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[Option 5: Decide to search for Sampo in Boulder Town — Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...]
Just as Bochang finished reading the options, a fifth one appeared.
After a brief silence, Bochang swiftly dismissed option five; he had no intention of seeking out Sampo.
Regarding Sampo's earlier remark about finding him in the Underworld, Bochang completely disregarded it. Even if he ventured there, his priority would be to find Clara, Hook, or perhaps Natasha and Seele.
Who would waste their time looking for Sampo...?
Examining the remaining four options, Bochang immediately ruled out the first. Firstly, the reward was unappealing, and secondly, if Bronya went searching for the Wildfire organization, she would undoubtedly encounter Seele. By the time they found her, chances were Seele would be occupied, rendering their efforts futile.
The fishing rod reward seemed to silently echo this sentiment.
Options two and three were both viable.
However, upon noticing the mention of assistance in option four,
Bochang instantly chose the fourth one.
It seemed that Clara was in trouble, making now the perfect time to intervene.
"Well... getting a random skill could be interesting too, who knows if I might hit the jackpot? It'd be great if it's another talisman, but then again... does the power of talismans fall under the skill category?"
Confused, Bochang asked the System.
[Dating Option] ignored him.
Despite Bochang jokingly referring to the System as cat-like before...
In reality...
The System remained exceptionally aloof, often displaying indifference towards Bochang's inquiries.
As the countdown ticked away, Bochang made his decision. Since the System didn't specify what he needed to say this time, he had to improvise.
"I feel like taking a stroll around the industrial town up north. You guys can do as you please."
Since he intended to find Clara, Bochang preferred not to involve Dan Heng and the others, avoiding any potential interference with his plans. Initially, he had envisioned entering the Underworld solo for this mission.
Unfortunately...
Dan Heng and the others also wanted to explore the Underworld.
Thus, it turned into a full deployment of the Trailblazer squad.
Since Serval was not yet officially part of the Trailblazer squad, she was temporarily excluded from this excursion.
[Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill 'Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing', ensuring victory when playing against others.]
The System's notification sounded.
Bochang's inner reaction barely stirred.
It was clearly a rather useless skill.
What kind of nonsense is "Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing"...
Is Bochang supposed to conquer all opponents at a preschool?
"No wait... This might still be somewhat useful. Perhaps I could bet on rock-paper-scissors with others... Although it's not game-breaking, never mind. Still feels pretty pointless; aside from children, which enemy would play rock-paper-scissors with me?"
"Anywhere you like? Are we planning to split up?" March 7th crossed her arms. "Speaking of, why do you want to go to the industrial town in the north...? From what I remember, that area should already be corrupted by the rift."
As Bronya and Svarog conversed, everyone listened attentively.
They learned that the industrial town to the north—Rivet Town—had been completely eroded by the rift, rendering it uninhabitable.
"I specifically want to confront the rift. It's the perfect opportunity to test the effectiveness of my gunplay skills, which I've been practicing for two and a half hours daily."
Bochang hadn't practiced his gun techniques for nearly two days, nor had he utilized them during yesterday's battles. In the rift, speed was crucial; everyone fought swiftly, especially when confronting Cocolia at the end.
Bochang first unleashed Dragon Blast, followed by a flurry of chaotic punches. There was no chance for him to employ his gunplay skills.
"Hmm... I understand now. Bochang, you wish to hone your gunplay while simultaneously eliminating rift creatures affecting the Underworld, right? Without the presence of Silvermane Guards, conditions here are indeed much more challenging than in the Overworld." Dan Heng completed Bochang's explanation.
Just by walking around Boulder Town briefly, Dan Heng and the others noticed that compared to the Overworld, people here generally appeared malnourished and their clothing was disheveled.
There were few smiles on their faces.
It seemed their quality of life was significantly poorer than those in the Overworld.
What Sampo had mentioned earlier turned out to be entirely accurate.
"Ah, Bochang, so you had this plan all along... Honestly, encountering such injustice, how could the righteous Astral Express crew stand idly by? We're joining you too!" March 7th clenched her fists eagerly.
Feeling somewhat helpless but after some thought, Bochang decided to include them.
Following the guidance from the "Dating Options" prompt, Bochang headed straight for Rivet Town, eager to find Clara as soon as possible.
As for finding Rivet Town, there was no need to worry. Before leaving, Bronya had specifically provided them with a map, albeit from over a decade ago.
However...
That map remained usable even now. After all, the underground environment hadn't significantly changed.
After departing Boulder Town and walking for approximately an hour, the Trailblazer squad finally arrived at Rivet Town.
This small town was completely overrun by rift corruption, teeming with rift creatures and containing numerous resources that were never evacuated... Every so often, daring Vagrants ventured inside to scavenge for supplies, risking their lives for a chance at valuable materials.
"But... why would Clara come to Rivet Town? Is she searching for something specific?" Bochang couldn't think of any other reason that would draw her here apart from seeking some item or information.
Moreover, without Svarog by her side now, she could potentially encounter danger.
This was precisely why Bochang chose the fourth option.
As soon as their group of four entered Rivet Town, rift creatures emerged immediately.
And among them was an Elite creature— a Stormbringer.
Its appearance resembled that of a Voidranger Trampler, but its color had shifted to white-green, wielding Wind elemental power instead.
For Dan Heng and March 7th, this was already a familiar foe—a formidable one at that.
However...
Bochang's team was even more powerful.
Seeing the situation, Dan Heng remarked, "Didn't you want to test your gun skills after practicing for a few days? This is a perfect opponent. Go ahead, we'll have your back from here."
With these words from the stoic little azure dragon, Bochang didn't hesitate.
Without hesitation, Bochang tightened his grip on the Vow Spear and removed a small pouch from his back, handing it to Stelle. This pouch was specifically designed for carrying various items—inside were the erhu and black bear mask.
The Holy Shield, being a crucial life-saving tool, remained close at hand with Bochang; one never knew when it might prove essential. With its ability to ignore any damage for three seconds, even for skilled fighters, that could mean multiple second chances.
Bochang donned the black bear mask, handed Sophia resting on his shoulder to Stelle, and under everyone's watchful gaze, faced Stormbringer alone—the monstrous creature resembling a centaur.
"Is Master really going to be okay by himself?" Sophia, perched on Stelle's shoulder, felt frightened, nearly screaming just at the sight of the tall and grotesque monster.
Stelle nodded slightly, reassuring her, "Don't worry, Bochang can handle it. Even if he can't defeat it with his spear skills, once he uses Dragon Blast...he'll definitely kill the enemy."