Chapter Twelve: The Potent Effect of Favorability

“This is the basic protective suit once used by that traitor. Now it belongs to you. Although I have deactivated the chip information, I cannot alter the equipment requirements—you must reach strength level one before you can wear it.” The center director was keenly aware of Ash’s current state. “The Foundation is an organization of strict rewards and punishments. You eliminated the mole, so you have earned the corresponding contribution. Though, to protect new recruits, there is an intentional restriction on gaining too much contribution in a short period; at the very least, you can rise one level. This suit can only fend off minor attacks, and without sufficient strength you won’t be able to put it on.”

Equipment—once again, equipment. The director’s favor brought Ash tangible benefits. Filled with delight, he picked up the weighty protective suit, eager to examine the item’s description.

...

[Basic Protective Suit] (Light / Basic)
Equipment Quality: Excellent
Defense Rating: Minor
Equipment Effect: Corrosion Resistance (Minor), Radiation Resistance (Minor)
Requirement: Strength Level 1
Description: A basic protective suit, mainly used to shield against corrosion and radiation in experimental environments. Physical defense is secondary.

...

This suit was far superior to the retractable baton he held—not only had the attribute rating improved from “very weak” to “minor,” but it also possessed equipment effects. Though these effects seemed trivial at present, Ash could not resist allocating an important attribute point to strength, then equipped the basic protective suit through his inventory.

“As for the remaining core attributes, I recommend you hold onto them for now. Decide when you face a real challenge. One more thing—before advancing, don’t worry about wasting attribute points. In the rookie phase, resets are free and unlimited.”

At these words, Ash paused, finally realizing the director’s almost excessive familiarity with this “world.” He looked at the other with a hint of surprise.

“Surprised?” The director adjusted his glasses, his attitude especially friendly thanks to the boost in favor. “To be honest, when I first joined the Foundation, I was just as shocked. It felt like we were in a game—with character levels. Later, I learned this was a promotion system specially designed by the founders, using the Foundation’s roots. Otherwise, how could ordinary people hope to pursue the ultimate in life within a limited time?”

The ultimate in life?

Ash’s brow twitched, sensing he had glimpsed the underlying theme of this strange world.

“I have high hopes for you, newcomer, just as the director had for me when I joined. So strive to survive—you’ll see this world is not as simple as you imagine. Countless surprises await your discovery.”

As they spoke, the assessment time quietly reached a certain threshold.

[Notice: Game time has reached sixty minutes. You have received a passing evaluation for this assessment.]

Just then, a group appeared—it was the Third Security Team and three players. As the security lieutenant led his subordinates into the battlefield, the fight in the control center concluded; the remaining Chaos Apostles were swiftly eradicated. The brocade, who had performed great deeds, slipped out of sight and vanished.

Foundation members immediately began treating the wounded. The players who had completed their escort duties finally had a moment’s respite, observing each other in turn.

Ash looked at Scaled Arm, Not an Expert, and Rain Tomorrow; they, too, studied Ash.

Five players had entered the game together, and now four remained.

If Ash’s escape route was a gamble where a single wrong decision meant death, then the others’ conventional path was a harrowing game of survival. Along the way, they were relentlessly pursued by Chaos Apostles and repeatedly nearly killed by bizarre anomalies. What should have been a journey of mere minutes took several times longer. In the end, they barely survived and completed their respective special tasks, yet their rewards seemed inferior to Ash’s.

Scaled Arm and Rain Tomorrow each obtained a weapon. Not an Expert wore a basic protective suit identical to Ash’s, indicating this veteran with a life talent had also reached level one. Scaled Arm and Rain Tomorrow, though a bit battered, were not far from leveling up themselves.

The four exchanged glances, each showing a variety of emotions—Rain Tomorrow’s was the most complex.

Rain Tomorrow had counted on the Endless Staircase to be Ash’s grave. Yet not only had Ash arrived at the control center unharmed, he also had extra armor, a weapon, and a higher level; the necklace, presumably, was now his as well.

How much luck had this brat really stumbled upon?

Rain Tomorrow’s brows knitted as he met Ash’s gaze. Just then, the security lieutenant’s voice sounded in their ears.

“Control center crisis resolved. Awaiting subsequent orders from the director!”

