Chapter 113: Digital Cruise (Twenty-Six)

Chapter 113: Digital Cruise (Twenty-Six)

What exactly is Zhang Dao'an up to?!

Once again, this question echoed in Ning Suisu's soul.

These ten individuals might not be very powerful, but accepting them would mean a net gain of two hundred million points in resources. It's clear that Zhang Dao'an's strategy isn't merely "letting a part of the population get rich first," it's propelling some individuals straight to the top of the wealth pyramid.

Even if he finds these individuals lacking in power, not considering including them in the guild, seeing how adept Jie Fangcheng is at collecting protection fees, he should be willing to accept resources and assistance for the clearance, right? If it were Ning Suisu, she would definitely accept. Not only would it bring in revenue, but it would also weaken the opposition's forces.

When this group left earlier, not everyone on Ning Suisu's side was in agreement. Many were verbally critical, yet inwardly, they were pondering whether they should just join Ronghua for a safer and more secure option, which seemed vastly superior to their current precarious situation.

But now, these individuals returned dejectedly, their faces a mask of embarrassment and restraint. Some even had to endure snide remarks from their former comrades. Were it not for Ning Suisu managing the situation adeptly, interceding and pacifying the crowd, this group might have established the third major power on this cruise, forming a small team to operate independently.

The return of this group also brought the news that "Ronghua is full," eliminating the remaining alternative escape route, leaving no choice but to unite as a group of sixty-nine.

What was this? A case of burning one's boats?

Ning Suisu repeatedly pondered, but she couldn't find any reason other than "Zhang Dao'an hopes for their unity."

What was he really intending? How could their unity benefit Ronghua?

While Ning Suisu found the situation baffling, her hands were busy, distributing the current assignments.

—Seek out NPCs with weaker abilities, initiate communication to see if there are any clues. Note down information of NPCs without clues for now, and deal with these NPCs when it comes to collecting lodging fees in the evening.

"We can only take it one step at a time now."

Everyone exchanged glances.

This method wasn't ingenious. Under normal circumstances, players wouldn't easily resort to killing NPCs, given the uncertainty surrounding the potential vital information these NPCs might possess.

"If there are no other questions, let's commence our operation," Ning Suisu addressed the players before her. "I believe, as long as we stay united, we can surely clear this instance. So... good luck everyone."

.

The sixty-nine players split into several small teams, commencing their search from the first floor.

Ning Suisui, renowned for her strength, paired up with "Yan Xiaoxi", voluntarily taking on the task of searching the northern area, the place where Sun Ting had previously appeared.

Now that it was just the two of them, Ning Suisui first used her skill to scan the surroundings, ensuring there were no tracking or eavesdropping devices or abilities present on either of them before finally letting out a sigh of relief.

Yan Xiaotong's demure façade seemed painfully forced. The people around Zhou Heqi were indeed carved from the same mold, utterly absurd. Holding back her laughter to maintain "Yan Xiaoxi"'s gentle persona was becoming increasingly difficult. Now, finding an opportunity to speak, she unleashed a barrage of questions.

"Suisui, do we genuinely need to search for clues here? This rundown instance doesn't seem to contain any clues to be found. The NPCs here are even more fierce than the players, which seems easier to deal with, don't you think?"

Ning Suisui gave a wry smile, "But now that Ronghua has those two individuals, with all the points accumulated on them, they have become exceedingly difficult to handle. If we want to achieve the highest score, eliminating other players is no longer a viable strategy. Our only option is to look for a breakthrough amongst the NPCs."

As if to echo her words, as they were passing by a room on the first floor, an NPC dressed in dull, grey, hemp clothing emerged, crossing paths with them.

On this ship, almost all the NPCs above the second floor were adorned in splendid attire. Even the uniforms of the service staff were meticulously crafted. However, those residing on the first floor, responsible for cleaning, laundry, and cooking, wore conspicuously worn and tattered clothing, showcasing a stark disparity.

The suddenly appearing NPC was no exception, his grey clothing even sported patches, presenting a rather pitiful sight.

Upon seeing Ning Suisui and her companion, the NPC hesitated for a moment, a trace of uncertainty appearing on his face.

"Dear guests, this area is where we, the lower-ranking servants reside. I would advise you to return, lest the impure air tarnishes your noble beings."

