Chapter 69: The Pact and the Inauguration of Team Functionality

Indeed, the device Zhang Fan had deployed was an electromagnetic pulse, effectively neutralizing all electronic devices in the vicinity, thus facilitating their successful escape with Little Tear.

The cost of summoning an EMP, calculated per square meter at 1 game point each, proved remarkably economical. However, this was only for a small-scale strike. A large-scale EMP covering thousands of square meters would have been financially ruinous for Zhang Fan.

All things considered, the EMP consumed 200 game points, but the mission yielded 500 points, netting a profit of 300 points. It was worth it, though Zhang Fan owed Jun Fu an apology for yet another ruse.

"Zhang Fan, make a pact with me," Little Tear suddenly broke the silence. Startled, Zhang Fan slammed on the brakes, wondering why she was bringing up the subject of a pact at this moment. Was Little Tear behind this unexpected suggestion?

"Why are you reacting so dramatically? It's just a pact," Little Tear chided, shooting Zhang Fan a playful glare as the sudden stop jolted her forward.

"No, it's not that. I'm just surprised. Didn't we agree to make the pact after reclaiming your father's collection? Why the sudden change of heart?"

"You don't like it?" Despite her assertive demeanor, Little Tear was inwardly fraught with tension, fearing rejection. She and Little Tear had come to an understanding regarding their shared affection for Zhang Fan. This initiative to form a pact was backed by Little Tear, but Little Tear was unsure of Zhang Fan's intentions. What if he truly desired a pact with both sisters? Was she overstepping?

"How could I not be delighted?" Zhang Fan chuckled, admiring the adorably assertive Little Tear. She was truly his versatile sprite.

Embracing her, Zhang Fan cherished this wonderful girl in his arms. "Let's formalize the pact when we get home."

This assurance relaxed Little Tear, whose heart had been in limbo.

"Hey, don't block the road in the middle of the night!" Just as Zhang Fan and Little Tear were sharing a moment, a car horn blared behind them, reminding Zhang Fan that he had stopped in the middle of the road. Thankfully, it was late, and traffic was sparse.

Sharing a laugh, Zhang Fan and Little Tear drove home.

Once home, Zhang Fan and Little Tear formalized their divine pact. Interestingly, Little Tear's talent was 'Shadow Concealment' – perhaps an attribute of her stealthy profession? Zhang Fan was curious about Little Tear and Little Ai's talents as well.

Name: Lai Sheng Tong

Race: Human

Rank: Intermediate Divine Servant

Talent: Shadow Concealment

Skills: None

Equipment: None

Like Rebecca, Little Tear had ascended to the rank of an Intermediate Divine Servant upon forming the pact. However, when Zhang Fan offered to enhance her abilities, Little Tear declined, content with her bond and not wishing to surpass Little Tear too much. She preferred to wait until Zhang Fan formed a pact with Little Tear before undergoing any further upgrades.

With the pact complete, Little Tear's spirits noticeably lifted, her relationship with Zhang Fan transforming to resemble that of newlyweds, save for one final barrier. Rebecca, though already confessed to Zhang Fan, remained envious of their closeness. Her relationship with Zhang Fan was still nascent, tenderly developing under the acceptance and support of Little Tear and Little Tear.

Life continued, with Zhang Fan persistently honing his skills. However, one day, the system's virtual assistant, Cai Cai, appeared before him with a somber expression, signaling the activation of the team functionality.

"What's the matter? Isn't the team function a good thing?" Zhang Fan asked, puzzled by her grave demeanor.

"It is, for

 some. But for those with darker intentions, it's an opportunity," Cai Cai sighed. Zhang Fan's brow furrowed in concern.

"What do you mean? Are you implying that I harbor dark intentions?"

"No, no, I didn't mean you. The issue is," Cai Cai clarified, "with the advent of this team function, those with malevolent hearts in the game now have an easier way to manipulate and deceive others."

Zhang Fan understood. In a game world, where characters ranged from noble to nefarious, the newly introduced team functionality could be a double-edged sword. It could lead to deceitful alliances and betrayals. The complexity of human nature made it challenging to discern true intentions, especially in a game setting where trust could be easily exploited.

"So, what's your point in telling me this?" Zhang Fan inquired, wondering why the system's representative would share such concerns with him.

Cai Cai explained that as the world of the game evolved, players had to be increasingly vigilant. With the team function, alliances could be formed for mutual benefit, but they also opened the door to potential deceit and manipulation. It was a reminder to Zhang Fan to be cautious in his interactions and alliances within the game.