[Notice: You have completed the assessment task—Auxiliary Support—and received the corresponding reward.]

“Auxiliary Support” was a key phase in the rookie trial, set at the sixty-minute mark. It allowed the four survivors to receive generous contribution rewards, propelling Ash’s contribution pool past sixty percent. Rain Tomorrow took the opportunity to raise his character level.

Besides contribution points, each person received an item. Even Ash, who had already gained much, couldn’t refuse the temptation.

Under the players’ eager gazes, the director opened the storage room and brought out several items: weapons, armor, and a close-fitting waist pouch.

“D1106, come choose your reward. Your retractable baton is heavily damaged, but its material is special. Once repaired, it will boost your combat ability.” The director’s favor toward Ash showed again; his glasses ignored the other three and focused on Ash. “So, my suggestion is to choose the waist pouch, though you can refuse.”

Was this back door not a little too blatant?

But since the director so openly indicated his intentions, Ash had no reason to refuse. With three players watching in surprise, he grabbed the waist pouch. Then he discovered a hidden bonus: inside was a bottle of healing spray, its red glow shimmering—a secret gift from the director.

...

[Basic Healing Spray]
Type: Consumable
Effect: Restores 30% of max health, heals minor injuries, suppresses minor bleeding
Uses: 3/3
Description: This healing item cannot be used instantly. During treatment, direct the nozzle at the wounded area; full effect requires two seconds of continuous spraying. This item can also be used on game characters.

...

[Notice: Your outstanding performance has prompted the director to increase your mission rewards.]

The director’s favor first earned Ash an item, then increased his mission reward. It reminded him of the game’s introduction—player performance attracts the attention of Foundation leaders. The director had witnessed Ash’s contribution, so Ash received extra rewards. Clearly, forging good relationships with game characters was very important.

Ash was delighted. Healing items were invaluable. He quickly donned the waist pouch; the item section appeared on his character panel. He placed the blue gemstone necklace and access card inside, perfectly filling the pouch.

Though it only had three slots, the crucial thing was, items placed in the inventory received system protection—no one could take them by force. As for the [Wraith Dust], it still sat quietly in his breast pocket.

Patting the pouch, Ash again met Rain Tomorrow’s gaze. Traveling alone, he’d realized that Rain Tomorrow’s Thunder Guild likely had inside information.

Rain Tomorrow, perhaps feeling guilty, avoided Ash’s eyes, face gloomy and silent.

“Alright, you three, come collect your equipment. Although these are cast-off trinkets, they suit your needs.” The director adjusted his glasses, his tone somewhat cold. “One effort, one reward. The Foundation doesn’t shortchange contributors. I saw D1106’s contribution, so he deserves better encouragement. If you want greater rewards, show me your abilities.”

It was obvious—the waist pouch was more valuable than the other equipment, making the three players envious. Ash smiled faintly; only he knew the true danger. Had he not deflected that grenade, only the director would have survived, and Ash wouldn’t have received the extra rewards. The other three could only envy him.

“The facility crisis is not yet resolved. The threat of Chaos Apostles remains. As expected, Foundation support troops will soon arrive at the facility’s perimeter, but the facility is currently sealed. Only the director has the authority to unseal it. Therefore, I instruct the Third Security Team to lead all temporary staff to release the director.”

The director promptly issued the next—and final—assessment task.

[Notice: You have accepted the mandatory mission—Release the Supervisor.]

...

Mission Name: [Release the Supervisor]
Requirement: Restore the highest supervisor of Facility 19 to freedom
Reward: Unknown
Description: The Foundation is strict with rewards and punishments. Even the top supervisor of a critical facility must face consequences for violating the rules. Now, the highest supervisor of Facility 19 is detained somewhere within. The control center director demands you release him, so support troops can arrive in time.

[Notice: This is the final assessment task. If you fail, you will be hunted by Chaos Apostles.]

...

“You may wonder why the director has lost his freedom, but I have no obligation to explain. Just do your job.”

The director operated his personal brain, granting the security lieutenant special access: “The director’s detention site is actually within the Third Security Team’s jurisdiction. According to containment facility protocols, I have calculated his location. All you need to do is open the right door. Additionally, I have restored part of the communications network and defensive measures, so you won’t be fighting alone.”