**Chapter 40: The Start of a Terrifying Group**

**Ambitious Goals**

These past eight days in *God's Dimension*, Kris, Tengyi, and Yanwei were deep into their training, preparing for the next movie.The days had been long, filled with rigorous practice and strategizing.

However, today was different. Kris had gathered them together for something important. He knew the stakes were high, and the time had come to share his plan.

As the trio sat in the living room of Kris's temporary residence, the atmosphere was tense. Kris stood at the center of the room, his expression focused and determined. It was clear that he had something significant on his mind.

"Listen up," Kris began, his voice steady and serious. "In the next movie, we're not going to follow Zheng's group. We're going to complete the mission on our own."

Tengyi and Yanwei exchanged brief glances but remained silent, waiting for Kris to explain further.

"We've learned a lot from our past experiences, and I believe the best approach now is to stay independent," Kris continued. "We'll still help people if we can, but our main focus will be on completing the mission as quickly and efficiently as possible. I don't want us to get caught up in Zheng's group drama this time around."

"Especially this next movie. It's going to get even more complicated because of the other team that will be entering the movie with us."

Yanwei leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Are you saying we should avoid Zheng's group entirely?"

"Exactly," Kris replied, nodding. "In the last movie our accomplishments were significant enough to garner Jie's attention, thus his attempt to manipulate me into a confrontation with Zheng. I'm sure this time he will try again."

Tengyi, ever the strategist, considered the idea for a moment before speaking up. "You think it's possible to complete the movie preemptively, right under their noses?"

Kris's eyes gleamed with determination. "I know it's risky, but I think it's our best shot. I don't want to get tangled up in someone else's agenda, only to get killed in the process. We're strong enough to handle things on our own. Why not take matters into our own hands?"

Yanwei nodded slowly, her expression hardening with resolve. "I like it better when what I do with my life is my decision."

Kris smiled, his plan now set in motion. "Exactly. We're going to be proactive. We'll finish this movie on our terms, not the plot's terms. This also means, that we will be attacking the other team first. With the aim of finishing them off."

With that, the room fell silent for a moment, each of them considering the magnitude of what Kris had proposed. It was a cold ambitious plan—one that could either make or break them. But for Kris, Tengyi, and Yanwei, it was clear that this was the path they needed to take.

---

**War Preparations**

After laying out his plan, he paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle.

"Alright, listen up," Kris said, his tone commanding attention. "In this next movie, we'll be facing more uncertainty, more dangers, and more potential traps than ever before. That's why gathering information is going to be our most powerful weapon."

He paced slowly in front of the group, his eyes meeting each person's gaze. "Knowing the layout of the land, the strengths and weaknesses of our enemies, and any unexpected twists in the plot—it all comes down to one thing: information. Without it, we'll be walking blind into every confrontation, and that's a risk I'm not willing to take."

Kris turned to Yanwei first. "You've got the Color of Observation Haki now. That ability will be invaluable for scouting and gathering intel from afar. You'll be able to see through walls, detect hidden traps, and even pick up on enemies' movements before they strike. Your ability will let us anticipate threats long before they become a problem."

Yanwei nodded, her expression focused. She had been practicing her Haki for days, and the idea of using it to get a tactical advantage excited her.

Next, Kris turned to Tengyi. "Tengyi, you've got your contracted spirit, Gnome. That elemental will help you manipulate the environment to our advantage. Whether it's digging tunnels to escape or creating obstacles to block enemies, your connection to Gnome gives you the ability to control the terrain itself. You'll be able to gather information by sensing shifts in the earth and using the elemental to scout underground or hidden places."

Tengyi's lips curled into a small smile, appreciating the trust Kris had in his abilities.

---

**Glaring Issues**

The group had been listening intently as Kris laid out their strengths. But now, he turned serious, the weight of the conversation shifting.

"Since we know our advantages, let me tell you what we don't have," Kris said, his voice firm and measured. "We lack the means to coordinate and communicate with each other efficiently. Right now, we're operating with separate pieces of the puzzle, but no way to bring them together in real-time when it matters most."