Yan Xiaotong exchanged a subtle glance with Ning Suisui beside her, and then adorned a polite smile on her face.

"Hello, have you been working on this ship for a long time?"

The NPC nodded, "Yes."

"We are quite fascinated by this ship and wonder if you could share some interesting stories or incidents that have transpired here in the past?"

This interaction mirrored the dialogues players would trigger with NPCs during a game, usually leading to the revelation of some information. It all depended on how the players synthesized and deduced the information to find the key to completing the instance.

"Absolutely!" The NPC seemed to brighten up, evidently eager to share the stories that unfolded on this ship.

He smiled warmly, "I suppose you've never heard the history of the Abraham Cruise, have you?"

"Indeed, we haven't."

"Let me regale you with the tale of the cruel former ship owner and the benevolent current one."

As the NPC narrated, Ning Suisui and her companion were engrossed in a tale of resistance wherever there was oppression.

The Abraham Cruise was a luxurious ship built by a prominent noble family over three hundred years ago. Since its maiden voyage, it had been a stage for numerous human tragedies.

The nobles, although extravagant and wealthy, were stingy towards their servants, behaving arrogantly and mercilessly, showing no regard for others.

Such familial traditions became even more pronounced with the former captain.

According to the NPC, he was once a diligent and brave servant. However, one day, as he accidentally spilled a cup while serving the former captain, he was tied to the deck and mercilessly whipped over twenty times.

The cruel and terrifying demeanor of the former captain fostered resentment among many. Yet, with a mysterious sachet in his possession that could annihilate everyone on board in an instant, people both loathed and feared him, reluctantly obeying his commands.

It was not until later that envoys from the maritime kingdom arrived.

The kingdom's messengers brought a myriad of treasures, seeking to establish commercial ties with the greedy captain.

Having accepted the treasures, the captain harbored intentions of breaching the contract and even provoked the visitors provocatively.

"They may not be humans, but they witnessed our suffering and came to rescue us! After slaying the former captain, they left the current one to aid us in operating the Abraham Cruiser," the NPC stated with a hint of dissatisfaction in its expression. "They treat us well, providing us with food and resources, asking for little in return, just a reasonable daily fee from the guests for ensuring our safe pursuit of the ocean's treasures. Guests, they are not malevolent. You see, they willingly abandon their aquatic forms to take on human appearances, a gesture of respect towards our civilization and cultural practices. But recently, the behavior of the guests has truly crossed the line!"

Having said this, the NPC paused, realizing it had spoken too much.

The NPC cleared its throat, "I have narrated the origins of the Abraham Cruiser. If the guests are interested, we can continue this conversation upstairs."

As it spoke, it blinked, "I even know where the former captain's medicine pouch is kept. It's rare to have guests who are so interested in the Abraham Cruiser. Being a part of this cruiser, I'm eager to help everyone understand our history in greater detail. You two haven't dined yet, right? Let's head to the restaurant on the third floor, this meal is on me!"

Ning Suisui's gaze calmly scanned over the NPC's patched yet clean clothing before moving to its pampered, unscarred hands.

"That sounds wonderful."

"Absolutely!" the NPC exclaimed with a bright smile, "I feel a strong rapport with the two of you. Let's head upstairs!"

As it finished speaking, Ning Suisui, still with a smile on her face, suddenly withdrew her axe from her system backpack and swung it violently at the NPC in front of her.

Her actions were too decisive, the NPC couldn't react in time, and a blow landed on its shoulder, spraying a burst of bright red blood.

"Ahhhh! What are you doing?!" The NPC retreated hastily, glaring at her menacingly, "Are you seeking death?!"

Ning Suisui sneered.

"Putting aside other matters, don't you find your story full of holes? If the current captain is truly as benevolent as you portray, why hasn't the condition of these attendants on the first floor — including you standing before me in patched clothing — improved?"

The NPC was taken aback.

Ning Suisui observed him, "I initially thought the first floor was the most dangerous place, but after hearing your account and witnessing your current behavior, I am now certain."

"Perhaps for us humans, the first floor is indeed the safest sanctuary. The tale you told is fabricated! I believe, the original captain was the benevolent one, and those who remain on the first floor are the surviving humans. Whereas, those NPCs above the second floor are invasive marine creatures. Am I right?"