Chapter 89: The Star of Finland

Monica said, “Someone once claimed that women are not born for war. I think that’s true, but I lack any natural talent for firearms research. I studied for four long years and couldn't even modify a single submachine gun. I can never forget that period—it was the hardest time of my life.”

Wu Hua gently replied, “Master, you need not feel disheartened. Everyone faces setbacks.”

Monica raised her head and said, “A century ago, human technology had reached great heights, and then came the massive invasion of foreign enemies. Yet I couldn’t join the battle because I was incapable of making even the most basic weapon. My companions all thought I was a useless burden. Those days, all I could do was hide under my blanket and silently cry until dawn.”

Wu Hua and Ice Coffee fell silent at her words.

Monica continued, “In the year 1189 of the Aegean Era, that war destroyed our civilization. We activated the energy radiation defense system in an attempt to annihilate our enemies.”

Wu Hua was stirred: “Master, were you also involved in researching the t-virus bioweapon?”

“No, I was never that accomplished,” Monica replied softly. “That war killed almost everyone, but I survived. I have lived to this day, and for a hundred years, I have studied firearms. Progress was slow, but perseverance paid off. At last, I have reached level 35.”

Wu Hua immediately felt deep respect for Master Monica. She had reached level 35 in a hundred years, while he had reached level 29 in just two months. The master’s perseverance was a hundred times stronger than that of any gunman. She truly deserved the title of “Master.”

“Master, you are the most determined person I have ever met, and the most remarkable woman,” Wu Hua said, sincere despite knowing this was part of the game’s system-driven story. Whether real or virtual, he was moved by the master. Those who achieve success through arduous effort are always the most admirable and worthy of respect.

“Thank you,” Monica smiled. “My whole life has been a waiting game—a wait for the right opportunity to display my skills, or perhaps just the right materials. God did not forsake me. When you, Mister Blast, brought together the three materials, I knew this was my final chance. Please believe me, though I cannot craft more advanced weapons, this firearm is the culmination of my life’s work. Among its kind, it is unmatched.”

Wu Hua felt his heart race. “It succeeded?”

“No. It failed,” Monica replied.

Wu Hua felt his heart sink. After all that effort and sacrifice, failure? He had risked his life, lost a level, and been looted. Now he was utterly defeated—yet a strange sense of relief came with it.

“I mean, it failed in terms of performance. After all, you know the nature of guns—there are no perfect firearms in this world,” Monica explained. “But the manufacturing process was an unprecedented success.”

Wu Hua clutched his chest. “My goodness, Master, you really like to joke.”

Monica’s expression turned solemn. “I am not joking. Come here and receive your new weapon.” With that, she walked slowly back to her workbench and lifted a metal case from underneath.

Wu Hua could see clearly that the case bore three letters—“SAKO”—the brand mark of a weapon manufacturer, specifically the real-world Finnish company Sako.

When the case was opened, an azure glow illuminated Wu Hua’s face. Monica took out each component, one by one, and began assembling them with great care.

A few minutes later, a blue long rifle emerged, gleaming with majesty.

Wu Hua recognized this gun. It had a proud nickname: “The Star of Finland.”

It resembled a long metallic sword, with an extremely narrow barrel and a compact, sturdy body. The stock was a hollow loop design, and the sniper scope was several times thicker than the barrel itself.

Though the gun was classified as blue-grade equipment, there was a faint current of red energy flowing through its body.

If a gun could possess the aura of a king, then this weapon truly embodied it: proud, noble, extraordinary.

“TRG-42, heavy sniper rifle,” Monica said as she cradled the gun. “Its outstanding performance and light weight set it above its peers. In the world of firearms, where stars gather, it stands alone as the solitary Star of Finland, carrying out deadly missions on the edge of life and death. Its formidable muzzle energy and demonic power crush everything in its path.”

These words made Wu Hua’s blood boil. The thing he’d long dreamed of was finally before him.

A sniper rifle!

And a heavy sniper rifle at that!

“She is my pride and the honor of my lifetime. I hope that in your hands, she will reach her true potential and write a new legend,” Monica said gravely as she handed the rifle to Wu Hua.

Wu Hua accepted it with both hands. The smooth metallic body sent a shiver through his soul:

Star of Finland (Demon Version)

Blue Equipment

Class Requirement: Gunman

Strength Requirement: 30 points

Constitution Requirement: 30 points

Agility Requirement: 30 points

Weight: 5.0 kg

Length: 1.42 meters

Caliber: 8.58 mm

Magazine Capacity: 10

Accuracy: 100%

Rate of Fire: 1 per second

...

The initial rows of stats were nothing unusual, but when Wu Hua read further, he could hardly believe his eyes:

Muzzle Energy: 9000 joules + 800 joules + 200 joules

Effective Range: 500m + 500m + 500m + 500m

Bonus Attributes: Ranged Mastery +7,

Hidden Compartment +1

At that moment, Wu Hua felt his heart pounding like a pneumatic hammer. He knew that with this gun in his hands, many would soon experience a nightmare. He even wanted to change his in-game name to “Invincible Rogue,” or perhaps “Black Gun Prince”!

Seeing Wu Hua’s excitement, Monica smiled. “Do you like her?”

Wu Hua grinned. “She’s the finest there is.”

Monica continued, “Let me tell you, this gun is sealed with the power of the demon from the Ayat Dungeon, making it able to withstand extreme heat and pressure. Thanks to the S-grade fire crystal, it’s suitable for all harsh environments, especially high temperatures; it never needs cooling. With every shot, ordinary enemies won’t survive the tremendous impact and will be blasted away. It uses 8.58mm Lapua rounds, which adds 800 joules plus 200 joules of attack damage. Furthermore, it can use three types of special ammunition: explosive rounds, burst rounds, and armor-piercing rounds. All fire-type bullets have special effects. The technology to craft these three types is already in Miss Coffee’s hands—she can make them for you shortly.”

Wu Hua nodded vigorously.

Monica went on, “This rifle’s effective range is divided into four stages. Owing to the demon’s power, within 500 meters, accuracy is unaffected by any factors—the bullet reaches the target within a second. Within 1000 meters, accuracy is influenced by wind and low temperatures, and the bullet takes two seconds to arrive. Within 1500 meters, the effects of water surfaces and humidity come into play, and the bullet takes three seconds. At distances up to 2000 meters, you must account for air sensitivity, vacuum, gravity, and the planet's rotation—the bullet will hit in three to six seconds.”

Wu Hua was stunned.

Monica added, “But don’t worry. I’ve designed a multifunctional sniper scope for you. This Black Hawk scope has four levels of magnification: 75 meters for level one, 50 meters for level two, 25 meters for level three, and 5 meters for level four. Of course, if you can’t hit a target within 5 meters with a handgun, then just ignore everything I said. The scope comes with wind adjustment, low-light night vision, ultraviolet optical lens, and multifunctional sensors. Once you activate the scope, all these data will appear on your display and help you correct your aim.”

Wu Hua exhaled. “This gun truly is invincible.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Monica replied.

Wu Hua couldn’t help but ask, “Oh? Why not?”