong’s expression grew more serious.
“Chen Nian, let me ask you something important: are you interested in joining the Space Force? It’s such a waste to bury talent like yours—you need a bigger stage.”
Chen Nian hesitated, not agreeing immediately.
Wang Yinlong nodded understandingly.
“You don’t have to decide now. Talk it over with your parents when we get out. Rest assured, I won’t put you in as a regular soldier—at the very least, you’ll start as a company-level officer.”
“No matter what, thank you, Captain Wang.”
“Haha, it’s I who should thank you! Don’t underestimate what you did—taking down a giant beast may seem simple, but its impact is profound and far-reaching.”
He looked out over the lake.
“For such a small lake to give birth to a beast of this size is outrageous; there shouldn’t be any other big creatures left in there, right?”
“Probably not,” Chen Nian replied.
“As long as we can deal with the beast, having one is actually good for us—it proves the lake is deep enough, with plenty of water. Finding a place like this for a base means I can report back to the division commander with confidence.”
…
Once Wang Yinlong left, that voice in Chen Nian’s mind resurfaced.
“Now we’ve entered the core circle of the advance team. Heh, together, we’re invincible!”
Chen Nian remained silent.
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?” the voice sounded surprised.
“You sensed it, didn’t you?”
“You’re still so rebellious at your age?”
“It’s not rebellion—I just dislike the feeling of losing control. Next time, consult me first before taking over my body. Don’t just seize control whenever you feel like it.”
“But this body belongs to both of us—I have a right to control it.”
“Then you take control; I’ll rest.”
Anyway, you’re smart and strong, and I’m just a puppet.
“This…”
The voice faltered, then replied with a hint of anger, “I don’t like interacting with others.”
“What, do you have social anxiety?” Chen Nian mocked.
“Chen Nian, don’t be sarcastic! For years, you’ve been in charge of the body—I’ve barely ever spoken to outsiders! Isn’t it normal for me not to like talking to others?”
Then the voice suddenly realized something.
“Are you trying to trick me?”
“Who’s tricking you? I’m serious. If you take control without my permission again, then I’ll do nothing from now on.”
“You’re threatening me!”
“Yes, I am threatening you. In a moment, I’ll gather everyone from the advance team and let them watch me give a speech. I’ll say two sentences, and the rest will be up to you.”
Hearing this, a strange fear welled up deep inside Chen Nian.
In truth, as the president of the largest metaverse guild in Huaxia, he was used to giving speeches to thousands, even tens of thousands of people. Clearly, this fear wasn’t his own—it was an emotion passed to him by the other personality.
The other him really was socially anxious.
“Chen Nian! You’re insane—threatening yourself!”
Chen Nian ignored him and walked straight toward Wang Yinlong.
“Captain Wang!”
“What’s up?” Wang Yinlong turned around.
“I have something important—”
He’d only spoken halfway when the voice in his mind couldn’t take it anymore, sensing that Chen Nian genuinely intended to hold a meeting for the advance team.
“I admit I was wrong! From now on, I’ll always ask your permission before taking control!”
Chen Nian ignored him and said to Wang Yinlong, “Here’s the thing: our situation is a lot like playing a real-time strategy game… So we need to establish a base as soon as possible and start manufacturing reliable weapons. Otherwise, if we encounter people from other countries, it could get dangerous.”
Wang Yinlong grinned.
“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”
He turned and went to relay orders to the others.
After he left, Chen Nian stood still.
“Hey, I only did that because I’m afraid you’ll act impulsively and cause trouble that’s hard to clean up.”
“Don’t talk to me!”
Hearing that resentful voice, Chen Nian was speechless.
Well, it seemed the guy was sulking now.