He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the group, noting their attentive expressions. This wasn't the easiest part of the discussion, but it was necessary. "When we're out there, we won't always be in the same place at the same time. We need a way to relay information, warn each other of danger, or change our plans on the fly. Right now, if one of us is in trouble, the others might never know until it's too late."

Yanwei frowned, her fingers tapping on her knee as she processed the problem. "So, we need some kind of communication system?"

"Exactly," Kris replied, nodding. "Whether it's magical, technological, or a mix of both, we need something reliable. Something that allows us to stay connected no matter where we are. Without it, we'll be too fragmented, and it could cost us everything."

He shifted his gaze to Tengyi. "And that's not even the worst part." Kris' voice grew more serious. "We also have no means to protect or hide our own information. If we're gathering intel and tracking our enemies, we need to be able to do so without leaving a trail. If our movements or plans are compromised, the whole mission is at risk."

Tengyi's brow furrowed, the gravity of Kris's words settling in. "You mean, if someone spies on us or finds out what we know—"

"Exactly," Kris interjected. "Our plans could be intercepted, our positions tracked, and our actions preempted. If someone figures out our strategy before we can execute it, we're done. We need to figure out a way to encrypt, hide, or shield our information from prying eyes."

A moment of silence filled the room as the group absorbed the reality of what Kris had just pointed out. They had the tools to gather information, but they had no way of securing it or sharing it without exposing themselves to danger.

---

**Communication Solution**

As everyone processed Kris's revelations, the atmosphere in the room shifted from uncertainty to quiet resolve. The weight of what Kris had shared was sinking in. The idea of having a secure, covert communication system was a major breakthrough, but it was clear that there were still questions lingering in the air.

Just as the conversation began to slow, the door to the room creaked open. Bishop walked in, his presence as calm and collected as ever. In his hands, he carried a small, clear case, its contents obscured by the glass but clearly important. He walked over to Kris and stood beside him, setting the case down on the table with a soft click.

"I've been thinking about our communication problem," Kris began, his voice steady. "If we're going to operate independently in the next movie, we need a way to stay in touch that's secure, covert, and reliable. After working with Bishop, we've found a solution."

He held up the device for everyone to see. It was sleek and futuristic, no larger than a grain of rice. "This," he said, "is the advanced subdermal communication implant. Some of you might recognize this concept from Total Recall—the 2012 version. This isn't just a phone in your hand or on your wrist. It's implanted directly under the skin and connects to the auditory nerves, projecting sound vibrations through your skull. Only you will hear it, and only we will be connected on the network."

Yanwei's eyes widened in surprise. "So, it's basically a private comms system in our heads?"

"Exactly," Kris replied with a nod. "It can't be intercepted or eavesdropped on by external devices, and there are no visible signs to give away its existence. We'll be able to talk to each other no matter where we are, even in the middle of combat."

Tengyi frowned thoughtfully, leaning forward in his chair. "What about range? Is there any chance it won't work if we're too far apart?"

"Good question," Kris said. "Bishop assured me that the implants use a quantum link system, meaning distance doesn't matter. Whether we're a few meters away or on opposite sides of the movie's world, we'll still be able to communicate. It's not foolproof—if the movie itself interferes with technology, it might face limitations—but it's the best option we've got."

Yanwei crossed her arms, her expression skeptical but intrigued. "And how do we get these things implanted? I'm guessing it's not just a slap-it-on-and-go situation."

Kris smirked. "That's the fun part. The implants come with a self-installation kit. It's painless, quick, and doesn't require surgery. You'll inject the device just beneath the skin behind your ear, and it'll bond with your auditory system automatically."

There was a moment of silence as the group processed the information. Finally, Yanwei spoke up. "So, this will solve our communication problem. What about protecting our information? That's still a major gap."

Kris raised a hand, signaling patience. "I'm getting to that. This implant isn't just for communication. It also includes an encryption system for any data we store or share. If anyone tries to hack into our comms or intercept our plans, they'll find nothing but gibberish."

