"T58 Three-Defense Combat Suit, Purple Equipment, Strength Requirement: 20 points, Stamina Requirement: 10 points, Defense: 140, Durability: 1000/1000, Normal Resistance: 18%, Water Resistance: 56%, Additional Attributes: Ranged Specialization +2, Strength Specialization +4, Movement Speed +5%."
"Desert Combat Boots, Purple Equipment, Strength Requirement: 25 points, Defense: 38, Durability: 500/500, Resistance: 8%, Additional Attributes: Strength Specialization +5, Movement Speed +15%."
This combat suit was decent, but paired with the boots, it became formidable. Edward calculated that wearing them would boost his strength by nine points, nearly matching a level 15 gene warrior. With HP regeneration of ten points per second, he could recover in four minutes, making him a high-speed, resilient gunner—perfect for venturing into more dangerous territories.
"Will you trade?" Shen Gun asked with a grin.
Edward smirked. "Is this your best offer? That suit is lacking, and while the boots are solid, you know the total value is far less than what I'm offering."
Shen Gun clenched his teeth. "How about I add 3000 credits and three items for a swap? If not, consider us done here."
Though the deal was generous, Edward replied, "3300 credits, and we have a deal."
Realizing Edward's strategy, Shen Gun relented. "Fine, 300 credits it is. Deal."
Edward knew Shen Gun planned to resell the items at an auction for around 30,000 credits, using his connections in the market, while he lacked the means. He recognized this as a worthwhile trade, having gained much despite losing a level.
With a swift swipe of his card, 3000 credits appeared in his account. This marked his first significant sum since entering the Star Wars universe, a thrill coursing through him.
"By the way, what's this extra 400 energy with the Desert Eagle?" Edward asked.
Shen Gun scoffed. "Aren't you a firearms expert? Those .5 caliber rounds pack a punch. The purple tier uses AE rounds, not easily found."
Knowing he'd been led astray, Edward inquired, "You have some for sale, don't you?"
Shen Gun grinned. "Best to buy at the mall—10 credits for a box of 20. Here, it's 30 credits for four boxes, but I only sell in bulk."
"Fine, give me 40 boxes," Edward grumbled.
Shen Gun's face brightened. "300 credits, please."
Edward retorted, "How about a discount for buying in bulk?"
"Seriously? You want to haggle over that?" Shen Gun shot back, annoyed.
As Edward stepped out of the black market, he felt revitalized. His new gear and firepower now rivaled many level 20 scouts and gunners. His goal shifted to leveling up; being at level 12 was too low.
With the night bright above, it was time to rest. The desert's darkness wasn't suited for someone of his level; it was a realm for high-tier players.
In this virtual world, sleep came easily, the game pod triggering a peaceful slumber, disconnecting him automatically.
Awakening at dawn, Edward hurried to the port service hall. A good day begins with a good start, and the port was teeming with opportunities for teams and quests.
The service hall buzzed at 7 AM, with ships and vehicles bustling about. Initially, Edward planned to post a team advertisement, but he reconsidered.
His reluctance stemmed from the realization that while group grinding offered quick experience, it hindered skill development. True sharpshooters honed their craft through countless battles, not merely by leveling up.
After wandering the hall, he boarded a hover train heading southwest to the Ice Creek Trail, a 520-kilometer stretch known for its icy bamboo forest and 30-level snow bears.
Upon arriving at the remote station, Edward noted he was the sole passenger. The area seemed devoid of players.
Ahead lay a vast expanse of ice and snow, glistening bamboo leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Entering the forest, a biting chill enveloped him. Thankfully, his combat suit's high water resistance prevented a repeat of past misadventures.
The dense bamboo offered a winding path ahead. He proceeded cautiously, entering combat mode, his Desert Eagle gripped tightly, the cold metal a reassuring presence against the biting air.
"Come out, ice bears. I'm itching to try my new gun," Edward thought, anticipation thrumming in his veins.