Chapter Eight: Provisions First

Wuhua had heard of Blue Ocean Company; in fact, it would be difficult not to. From the very launch of the game, this company had emerged, belonging to that earliest batch, and it was almost certain some conglomerate supported them in the real world.

What made this company peculiar was that it only recruited women, rejecting all men outright, and its recruitment slogan was to hire only beautiful female elites, though what constituted an "elite" was never clearly defined. The identity of the company’s president remained a mystery to outsiders, but Blue Ocean had undeniably accomplished several major feats.

The most sensational event occurred about half a month ago, when Blue Ocean undertook a pioneering mission in the dark regions west of Phantom Moon City, opening up the famed “Saint Roland Highlands.” The ordinary monsters on the highlands were level 50, while the boss—the Frostfire Direwolf—was level 62. To put this in perspective, the top experts at that time were only around level 20, making the challenge unimaginably daunting.

According to eyewitness players, Blue Ocean did not employ the typical “numbers game” strategy. Instead, they dispatched a combat squad of just seven beautiful women, who managed to slay the boss without a single casualty. A player even posted a video in the forums, though only the women’s backs were visible. Players jokingly dubbed them the “Seven Killers,” while female players revered them as the “Seven Fairies.”

Afterward, Blue Ocean Company paid a hefty sum to the Federal Government, then sent a team of senior engineers to construct a port that connected land, sea, and air routes atop the highlands. This finally established a direct route between Dreamstar City and Phantom Moon City. The highland was renamed “Saint Roland Port” and placed under Blue Ocean’s jurisdiction.

This feat sent shockwaves throughout the game, making Blue Ocean’s name resound in every field of Star Wars.

Many players specializing in non-combat professions visited Saint Roland Port and marveled at how the company’s engineers could construct such a high-tech port. Other corporate groups, seeing the business opportunities, took note as well. Wuhua had been deeply impressed at the time. Those “Seven Fairies” were likely no higher than level 23, clearly combat elites—not only well-equipped but individually outstanding, and, most crucially, their teamwork was unmatched. Otherwise, seven people could never have taken down a level 62 boss.

To put it into perspective, if Mara Gobi’s full set of purple gear hadn’t dropped, even ten players of Wuhua’s level and equipment would be rolling on the ground against a level 38 boss in Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain. That alone attested to the prowess of the “Seven Fairies.” What’s more, another half month had passed since then; while you were making progress, so were they.

After considering all this, Wuhua smiled and said, “Alright, I’ll keep the business card. If I ever visit Phantom Moon City, I’ll be sure to trouble you, Spicy Lady, Senior Sister, and Big Sister Vow for your help.”

Spicy Lady gave a thumbs-up. “Good! You respect me—straightforward!”

Vow couldn’t help but laugh at being called “Big Sister.”

The Star Dream Shopping Center was located at the most bustling heart of Dreamstar City. This luxurious center covered 240,000 square meters and offered “one-stop” services. Whatever your profession or need, you could find it there, along with the most comprehensive and attentive after-sales support.

Of course, prices here were always the steepest in the city.

For example, Wuhua’s “Turtle Box” would cost only 100 credits at a regular weapon shop, but here it was priced at 300. Yet the higher price came with perks: if you bought an AK-series assault rifle, you’d receive complimentary gun oil, crystal oil, holster, gloves, and a protective case. Should your gun malfunction, they’d repair it for free—services ordinary shops couldn’t rival.

The beautiful NPC salesgirls in the shopping center chattered endlessly with Wuhua, who felt a bit embarrassed, especially since Spicy Lady insisted on using her own card, claiming it was to compensate him for his massive loot loss. The place was packed with other big spenders. Wuhua witnessed a handsome fellow shopping with his girlfriend, who, amid her praise, spent forty thousand credits on an “Armani” suit. He strutted about, asking everyone if he looked handsome, making Wuhua want to cough up blood.

That fool had spent a fortune on something utterly impractical; Wuhua could only sigh—if you have money, you can play however you want. The handsome guy, meanwhile, looked at Wuhua with envy.

“Look at him—just a pair of red boxers, shopping with three stunning wives. Now that’s the pinnacle of manhood. I salute you, brother—were you born under a lucky star?”

After spending most of the day shopping, Wuhua picked out a set of the cheapest blue-and-white shirt and vest—just over 400 credits, probably the least expensive clothing in the entire mall.

Though Spicy Lady was well-off, there were still limits to exploiting bargains. Saving where possible had always been Wuhua’s principle.

In the end, the three women got hooked on shopping and prepared for a spree, so Wuhua bid them a friendly farewell.

He would never buy equipment here—not because of the cost, but because everything was standard grade; even the most expensive items had poor stats. The real treasures weren’t found here. He had his own destination.

That place was—the Black Market!

Every prosperous city had a black market, and the virtual world was no exception. The black market wasn’t truly “black”—it was just that prices were lower and gear was better than in stores. Otherwise, if players sold all their good loot to shops, they’d lose out terribly.

Wuhua had noticed that Spicy Lady’s MP5 was just a standard model—someone like her was clearly used to buying everything at luxury stores, carrying over her real-world habits into the game.

Of course, the black market had its own drawbacks: if you wanted top-tier gear, you wouldn’t find it there. Only the major corporations’ auctions offered true treasures—at prices that would make you howl at the sky.

A month of trading experience had taught Wuhua a vital lesson: to check out goods, go to the shopping center, since they had everything—unless you desperately needed a rare item, in which case, don’t buy there; it’s too expensive. For regular gear, buy from weapon shops—many small stores were run by high-level players selling what they couldn’t use. For transitional gear, the black market was best, since you could haggle. If you had enough money and the levels, and wanted top gear, the auction was your only choice.

Currently, Wuhua urgently needed at least three things: a high-powered gun, a quality combat suit, and a pair of boots for speed.

After all, before the troops march, the provisions must be ready.