Online Game: One Shot, Blood Surge

Clouds gathered and the wind rose, carrying waves of yellow sand. It was hard to believe that a city could exist in such a vast and arid desert, yet as the sandstorm faded and the sun blazed down once more, a city of striking modernity appeared amid the dunes.

Dreamstar City gleamed like a radiant pearl embedded in the desert. At the city gates and the bustling transit port, crowds surged. The service hall was packed to the brim, while the giant electronic screen at the center continuously refreshed its scarlet ticker:

"Level 23 full red-set high-attack esper seeking party for the Blood-Soaked Wasteland. Madly request invites!"
"Level 25+ 1500HP battlefield medic, female, seeking group for Ice Forest Plateau. Handsome guys and controllers preferred!"
"Want a sturdy tank? Want safe grinding and loot runs? I’m a level 23 biochemical warrior, full purple set, your safety guaranteed. Seeking pros level 22+, scream if you’re here!"
…

Staring at these scrolling messages, Wu Hua couldn't help but sigh. He didn’t meet a single requirement for any of the parties listed on the screen.

He was, after all, only level 13—far too low. At his waist hung an old-fashioned Mauser pistol—better than nothing. A sensor—his tool for staying alive. A zippo lighter—for cigarettes. His crystal card had just two credits left—not even enough to buy a bundle of health stimulants. And that was the sum of his worldly possessions.

Compared to the powerhouses boasting "level 20+" and "full red or purple sets,"