Zhang Jie seemed to detest Chu Xuan's arrogant tone and coldly retorted,"So what if we have the so-called wisdom of mortals? What's wrong with that? And yeah, I made a woman. What about it? I'm still alive and thriving, and I'll keep getting better! You—"
Zheng Zha stepped in front of Zhang Jie to stop him."You're not just here to mock us, are you? Maybe what you said is valid—maybe the free creation slot is best used for making a strong bodyguard. But that's just your hypothesis. What if the bodyguard can't follow us into the horror movies? Even if they can, can you guarantee they'll make a critical difference in our survival? Also, when we enter the movies, we have to stand inside a one-meter-wide light circle. How many people do you think can fit in there?"
Chu Xuan snapped his fingers, seemingly amused."Your deductive reasoning is improving. It's almost on par with Zhan Lan's now. I'm not mocking you; I'm asking if you've thought about why Main God allowed for up to twenty participants. A team needs diversity. If everyone focuses on physical enhancement, yes, survival chances increase. But this also leads to a one-dimensional team. In specific situations, this could result in the entire team's demise."
As he spoke, Chu Xuan pulled out a cloth pouch and opened it, revealing tools and parts. Pointing to them, he continued,"You can exchange for raw materials and tools at Main God. This means that if you have the relevant knowledge and skills, you can cheaply produce high-value items—even bypassing side-plot restrictions. But do any of you have such skills? Obviously not."
He continued,"People with these skills typically lack physical strength or combat abilities. How can they survive early on? The answer is: a bodyguard. Considering the size of the light circle—barely enough for two people—Main God's system implicitly suggests that only one bodyguard can join you. That's the unspoken hint. People with unique talents can survive too if used correctly. That's likely Main God's intent."
(Incredible! Zheng Zha thought. With so little information, he deduced so many possibilities. His reasoning is nothing short of inhuman.)
Zheng Zha and the others were visibly astonished. They listened as Chu Xuan continued,"So, those twenty slots are for a wide range of individuals. I've been wondering about Main God's selection criteria. Besides shared disappointment in real life, Main God also seems to choose people with diverse talents. It includes different ages and abilities, from capable professionals to housewives. Perhaps Main God isn't sure who is best suited for this cycle of horror films, so it brings in a broad spectrum, letting natural selection determine who survives. That's likely why new participants keep arriving. To help non-combatants survive, the first creation slot mustn't be wasted. A bodyguard with double human strength—this would be crucial, especially in sci-fi horror films. I don't need to explain further, do I?"
At this point, Chu Xuan stopped, packing away the components."That's the first matter I wanted to discuss. If I die in the next horror film, you must tell new recruits—especially non-combatants—the proper use of their creation slot. It's not for creating beautiful women for pleasure."
Zhang Jie bristled again, but Zheng Zha held him back, saying,"Maybe you're right, but I disagree that creating a beloved woman is useless. Emotional reliance can sometimes be more effective for survival than physical support. Also, Main God never explicitly stated the purpose of the first creation. It's an open-ended choice with infinite possibilities, and no one can claim their way is the only correct one. Still, I'll pass your advice on to future recruits. What's your second point?"
To Zheng Zha's surprise, Chu Xuan smiled faintly. He pulled out five printed documents and distributed them among the group."This is a guide I've compiled on what's available from Main God. It's divided into four categories and lists practical items from low to high levels, along with brief descriptions and functions. Some functions are speculative, but this is the second matter I wanted to share: systematizing the exchange process so we know what's available and can prepare for future challenges."
He paused before adding,"This also ties into one of my theories. Perhaps we aren't strictly limited to horror movies. Main God seems to be about putting us in dangerous situations to encourage evolution and breakthroughs. It just so happens that horror movies are some of the most dangerous scenarios. But it's conceivable that we could end up in sci-fi films as well…"
Intrigued, Zheng Zha asked,"Like what kind of sci-fi films?"
Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses."For instance, Starship Troopers. Imagine being dropped onto a bug-infested planet, surrounded by swarms of alien insects, with no heavy weaponry. I doubt we'd survive. That said, Main God likely won't put us in impossible situations. But to prepare for such scenarios, I recommend equipping three types of weapons: close-range, rapid-fire, and heavy weapons."
He elaborated,"Close-range weapons should include spirit-based or mythical weapons. I dislike supernatural horror films because they defy scientific logic. Still, since we might face such threats, spirit-based or mythical weapons are essential. Zheng Zha, your interspatial ring is a perfect example—offering logistics support and spirit-based offense. It's an ideal choice for someone with your physical capabilities."
"Rapid-fire weapons are for handling hordes, like zombie swarms. There's not much to add here. As for heavy weapons, I suggest a Gauss ion sniper rifle for Zero Point. With ion-accelerated projectiles, the kinetic energy is immense, capable of obliterating most obstacles. It's an experimental weapon in our reality but a finished product here. For the rest of you, I wouldn't recommend it due to your lack of firearm expertise. Stick to rapid-fire weapons, like submachine guns loaded with modern depleted uranium bullets—they're both affordable and effective."
"And don't worry about supernatural entities; spirit-infused ammunition is available, albeit at a higher cost."
Zheng Zha was impressed. This guy is a genius in analysis, he thought. He's covered things I never even considered. With his advice, our survival odds just skyrocketed.
He glanced at the document."But these infinite-ammo weapons are so expensive. We don't have enough reward points yet. That Gauss rifle alone requires a D-level storyline and 5,000 points. That's a huge price tag."
Chu Xuan smiled faintly."When did I say we needed infinite-ammo weapons? Remember the first thing I mentioned? Besides bodyguards, we can exchange materials and tools from Main God. Ammunition, for example, is dirt cheap—one reward point gets you a ton of high-quality yellow powder. Metals like copper are just as affordable. With basic parts and tools, I can set up a bullet production workshop. While it's not infinite ammo, we'd still have enough for most scenarios. As for mythical weapons, while we can't make them, we can exchange for spirit-infused bullets as needed. That's my second point: our standard armament."
Zheng Zha and the others exchanged hopeful glances. Just having a plan to survive felt like a victory. Zheng Zha grinned at Chu Xuan."Alright, keep going. You've been amazing so far. What's the third point?"
Chu Xuan bit his lip thoughtfully."I've found a way to return to reality. It's temporary, costly, and requires a lot of reward points. But it's an opportunity to verify some things—whether our bodies remain in the real world and if we can bring anything from here back. Yes, I've found a way to go back to reality!"