Tengyi's eyes lit up with approval. "That's... impressive. And it means we won't have to worry about giving away our position or tactics."

---

**Disguises**

"Alright," Kris continued, addressing everyone. "Now that we've tackled communication, the next problem is blending into whatever world we end up in. Appearance is key, and we need something that will allow us to adapt without drawing unwanted attention. I've got just the solution."

He pulled out a small, sleek box from his bag and set it down in the center of the table. As he opened it, inside lay a small, elegant needle and a vial of shimmering ink. The device was almost unassuming, but the aura of power around it was unmistakable.

"This," Kris said, his voice low with emphasis, "is called the Masquerade Tattoo. With this, you'll be able to change your appearance once every 24 hours. The only limitation is that you must be the same approximate height and build as the person you're changing into—no making yourself taller, slimmer, or anything like that. So, no becoming a giant or shrinking down to a child."

He paused for a moment, watching the group carefully, ensuring they understood the basic premise. "Now, here's the catch: it's an attunement item. That means it takes some time to get it to work properly."

Kris glanced at the needle, and then back at his team. "This one will take 2 hours to attune, and it costs 350 points. Once the attunement is done, you'll have the ability to alter your appearance as needed. But after that, you're set—permanent changes, as long as you stay within the limits."

Tengyi raised an eyebrow. "So, we don't have to worry about changing back every time? It lasts as long as we need?"

"Exactly," Kris said with a nod. "You can use the power of the tattoo once a day to shift your look, but after it's attuned, you won't need to reapply anything. It's essentially permanent, though you'll only be able to switch back once every 24 hours."

Yanwei looked at the needle, curiosity mixed with slight apprehension in her eyes. "How does the attunement process work? Is it painful?"

Kris smiled slightly, appreciating her caution. "Not painful, just a little... strange. To attune to this item, you hold the needle to your skin where you want the tattoo to appear. Then, during the process, you'll press it into the skin and keep it there as the attunement happens. The needle will stay in place, and over the course of the two hours, it will gradually turn into ink. Once it's done, the tattoo will appear. It's a fairly simple process, but you have to remain still for it to work."

Yanwei glanced at the others, a small grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I don't mind a little strange. It's worth it if it helps us blend in."

Tengyi also nodded. "Very useful, especially for the team battle coming up in the next movie. Very devious boss, they can't fight, what they can't find, yeah."

Kris watched them for a moment, gauging their reactions. "Exactly. And once you're attuned, you'll have the ability to change your appearance at will—whether it's for infiltration, avoiding recognition, or just adapting to the world we're in."

He paused, making sure everyone was on board. "I'll help you get set up with the tattoos. After that, we can move on to our next steps. We'll be ready for anything."

Biscuit, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "This could be a huge advantage in keeping our true identities hidden, especially if we're dealing with people who would recognize us otherwise."

---

**Mental Defense Solutions**

The atmosphere in the room was heavy with the weight of their conversation. Kris had already addressed the need for a reliable communication system, disguises, and now he turned to the next major concern: psychic attacks.

"There's one more issue we need to address," Kris said, his voice low and serious. "We've all seen the kind of damage someone like Jie, or any other psychic force user, can do. After my little confrontation with Zheng, I've been looking for a way to protect ourselves from mental attacks."

"Yanwei nodded, her expression grim. She had been directly affected by Jie's psychic abilities back in the Grudge without even knowing. If she hadn't exchanged for the half-elf genetic mutation, she wouldn't have found out, so she knew how vulnerable they were if they couldn't shield themselves from such attacks."

Kris paced slowly, deep in thought. "The only way I found to defend against mental manipulation is a combination of techniques and items. The first is a skill called *Focus State of Mind*. It's an advanced mental discipline that allows the user to block out external influences and retain clarity under psychic assault."

He paused for a moment, letting the idea sink in before continuing. "The second method is an item called *Magneto's Helmet*. This helmet is known for its ability to shield against psychic forces, including telepathy, mind control, and psychic probing. It's a well-known artifact for those who face off against powerful mental users."

