Chapter 54: Post-Mission Lottery

As the elevator ascended slowly, a sense of unease crept into my heart. I couldn't shake the feeling that failing to completely annihilate the Leech Queen was a grave mistake. But it was too late for regrets; I could only hope that creature would take its time to recover.

Unfortunately, the world often fails to align with our wishes. Just as the elevator was about to reach the surface, the Leech Queen made a sudden and evolved reappearance, transformed into a colossal leech.

Cursed luck! The Queen, now monstrously enlarged, charged at the elevator with terrifying speed. My mind raced as the elevator was violently upturned. Luckily, I was near the exit and managed to roll out unscathed.

Indestructible creature! I fired two shots, but the evolved Leech Queen seemed impervious to bullets. Although they penetrated its body, they inflicted negligible damage, almost as if it were immune.

Then came Cai Cai's timely advice, "The Leech Queen's weakness is light, it despises brightness." I couldn't help but scoff – we were in a sealed factory, devoid of light. But then it struck me – I could create light!

I quickly retrieved a flash grenade from my personal space. Though I could have obtained it from the game store, it seemed wasteful to spend game points on such items. Thankfully, Little Lei had provided me with plenty, and now they were proving invaluable.

Upon activation, the flash grenade effectively stunned the Leech Queen. It writhed and twitched as if thrown into boiling oil, melting and emitting wisps of white smoke under the intense light.

Seizing the opportunity, I threw two more flash grenades and then produced an RPG-7 rocket launcher from my personal space. Aiming with a slight grin, I fired the launcher, the force of the rocket propelling the Leech Queen back into the depths. Dropping the launcher, I dashed outside, not knowing the extent of the impending explosion. The further I was from the factory, the better.

After sprinting nearly a mile, a thunderous boom echoed behind me. A powerful blast forced me forward several steps before I stopped and looked back. The entire factory had collapsed into ruins, the ground nearby caved in. The destruction was immense.

"Congratulations, your main mission is successfully completed. Now, you may proceed with the on-site lottery," Cai Cai's voice emerged as I marveled at the explosion. An on-site lottery? Ah, right, the mission reward.

"Thanks, Cai Cai. You were a big help," I said, choosing to express gratitude before addressing the lottery.

"Hmph, it's only because I'm in a good mood today. Just so you know, next time, tips like that will cost you game points," Cai Cai pouted playfully, her tail swaying behind her in apparent satisfaction.

"Okay! No problem!" I replied eagerly. Tips as crucial as the one she provided were worth any cost.

"Let's start the lottery then!" Cai Cai declared proudly, summoning a wheel densely marked with various weapon names.

As the wheel spun rapidly, she abruptly commanded it to stop. What prize had I won? A sword?

"Congratulations! You've obtained a Bronze-level weapon, the Maple Chang Sword," she announced before disappearing, leaving behind a long sword emanating a soft green glow.

This wasn't just any sword; it was a Tang Dao. Its straight blade lacked any curvature, distinctly different from the common Japanese katana.

A Bronze-level weapon indeed! Clutching the Maple Chang Sword, I couldn't help but marvel at its craftsmanship. A single swing effortlessly felled a tree with a diameter of over half a meter.

Maple Chang Sword (Bronze level): Enhances the wielder's physical, fire, and water attack powers (limited to specific skills), improves critical hit and accuracy rates.

Even without these attributes, the Maple Chang Sword was a formidable weapon. Compared to my powerful .44 Magnum revolver, which was just an ungraded common weapon, the sword was in a league of its own. But with my innate talent for limitless upgrades, I was confident that all my weapons would reach the highest tier.

Storing the Maple Chang Sword, I took out my walkie-talkie to contact my teammates, but to my confusion, there was no response, not even from Rebecca.

Something felt wrong. A premonition of danger urged me forward. Glancing at my watch, it was already past 10 AM – three hours had passed.

Approaching a derelict mansion set amidst dense woods, I spotted it – the setting of the Resident Evil narrative. Could this be the very mansion?

Bloodstains and lifeless zombie dogs lay scattered around the mansion's entrance. Had Captain and the others entered? Regardless, I had to venture into this dragon's den.

With my P5K in hand, I cautiously entered the grand, yet eerily silent hall of the mansion. The flickering candlelight failed to reveal any signs of struggle or presence.