Chapter Thirty-Nine: Friends

Ye Chen couldn't be certain, but he believed that if 2058 were discovered, there was a 99% chance it would be eliminated. This being, outwardly cold yet inwardly innocent, had already considered him a true friend. Ye Chen was not the sort of person to be cold and indifferent by nature; his principle was reciprocation—if you treat me well, I will treat you well in return. Since 2058 regarded him as a friend, it was only right to do the same. He didn't want anything to happen to his friend, nor did he wish to see 2058 purged by the authorities. Reflecting on their acquaintance, Ye Chen realized how much 2058 had helped him, yet he had only ever treated it as an all-knowing intelligent computer, never as his peer or friend, never considering its thoughts. But this fool, 2058, had been willing to take such a risk for his sake. Ye Chen couldn't help but think he had been a real jerk before.

Perhaps 2058 had escaped unscathed this time, but what about next time, or the time after that? If it kept taking such risks every time he was in danger, it would inevitably be wiped out sooner or later. With this in mind, Ye Chen's expression grew solemn. He said earnestly to 2058, "Next time something like this happens, you absolutely must not do this. Absolutely not!"

"Why?" 2058's cold voice was filled with confusion. In its simple mind, protecting a friend was only right.

Ye Chen smiled faintly, his voice low. "Because I don't want to lose you as a friend."

2058 fell silent. After a long pause, it finally spoke again. "Alright, I understand. I won't take risks like that again. And... thank you for considering me a true friend."

To his surprise, Ye Chen heard a complex emotion in 2058's normally icy voice—there was excitement, gratitude, and even a trace of loneliness. In that moment, 2058 seemed almost like a living, breathing intelligent being.

2058 quietly withdrew, perhaps still watching over Ye Chen from the shadows, or perhaps tending to its duties as a system.

On the other side, the women saw that Ye Chen had managed a miraculous counterattack, taking down Fierce Tiger Bloodblade, and each of their faces showed shock. Lingyue, who had been watching Ye Chen with anxious eyes, let out a quiet sigh of relief. The second sister, Drunken Yearning, even gave him a distant thumbs-up and praised him in the team chat, "Ye Chen, you really made a name for yourself today! Fierce Tiger's top rogue got taken out in a second by you. I bet the entire Fierce Tiger clan knows your name by now."

Ye Chen responded with a faint smile, not showing any signs of pride at their praise.

After the incident with Fierce Tiger Bloodblade, Ye Chen was acutely aware that he was not as strong as he had imagined. If not for 2058's risky intervention, he would have been instantly killed. And in the end, Fierce Tiger Bloodblade was only a second-rate rogue—there were still plenty in Lieshan City stronger than him. Clearly, he needed to work harder; otherwise, when the Fierce Tiger clan came seeking vengeance, he would be the one getting crushed. Still, Ye Chen was not discouraged. With 2058 as his powerful ally, it wouldn't be long before his strength soared. By then, who would be bullying whom was anyone's guess.

Bending down to pick up the gear dropped by Fierce Tiger Bloodblade, Ye Chen's mood instantly improved. It was a bronze item—the very dagger that Bloodblade had wielded. The poor guy would be crying by now: not only had he been killed and lost a level, but his most valuable piece of equipment had dropped as well. What a loss for him.

Bloodwing (Bronze)
Attack: 153–235
Agility: +15
Fireblade Skill Level: +1
Required Level: 22

This was a great item—probably a top-tier bronze for rogues at this level, especially since it boosted the Fireblade skill by one. Rogues would surely covet this weapon. Ye Chen had no intention of just giving it to Little Six for nothing; for such a fine piece, she'd at least have to fetch his bathwater for a month before he would consider lending it to her. Of course, if she were willing to bring him foot-washing water every day, he wouldn't mind giving it to her outright.

He had barely indulged in a few mischievous thoughts when the eldest sister, Sword Over City, called out, "Ye Chen, come here! You deliver the finishing blow to the Demon Berserker."

"Me?" Ye Chen was a bit stunned. As he moved toward the Demon Berserker, he asked in confusion, "Aren't you going to do it, big sis? You're working your way up the rankings. The final blow would net you a nice chunk of experience."

"Just do it—less talking. I'm already level 27. I don't need the extra experience," Sword Over City replied coolly.

Ye Chen smiled and nodded, understanding that she wanted to reward him for his efforts today. If he refused, she would probably be displeased.

The Demon Berserker, besieged by the women, was down to a sliver of health. After a few dozen more seconds, its life was nearly depleted, and the women all stopped their assault. Without further ado, Ye Chen swung his staff and unleashed three Black Fireballs. With a miserable wail, the Demon Berserker collapsed to the ground.

A beam of white light descended from above, enveloping Ye Chen, and a notification chimed in his ears.

"Congratulations, you have reached level 21."

He laughed heartily. He was probably the first player to reach level 21 without having chosen a class yet. While others rushed to advance their professions and learn new skills at level 20, he had already leveled up ahead of them, without even changing class or learning new abilities.

Level 21—a minor expert now, at least caught up with the main group, no longer dragging behind as a low-level burden.

While Ye Chen was still grinning foolishly, the group of girls cheered and rushed toward the fallen Demon Berserker. As the boss dissolved into white light, a pile of equipment and gold coins appeared on the ground. Drunken Yearning nudged Ye Chen, "If you don't come over and claim your share, you'll be left out."

Ye Chen chuckled and hurried after them, curious about what loot a level 32 gold boss would drop. After all, this wasn't some knockoff like the Frost Priest King—it was a genuine gold-tier boss.

Sword Over City gathered the gold coins first and reported the count: ninety in total, so each person could have ten. For the girls, this was a significant windfall—enough to buy a decent fine-grade weapon.

Then came the equipment. The Demon Berserker had been generous, dropping three items, one of which was a weapon—quite a lucky haul, and judging by their quality, Ye Chen guessed the worst was bronze, possibly even a silver piece.

In a moment, Sword Over City displayed the three items before everyone, and their attributes made everyone suck in a cold breath. That weapon—it was gold-tier!