Tengyi furrowed his brow, absorbing the information. "So, what's the catch? Why haven't we just gotten these items?"

Kris let out a long breath. "Both the *Focus State of Mind* skill and the *Magneto's Helmet* are *terribly* expensive. To get either, we would need a B-rank reward. Even if we have the points and rewards for it, we'd only be able to get one, and it wouldn't make sense for each of us to purchase one. We can't afford to waste resources like that."

There was a pause as the group digested this information. The solution seemed out of reach for now, but Kris wasn't done yet.

"However, we *do* have a temporary solution," Kris continued, his voice firm. "I've already given Master Biscuit the *Orb of Mind Shielding* to help protect her, and I've been working on finding a way to extend this protection to the rest of us. For now, I'm going to give Tengyi the orb as well. It won't be a perfect defense, but it'll help mitigate the damage of psychic attacks."

Tengyi's eyes narrowed, understanding the importance of what Kris was offering. "Thank you. Every bit helps."

---

**Logistics Officer Biscuit, Guerrilla Tactics and Morality**

Kris took a deep breath and let his gaze sweep over the group. "Now that we've addressed our most urgent weaknesses, let's move on to logistics—transport, supply, and medical support. These are just as vital as our strategies. Without proper preparation, even the best plans will fall apart."

He paused to let his words sink in. "For now, I'll handle most of our logistics, with Master Biscuit managing inventory and ensuring we have the essentials. However, moving forward, each of you needs to take more responsibility for your own survival. After this movie, I want every one of you to exchange for a bag of holding or a storage ring. These items will let you carry emergency supplies—food, water, medical kits, and even weapons—so you're never caught unprepared. Think of it as your personal lifeline in a pinch."

Yanwei frowned thoughtfully. "That makes sense, but why push for it now?"

"Because it ties directly into one of our biggest goals: earning points," Kris said firmly. "We're not here just to survive—we need to thrive. If we earn enough points, we can upgrade our abilities, gear, and defenses. And one way to earn a significant amount of points is to eliminate the opposing team."

The room grew quiet for a moment as the weight of Kris's words settled in.

"Our main strategy in this movie will revolve around guerrilla tactics. We're not going to face the other team head-on; that's suicide. Instead, we'll snipe, ambush, and assassinate their players one by one, minimizing our risk while maximizing our impact. The key is stealth. We cannot afford to get caught—or let Zheng's team even suspect it was us. If we play this smart, we can wipe out the competition and leave the movie with a massive points advantage."

Tengyi leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Guerrilla tactics make sense, but it's risky. What if we're spotted? What if Zheng's group intervenes?"

Kris nodded. "Good questions, and that's why coordination and timing will be critical. We've already solved our communication issue with the subdermal implants, which means we'll be able to stay connected and adjust our plans in real time. As for Zheng's group, our best defense is staying out of their radar entirely. If we're careful, they'll never even know we're targeting the opposing team."

Master Biscuit, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "And my role?"

"You'll be in charge of our supply chain," Kris said. "Make sure we have enough resources to last through the entire mission—ammo, potions, healing items, whatever we need. You'll also serve as our fallback for transport. If we need to move quickly or recover someone from a dangerous spot, you'll be our lifeline."

Yanwei crossed her arms, a skeptical look in her eyes. "And what about the morality of this? We're talking about hunting down other players like prey. Doesn't that make us just as bad as them?"

Kris met her gaze, his expression grim but resolute. "I've thought about that too. But remember, they're not just competitors—they're a threat. If we don't eliminate them, they'll come after us, and they won't hesitate to kill us for the same reason: points. This isn't about being good or bad—it's about survival. We have to do what's necessary to ensure we make it out alive."

The room fell silent again, the air thick with tension.

Finally, Kris straightened up, his voice firm. "This is the reality we're in. Logistics, strategy, preparation—it's all connected. If we stick to the plan, we'll come out stronger. If not, we'll pay the price. So let's get ready. There's no room for hesitation."