What was inside the boxes Luke pulled out of his inventory were two submachine guns, along with six magazines, each holding 30 rounds.
"Haha, you've outdone yourself, buddy," I said as I took out the two weapons.
[You have obtained: Uz I-1 Submachine Gun (9mm) x2]
The guns in my hands were short and sturdy, with a prominent grip and a foldable metal stock for easy transport. Their design was minimalist and practical, with no unnecessary adornments, giving them a utilitarian and efficient appearance.
(They use the same ammunition as the pistol but fire in bursts, so it should be relatively easy to take down goblins with these), I analyzed.
"Got any in gold?" I joked with Luke.
"Give me 1000 credits, and I'll even throw in some stickers," he replied, matching my humor.
I walked a bit with the two guns in my hands, and as expected, they were more agile than the rifle, although they sacrificed power and range.
(I guess it's situational, right? I'll use these for close range and the rifle for long distances).
The others present seemed interested too, so they came over to inspect them.
"Incredible... how much do they cost?" Frederick took the lead and asked about their price, his eyes gleaming.
"Well, what you're seeing is the limited edition for my partner here, but since today's a special day, I'll sell them for 6,000 credits each," Luke responded with a businesslike smile.
6,000 credits... that's cheaper than the suit I bought and almost three times less than what the rifle cost...
(Though maybe it's expensive from others' perspective), I thought. It didn't seem like an excessive price to me, but I figured it might for the others.
Silence took over the place as Frederick and Thomas observed the guns in my hands. Only Yuki, the ice goddess, watched with curiosity.
"Hey, buddy, why don't you show them how those babies fire?" Luke urged me to test them out.
"Say no more."
I obeyed since I also wanted to fire these things, and I distanced myself a bit to avoid any mishaps. Once at a safe distance, I aimed at a large rock.
*rat-tat-tat-tat!
The sound of a burst echoed as I felt my hand tremble a bit.
Needless to say, the rock ended up with quite a few holes.
"That guy's got a steady hand, look, he didn't even flinch."
"They say he's a mercenary in real life and only kills in this game for fun."
The two explorers gossiped to the side, something I unfortunately overheard.
(My senses have really improved, huh?), I marveled at being able to hear those voices clearly from this middle distance.
"Status window," I murmured.
[ Status Window:
Name: Silent Shadow
Species: Human
Race: Earthling
Talents: Intoxicating Touch (A), God of Discounts (EX), Survivor (D)
Strength: F
Endurance: F
Agility: F
Toughness: F
Mana: (N/A)
Power: F - Uz I-1 Submachine Gun (Current), Burst Rifle MK-516 (Inventory)
Muta-genes: Perfect Specimen (S), Eyes of the Tyrant Demon (B+), Luminescent Tint (White) (F)
Skills: N/A
Overall Rating: F+ ]
Indeed, my strength had grown, but not at the speed I wanted, although I guess I was just being greedy. After all, this game has only been out for a few days.
Satisfied with my test, I returned to them. I could see they were still quiet.
No doubt an internal debate, right? Since they hadn't killed any enemies, all the credits they could spend would have to come from real money.
*Sigh
Luke also noticed the situation, so he sighed and said:
"You can pay in installments."
"Oh? Really? Then give me three," exclaimed Thomas. Hearing that, his hesitation vanished completely, and he even bought an extra one.
Frederick, on the other hand, thought a bit more before turning to look at his two explorers, who stared at him with starry eyes.
He pondered for a moment but finally decided.
"Haa, give me three," sighed Frederick and also bought three.
And so, all the members of this expedition were equipped with 'Luke Industries' weapons.
Of course, mine were free.
--
In the depths of the snowy forest, each step of Ethan and the others resounded with a crunchy "crunch" under the fresh snow.
*Crunch *Crunch
The trees, tall and solemn, stood like silent guardians, their branches laden with pristine white.
Suddenly...
*Whoosh!
"What was that!" one of the explorers exclaimed at the noise, putting everyone on alert.
Everyone except one person raised their weapons and looked in all directions to find the source of the sound.
"Calm down, it was just that friend over there," Ethan replied, pointing to a specific tree.
A kind of blue and white owl perched among the shadows of the trees, staring at them with a small animal in its talons.
*Squeak! *Squeak!
It was a small field mouse, which would unfortunately find its final place in the bird's stomach.
(Wildlife sure is cruel, huh?), Ethan thought as he prepared to move on.
They continued for a while before someone shouted.
"LOOK!" one of the explorers saw a shadow coming towards them.
Everyone took a moment to react and...
(WOW), was the only thought Ethan and probably everyone there had.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over them, as large and silent as the night itself.
It was a monster wolf, its eyes shining like beacons in a storm, and its fur whiter than the snow around it.
"It's magnificent," murmured Ethan, while his companions slowly backed away, their hands trembling on their weapons.
(Look at how that thing moves, it seems so real...)
"Is that the giant wolf you mentioned?!" Luke shouted, alarmed.
"No, no, that one is much bigger than the ones we saw," replied one of the nervous explorers.
It's impossible not to be alarmed seeing a wolf at least three meters tall in front of them.
The wolf watched them, looking like a giant among the trees, and for a moment, the entire forest seemed to hold its breath.
Then the wolf began to move...
The branches creaked under the weight of the tension as the six members, with their submachine guns in hand, formed a circle around the clearing.
"Shoot!" Frederick was the first to break the tension, and with a nervous shout, urged them to fire.
*Ratatatata!
The sound of gunfire echoed erratically and desperately, cutting through the silence like sharp blades.
But the wolf didn't seem to flinch despite the bullets flying its way...
Ethan, with his eyes fixed on the wolf's blazing eyes, tried to calm his breathing and steady his pulse. His excitement was evident as he fired.
*Ratatatata!
*Ratatatata!
(This thing is like a boss...)
*Click, *click, *click!
The sound of reloading weapons mixed with the low, threatening growls of the creature.
The others, though nervous, followed his lead, trying to control the shaking of their hands.
"Holy crap, what is that thing?"
*Bang, *bang!
The echo of the shots was lost among the trees, but the monster wolf, agile and cunning, dodged each bullet.
Luke cast quick glances at his companions, looking for a better strategy than just shooting.
When his gaze met Ethan's...
Shhh, shhh! he whispered, signaling to a high point among the branches, a possible tactical advantage.
(Got it.)
Ethan nodded, understanding the plan without words.
*Ratatatata!
*Ratatatata!
"Reposition!" Ethan shouted as he pointed in a certain direction.
*Zas, *zas!
Footsteps quickened as the group repositioned, keeping the wolf in their sights.
The wolf, now with some wounds, watched them with distrust and hatred.
Feeling the pressure, it bared its fangs in a ferocious snarl.